Carefully placed at the southeast corner of the home, the sunroom is the perfect spot for your morning coffee with panoramic views of the tree lined property and lake.

Extensive valley and mountain views inspired the siting of this simple L-shaped house that is anchored into the landscape. This shape forms an intimate courtyard with the sweeping views to the south. Looking back through the entry, glass walls frame the view of a significant mountain peak justifying the plan skew. The circulation is arranged along the courtyard in order that all the major spaces have access to the extensive valley views. A generous eight-foot overhang along the southern portion of the house allows for sun shading in the summer and passive solar gain during the harshest winter months. The open plan and generous window placement showcase views throughout the house. The living room is located in the southeast corner of the house and cantilevers into the landscape affording stunning panoramic views. Project Year: 2012

Hoi Ning Wong
Photo of a craftsman side yard stone garden path in San Francisco.

Breezy Coastal-Inspired Hearth Room Sustainable, natural, wholly engaging, and a showcase for their cultural pieces and art was the concept for this home. The couple wanted to use sustainable and environmentally friendly products throughout their home as much as possible. Being from both California and Florida, they wanted a coastal influence that didn’t look contrived or over-stylized in a Midwestern home. Also, they desired a serene, peaceful space where all senses were engaged. Incorporating the Feng Shui elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water in color, texture and product choice was used in this design. A problem area with the original room was a large, blocky oak fireplace. The top half was removed and the hearth was painted white, opening up the space considerably. The back wall was painted a serene blue as an accent. An overall neutral palette of taupe, blues and grey balanced the wood tones found in the flooring and teak accents the couple acquired on their travels. We recovered their existing love seat with taupe diamond-stripe cotton in a slipcover style, adding to the casual atmosphere of a beach house. Organic cotton, hand-blocked pillows with red cherry blossoms provide a pop of color to the seating. A swivel rocker gives flexibility to multiple focal points and conversation. The 100% hemp rug has a turquoise oversized damask print and is a plush anchor to the hearth setting. A long grey-washed rattan bench serves as a cocktail table and woven Roman shades provide needed contrast to the back wall. A distressed, reclaimed bench sits below bold art as a bright accent area to an overall neutral space. The centerpiece of the room is a large cerulean blue buffet with fretwork & glass doors. A large Buddha head serves as a meditative focal point with Asian-inspired art and lighting. Julie Austin Photography

The graciously scaled kitchen is anchored by both the soapstone clad island, and southeast facing corner window, which allows cheerful morning sunlight to flood the space. Simple white shaker style millwork, wood open shelving, and countertop-to-ceiling hand-glazed tiles give the space the feel of a boutique boulangerie or patisserie. A 60" wide Wolf range and custom plaster hood are also featured, placed "on-axis" in the overall space. Design Principal: Gene Kniaz, Spiral Architects; General Contractor: Eric Linthicum, Linthicum Custom Builders; Photo: Gene Kniaz, Spiral Architects

Photo courtesy of Dave Brewer Homes: Private Residence Granite Countertops - Country French Design by Pam Niemann Interiors For this Country French inspired kitchen, this family chose an exotic 3cm Carnivale granite with a Demi-Bullnose edge on the perimeter. For the kitchen island and bartop, a custom laminated 6cm Ogee over Demi-Bullnose Edge profile was used.

The graciously scaled kitchen is anchored by both the soapstone clad island, and southeast facing corner window, which allows cheerful morning sunlight to flood the space. Simple white shaker style millwork, wood open shelving, and countertop-to-ceiling hand-glazed tiles give the space the feel of a boutique boulangerie or patisserie. The "refrigeration center" at left includes a 36" wide full-height freezer, 36" wide full-height refrigerator, and 30" wide full height wine storage unit, all by Sub-Zero, with a custom millwork surround unifying all 3 units. A 60" wide Wolf range, with custom plaster hood, and drawer-style microwave complete the "major appliance ensemble". Design Principal: Gene Kniaz, Spiral Architects; General Contractor: Eric Linthicum, Linthicum Custom Builders; Photo: Gene Kniaz, Spiral Architects

The graciously scaled kitchen is anchored by both the soapstone clad island, and southeast facing corner window, which allows cheerful morning sunlight to flood the space. Simple white shaker style millwork, wood open shelving, and countertop-to-ceiling hand-glazed tiles give the space the feel of a boutique boulangerie or patisserie. A 60" wide Wolf range and custom plaster hood are also featured, placed "on-axis" in the overall space. Design Principal: Gene Kniaz, Spiral Architects; General Contractor: Eric Linthicum, Linthicum Custom Builders; Photo: Josh Wells, Sun Valley Photo

2012 NATIONAL NARI COTY SOUTHEAST REGIONAL AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR SPECIALTY Scope: Creative design in converting a plain basement storage space into a wine cellar and tasting room for a couple that is changing their basement over to an adult “play” space. The basement already has a movie theater, exercise room, and a game table. They have been visiting local wineries and collecting for a future wine cellar of their own. Needed to work around the existing ductwork for the main level, tie into the electrical panel and HVAC system, move the hot water heater and furnace with associated ductwork, and hide the sump pump in the corner. They also wanted an upgraded look in the cabinetry and shelving. The space needed to be insulated and waterproofed to maintain constant temperature. We connected to the existing electrical system, adding a split cooling system to their existing HVAC. The HVAC for the cellar has its own ductwork and compressor system, but ties into the existing system for drainage. These needed to be routed through the floor joists above. We ordered cabinetry and modified it to conceal the sump pump in the corner, as well as cut the racks to fit around the overhead duct work that cut across the middle of the ceiling. We installed mini LED lights along the shelving to give a glow so the labels could be read. The tasting table is upgraded to granite with a barrel curved edge, and shelving for larger bottles above. Small touches added to the cabinetry and racks we ordered make this a custom designed cellar. Textures in the tile pick up on the wood grain of the mahogany racking. The custom insulated door has a frosted design. There are a variety of lights used, all on timer, including the LEDs, recessed and puck lights over the tasting area. The raised tumble limestone and the rest of the design, makes it unique to these homeowners.

The triple gables surrounding the entrance doorway into the Foyer of this home emphasize its formality by their axial symmetry. The brick quoins at the corners of the two flanking masses reinforce the rectilinear nature of the plan, as in the rusticated gate to an ancient Roman town. Between the flanking gables, but beneath the central one, a flat-roofed portico extends out to welcome visitors with delicate detailing. Rather than a heavy corner post with a Tuscan or Doric order, we opted for the nearly-feminine Ionic, with its tall, thin shafts and leafy capitals. One can see through these thin pillars upon approaching the door. And then, we capped the roof of the sheltering Portico with a balustrade to enhance its beckon and call. photo © Phillip Andrew Jessup

Absolutely stunning walk-in closet by Closet Factory Orlando. Built for the New Southern Home as part of the Southeast Building Conference. This closet takes custom to the next level with curved Naples Sabatini melamine sitting flush against these unique curved walls. Built-in ladder to reach top level areas and gorgeous wide frame sliding doors accented by green interior.

A drop down ironing board in a corner of the basement
Trendy laundry room photo in Detroit

Urn and fountain Features for your Austin, Central Texas, Houston, Southeast Texas Landscape We offer Urn and Fountain Water Feature Design and Installation in the Austin and Central Texas area including Bastrop, Elgin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Manor, Buda, Lakeway and San Marcos. We also serve the Houston and Southeast Texas area including Rosenberg, Richmond, Katy, Stafford, Missouri City, and Manvel. Urn and fountain Water Features are perfect for smaller areas or places where you're just not looking for a natural looking waterfall. A disappearing water feature can be created using almost any vessel you can imagine. These features are perfect for small courtyards, front yards, or commercial properties where liability is a concern. They are a great way to 'get your feet wet' with water features without the commitment of a pond. We have created fountainscapes using urns, ceramic vases, natural stone columns, even a concrete cowboy boot! The water fills up the vessel and then spills over, disppearing into a bed of decorative gravel. the water is then recirculated through the feature again and again. For more information on urn and fountainscapes, please visit As an added bonus for those of you looking to go in a more 'green' direction, most pondless water features can be used in conjunction with the RainXChange rainwater caturing system. In fact, you can get up to 12 LEED points by incorporating our system into your design. The RainXChange system captures rainwater and stores it underground in a hidden reservior while recirculating it through an urn or fountain feature or even a pondless waterfall. For more information on the RainXChange system, please visit Contact us to get started on your urn or fountain water feature 512-782-8315 or 281-668-4077

Hanging rod for drying clothes, as well as a rinsing sink, laundry machines and ample cabinetry for supplies
Inspiration for a contemporary laundry room remodel in Detroit

Photo: Ryan Hicks © 2018 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic black floor bar cart remodel in DC Metro

This 1926 Tudor home has been well maintained throughout the years and while the kitchen had been updated by a previous owner, the current owner knew the kitchen could become even better. Knowing her desires (which include: more storage, fun color, space to display art, durability, versatility and a space designed with the motive to invite people in), the brainstorming began. During brainstorming, an addition of a small, back entry was considered. Though this would accomplish many benefits it was decided that with careful planning great improvements could be made while staying within the original footprint. All in all, many of the original cabinets were kept, matched and added to. A new range was installed on the opposite wall to allow for a large pantry in its original location. New floating shelving and a curved countertop integrates into the South/east corner which best utilizes the short wall, tight to the window. This curved countertop also allows for a perching spot for the owner’s morning coffee and/or guests to hangout and visit. Now that the remodel is complete, the kitchen better reflects the owners purposeful, hospitable, well-made, fun, colorful, artistic and caring personality!

This 1926 Tudor home has been well maintained throughout the years and while the kitchen had been updated by a previous owner, the current owner knew the kitchen could become even better. Knowing her desires (which include: more storage, fun color, space to display art, durability, versatility and a space designed with the motive to invite people in), the brainstorming began. During brainstorming, an addition of a small, back entry was considered. Though this would accomplish many benefits it was decided that with careful planning great improvements could be made while staying within the original footprint. All in all, many of the original cabinets were kept, matched and added to. A new range was installed on the opposite wall to allow for a large pantry in its original location. New floating shelving and a curved countertop integrates into the South/east corner which best utilizes the short wall, tight to the window. This curved countertop also allows for a perching spot for the owner’s morning coffee and/or guests to hangout and visit. Now that the remodel is complete, the kitchen better reflects the owners purposeful, hospitable, well-made, fun, colorful, artistic and caring personality!

This 1926 Tudor home has been well maintained throughout the years and while the kitchen had been updated by a previous owner, the current owner knew the kitchen could become even better. Knowing her desires (which include: more storage, fun color, space to display art, durability, versatility and a space designed with the motive to invite people in), the brainstorming began. During brainstorming, an addition of a small, back entry was considered. Though this would accomplish many benefits it was decided that with careful planning great improvements could be made while staying within the original footprint. All in all, many of the original cabinets were kept, matched and added to. A new range was installed on the opposite wall to allow for a large pantry in its original location. New floating shelving and a curved countertop integrates into the South/east corner which best utilizes the short wall, tight to the window. This curved countertop also allows for a perching spot for the owner’s morning coffee and/or guests to hangout and visit. Now that the remodel is complete, the kitchen better reflects the owners purposeful, hospitable, well-made, fun, colorful, artistic and caring personality!

This 1926 Tudor home has been well maintained throughout the years and while the kitchen had been updated by a previous owner, the current owner knew the kitchen could become even better. Knowing her desires (which include: more storage, fun color, space to display art, durability, versatility and a space designed with the motive to invite people in), the brainstorming began. During brainstorming, an addition of a small, back entry was considered. Though this would accomplish many benefits it was decided that with careful planning great improvements could be made while staying within the original footprint. All in all, many of the original cabinets were kept, matched and added to. A new range was installed on the opposite wall to allow for a large pantry in its original location. New floating shelving and a curved countertop integrates into the South/east corner which best utilizes the short wall, tight to the window. This curved countertop also allows for a perching spot for the owner’s morning coffee and/or guests to hangout and visit. Now that the remodel is complete, the kitchen better reflects the owners purposeful, hospitable, well-made, fun, colorful, artistic and caring personality!