This zealous gardener was tired of her pool taking up so much space in her landscape. She asked me for ideas. The answer was simple. Since her garden brings her so much joy, I proposed adding more garden rooms to experience. We removed the large expansive pool and replaced it with a small reflecting pond that doubles as the pool. This allowed us to create 4 new garden spaces. We replaced all concrete pavers with natural PA flagstone. The traditional square lawn provides elements of simplicity, elegance and classical style while creating a new play space for the grand kids. The pergola creates depth and a great focal point from the loggia. We illuminated all the walkways and garden rooms with Escort Lighting. One of the most fun transformations was converting the spa to a fish pond. The pond provides just enough sound to drain out all neighborhood activities. In the front, we created a new permeable brick paving parking area. The parking area was designed to keep visitors from venturing to the back parking. We chose the permeable brick pavers to collect runoff that is becoming more of a problem in the neighborhood. Our final piece to this property was to come up with a unique solution creating additional privacy while minimizing root damage to the existing plant material. Our client was looking for a permanent solution that required little to no maintenance. Masonry walls were out due to the necessary footers. We looked at fence options. Wood and plastics were out, so we created post out of steel “I” beams and setting concrete lintels in between the lintels. It was perfect. This has to be one of my favorite projects to design and implement of my 25 year experience.

Images by Nic LeHoux Designed as a home and studio for a photographer and his young family, Lightbox is located on a peninsula that extends south from British Columbia across the border to Point Roberts. The densely forested site lies beside a 180-acre park that overlooks the Strait of Georgia, the San Juan Islands and the Puget Sound. Having experienced the world from under a black focusing cloth and large format camera lens, the photographer has a special fondness for simplicity and an appreciation of unique, genuine and well-crafted details. The home was made decidedly modest, in size and means, with a building skin utilizing simple materials in a straightforward yet innovative configuration. The result is a structure crafted from affordable and common materials such as exposed wood two-bys that form the structural frame and directly support a prefabricated aluminum window system of standard glazing units uniformly sized to reduce the complexity and overall cost. Accessed from the west on a sloped boardwalk that bisects its two contrasting forms, the house sits lightly on the land above the forest floor. A south facing two-story glassy cage for living captures the sun and view as it celebrates the interplay of light and shadow in the forest. To the north, stairs are contained in a thin wooden box stained black with a traditional Finnish pine tar coating. Narrow apertures in the otherwise solid dark wooden wall sharply focus the vibrant cropped views of the old growth fir trees at the edge of the deep forest. Lightbox is an uncomplicated yet powerful gesture that enables one to view the subtlety and beauty of the site while providing comfort and pleasure in the constantly changing light of the forest.

Outdoor Room with a View! Designed & Built. Family parties and gatherings are fun and easy with all the right spaces. The scenic drive coming home adds to the curb appeal as it sense with the architecture as well the homes interior. Once inside thou, you are drawn right back out by the mountain view and gorgeous swimming pool. The glistening water makes you want to have fun in and around the pool. The outdoor living spaces under the covered patio is great for dining alfresco, watching movies and hanging out around the fire pit day or night. Destinations spaces allow guest to layout, read, eat or just relax. Fountains and streams of water dance in and around the pool, creating sounds of tranquility & excitement. Shade structures, lighting, gardening & native landscapes complete this home energy. No need to go out,.. when everything you need is just right outside your door. Creating memories that will last a lifetime will be cherished for generations to come.

You can’t put a price on the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved ones are safe and your most valuable and treasured possessions are secure, whether you’re at home or away. Give your favorite mobile devices complete control and automation for a truly magical experience. Tablets and smartphones can be outfitted with the most recent applications from the top system automation manufacturers. Convert your mobile device into a handy control center at your fingertips. Manage them all with a simple tap, a single voice command, or even allow things to happen automatically with no interaction at all. We connect smart devices to work in unison, delivering a truly intelligent smart home experience that makes life more convenient, safe, and enjoyable. 1. INTUITIVE & EASY TO USE 2. VIEW YOUR ENTIRE HOME ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE WITH QUICK-ACCESS CONTROL. 3. CONTROL YOUR LIGHTING AND ENTERTAINMENT 4. STREAM YOUR FAVORITE PLAYLIST TO ANY ROOM AND ENJOY THE BEST SOUNDING AUDIO SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATION 5. STAY CONNECTED WITH REAL‑TIME NOTIFICATIONS 6. CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE BY CREATING AUTOMATION FOR COMBINING THE BEST LIGHTING OF CHOICE AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM SETUP THAT SUITES YOUR MOOD 7. PERSONALIZED PROFILES WITH CUSTOMIZED PRIVILEGES FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBERS WITH FAST ACCESS TO THEIR FAVORITE SCENE SETTINGS 8. SYNC YOUR APP TO YOUR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AND CONTROL YOUR FAVORITE CHANNEL 9. EASILY ADJUST YOUR SETTINGS AND MOVE DEVICES FROM ROOM TO ROOM TO FIT YOUR NEEDS 10. TURN LAMPS ON TO WELCOME YOU HOME AND TURN THEM OFF WITH A TOUCH BEFORE BED

He wanted a lake house, she wanted a pool. Tucked away on a small cul-de-sac in North Reading is a backyard oasis like no other. “During our initial meeting with the homeowners, it became apparent that they wanted a unique pool, so we suggested a free-form gunite pool surrounded by an indigenous Goshen Stone patio, custom cut to create ultra-tight joints. The stone arrived in huge slabs — most over 5’ x 5’ in size — and varied significantly in thickness. Countless hours were spent cutting, chiseling, and even sandblasting this life-sized jigsaw puzzle. The final look was exactly what we were shooting for.” Russell The pool itself has a dark, pebble finish with a long, custom bench and a simple, spillway stone creating a perfect respite with a calming sound. Surrounding the pool and patio is a lush lawn with large swatches of summertime perennials. The homeowner is an active gardener, so providing him with areas to hone his skills was paramount to our success as a design firm. Large, architectural boulders were carefully arranged throughout the rear yard as both design elements and as functional furniture. A custom-built, wood, wire, and split granite fence meets pool-enclosure requirements and adds that farmhouse-feel to the overall look. Carefully arranged Goshen step stone set flush in the lawn orchestrates movement throughout the garden while connecting the house and pool in a thoughtful, artistic way. No need to travel north to the lake when you’ve got this to enjoy daily — right in your own backyard!

Images by Nic LeHoux Designed as a home and studio for a photographer and his young family, Lightbox is located on a peninsula that extends south from British Columbia across the border to Point Roberts. The densely forested site lies beside a 180-acre park that overlooks the Strait of Georgia, the San Juan Islands and the Puget Sound. Having experienced the world from under a black focusing cloth and large format camera lens, the photographer has a special fondness for simplicity and an appreciation of unique, genuine and well-crafted details. The home was made decidedly modest, in size and means, with a building skin utilizing simple materials in a straightforward yet innovative configuration. The result is a structure crafted from affordable and common materials such as exposed wood two-bys that form the structural frame and directly support a prefabricated aluminum window system of standard glazing units uniformly sized to reduce the complexity and overall cost. Accessed from the west on a sloped boardwalk that bisects its two contrasting forms, the house sits lightly on the land above the forest floor. A south facing two-story glassy cage for living captures the sun and view as it celebrates the interplay of light and shadow in the forest. To the north, stairs are contained in a thin wooden box stained black with a traditional Finnish pine tar coating. Narrow apertures in the otherwise solid dark wooden wall sharply focus the vibrant cropped views of the old growth fir trees at the edge of the deep forest. Lightbox is an uncomplicated yet powerful gesture that enables one to view the subtlety and beauty of the site while providing comfort and pleasure in the constantly changing light of the forest.

Our clients recently purchased a beautiful hillside home in Broadview. What started as a simple kitchen refresh turned into a full-scale renovation to address structural issues and achieve a modern aesthetic. The top priorities for the client’s kitchen were a space for entertaining and to enjoy the sweeping Sound views. The existing late-90s kitchen was outdated and the walls separated the kitchen from the rest of the home. To achieve this, we removed both sides of internal walls and reconfigured plumbing and structural support. The clients, who are artists and photographers, highly valued aesthetics. Collaborating with their designer, known for using industrial materials in commercial spaces, we aimed to bring these elements into the kitchen. We created a design that maximized the views and integrated industrial and mid-century styles, featuring steel shelving and quartz countertops that resembled concrete. Instead of using traditional concrete flooring, we opted for concrete tiles. Believe it or not, those tiles are 2x4 feet long! It took two of our team to set each one. Recommended by their designer, large tiles like these are often used in commercial buildings, but the designer knew they were a cost effective (and beautiful) solution for this home. The renovation also included: A much larger island for cooking and entertaining, custom-made faucets with hot and cold taps, a built-in refrigerator, and a double beverage fridge at the end of the island. We put in two laminated cabinets in two contrasting colors: Wilsonart White Cypress and Wilsonart Black Velvet Traceless. Lastly, we installed hydronic floor heating and AC, ensuring comfort year-round. The result is a beautifully modern kitchen that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This project exceeded the clients' initial expectations, transforming their kitchen into the heart of their home.

https://pipafineart.com/products/fly-fishing-prints-anglers-reverie-minimal-fishing-photorealism-digital-artwork-loose-print. Escape to a tranquil riverside haven with "Angler's Reverie," an artwork that perfectly encapsulates the serenity of a solitary fishing experience. This photorealistic print transports you to a peaceful riverbank where a lone fisherman casts his line into the calm waters, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sounds of nature. The soft, diffused light and the stillness of the scene create an atmosphere of peaceful contemplation, inviting you to share in the angler's moment of quiet reflection. Printed on high-quality photo paper with premium inks, "Angler's Reverie" brings the beauty and tranquility of this idyllic setting into your home. Hang "Angler's Reverie" in your living room, bedroom, dining room, or office to create a calming atmosphere that promotes relaxation and mindfulness. This artwork serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, appreciate the simple pleasures in life, and connect with the natural world. The harmonious blend of colors and the serene subject matter make it a versatile piece that complements a variety of décor styles, adding a touch of tranquility and natural beauty to any space. "Angler's Reverie" is made in the USA and printed on demand, ensuring a high-quality piece that will be cherished for years to come. Available in a variety of sizes, it makes a perfect gift for nature lovers, fishing enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of a quiet moment spent in nature.

Kraus stainless steel sink & faucet combinations offer great savings on best selling kitchen products. Handcrafted from premium 16 gauge T-304 stainless steel for maximum durability, the farmhouse sink creates a contemporary look for the kitchen. Extra-deep basins accommodate large dishes with ease. The clean lines and apron front design complement any decor, from traditional to transitional to modern. All Kraus kitchen sinks are equipped with top-level soundproofing, including thick rubber dampening pads. Each sink is additionally treated with protective Stone Guard coating, which reduces condensation and further dampens sound. The corrosion-resistant surface is further protected from rust and oxidation by a meticulous finishing process. Commercial-grade satin finish and gently rounded corners make maintenance as simple as wiping the surface with a damp cloth. For a streamlined look and easy installation, this sink is paired with a best selling commercial-style kitchen faucet. Each faucet features top-quality components, including a high performance water-efficient aerator and a precision ceramic cartridge for reliable drip-free use. The industrial design aesthetic creates a dramatic look with contemporary appeal and flexible functionality. The flawless finish matches many popular appliances, complementing your decor with versatile style. Experience Kraus Quality and bring your best kitchen ideas to life.

Supporting wall between the kitchen and dining was removed as was the drop ceiling in the kitchen to vault it. 2lb spray foam used in the ceiling. Huge 9'x5' quartz island with marble effect was chosen ($4500) to keep it bright andis perfect of entertaining. Marble herringbone tile for backsplash with dark grey quartz countertop for contrast. Storage draw on the outside of island for additional storage and a double bowl undermount black granite sink with touch tap,, DW, 3-compartment garbage/recycling pullout & wine fridge are on the other side for full functionality. White shaker style kitchen cabinets were chosen with black hardware for that industrial feel. A small workspace was created for the kids to do homework while preparing dinner or for a small computer/office space. Industrial & contemporary fixtures used including an oversized clock give the space a warm yet fun feel. We are not afraid of colour and the rich blue wall make the kitchen pop out! New french doors were put ($1900 each set) in to replace the old wooden ones and the kitchen one was re-positioned away from the corner to maximize light and space for the desk. The large door on the left hide a laundry with side-by-side washer dryer, and just past that is a double fridge and pantry. Black-trim square LED pot recessed lights in the ceiling

HUNTER DOUGLAS VIGNETTE® The Modern Roman Shade Vignette® Modern Roman Shades feature consistent folds and no exposed rear cords, keeping windows uncluttered. Choose from different fold styles and sizes, and a horizontal or vertical orientation. Traditional™ Fold SOFT YET MODERN A 4-inch contoured fold for that traditional, yet modern, look at the window. Tailored™ Fold CRISP AND SOPHISTICATED A 6-inch flat fold that is nicely pressed for a defined finish. Architella® COOL IN THE SUMMER, WARM IN THE WINTER Our most energy-efficient version of the classic Vignette design – these shades trap air, creating an extra layer of insulation to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Tiered™ STACKED SOFTNESS This option allows shades to stack up, down or anywhere in between. Traversed with Vertiglide™ FOR LARGE WINDOWS AND SLIDING DOORS Vertiglide offers an exceptional solution for large expanses of windows and sliding glass doors. REDUCE OUTSIDE NOISE Improve your room’s acoustics while reducing the intensity of outside sound. It starts at the windows. Simple. The degree of sound control will depend on the fabric you choose, so if this is an important feature to you, be sure to discuss it with your sales expert. UV Protection SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR VALUABLES Protect your furniture, flooring and artwork from fading with at least 75% protection from harmful UV rays. Top-Down/Bottom-Up PRIVACY WITH A VIEW A more versatile approach to light control. Open from the top, from the bottom, or find somewhere in-between–for the perfect balance of privacy and light. Platinum™ Technology CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE OR TABLET Controlling your window treatments with a mobile device means you can set your blinds to movie mode, work mode, or 8 a.m. mode with the touch of a button, without leaving your seat. It’s effortless, fun and smart—with perfectly smooth operation. Accents by the Yard™ FABRICS FOR YOUR ROOM DECOR Fabrics are available by the yard, so you can create decorative accents for any room with matching fabric. Lifetime Guarantee FOR LIFE Hunter Douglas products are designed and custom-assembled in the U.S. with the highest level of quality. But just in case, every window treatment from Hunter Douglas is covered by our lifetime limited guarantee. Read the Hunter Douglas Warranty to learn more. Hunter Douglas Vignette® Tailored Shades with EasyRise™ Hunter Douglas Vignette® Tailored Shades with EasyRise™ Fabric: Satin Weave Color: Plumeria Operating Systems: EasyRise Cord Loop Room: Kitchen Room Styles: Rustic Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Vignette #Tailored #Modern #Roman_Shades #EasyRise #Kitchen #Kitchen_Ideas #Rustic #Window_Fashions #Window_Shadings #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

This front yard overhaul in Shell Beach, CA included the installation of concrete walkway and patio slabs with Mexican pebble joints, a raised concrete patio and steps for enjoying ocean-side sunset views, a horizontal board ipe privacy screen and gate to create a courtyard with raised steel planters and a custom gas fire pit, landscape lighting, and minimal planting for a modern aesthetic.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master gray tile and marble tile marble floor and gray floor freestanding bathtub remodel in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops, a hinged shower door and gray countertops

Example of a mid-sized arts and crafts open concept medium tone wood floor living room design in Houston with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a media wall

These Northern Virginia residents have owned this vacation home for about ten years. With retirement imminent, they decided to give the entire home an over-haul. With it’s great bones and amazing location, this seemed like a very sound investment for their future. Paola McDonald from Olamar Interiors had been working with the clients for the past three years, helping them to renovate their Sterling, VA condominium and their Moorefield, WV weekend home. It seemed fitting that they would also hire her to help them renovate this home as well. For this project we took the home down to the studs and practically rebuilt it. The renovation includes an addition to the basement level and main floor to create a new fitness room, additional guest bedroom and larger kitchen and dining area. It also included a renovation of the facade of the home. The exterior of the home was completely re-sided and painted, and we added the tall windows at the stairs. The lower entry deck was expanded and an upper deck was added just off the kitchen in order for the homeowner to keep his grill away from the strong ocean winds. A new deck was also added off of the master bedroom. New stainless steel railings were added to all the decks. We opened the homes stairwells, adding custom glass railings and new lighting to create a much more open feel and allow for natural light to flood the entire main living area. The original, tiny kitchen was expanded substantially, adding a large custom eat in bar, wine storage area and plenty of storage. We utilized Decora’s Marquis Cabinetry in an espresso finish to give the kitchen a very clean, contemporary feel. Carrara marble countertops paired with a grey quartz, single slap marble backsplash, and stainless appliances create a clean look. In the new dining area, a simple Modloft dining table was paired with a Regina Andrew bubbles chandelier and Jessica Charles dining chairs for a sophisticated feel accentuated perfectly by beachy colors and textures that tie in the beautiful views of the Ocean. A custom chandelier from John Pomp is the highlight of the family room, particularly at night when it is reminiscent to fireflies in the sky. A new custom designed, custom made sectional, cozy newly added Spark Modern Fires gas fireplace, custom rug by Julie Dasher and Lee Industries chairs create a cozy place to lounge and watch television after a long day at the beach. Guests feel like they are in a luxurious boutique hotel complete with spectacular views, comfortable Ann Gish linens and beautiful and unique lighting fixtures. All three full baths and the powder room received complete facelifts with new glass, marble and ceramic tiles, Decora cabinetry, new lighting fixtures, quartz countertops and unique features that make unique statements in each one. Phillip Jeffries mica wallpaper are used in the entryway and family room fireplace walls to add a sandy texture to each space. Phillip Jeffries grasscloth was added to the master bedroom accent wall to create a delicate feature. New flooring throughout includes gorgeous dark stained hardwood floors, ceramic tile and Karastan carpeting in the bedrooms. The crisp white and grey walls are accentuated throughout the home by beach inspired turquoises, navies and lime greens. Perfectly appointed furnishings, artwork, accessories and custom made window treatments complete the look and feel of this gorgeous vacation home. Photography by Tinius Photography

The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside. Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids. We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine. We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden. The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture. The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.

Great room - large contemporary ceramic tile and gray floor great room idea with white walls and no fireplace

Supporting wall between the kitchen and dining was removed as was the drop ceiling in the kitchen to vault it. 2lb spray foam used in the ceiling. Huge 9'x5' quartz island with marble effect was chosen ($4500) to keep it bright and is perfect of entertaining. Marble herringbone tile for backsplash with dark grey quartz countertop for contrast. Storage draw on island for additional storage and black granite under-mount sink with touch tap, DW, 3-compartment garbage/recycling pullout & wine fridge are on the other side for full functionality. White shaker style kitchen cabinets were chosen with black hardware for that industrial feel. A small workspace was created for the kids to do homework while preparing dinner or for a small computer/office space. Industrial & contemporary fixtures used give the space a warm yet fun feel. We are not afraid of colour and the rich blue wall make the kitchen pop out! New french doors were put ($1900 each set) in to replace the old wooden ones and the kitchen one was re-positioned away from the corner to maximize light and space for the desk. To the left of the fridge is also a pull-out pantry 18" wide. Black-trim square LED pot recessed lights in the ceiling and speaker part of whole-house sound system.

detail of the color blocked books on a metal etagere on casters. photo: Rikki Snyder
Inspiration for a small contemporary open concept living room remodel in New York with blue walls and engineered wood floors