Richard Herman is in the hospitality business and owns several upscale hotels in Florida and in other states as well as cattle ranches in both Florida and Missouri. Their farm in Ocala is by farm their most unique. The property serves as a 4-H demonstration project for the purpose of children’s education. They have been working with the Academy Prep of St. Pete which is dedicated to inner-city youths that are selected on the basis of need and achievement. Wife Diane spends her time on the farm raising Gypsy Vanners, a diminutive draft horse named after the job they did in Eastern Europe, pulling the wagons (vans) for gypsies that wandered across the continent. On the Ocala farm, there are several mules with a unique profession. Richard had visited the Hearthstone display at a Log & Timber Home Shows at the Orlando Convention Center many years ago. He was impressed that Hearthstone had stayed in touch with him over the years by mailings, invitations to shows, and periodic phone calls. When the time came to start serious consideration of the design of barn, Hearthstone responded promptly and professionally to Richard and Diane’s requests for information and a review of their ideas for their barn, which would serve as the centerpiece for their new farm. They wanted a multipurpose facility that could accommodate an educational environment and a large hall suitable for the fundraising events for his charities. Richard wanted a barn that reflected the look and feel of barns built at the dawn of the 20th century. Besides the rustic chicken houses and vegetable gardens, they have completely renovated a 1020’s era farmhouse to be as historically correct as possible and serves as the entry to the farm. “They very careful to feel us out, get comfortable with our capabilities, and be convinced that we could perform as promised,” said Project Manager John Ricketson of Hearthstone. Design Process There were some initial drawings that gave us a start on the basic shape and size of the barn. From there, it was a process of narrowing down the uses of each area and the spans that could be achieved. The barn was going to have the traditional “board & batten” exterior siding and a metal roof. There is a cantilevered ‘hay hood” on the north gable end above the large sliding barn doors that open into the foyer and horse stalls. The wings house a combination of areas, beginning with the large restrooms to accommodate crowds for events. Other parts of the wings have garage areas for the farm vehicles, feed room, tack room, wash rack, storage, offices, and smaller restrooms. Keeping with the look and feel of the turn of the century, Hearthstone developed a process for giving the timbers a surface texture that mimicked the circular cuts of timbers that had just come out of an old sawmill. This was easier said than done. Randy Giles guided his millwright (Wolfgang) in designing a machine that would do this effectively. The barn was delivered in October of 2014 and was erected over the course of two weeks, thanks to a hardworking crew (Eric Foster) and near-perfect weather. After the Hearthstone crew completed the erection and roof dry-in, it was time for the local carpenters to step up and install some light conventional framing on the gable ends before applying the roof fascia and exterior board & batten siding. Next came the big sliding barn doors, plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling. Large rustic fixtures were hung from the great hall roof timbers. Exterior The board & batten siding was cypress and allowed to turn color naturally as rain hit it and the sun started working on it with UV rays. This method causes a much grayer look closer to the ground and less so where the roof overhang provides protection. The North end has some large limestone boulders and planters arranged around the pad with tall pampas grass. The planters provide casual seating before events and during outside receptions. The entire area was sodded with lush St. Augustine grass and split rail fences were added to enclose the barn area. The corrugated metal roof was a special order material that immediately rusted after being exposed to moisture. The layer of rust protects the metal from the elements. Interior The board & batten theme was carried throughout most of the interior with the timbers left natural to show off the circular saw texture. All of the tongue & groove decking was shipped in advance to allow the local painter to pre-stain it with a dark brown transparent stain that is a beautiful background to the light color Eastern White Pine timbers. “Everything was unique in this project” said Project Manager John Ricketson. “The setting on a small demonstration farm close to Ocala, the multipurpose design, the circular saw texture on the timbers.” The Hermans are very proud of their farm’s outcome. Richard sent a note to Randy Giles, owner of Hearthstone: “The Barn is fantastic, not a single problem, period. Next month, we have Jo Dee Messina coming in to help with a fundraiser for a local center for abused kids. Folks love the farm, ...... but that barn gets all of the attention. I would encourage you to use me as a reference for your sales team, feel free to extend my cell phone to any prospective purchasers.”

When a large family renovated a home nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains, all bathrooms received dazzling upgrades and this master bathroom was no exception. The spacious room faces a private yard with an abundance of greenery and views of the foothills, so I chose light, cool colors and organic materials to reference the beauty just outside. We chose an elegantly curved freestanding bath tub which echoes the beautiful, sinuous twists of the tub filler and sink faucets. I worked with my client to create a massive steam shower lined with porcelain tile that mimics marble, a much more durable and steam-friendly material than porous marble. A grand custom vanity spans one half of the bathroom and features a seated make-up area. For the vanity lighting, my client fell in love with pendants that look as if they are faceted jewels. The entire bathroom is now a luxurious, sophisticated spa. Photos by: Bernardo Grijalva

Photographer: William J. Hebert • The best of both traditional and transitional design meet in this residence distinguished by its rustic yet luxurious feel. Carefully positioned on a site blessed with spacious surrounding acreage, the home was carefully positioned on a tree-filled hilltop and tailored to fit the natural contours of the land. The house sits on the crest of the peak, which allows it to spotlight and enjoy the best vistas of the valley and pond below. Inside, the home’s welcoming style continues, featuring a Midwestern take on perennially popular Western style and rooms that were also situated to take full advantage of the site. From the central foyer that leads into a large living room with a fireplace, the home manages to have an open and functional floor plan while still feeling warm and intimate enough for smaller gatherings and family living. The extensive use of wood and timbering throughout brings that sense of the outdoors inside, with an open floor plan, including a kitchen that spans the length of the house and an overall level of craftsmanship and details uncommon in today’s architecture. •

Despite an extremely steep, almost undevelopable, wooded site, the Overlook Guest House strategically creates a new fully accessible indoor/outdoor dwelling unit that allows an aging family member to remain close by and at home. Photo by Matthew Millman

This home was designed with a clean, modern aesthetic that imposes a commanding view of its expansive riverside lot. The wide-span, open wing design provides a feeling of open movement and flow throughout the home. Interior design elements are tightly edited to their most elemental form. Simple yet daring lines simultaneously convey a sense of energy and tranquility. Super-matte, zero sheen finishes are punctuated by brightly polished stainless steel and are further contrasted by thoughtful use of natural textures and materials. The judges said “this home would be like living in a sculpture. It’s sleek and luxurious at the same time.” The award for Best In Show goes to RG Designs Inc. and K2 Design Group Designers: Richard Guzman with Jenny Provost From: Bonita Springs, Florida

This extensive home remodel highlights the front porch as the central characteristic of its new identity. Out with the old disintegrating roof and spindly support columns and in with a new cantilevered overhang clad in an asphalt shingle roof to contrast against an off-white stucco. A focal cantilevered roof spans over the floating concrete front porch. A nod to a big smile facing the street, inviting the neighborhood in. Larger dark bronze metal windows brighten up vaulted spaces inside. The old overcast tree no longer sits in front but its memory is not to be forgotten: a new olive tree is planted adjacent to the original and now a series of cast concrete steps replace the dilapidated ramp leading one from the sidewalk directly up to the front door. What was once hidden behind the whims of nature and necessity is now open to the neighbors again.

This boldly space features a stunning mix of materials and graphic details for a vibrant but comfortable environment. This kitchen is sleek and lively. White gloss cabinets span the room’s perimeter while the white island and wood armoire create contrast and warmth.

This Spanish Revival custom home built by Orlando Custom Homebuilder Jorge Ulibarri sits on 5 acres wrapping around Hinden Lake in St. Cloud, Florida. “Architectural elements that imbue the home with Spanish Revival style include its whitewashed stucco facade, terracotta barrel tile roof, a tower chimney, and the trio of arches leading to the handcrafted wrought iron front door. Inside we added decorative elements including handpainted tiles and ornamental ironwork,” Jorge says. The home spans 7,500 square feet total with 4,700 square feet of living space under air.

Five residential-style, three-level cottages are located behind the hotel facing 32nd Street. Spanning 1,500 square feet with a kitchen, rooftop deck featuring a fire place + barbeque, two bedrooms and a living room, showcasing masterfully designed interiors. Each cottage is named after the islands in Newport Beach and features a distinctive motif, tapping five elite Newport Beach-based firms: Grace Blu Interior Design, Jennifer Mehditash Design, Brooke Wagner Design, Erica Bryen Design and Blackband Design.

The bluestone patio spans an entrance and the patio. Alexandra Nunes Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless stone patio remodel in Boston

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours, Inc. Envision Virtual Tours and High Resolution Photography is your best choice to find just what you are looking for in the Lake Burton Area . Knowing the areas and resources of Lake Burton is our specialty Lake Burton is a 2,775 acre man-made lake with 62 miles of shoreline located in the northeastern corner of Georgia in Rabun County. It is the first lake in a five-lake series called the Tallulah River Watershed that follows the original course of the Tallulah River. The series of lakes starts with Lake Burton as the northernmost lake followed by Lake Seed, Lake Rabun, Lake Tallulah Falls and the eastern arm of Lake Tugalo (the western arm is formed by the Chattooga River. The lakes are owned and operated by the Georgia Power Company to generate hydroelectric energy for Georgia's largest city, Atlanta. At one time these lakes were the largest producers of electricity in the state of Georgia. Now, they only provide peak power supply. The lake was built in a deep valley located along a 10 mile section of the Tallulah River. The Lake Burton Dam was closed on December 22, 1919 and the lake started to fill. The dam is a gravity concrete dam, with a height of 128 feet and a span of 1,100 feet. The spillway is equipped with eight gates 22 feet wide by 6.6 feet high. The total capacity at an elevation of 1,866.6 feet is 108,000 acre-ft, of which 106,000 acre-ft is usable storage. The generating capacity of the dam is 6,120 kilowatts (two units).Lake Burton is the highest Georgia Power lake in Georgia. Lake Burton gets its named from the town of Burton, which was the second largest town in Rabun County with a population of approximately 200 but now lies below the lake's surface. The town (and the lake) was named after local prominent citizen Jeremiah Burton and was situated along the road from Clayton, Georgia to the Nacoochee Valley. Andrew Jackson Ritchie served as the postmaster for the area for several years. Gold was first discovered in Rabun County where Dicks Creek and the Tallulah River come together and was the reason for the town's founding in the early 1800s. The Lake Burton Fish Hatchery and Moccasin Creek State Park are located on the western side of the lake. Lake Burton is home to several species of fish, including Spotted Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, White Catfish, Walleye, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Yellow Perch. The residents of Lake Burton are a mix of permanent residents and seasonal vacationers who together make-up the Lake Burton Civic Association, a local organization who goal is to maintain the lake through volunteer clean-ups and other such events. Let a Lake Burton resident and expert show you the way The Lake Burton Civic Association is an active homeowners association for residents of the Lake Burton area and sponsors many events throughout the year such as: burton, custom, envision, georgia, lake, mountain, nc, north, photography, web, western, Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, Seed Lake,Virtual Tours.

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours, Inc. Envision Virtual Tours and High Resolution Photography is your best choice to find just what you are looking for in the Lake Burton Area . Knowing the areas and resources of Lake Burton is our specialty Lake Burton is a 2,775 acre man-made lake with 62 miles of shoreline located in the northeastern corner of Georgia in Rabun County. It is the first lake in a five-lake series called the Tallulah River Watershed that follows the original course of the Tallulah River. The series of lakes starts with Lake Burton as the northernmost lake followed by Lake Seed, Lake Rabun, Lake Tallulah Falls and the eastern arm of Lake Tugalo (the western arm is formed by the Chattooga River. The lakes are owned and operated by the Georgia Power Company to generate hydroelectric energy for Georgia's largest city, Atlanta. At one time these lakes were the largest producers of electricity in the state of Georgia. Now, they only provide peak power supply. The lake was built in a deep valley located along a 10 mile section of the Tallulah River. The Lake Burton Dam was closed on December 22, 1919 and the lake started to fill. The dam is a gravity concrete dam, with a height of 128 feet and a span of 1,100 feet. The spillway is equipped with eight gates 22 feet wide by 6.6 feet high. The total capacity at an elevation of 1,866.6 feet is 108,000 acre-ft, of which 106,000 acre-ft is usable storage. The generating capacity of the dam is 6,120 kilowatts (two units).Lake Burton is the highest Georgia Power lake in Georgia. Lake Burton gets its named from the town of Burton, which was the second largest town in Rabun County with a population of approximately 200 but now lies below the lake's surface. The town (and the lake) was named after local prominent citizen Jeremiah Burton and was situated along the road from Clayton, Georgia to the Nacoochee Valley. Andrew Jackson Ritchie served as the postmaster for the area for several years. Gold was first discovered in Rabun County where Dicks Creek and the Tallulah River come together and was the reason for the town's founding in the early 1800s. The Lake Burton Fish Hatchery and Moccasin Creek State Park are located on the western side of the lake. Lake Burton is home to several species of fish, including Spotted Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, White Catfish, Walleye, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Yellow Perch. The residents of Lake Burton are a mix of permanent residents and seasonal vacationers who together make-up the Lake Burton Civic Association, a local organization who goal is to maintain the lake through volunteer clean-ups and other such events. Let a Lake Burton resident and expert show you the way The Lake Burton Civic Association is an active homeowners association for residents of the Lake Burton area and sponsors many events throughout the year such as: burton, custom, envision, georgia, lake, mountain, nc, north, photography, web, western, Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, Seed Lake,Virtual Tours.

Erika Brown Edwards
Example of a cottage family room design in Austin

This Pasadena project included a full-scale remodel spanning the kitchen, living area, and upstairs spaces. From the mundane to the marvelous, we infused every corner of this two-story townhome with innovative design solutions and personalized touches. Revitalized from top to bottom, this kitchen shines with new light wood flooring, custom lacquer wood cabinets, durable quartz countertops, vibrant green paint, and eye-catching graphic porcelain tile. White oak floating shelves and modern appliances elevate both style and functionality. With innovative layout adjustments and chic design elements, this kitchen caters to the homeowners' culinary and entertaining needs, even accommodating laundry tasks seamlessly.

Ryan Gamma Photography
This is an example of a large mediterranean stone front porch design in Tampa.

Lavender makes a statement in every aspect of design and functionality. As you enter the front door of the home you are immediately engulfed by the covered lanai which runs the entire length of the home. It’s bordered by a uniquely shaped swimming pool and connecting pool deck. A casita with en-suite bathroom is separated from the main residence but is connected to the home through the lanai. The great room spans 31’-8” in length and is bordered by the uniquely designed arched kitchen and arched island. The great room has two sets of 90 degree floor to ceiling, fully retractable and hidden glass doors which open completely allowing for the seamless interaction between the interior and the exterior lanai. The master suite is located on the first floor and comprises the full width of the home. It features two independent vanities and sinks, two separate water closets, and two dressing room/closets that are situated around a free-standing tub and double entry shower. A porte-cochere driveway leads you into a driveway court where a two car garage is on one side of the residence and a single car garage on the opposite side of the driveway court. Lavender has 4,709 square feet of air conditioned area with 7,034 of total under roof square footage. Awards: 2006 Parade of Homes – “Grand Award Winner”, Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando 2006 Orlando Home & Leisure’s: – Second Place Bath of the Year – Third Place Living Room of the Year – Honorable Mention Dining Room – Honorable Mention Kitchen

In 2014, these clients came to Sunspace with a sketch and a dream of enlarging their kitchen. The goal was to create a much larger, open room flooded with natural light. Sunspace worked with the clients to design a space that would meet their goals, and the results are presented here. The most important facet of this project was the design and inclusion of a large double hip skylight centered in the ceiling of the new space. The size of the skylight required a concealed steel frame to carry the long spans and provide the desired levels of natural lighting. Sunspace coordinated the entire project from design to kitchen renovation to completion. The space is open and light. Because the kitchen work area became part of the unified space, the client was left with a great place for family and friends to gather. Additional customization throughout the kitchen and the introduction of elegant wood flooring added to the appeal and warmth of this truly magnificent family space.

The homeowners wanted a lot in this medium-sized bathroom. They requested a stacking washer and dryer, a place for the ironing board, as much storage as possible along with the mandatory toilet, shower and double vanity. A custom unit spans the whole wall, incorporating the washer and dryer unit in with the vanity. The washer and dryer can be hidden when not in use. The pocket doors can be opened and slid back within the unit when in use, so that the doors are out of the way and also allowing for the needed ventilation when the washer and dryer are in use. Pull-out storage beside the washer and dryer holds laundry supplies as well as an ironing board and iron. Quartz countertops and marble floors add to the luxurious look of this space.

A family in McLean VA decided to remodel two levels of their home. There was wasted floor space and disconnections throughout the living room and dining room area. The family room was very small and had a closet as washer and dryer closet. Two walls separating kitchen from adjacent dining room and family room. After several design meetings, the final blue print went into construction phase, gutting entire kitchen, family room, laundry room, open balcony. We built a seamless main level floor. The laundry room was relocated and we built a new space on the second floor for their convenience. The family room was expanded into the laundry room space, the kitchen expanded its wing into the adjacent family room and dining room, with a large middle Island that made it all stand tall. The use of extended lighting throughout the two levels has made this project brighter than ever. A walk -in pantry with pocket doors was added in hallway. We deleted two structure columns by the way of using large span beams, opening up the space. The open foyer was floored in and expanded the dining room over it. All new porcelain tile was installed in main level, a floor to ceiling fireplace(two story brick fireplace) was faced with highly decorative stone. The second floor was open to the two story living room, we replaced all handrails and spindles with Rod iron and stained handrails to match new floors. A new butler area with under cabinet beverage center was added in the living room area. The den was torn up and given stain grade paneling and molding to give a deep and mysterious look to the new library. The powder room was gutted, redefined, one doorway to the den was closed up and converted into a vanity space with glass accent background and built in niche. Upscale appliances and decorative mosaic back splash, fancy lighting fixtures and farm sink are all signature marks of the kitchen remodel portion of this amazing project. I don't think there is only one thing to define the interior remodeling of this revamped home, the transformation has been so grand.