photo by Todd Mason, Halkin Photography
Mid-sized trendy light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, open cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, wood countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

In this modern outdoor oasis, a captivating rectangular pool, expertly designed and built by 4se4sons Remodeling and Design, serves as the focal point, beckoning for relaxation and rejuvenation. The sleek design and clean lines of the pool seamlessly blend with the contemporary aesthetics of the surroundings. Nestled nearby is a stylish fire pit, also crafted by 4se4sons Remodeling and Design, creating an inviting gathering spot perfect for cozy evenings with loved ones. The fire pit, thoughtfully integrated into the space, complements the pool area, offering both warmth and ambiance to the outdoor setting, making it an ideal spot for socializing and unwinding. The poolside is adorned with plush, white outdoor pillows, enhancing the comfort and elegance of the space. These inviting pillows, carefully selected by 4se4sons Remodeling and Design, invite you to recline, soak up the sun, or simply bask in the tranquil atmosphere. Adjacent to the pool, a magnificent vertical garden, artfully designed and created by 4se4sons Remodeling and Design, covers the house's exterior wall, adding a touch of greenery and nature's charm. The lush foliage provides privacy and a refreshing connection with the outdoors, creating a serene and immersive experience. Enclosing this enchanting outdoor haven are pristine white fences, also skillfully installed by 4se4sons Remodeling and Design, accentuating the modern appeal of the space while ensuring a sense of seclusion and security. Altogether, this rectangle pool, expertly crafted by 4se4sons Remodeling and Design, with a modern fire pit and surrounded by soft white outdoor pillows, against the backdrop of the beautiful plant-covered walls and white fences, harmoniously blends contemporary design with the serenity of nature. It's a tranquil retreat where one can indulge in the joys of outdoor living, embrace tranquility, and create cherished memories with family and friends.

Envision Virtual Tours St Ives Country Club Enjoy luxury living steeped with history at St. Ives Country Club in Duluth, Georgia. St. Ives Country Club, a popular place of interest in this community, is a gated, golf and country club community that offers residents the highly desired modern-day amenities and social environment while keeping with the tradition and history of the Club. Residents enjoy an elegant and spacious clubhouse, 5-star dining experience and unique bar area with flat screen TVs and rich mahogany detail, as well as a unique men’s grill – the perfect location to relax after a long game. St. Ives Country Club offers the highest caliber country club experience with catering services, swimming programs, a new 40 foot pool slide for the kids, and poolside cabana for food and drinks. The community also has golf and tennis pros to assist any club member that wants to sharpen up on their skills. And it’s all available in a friendly, personalized environment. St. Ives residents enjoy a play field, brunch with Santa, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day Brunch, a Golf Pro Shop and a Card Room. And with its central location, St. Ives Country Club gives residents an easy commute to anywhere in the metro Atlanta area. And with the acclaimed Tom Fazio designed St. Ives golf course on-site, you’re never more than a few minutes away from the action. Plus, with the opening of a new phase in St Ives with 16 homesites available, there is a rare opportunity for new construction on 1/3 to 1/2 acre lots. Homes starting at just $899,000. Browse the current homes for sale at St. Ives Country Club

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

Master bath in a private home in Brooklyn New York, apartment designed by Eric Safyan, Architect, with Green Mountain Construction & Design
Example of a classic walk-in shower design in New York with a pedestal sink

When our clients acquired this classic Beacon Hill condominium overlooking Boston Common, they sought collaboration with Feinmann Design|Build to renovate the entire space. The lack of connection between the kitchen, located in the back of the home, and the living and dining rooms was the focus of the redesign. Also on the wish list was a new bedroom and a second family bathroom to be located in the area of the existing kitchen. The resulting plan for this extensive renovation was an updated floor plan to match our clients’ modern lifestyle, while retaining much of the homes original detail. Connecting the most frequented rooms in the house required relocating the kitchen to the front of the condo to be closer to the living and dining rooms. A wall anchored by elegant columns defines the kitchen and adds sophistication to the adjoining dining room. Natural light shines through skylights that were exposed when the kitchen ceiling was opened and then styled to reflect the classic woodworking details found in the rest of the home. White marble counters grace the custom built island, perfect for a casual meal or for doing homework. While reconfiguring the master bathroom and renovating the second bedroom proved to be a major project, our skilled team also relocated the new bedroom and family bathroom to the area where the kitchen formally was. Each of the three renovated bathrooms truly achieved a style of their own – in the Master Bath, a soaking tub and shower are enclosed, as is traditional in Japan, in floor to ceiling glass. To complete our clients wish list, we designed and built a classic Japanese Tatami room to double as both a guest bedroom and meditation space – a unique feature within a classically designed home. Photos by John Horner

Outdoor fireplace, pizza oven, outdoor kitchen, Ice chest, outdoor living area, pick nick tables, outdoor lights, exterior design, built in BBQ, Paver patio, hardscaping,

This kitchen was formerly a dark paneled, cluttered, and divided space with little natural light. By eliminating partitions and creating a more functional, open floorplan, as well as adding modern windows with traditional detailing, providing lovingly detailed built-ins for the clients extensive collection of beautiful dishes, and lightening up the color palette we were able to create a rather miraculous transformation. The wide plank salvaged pine floors, the antique french dining table, as well as the Galbraith & Paul drum pendant and the salvaged antique glass monopoint track pendants all help to provide a warmth to the crisp detailing. Renovation/Addition. Rob Karosis Photography

Luke Gibson Photography
Living room - modern open concept light wood floor living room idea in Los Angeles with white walls

This week our Friday Feature is a lovely home in Arlington, VA where we recently completed a full renovation of the kitchen and dining room area, and refinished the hardwood floors on the main living level. Construction: We began by removing most of the walls on the main floor, one of these walls being a major load bearing wall. In order to complete this task, we installed a 15 ft long triple LVL beam in the attic, and hung the joists from the new beam. We also needed to widen the entry into the kitchen. This wall, also being a load carrying segment, also needed to be restructured carefully. With the exception of one wall containing duct work, we were able to eliminate all walls, and open up this room entirely to the living and dining area. Finished Products: There are a couple of unique features in this kitchen- the first being the subway backsplash tile. Notice anything missing? Underneath the wall cabinetry, we installed special outlet receptacles, allowing the backsplash tile to be uninterrupted by outlets, creating a very sleek look. We also incorporated another special outlet in this kitchen. Opposite to the large pantry cabinet with roll-out trays, is an outlet containing two USB ports, for convenient charging of electronics. The cabinetry in this kitchen is from Bertch; notice the stainless steel finish in the two wall cabinets adjacent to the sink. With frosted glass inserts, these cabinets add a unique flair to the kitchen, and play a part in bringing the appliances together with the rest of the kitchen. Also, a pull out spice rack integrated into the cabinetry next to the sink allows the cook to have all the spices convenient but hidden away. The amount of workspace is almost endless in this kitchen. The white silestone countertops offer a unique look and contrast with the dark countertops. The egg-shaped island creates a place to eat, craft, and socialize for endless hours. Originally tile, the new hardwood flooring in this kitchen was pieced into the existing floor throughout the main level of the home. We re-sanded and re-stained the entire floor, to included the stairs to the main entry, a dark modern ebony color, getting away from the traditional honey colored flooring and finishing off the sleek look of this Arlington home. Photo Credit to R.B. Hill Photography, LLC — in Arlington, VA.

Hoi Ning Wong
Design ideas for a craftsman gravel landscaping in San Francisco.

2 Pugs enjoying their new artificial grass play area. Artificial grass requires no mowing, watering, or fertilizing. Dog urine won't stain or discolor the artificial grass. Clean ups on artificial grass are easier than on natural grass. If you're tired of re-sodding year after year due to your dogs then consider an artificial grass dog run from PlushGrass. Additionally, your dog(s) won't track dust or mud into the house with an artificial lawn or dog run area.

Bernardo GriJalva
Home design - transitional home design idea in San Francisco

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

Photo: Kayla Pearson © 2015 Houzz
Kitchen - eclectic kitchen idea in Chicago

Recently, TaskRabbit challenged a group of 10 Taskers to build a Tiny House in the middle of Manhattan in just 72 hours – all for a good cause. Building a fully outfitted tiny house in 3 days was a tall order – a build like this often takes months – but we set out to prove the power of collaboration, showing the kind of progress that can be made when people come together, bringing their best insights, skills and creativity to achieve something that seems impossible. It was quite a week. New York was wonderful (and quite lovely, despite a bit of rain), our Taskers were incredible, and TaskRabbit’s Tiny House came together in record time, due to the planning, dedication and hard work of all involved. A Symbol for Change The TaskRabbit Tiny House was auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds going to our partner, Community Solutions, a national nonprofit helping communities take on complex social challenges – issues like homelessness, unemployment and health inequity – through collaboration and creative problem solving. This Tiny House was envisioned as a small symbol of the change that is possible when people have the right tools and opportunities to work together. Through our three-day build, our Taskers proved that amazing things can happen when we put our hearts into creating substantive change in our communities. The Winning Bid We’re proud to report that we were able to raise $26,600 to support Community Solutions’ work. Sarah, a lovely woman from New Hampshire, placed the winning bid – and it’s nice to know our tiny home is in good hands. #ATinyTask: Behind the Scenes The Plans A lot of time and effort went into making sure this Tiny Home was as efficient, cozy and welcoming as possible. Our master planners, designer Lesley Morphy and TaskRabbit Creative Director Scott Smith, maximized every square inch in the little house with comfort and style in mind, utilizing a lofted bed, lofted storage, a floor-to-ceiling tiled shower, a compost toilet, and custom details throughout. There’s a surprising amount of built-in storage in the kitchen, while a conscious decision was made to keep the living space open so you could actually exist comfortably without feeling cramped. The Build Our Taskers worked long, hard shifts while our team made sure they were well fed, hydrated and in good spirits. The team brought amazing energy and we couldn’t be prouder of the way they worked together. Stay tuned, as we’ll be highlighting more of our Tiny House Taskers’ stories in coming days – they were so great that we want to make sure all of you get to know them better. The Final Product Behold, the completed Tiny House! For more photos, be sure to check out our Facebook page. This was an incredibly inspiring project, and we really enjoyed watching the Tiny House come to life right in the middle of Manhattan. It was amazing to see what our Taskers are capable of, and we’re so glad we were able to support Community Solutions and help fight homelessness, unemployment and health inequity with #ATinyTask.

Family room - traditional open concept light wood floor and beige floor family room idea in Seattle with beige walls

Living room - contemporary living room idea in Milwaukee