Example of an eclectic bedroom design in Toronto

The homeowners were ready to renovate this basement to add more living space for the entire family. Before, the basement was used as a playroom, guest room and dark laundry room! In order to give the illusion of higher ceilings, the acoustical ceiling tiles were removed and everything was painted white. The renovated space is now used not only as extra living space, but also a room to entertain in. Photo Credit: Natan Shar of BHAMTOURS

The generous kitchen anchors the fully open space of the first floor great room and is the focal point of the home’s main living space. A reclaimed tree trunk bar slab floats over a generous island with waterfall end. The folding glass wall opens to the rear-yard deck, accentuating the home’s embrace of indoor/outdoor living with luxurious capacity for entertaining. A reclaimed urban timber slab bar floats over the island to provide a dramatic element for both casual dining and social congregation.

Steven Brooke
Inspiration for a small tropical partial sun courtyard stone water fountain landscape in Miami.

31394 Isle Vista in Laguna Niguel is now staged. If you saw it before come see it again! Amazing deep yard with amazing Ocean and Saddleback Mountain Views. This adorable single level home has rich darker flooring, all new fresh paint, kitchen cabinets are all white. Wonderful spacious eating area in kitchen, separate formal dining room area, open living and dining room. Master bath is a good size and well as the master bedroom, it too has amazing ocean views. The second bedroom, and a full bath off that bedroom. House already has all the termite work done, and was tented first of August. Two car detached garage, pre-wired for central air, newer furnace newer patio doors. This single level home is a rare find with such amazing views! This view home also offers a community pool, spa, and clubhouse.

The electric is the most commonly overlooked component to any TV install. Everyone seems to consider how they're going to connect everything, but rarely do our customers consider how they'll power it. It's against code to fish your TV's power cable thru the wall (or any product's power cable for that matter). In addition, installing a traditional outlet behind the TV typically leaves the TV susceptible to a power surge. As a result, we typically install a power bridge. See the diagram below. Start at the bottom right of the diagram with the standard electric outlet. It's important to start with this outlet because you're essentially plugging your TV into this outlet. The bridge simply extends it safely thru the wall to the TV via standard ROMEX electrical wiring. Aside from avoiding unsightly exposed power cables, the key advantage to the power bridge is the ability to run your entire system -- mounted TV and all components -- thru a surge protector. As shown above, the surge protector plugs into the wall and everything else plugs into it. When installed, the top and bottom portion of the power bridge are about the size of a standard quad outlet. See below for an image of where we marked off the bottom portion of the power bridge to cutout. This gives you size perspective in comparison to a standard cable or dual electric outlet.

The Aerius - Modern Craftsman in Ridgefield Washington by Cascade West Development Inc. Upon opening the 8ft tall door and entering the foyer an immediate display of light, color and energy is presented to us in the form of 13ft coffered ceilings, abundant natural lighting and an ornate glass chandelier. Beckoning across the hall an entrance to the Great Room is beset by the Master Suite, the Den, a central stairway to the Upper Level and a passageway to the 4-bay Garage and Guest Bedroom with attached bath. Advancement to the Great Room reveals massive, built-in vertical storage, a vast area for all manner of social interactions and a bountiful showcase of the forest scenery that allows the natural splendor of the outside in. The sleek corner-kitchen is composed with elevated countertops. These additional 4in create the perfect fit for our larger-than-life homeowner and make stooping and drooping a distant memory. The comfortable kitchen creates no spatial divide and easily transitions to the sun-drenched dining nook, complete with overhead coffered-beam ceiling. This trifecta of function, form and flow accommodates all shapes and sizes and allows any number of events to be hosted here. On the rare occasion more room is needed, the sliding glass doors can be opened allowing an out-pour of activity. Almost doubling the square-footage and extending the Great Room into the arboreous locale is sure to guarantee long nights out under the stars. Cascade West Facebook: https://goo.gl/MCD2U1 Cascade West Website: https://goo.gl/XHm7Un These photos, like many of ours, were taken by the good people of ExposioHDR - Portland, Or Exposio Facebook: https://goo.gl/SpSvyo Exposio Website: https://goo.gl/Cbm8Ya

This beautiful modern/rustic coop we buiilt is featured in the San Diego Union Tribune newspaper at a lovely featured home in Pacific Beach, CA. It is a match to their modern landscape design and complimentary to their house style. Measures 12' long x 4' wide x 6' tall for full walk in access. It is home to 4 beautiful rare and exotic chickens that we provided as well as all the necessary implements. Features a roof-top succulent garden on top of the coop section with piped in drainage, a fold down door that doubles as a coop-to-run ramp, modern/rustic paint scheme combo, thermal corrugated roofing over run area and more!

Property marketed by Hudson Place Realty - Rare downtown townhouse featuring a unique combination of historic detail and modern conveniences. This timeless all brick home shows the high quality of its original construction through its elegant fluted center staircase and large, well scaled rooms designed for both entertaining and comfortable living. With over 1,800 sq.ft. of space and four full floors, this property offers an ideal level of flexibility in layout and function for the future owner. The first floor accommodates a formal dinning area with wood burning fireplace, an eat-in kitchen with custom cabinetry, professional Viking and Sub-Zero appliances, ample closet and pantry space, and a walkout to a private garden. The second floor features a large formal living room complete with large mahogany pocket doors, original plaster molding and wood burning marble fireplace. In addition, there is a garden level playroom/in-law suite complete with a kitchenette, a separate entrance, and a full bath. Also included on this floor is a dedicated laundry area with stacked full size W/D, folding counter, and storage. Meticulously renovated and maintained, you will find new white oak floors, marble and tile baths including a soaking tub with whirlpool, stained glass skylights above the staircase and the top floor master bath which fill the house in natural light, period molding, and mahogany stained wood doors throughout. Completing the renovation are advanced mechanical systems with a two zone hot water heating system with European style low profile radiators, a seperate two zone hi-velocity A/C and air filtration system, CATV and network wiring to every room, and an advanced wireless alarm system. Super convenient location within short walking distance to NYC PATH, ferry, and bus. In the heart of Hoboken shopping and nightlife, several blocks to four major parks, including the the waterfront, and close proximity to Hoboken’s finest schools.

Becky Hulsey, Envision Virtual Tours The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity Awaits…. Have you dreamed of owning your own spectacular waterfall, a serene trout pond, or a one of a kind mountain lodge filled with high end touches, all near Lake Burton? If the answer is yes…..then “The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls” is for you! Located just off HW 76 .3 miles to Anchorage Marina, this unique 2.8 acre property borders the National Forest, boasts a fully remodeled 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2000+ square foot rock lodge that is adjacent to its own private, spectacular 60 foot waterfall all surrounded by native landscape such as rhododendron and mountain laurel. Tumbling under the 40 foot suspension bridge, the pristine, crystal clear water continues to ramble on its way to large pond ready to be stocked with trout. Picture yourself fly fishing for a trout dinner right at your front door, or delight your friends or family while entertaining on your new porch or extensive, multi-level deck that connects your new home to your own waterfall. The kids or grandkids will be entertained for hours wading in the pool at the base of the waterfall, exploring the crooks and crannies among the stream’s boulders while looking for salamanders, or panning for “fool’s gold” in the stream. Just imagine….The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls has all this and more! As you walk up the front steps to The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls, you will notice the craftsmanship of this uniquely one of a kind home made from local stone and granite from a period gone by. If you look closely at some of the stones, you will find raw garnets, some the size of a nail head. Upon opening the front door constructed of solid oak and a tasteful piece of leaded glass, you will be amazed at the spaciousness of the lodge room. Once upon a time, the 20 x 30 foot room with 10 foot ceilings was the entire home. The focal piece of the room is the new floor to ceiling field stone fireplace, hand honed solid maple mantel, rounded hearth, accentuated by a hand-cut keystone, and flanked by raw cedar columns. The new gas logs can be remotely controlled with programmable heat. A built-in floor to ceiling cherry wood wall unit, with granite serving surface, highlights a side wall and is topped off with a large piece of stained glass from an English pub. The mood lighting behind the stained glass and the antique library ladder really highlights this unique bookcase. Distinctive lighting fixtures and fans provide dining area lighting and circulation from the cool breezes off of Lake Burton. On the bottom, the solid oak 1.5 inch flooring is a remnant of the past on the top, the height of the ceilings is enhanced by double crown moldings throughout and a touch of the outdoors is brought indoors by the three new skylights. Surrounded by rustic cedar window boxes, additional ambient light streams through the four windows facing south, and the new French doors. As you open the French doors to the new porch, you are immediately struck by the sights and sound produced by the rushing water as it cascades over the spectacular multilevel waterfall. You will also notice that the mountain has literally been carved away as you view the layers and striations in the granite that surround the back of the porch. The peaked cathedral ceiling sports a glass apex and the bead board on the ceiling accentuated by the raw cedar plank framing and the five cedar trees used as cornerstones all bring the outdoors within your reach. The addition of “E-Z Breeze” vinyl windows along with the cast iron gas stove will allow you and your family to enjoy the beauty and continually changing scenery at The Lodge at Gold Mine Fall during all four seasons. Opening the Adirondack style door on the other side of the lodge room allows you to step into the Lodge’s addition built at a later date. The four foot wide hallway boasts stained glass light fixtures and an architectural feature from the new stairwell that divides the living and the bedroom spaces. Knowing that the east wall in the kitchen and study were once on the home’s exterior allowed us to investigate and reveal the true character of these walls by removing the two layers of drywall and 4 inches of plaster exposing a striking addition to both rooms…… beautiful granite rock walls. The hallway flows into the granite breakfast bar which fully complements the newly exposed granite wall. From the Viking SS refrigerator to gas Jenn Air ceramic cooktop and microwave the appliances are a chef’s delight. Lighting is a critical component in a gourmet kitchen and the light from the double window is enhanced by two spotlights over the cooking area, LED task lighting under the cabinets, mood lighting over the top cabinets, and four “Murano” hand blown glass pendant lights over the sink and bar area. Scoring points in the design category, the full wood “Thomasville” two tone glazed cabinets that are country white and palomino scream style and sophistication, and are accentuated by the cool copper glass backsplash and refined stainless steel hardware. The porcelain, two bowl farmhouse sink is large enough for your biggest pots while the stainless steel sink guards will protect it from scratches. The SS faucet is professional quality and the Insinkerator will help the chef in the house save time with instant 190 degree water. An eight foot long exposed cedar tree trunk hangs over the cooking area allowing the chef to hang his/her favorite utensils and pots or pans in full lodge style. And who wouldn’t crave a large walk in pantry with commercial grade slides that will up to 120 pounds. With all these features, the cook/cooks in the family will love spending time in this room. Across from the kitchen is a study/office area which can be closed off from the hallway by a double barn door. Except for the remarkable exposed granite rock wall mentioned earlier, the entire room has been paneled with raw cedar boards treated with Australian Tree Oil for true lodge feel. The triple crank out window provides a superb view of the pond and blazing Japanese maple trees in the fall. Outside, the hallway leads to the utility room which has been fully upgraded with all the modern amenities. The oak cabinetry with granite tops also has an extra deep sink with commercial kitchen sprayer. The sink area is surrounded by white subway tile while slate and green glass mini tile accents bring the outdoor colors inside. The doggy door, new exterior door and crank out window provide access to the back yard and additional light. From the new “Rinnai” point of use, gas hot water heater to the new “LG” full size, stackable washer and dryer, this utility room delivers. The master bedroom has four windows which provide outstanding light and air circulation. To take the chill off of nippy evenings, this bedroom also has its own romantic fireplace with travertine marble surround, remote controlled gas logs, and a beautiful antique oak and mirror mantle. To top it off, the en-suite bath contains high end fixtures, a spacious vanity, and floor to ceiling rain shower with independent valves allowing you to turn on the shower and not get wet. Multiple safety handrails and a fold down shower seat give bathers assurance and provide an additional measure of safety. The earthy color tiles, glass tile accents and hand blown light fixtures continue the lodge theme in this end of the house. Located across the hall, the guest bedroom is light and airy with its white window boxes and double crown molding, and also has an attached bathroom. This bathroom also has an entrance door leading to the hallway and doubles as the guest bathroom for the house. Its antique oak vanity and mirror, stained glass lights and wrought iron accents remind me of a past era while the vessel sink, modern fixtures, and floor to ceiling travertine and glass tile rain shower all bring the bathroom up to modern standards. Located at the end of the hallway, and next to the guest bathroom, is the handcrafted stairwell leading to the sleeping loft. The distinctive maple stair treads with their grain and raw edge being displayed, were milled locally in Clayton and then installed from underneath so that no screw or nail heads are visible. The staircase was completed with wrought iron spindles, raw cedar handrail and floor to ceiling end post. Upon your entry into the sleeping loft, you will notice the amount of light that enters through the two skylights and large window facing the pond. The sound of water rushing over the pond’s spillway is a delightful addition to this large sleeping loft. Finished with engineered hardwood flooring and two built in double beds with tree trunks for legs, the room can accommodate four additional twin beds. The sleeping loft is also equipped with a kitchenette and a distinctive cedar and rock walled bathroom. The bath features an antique dresser vanity with marble vessel sink, distinctive fixtures and a floor to ceiling polished travertine marble shower with rain head. This bathroom also has an exterior door leading to a secondary upstairs staircase in the back yard. Just envision the great sleepovers the kids or grandkids will have here or how your out of town friends or family will just love this special area designed with their comfort and needs in mind. Originally constructed in 1925 by “off Broadway” star Rose Grant, this property is rich in history. In the early years, this home was one of the first in Rabun County to generate its own electric from the waterfall. Several small cabins were also built on the property and rented out to guests who came for the waterfall, swim in the pond and connect with nature. Other notable residents were Mrs. and Doctor Fowler who was a local pediatrician. According to an aged newspaper article, Mrs. Fowler was very interested in the indigenous flora and fauna and grew a variety of native plants on the property including some that were rare or endangered. Many metal name tags still remain along the various paths on the property thus reminding you of times gone by and the true beauty of property. Lastly, this solidly built home has just been structurally solidified, become more energy efficient, and reconfigured to further usable space all while retaining the Lodge’s original charm. After removing the flooring in the kitchen, hall and both bathrooms, the home’s structure and roof were fortified with numerous concrete footers to support both bathrooms, kitchen, and stairwell walls that extend from floor to roof. To make this home more comfortable, energy efficient, and bring it up to modern standards, the electrical system was upgraded to 220 service with the wiring, outlets, electrical panels and fixtures replaced throughout the entire home. A whole house surge protector was also installed to protect against damage that may occur with lightning strikes. Speaking of electric…..the pond’s newly poured formed concrete wall contains a pipe enabling you to install your own hydro-electric system. And whether you might decide to tie into the grid or store you energy in a battery system, you could generate your own electric 24/7. The homes plumbing was also replaced with new pipes, energy/water efficient fixtures in each bathroom (including three Toto toilets), and a new cistern was installed behind the garage with a laboratory grade water filtration system. The task of water heating was completed by a gas Rinnai point of use hot water heater in the utility room and all windows were replaced with Anderson thermal pane and 6 Velux skylights were mounted to bring the outdoors inside. The home’s HVAC system was top of the line several years ago and both sets of new gas logs are controlled with remotes. Formerly a summer home, all exterior walls were studded out with insulation added, and whole house fans were installed in the attic and upstairs bathroom. Although many of these upgrades may not be visible, they allow the home to be more energy efficient and more comfortable……allowing The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls to become your four season retreat.

Magnolia is a mid-century house, reclaimed and enlivened for the next hundred years. The house was owned for half a century by husband-and-wife horticulturalists, who built the house in 1954 from Better Homes and Gardens plan book, a warren of rooms now outdated for today’s way of living. The new owners sought to honor them the home and the site. The house is in a temperate zone, surrounded by thriving gorgeous rare species, and with a dramatic view of Mount Hood, the house was completely re-envisioned and carefully expanded to be an elegant place to live, to entertain and to enjoy the comfortable climate and the lovely change of seasons. The foundation was maintained, the roof was raised and a wing was added for master living suite. The top floor of the house was sustainable deconstructed and recycled. Dramatically, the front entrance was moved to the South side of the house, creating an entry sequence that received the guest into the new context through a persimmon tree-lined Tori gate, a nicely designed forecourt, articulated pond and patio, to an entry inspired by the philosophy of Japanese wooden buildings. Only upon entering the foyer, are you first presented with the view of the mountain. The mountain is a guest in every living space of the house: at the hallway desk, you peek out from under the pendulous weeping cherry tree to the slope, at the Library/Guest room the new French doors and balcony present it for elegant dialogue, the guest room below and the master bedroom each have an intimate relationship with the iconic presence. Nowadays, kitchens are the heart of the home and the energy area for entertaining. The main living space is a farmhouse kitchen, dining room and living room in one communal space, bookended by an outdoor living room. A pair of Rumford fireplaces stitch the rooms together and create an edge and hearth to the rooms, the mountain at your side. The Magnolia envelops this corner of the house. Wire frame ‘chimneys’ lighten the load on the roots around the Magnolia tree, it is the largest and oldest specimen of the species known in the western hemisphere outside of Kew Gardens. The tree has developed a unique personality to it’s frame in the last half-century and as odd penile-looking see pods. The ‘chimneys’ are really trellises to allow the plantings to take over the home. The entire home is grounded by Montana Limestone, sustainably gathered on the Takashima’s Montana property. The front door, cabinetry and millwork are all built from knotty Alder. The island butcher-block is made from Madrone. Both are underappreciated understory hardwoods from local forests. The craftsmanship of the millwork was accomplished through collaboration of the architects with local artisans. The cabinet maker, finish carpenter and custom door-maker all influenced the language of sharply stepped kerfs that are repeated throughout via dado cuts and rabbets. This careful detailing brings the elemental quality of the stacked trabiated structure through to the small details of the home. Photos by Jon Jensen

It’s no surprise these Hanover clients reached out to Cathy and Ed of Renovisions for design and build services as they wanted a local professional bath specialist to turn their plain builder-grade bath into a luxurious handicapped accessible master bath. Renovisions had safety and universal design in mind while creating this customized two-person super shower and well-appointed master bath so their clients could escape to a special place to relax and energize their senses while also helping to conserve time and water as it is used simultaneously by them. This completely water proofed spacious 4’x8’ walk-in curb-less shower with lineal drain system and larger format porcelain tiles was a must have for our senior client –with larger tiles there are less grout lines, easier to clean and easier to maneuver using a walker to enter and exit the master bath. Renovisions collaborated with their clients to design a spa-like bath with several amenities and added conveniences with safety considerations. The bench seat that spans the width of the wall was a great addition to the shower. It’s a comfortable place to sit down and stretch out and also to keep warm as electric mesh warming materials were used along with a programmable thermostat to keep these homeowners toasty and cozy! Careful attention to all of the details in this master suite created a peaceful and elegant environment that, simply put, feels divine. Adding details such as the warming towel rack, mosaic tiled shower niche, shiny polished chrome decorative safety grab bars that also serve as towel racks and a towel rack inside the shower area added a measure of style. A stately framed mirror over the pedestal sink matches the warm white painted finish of the linen storage cabinetry that provides functionality and good looks to this space. Pull-down safety grab bars on either side of the comfort height high-efficiency toilet was essential to keep safety as a top priority. Water, water everywhere for this well deserving couple – multiple shower heads enhances the bathing experience for our client with mobility issues as 54 soft sprays from each wall jet provide a soothing and cleansing effect – a great choice because they do not require gripping and manipulating handles yet provide a sleek look with easy cleaning. The thermostatic valve maintains desired water temperature and volume controls allows the bather to utilize the adjustable hand-held shower on a slide-bar- an ideal fixture to shower and spray down shower area when done. A beautiful, frameless clear glass enclosure maintains a clean, open look without taking away from the stunning and richly grained marble-look tiles and decorative elements inside the shower. In addition to its therapeutic value, this shower is truly a design focal point of the master bath with striking tile work, beautiful chrome fixtures including several safety grab bars adding aesthetic value as well as safety benefits.

Welcome to the 9401 Meadowbrook Lane, in the heart of the highly sought after Arboretum neighborhood in Chestnut Hill. A true architectural treasure, this exquisite residence has undergone a comprehensive renovation by award winning and renowned custom builder, Blake Development. The definition of a labor of love, you will love every inch of this fabulous home, beautifully sited on one acre. The traditional floor plan, "opened up", offers +-5000 square feet, ideal for today's preferred lifestyle. Features include formal living room with fireplace, dining room and sunroom, all opening onto excellent outdoor spaces, with large flagstone terraces and stone fireplace. Handsome wood paneled library with fireplace is a cozy, quiet hideaway. Gourmet kitchen features custom cabinetry, quartzite countertops and large island, Sub Zero refrigerator/freezer, beverage refrigerator, Wolf range/ovens, hood and microwave, Bosch dishwasher. Adjoining mudroom thoughtfully appointed with custom cubbies and cabinets. Upstairs, four bedrooms and four full baths. Fabulous master suite with 2 walk in closets and separate baths with soaking tub, showers, marble tile, Kohler sinks, toilets and Waterworks fixtures. The lower level offers approximately 1000 square feet additional finished space, including family room with bar, wine cellar, gym, and half bath, just begging for your next party! The finest millwork and hardwood floors throughout. Original leaded windows blend with new Andersen, Wissahickon schist exterior, terra-cotta tile roof with copper gutters and flashing. Heated 2 car garage with new carriage doors. High efficiency Buderus/Bryant HVAC, Advent security system, stereo sound wired 1st floor, master suite and lower level. Extensive mature landscape plan, redesigned by Mary Costello. This is a rare combination of a classic Philadelphia home with all the modern amenities you could wish for, in a coveted location just steps from the Morris Arboretum. *10 year tax abatement approved.

This view is inside the new garage, standing in the loft space looking down. The garage doors are high lift and follow the slop of the roof so that there is a lot of open head room space. Monarcha Marcet

Example of a 1950s home design design in Dallas

This week, the Dallas Builders Association is featuring a two-story home with four bedrooms, three and one-half baths, home office, game room and a two-car garage. This custom home is designed and built by Jerry Parks, owner of Traditional Classic Homes, LLC, and is located at 710 Williams Way, Richardson, TX 75080. 710 Williams Way is built in an existing established subdivision just south of Campbell Road in Richardson Texas. The lot has mature oak trees with a huge yard. Priced at $945,000, the design of the home has a rare combination of a close-in neighborhood setting, incomparable craftmanship and a flawless floorplan designed for family living. The garage is designed as a party garage with can lighting, air conditioning, insulation and sliding glass doors to a patio and deck. The game room is large with a delightful wine bar. The home boasts of 5” hand scraped oak hardwood laminated flooring, hand-crafted moldings, 6” custom base trim, whitewashed gyplap wall paneling and a full glass French door. The backyard features two fenced patio areas; the winter patio has a 5-foot wood burning firepit and the summer patio has a private custom wood deck. The kitchen is open and designed with stainless steel appliances, a commercial sink faucet, an under-mount sink, Tuscan granite countertops, Italian tumbled glass back splash and hand-styled Euro cabinets. The breakfast bar and nook areas are great for entertaining. The fireplace is designed with Austin stone and a large custom maple mantel. The floorplan also includes a private office with French doors. The master bedroom is on the first floor and has its own incredible bath with a free-standing bathtub, tile accents and a large walk-in closet. There is a hidden room that will surprise anyone. The master bedroom is accented 8” wide whitewashed wood wall siding. The home is fully landscaped and has a board-on-board cedar fence. The home also includes category five wiring, UV protected windows and stone accents. Jerry Parks, the Builder, is the Dallas Builder Association McSam Award “Remodeler of the Year for 2023” and he is personally involved in all aspects of the new construction from the designing to the completed construction of the home. To see this great home, go West on Campbell Rd. from Central Express Way, South on Floyd Rd. and right on Williams Way. The address is 710 Williams Way Richardson, TX. 75080. The model home will be open Sunday, July 9 from 1-5 PM and the Builder will be there to meet you and answer any questions. There is still time to personalize the colors and flooring selections. Call Jerry Parks at 214-244-7510 for more information about this fabulous home. You can also go to www.livingtexas.com This Home of the Week is presented by the Dallas Builders Association. For information on the Association please visit www.dallasbuilders.com.

Example of a danish patio design in Phoenix

This stained glass window was created as part of our signature Aspen Stained Glass line. These windows look beautiful in cottage style or contemporary homes and are a great way for outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate their love of nature. The textured appearance of the glass provides the homeowners with a high level of privacy and comfort.