Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This unit, located in a 4-flat owned by TKS Owners Jeff and Susan Klimala, was remodeled as their personal pied-à-terre, and doubles as an Airbnb property when they are not using it. Jeff and Susan were drawn to the location of the building, a vibrant Chicago neighborhood, 4 blocks from Wrigley Field, as well as to the vintage charm of the 1890’s building. The entire 2 bed, 2 bath unit was renovated and furnished, including the kitchen, with a specific Parisian vibe in mind. Although the location and vintage charm were all there, the building was not in ideal shape -- the mechanicals -- from HVAC, to electrical, plumbing, to needed structural updates, peeling plaster, out of level floors, the list was long. Susan and Jeff drew on their expertise to update the issues behind the walls while also preserving much of the original charm that attracted them to the building in the first place -- heart pine floors, vintage mouldings, pocket doors and transoms. Because this unit was going to be primarily used as an Airbnb, the Klimalas wanted to make it beautiful, maintain the character of the building, while also specifying materials that would last and wouldn’t break the budget. Susan enjoyed the hunt of specifying these items and still coming up with a cohesive creative space that feels a bit French in flavor. Parisian style décor is all about casual elegance and an eclectic mix of old and new. Susan had fun sourcing some more personal pieces of artwork for the space, creating a dramatic black, white and moody green color scheme for the kitchen and highlighting the living room with pieces to showcase the vintage fireplace and pocket doors. Photographer: @MargaretRajic Photo stylist: @Brandidevers Do you have a new home that has great bones but just doesn’t feel comfortable and you can’t quite figure out why? Contact us here to see how we can help!

This project was the result of the owner’s desire to install a swimming pool and outdoor living space inspired by tropical resorts they had visited on family vacations. The one element asked for specifically was a large waterfall spilling into the pool. The challenge for the designers was how to achieve the look the owner’s wished without the use of clichéd items such as thatched huts and tiki torches. The designers decided lush full plantings using plants found in the northeast region that met certain design criteria would be the primary way of giving the tropical feel. Boulder outcroppings, irregular stone paving and fire bowls along the back of the pool would complete the look. The property is located in a newer subdivision with homes on both sides and a school to the rear. A walkway connects the neighborhood and the school along one side. The desired privacy would be addressed by the placement of plants and trees around the perimeter in mounded beds. Placing the waterfall to the rear of the pool helped block the view of the school beyond. The township had restrictions on the amount of impervious material allowable on site. The patio was designed to the maximum allowable size with square footage going to where it would be most usable. Planting beds were cut into the patio to decrease unnecessary square footage, divide spaces, and allow for more places to add plants and trees. A rectangular swimming pool was chosen to make it easier to install an automatic pool cover. The pool was designed, with input from the landscape designers, and contracted separately by the owner. The landscape designers chose the location of pool and waterfall so that it was prominently placed to be the focal point of the backyard. The pool includes a curving sunbathing shelf running from end to end, finished in a lighter color to make it more visible, with removable umbrellas for shade and to add to the resort feel. To tie into the boulders used throughout the design, a large boulder was used as a substitute for a diving board. The yard sloped down towards the back of the property which required a large amount of soil to be added and large boulder retaining wall along the back. For the planting design, the designers choose to focus on plants with larger leaves, various leaf colors and textures, and plants with large flowers in bold colors. These plants were then arranged into a loose lush planting scheme mixed with more traditional northeast plants such as pines, grasses, and roses. Unique plants such as hardy bananas were added for their tropical and exotic look. The full planting beds help to nestle in and enclose the living space. Broken flagstone was chosen for the patio and intentionally left irregular at the edges. PA flagstone was avoided and a stone with gold and brown tones was chosen. Boulder outcroppings added to the natural and tropical theme. The fire pit was designed with a large built-in bench to increase the amount of seating. The designers chose a rounded smooth shape and incorporated the same stone as the pool coping for the caps and bench. For entertaining guests the outdoor kitchen was outfitted with a large gas grill, beverage taps, refrigerator, sink and a dedicated lobster cooker. The kitchen was finished with granite countertops and stainless steel cabinets. Two strategically placed fire bowls, along with the low voltage lighting, add additional interest to the space at night. While the designers were faced with many challenges the resulting design incorporated enough elements to achieve the desired look and feel. Using plants appropriate to the northeast that fit the design criteria and carefully choosing hardscaping materials was essential. The owner’s feel they now have their own tropical theme resort right in their Pennsylvania backyard.

This is one of our latest designs: a leather media console! It would also serve perfectly as a rustic credenza, sideboard or buffet and would look amazing in any eclectic interior or rustic cabin setting. This rustic media console is handmade with rawhide by us here in our shop located in Texas. It can be made in any size or configuration, but the one in this listing is for one that is 18” deep and 27” high (see listing options for common widths. One shown is 72” wide). Please email for pricing on any custom sizes. As you can see, it has four doors that are leather (authentic leather), but we can make it with any number of doors. Or, we can make it with mesh doors (like you see on many of our other media consoles) so remote control infrared signals can pass through. The top, sides, and doors are also real leather but can be made with reclaimed wood. Or, for a more industrial look, we can add decorative rivets as you see on many of our other items. There is one inner shelf that spans the entire width of the unit. There are no inner partitions, so wide AV components can easily fit inside. There is a back with a 2” gap at the bottom for cables to exit. We can make the legs any height you’d like. So, if you want a more “chunky” looking unit, we can make it with shorter legs. Or, prefer a visually “lighter” looking unit? We can make it with taller legs. We can also all solid steel wheels to give it a bar cart height. Another popular configuration for this particular piece is to make it with a brown frame as opposed to the black one shown. We can also make your unit in either of the 3 types of leather shown Select “tan”, “brown-white”, or “suede.” Model: The Goodnight (named after the famous American west cattle rancher, Charlie Goodnight). Price as shown: $1,650.00 Please inquire for pricing on any custom configurations. NOTE: We only source leather from socially responsible providers and they are recycled from the meat industry. So, no animals are killed strictly for their fur – cowhides are a byproduct of the farming/meat industry. Also, be aware that we use real hides. So, expect some variation as all are unique. Some hides might contain some small natural marks due to conditions inherent to natural animal products such as branding. All natural cowhides have small, minor flaws, which adds to their authenticity. __________________________________________ **EACH PIECE IS HANDMADE. Therefore, no two pieces will be the same. The patina will vary from piece to piece, and the lighter more splotchy pieces will vary greatly. --- **TURNAROUND IS ABOUT 3 1/2 WEEKS, but varies from time to time so please feel free to contact me for a more accurate time frame. --- **Shipping will be quoted for "Standard Delivery" If you would like a quote on inside delivery, be sure to indicate that choice when requesting a quote. ____________________________________________ ABOUT US: We create custom, unique furniture unlike anything you will find. Our intention is to give you a piece of furniture that you will admire and enjoy for years to come and that will leave your house-guests envious! Our work is 100% hand crafted in the United States and made to last a lifetime. These unique pieces fit perfectly with any urban/modern, mid-century, or rustic décor. All of our pieces can be made in many configurations and sizes to suit your specific style and needs. There are many options available as each piece is designed just for you, so, if you have any thoughts, please contact us and we would be happy to let you know what your options are. * All rights reserved; Combine 9 Design, LLC

Classic black and white styling is prevalent throughout this home and is carried through into the kitchen with Nordic white cabinets in a simple ‘Shaker-esque’ style and a soft black island. These contrast beautifully with the rich wood floors. Glass doors in the top portion of the sink wall cabinets let the homeowner display a collection of red and white stoneware. The client used red accents throughout, including red-bound cookbooks and dish towels to add that country flavor and create a happy, playful look. The centerpiece of this kitchen is the Cottage Black Island - stout chamfered posts support a French Country shelf, open on both sides and front. A carved top valance and French Country trim around the bottom give a handcrafted look, and the bun feet are a playful addition. Many of the drawers have specific inserts calculated exactly to fit the clients various items, from placemats to knives, to spices and utensils. Reminiscent of times past, the client chose hot-rolled and waxed steel for the island top, giving it a rustic-industrial look, and setting it apart from the leathered black granite of the perimeter.

Our clients were ready to update their kitchen with soft and subtle colors to blend in with the home’s recently updated interior. It was also time to improve the layout. The kitchen needed to be reconfigured in order to facilitate a three-generation family and occasional entertaining. Design Objectives -Brighten up to blend with the home’s interior and flow into the adjacent family room area -Incorporate specific storage for pantry items like bulk ingredients and small appliances -Designate areas for a coffee bar, multiple prep areas and seating while highlighting a dry bar for display -Keep clutter off of counters for a seamless design that facilitates visual flow through the entire area Design Challenges -Make a subtle statement with contrasting cabinets and countertops -Incorporate a stand-alone, statement-making dry bar just outside the main kitchen space -Design a statement hood that serves as a focal point without interrupting visual flow -Update and add lighting to add more task, accent and overhead brightness. -Have the space be usable for different tasks by different family members at the same time -Create a space that looks classy and formal but is still inviting. Design Solutions -A soft grey stain and white paint were used on all the cabinets. On only the wall cabinets flanking the window was the grey introduced on the frame to make a pop against the white paint. -The white-painted refrigerator and freezer door panel style is a custom reeded look that adds a soft contrasting detail against the main door style. Along with the open grey-stained interior cabinet above, it looks like a piece of furniture. -The same soft tones were used for the countertops and a full, high backsplash of Chamonix quartzite that tied everything together. It’s an elegant backdrop for the hood. -The Dry Bar, even though showcasing a dark stained cabinet, stays open and bright with a full mirror backsplash, wood retained glass floating shelves and glass wall cabinet doors. Brushed brass trim details and a fun light fixture add a pop of character. -The same reeded door style as the refrigerator was used on the base doors of the dry bar to tie in with the kitchen. -About 2/3 of the existing walk-in pantry was carved out for the new dry bar footprint while still keeping a shallow-depth pantry space for storage. -The homeowners wanted a beautiful hood but didn’t want it to dominate the design. We kept the lines of the hood simple. The soft stainless steel body has a bottom accent that incorporates both the grey stain and white-painted cabinet colors. -Even though the Kitchen had a lot of natural light from the large window, it was important to have task and subtle feature lighting. Recessed cans provide overall lighting while clear pendants shine down on the 2nd level of the seating area on the island. -The circular clear chandelier is the statement piece over the main island while the pendants flanking the hood emphasize the quartzite backsplash and add as accent lighting in the evening along with the interior cabinet lights. With three generations living in the home it was important to have areas that multiple family members could use at the same time without being in each other’s way. The design incorporates different zones like the coffee bar, charging station, dry bar and ­­refrigerator drawers. The softness of the colors and classic feel of the wood floor keep kitchen is inviting and calming.­­

Our clients approached us to renovate their home, as it was lacking function for their family’s changing needs. They were facing issues with insufficient storage, and underutilised areas. The entry was cramped, which was especially noticeable when several people were coming in, or when carrying in groceries. The Shared Bathroom was too small, and lacked enough room for their teenage children to store their individual belongings. Additionally, since both clients work from home, a dedicated office space was essential. On the Main Floor, we relocated the closet at the entry, making the entrance more spacious, and the Powder Room was given an update and new fixtures. The wall between the Kitchen and Dining Room was removed, which opened up the Main Floor. Half of the space this created was used to create a much larger Kitchen with ample gathering space for our client’s large family. The new custom Kitchen boasts plenty of dark cabinetry with wood accents, and is complimented by a beautiful quartz countertop and matching black fixtures. The other half of the newly created space was transformed into a quiet, functional home office. In the new office, a wall of built-in cabinetry offers useful storage for both work and hobby items, creating the perfect space for both work and crafting. On the Second Floor, we expanded the Shared Bathroom by using space from the Guest Bedroom closet and the Second Floor Office. We replaced the bathtub shower combo with a spacious grand shower and added a large vanity and makeup area, giving each teenager their own dedicated personal storage space. In the Master Ensuite, we altered the entryway location, allowing for a redesigned layout that includes a large vanity and double sink, enhancing both functionality and storage. Our clients expressed their happiness with the renovation process with Sosna, specifically how clean the construction area was kept, and how respectful the Sosna team was of their home and neighbours. They were pleased that all deadlines were met, and the project was completed on time, and looked even better than they had dreamed. Sosna Inc 416-888-7366 ext 1 email: contact@sosna.ca website: sosna.ca

!!The item does not come with stainless steel cover for the footrest!! Our Arizona Outdoor Wicker Bar Stool gives you a wonderful bar stool in a contemporary style. Great for enjoying your outdoors, you'll find the Arizona's neutral brown color work in any outdoor environment. Features: Multi-Brown PE wicker is both smooth and durable Build over a strong powder coated steel frame Foot rests and back support for additional seated comfort Neutral colors to match any outdoor or indoor environment Arrives fully assembled and ready to use Dimensions: 20"D x 18.75"W x 44"H Seat height: 27.25" Product Specifications Manufactured By Great Deal Furniture Sold By Great Deal Furniture Width 18.75" Depth 20" Height 44" Materials wicker Great Deal Furniture

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This unit, located in a 4-flat owned by TKS Owners Jeff and Susan Klimala, was remodeled as their personal pied-à-terre, and doubles as an Airbnb property when they are not using it. Jeff and Susan were drawn to the location of the building, a vibrant Chicago neighborhood, 4 blocks from Wrigley Field, as well as to the vintage charm of the 1890’s building. The entire 2 bed, 2 bath unit was renovated and furnished, including the kitchen, with a specific Parisian vibe in mind. Although the location and vintage charm were all there, the building was not in ideal shape -- the mechanicals -- from HVAC, to electrical, plumbing, to needed structural updates, peeling plaster, out of level floors, the list was long. Susan and Jeff drew on their expertise to update the issues behind the walls while also preserving much of the original charm that attracted them to the building in the first place -- heart pine floors, vintage mouldings, pocket doors and transoms. Because this unit was going to be primarily used as an Airbnb, the Klimalas wanted to make it beautiful, maintain the character of the building, while also specifying materials that would last and wouldn’t break the budget. Susan enjoyed the hunt of specifying these items and still coming up with a cohesive creative space that feels a bit French in flavor. Parisian style décor is all about casual elegance and an eclectic mix of old and new. Susan had fun sourcing some more personal pieces of artwork for the space, creating a dramatic black, white and moody green color scheme for the kitchen and highlighting the living room with pieces to showcase the vintage fireplace and pocket doors. Photographer: @MargaretRajic Photo stylist: @Brandidevers Do you have a new home that has great bones but just doesn’t feel comfortable and you can’t quite figure out why? Contact us here to see how we can help!

This kitchen and pantry were part of an extensive renovation project. The client was keen to achieve a more traditional look and so lots of attention was paid to colour choices, materials and cabinetry detailing in this beautiful Berkshire home. We worked on 3 different rooms and each space was given a slightly different look and feel. In the kitchen we combined a dark aubergine colour with a pale tone with natural honed Bianca Eclipsia quartzite worktops to create a stunning look. Bespoke features were included within the cabinetry and special attention was taken to make this space work perfectly for our client and how they use their kitchen. The pivot door breakfast dresser is a fantastic area for the family to use whilst completely bespoke drawer compartments were created for specific uses. The bespoke drinks dresser extends the kitchen scheme into the dining area using the same island colour as the kitchen. Beautiful handles and bespoke mesh panelling on the cabinetry create an individual piece of furniture which compliment the rest of the room. The walk in pantry is a perfect place to store all food items and additional appliances which aren’t used day to day. The oak tongue and groove panelling is a striking feature which looks stunning against the dark green cabinetry.

Xtreme Renovations has completed a Major Renovation Project near the Tomball area of Harris County. This project required demolition of the existing Kitchen Cabinetry and removing fur downs, rerouting HVAC Registers, Electrical and installation of Natural Gas lines for converting from an All Electric Kitchen to Natural Gas cooktop with an Xtreme Exhaust System above the new gas cooktop. Existing walls wear moved during the demolition process to expand the original footprint of the Kitchen to include additional cabinetry and relocation of the new Double Oven as well as an open Pantry area. All new Custom Built Cabinetry were installed made from Maple wood and stained to the specification of our clients. New Quartz countertops were fabricated and installed throughout the Kitchen as well as a Bar Area in the Great Room which also included Custom Built Cabinetry. New tile flooring was installed throughout the Mud Room, Kitchen, Breakfast Area, Hall Way adjoining the Formal Dining Room and Powder Bath. Back splash included both Ceramic and Glass Tile to and a touch of class and the Wow Factor our clients desired and deserved. Major drywall work was required throughout the Kitchen, Great Room, Powder Bath and Breakfast Area. Many added features such as LED lighting on dimmers were installed throughout the Kitchen including under cabinet lighting. Installation of all new appliances was included in the Kitchen as well as the Bar Area in the Great Room. Custom Built Corner Cabinetry was also installed in the Formal Dining Room. Custom Built Crown Molding was also part of this project in the Great Room designed to match Crown Molding above doorways. Existing paneling was removed and replaced with drywall to add to this Major Update of the 1970’s constructed home. Floating, texturing and painting throughout both levels of this 2 Story Home was also completed. The existing stairway in the Great Room was removed and new Wrought Iron Spindles, Handrails, Hardwood Flooring were installed. New Carpeting and Hardwood Flooring were included in the Renovation Project. State of the Art CAT 6 cabling was installed in the entire home adding to the functionality of the New Home Entertainment and Computer Networking System as well as connectivity throughout the home. The Central hub area for the new cabling is climate controlled and vented for precise temperature control. Many other items were addressed during this Renovation Project including upgrading the Main Electrical Service, Custom Built Cabinetry throughout the Mud Room and creating a closet where the existing Double Oven was located with access to new shelving and coat racks in the Mud Room Area. At Xtreme Renovations, “It’s All In The Details” and our Xtreme Team from Design Concept to delivering the final product to our clients is Job One.

Store with Style worked with the customer to design a custom workshop for his specific needs. He needed a 4' x 8' space for large projects, and inside the island is a 4' open cabinet for large items such as levels, blueprints, etc. A PVC tile floor makes it a comfortable space to stand, and HandiWall behind the worktop is great for hanging small tools.

Sit down and get comfy on this Orian teddy fabric chaise. The super soft faux shearling teddy fabric is welcoming to the skin and feels great to the touch, so lounging and nap time is always an experience in luxury. The deep channel tufting adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of this lounge chair while also giving it a resilient quality, so it lasts and lasts. The curved design is both elegant and modern, making the chaise a good fit in nearly any contemporary setting. Soft Faux Shearling Teddy Fabric Deep Channel Tufting Curved Contemporary Design Specifications Dimensions: 26.5" W x 59" D x 36.5" H Weight: 64 lb. Style: Contemporary Material: Faux Shearling Teddy Fabric / Iron / Foam Collection: Orian Seat Width: 26.5" Seat Height: 19.5" Seat Depth: 26" Back Height: 17" Item Type: Chaise

Dream backyard This Amazing Dream Backyard Project features just about all the options you have ever dreamed about having in your very own backyard. We just recently completed this project and as you can tell from the video and photos below it’s quite the dream backyard. But dreams can came true, and for these homeowners they certainly have. So proud of our team for coming together and installing another amazing backyard paradise. The outdoor living area features everything from fire to water and includes multiple travertine patio areas, flagstone and travertine walkways, stone steps, pondless waterfall, landscape lighting, outdoor audio, fire pit, and landscaping. To think were the project came from a decrepit old deck to this beautiful work of art is almost unreal! Travertine Patio and Fire Pit The dream backyard project included the installation of various hardscape items including travertine patio, Seating walls, Steps, and walkways. The patio material is silver travertine laid in French pattern. The patio area is approximately 1,012 sq ft with antiqued finish and natural edge. All walls and steps are constructed using natural stone Semco ‘Cedar Ridge’ sawn wall stone. Caps and stair treads are constructed of natural stone ‘Chateau Limestone’ 2″ thick and 14″ deep, thermal top and rock faced edges. Cap stone for grill wall is 18″ wide polished and sealed top. Under grill area the patio is outdoor ‘wood look’ porcelain tile. A Semco ‘Cedar Ridge’ 57″ Fire Pit with Large Zentro ‘Smokeless’ insert is installed on the lower patio area. As of these pictures and this video the fire pit insert has yet to be installed. Sealing of Travertine surfaces using GST stain blocking sealer will be completed once the project is entirely finished. Stepping stone pathway to the side of the home is full color Pa Flagstone irregular steppers. Landscaping Landscape beds, plants, trees, edging and mulching was done around the entire back and side yards of the home using triple cut bark mulch. Plant variety and size specifications were all chosen by our amazing designer Wes. The landscaping portion of this project also included the grading, lawn repair, and seeding of all the areas damaged and disturbed during construction. Pondless Waterfall A 15′ pondless waterfall was installed into the new landscape to the side of the lower patio for maximum viewing. The waterfall features approximately 15 foot of stream with multiple waterfalls. Two side by side spillways merge into a wide stream with a small waterfall before turning and going into the final falls at the basin area. The Waterfall is outfitted with low voltage LED underwater landscape lighting throughout. Outdoor Sound The Outdoor Sound System installed was a TRU Audio 4 speaker system and 12″ outdoor hardscape subwoofer. This system also includes the amplifier which is located in the home owners basement as well as Apple Airport Express and Blue Tooth Connection. Siding Siding work to be completed is still unfinished as of the time this video and pictures were shot. Siding was removed and salvaged in areas need for the patio and electrical work. Siding in areas of new outdoor living space to include: new vinyl siding on entire rear kitchen/bathroom wall from top to bottom as well as Piecing in around lights and sliding door on adjacent wall and in back of garage.

Xtreme Renovations has completed a Major Renovation Project near the Tomball area of Harris County. This project required demolition of the existing Kitchen Cabinetry and removing fur downs, rerouting HVAC Registers, Electrical and installation of Natural Gas lines for converting from an All Electric Kitchen to Natural Gas cooktop with an Xtreme Exhaust System above the new gas cooktop. Existing walls wear moved during the demolition process to expand the original footprint of the Kitchen to include additional cabinetry and relocation of the new Double Oven as well as an open Pantry area. All new Custom Built Cabinetry were installed made from Maple wood and stained to the specification of our clients. New Quartz countertops were fabricated and installed throughout the Kitchen as well as a Bar Area in the Great Room which also included Custom Built Cabinetry. New tile flooring was installed throughout the Mud Room, Kitchen, Breakfast Area, Hall Way adjoining the Formal Dining Room and Powder Bath. Back splash included both Ceramic and Glass Tile to and a touch of class and the Wow Factor our clients desired and deserved. Major drywall work was required throughout the Kitchen, Great Room, Powder Bath and Breakfast Area. Many added features such as LED lighting on dimmers were installed throughout the Kitchen including under cabinet lighting. Installation of all new appliances was included in the Kitchen as well as the Bar Area in the Great Room. Custom Built Corner Cabinetry was also installed in the Formal Dining Room. Custom Built Crown Molding was also part of this project in the Great Room designed to match Crown Molding above doorways. Existing paneling was removed and replaced with drywall to add to this Major Update of the 1970’s constructed home. Floating, texturing and painting throughout both levels of this 2 Story Home was also completed. The existing stairway in the Great Room was removed and new Wrought Iron Spindles, Handrails, Hardwood Flooring were installed. New Carpeting and Hardwood Flooring were included in the Renovation Project. State of the Art CAT 6 cabling was installed in the entire home adding to the functionality of the New Home Entertainment and Computer Networking System as well as connectivity throughout the home. The Central hub area for the new cabling is climate controlled and vented for precise temperature control. Many other items were addressed during this Renovation Project including upgrading the Main Electrical Service, Custom Built Cabinetry throughout the Mud Room and creating a closet where the existing Double Oven was located with access to new shelving and coat racks in the Mud Room Area. At Xtreme Renovations, “It’s All In The Details” and our Xtreme Team from Design Concept to delivering the final product to our clients is Job One.

Use of a medium Tennessee Fieldstone in a dry stack pattern along with Pennsylvania Blustone for a new pool deck and patio in a dimensional pattern. A PA Bluestone is also used for the countertop of the outdoor kitchen. A premium brown Canyon Creek flagstone is used for the chimney hearth as well as shoulders. The decorative curved masonry wall is matching Tenn. Fieldstone dry stack and Canyon Creek flagstone cap. The kitchen has electrical outlets throughout and items used for this specific kitchen are a new natural gas 4 burner grill and a Green Egg. Storage is plenty with a double door cabinet underneath grill. A FANTASTIC outdoor living hardscape with plenty of area for fun and/or relaxation.

Robeson Design Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Ryan Garvin, Photography | Please Note: For information on items seen in these photos, leave a comment. For info about our work: info@robesondesign.com

This project was the result of the owner’s desire to install a swimming pool and outdoor living space inspired by tropical resorts they had visited on family vacations. The one element asked for specifically was a large waterfall spilling into the pool. The challenge for the designers was how to achieve the look the owner’s wished without the use of clichéd items such as thatched huts and tiki torches. The designers decided lush full plantings using plants found in the northeast region that met certain design criteria would be the primary way of giving the tropical feel. Boulder outcroppings, irregular stone paving and fire bowls along the back of the pool would complete the look. The property is located in a newer subdivision with homes on both sides and a school to the rear. A walkway connects the neighborhood and the school along one side. The desired privacy would be addressed by the placement of plants and trees around the perimeter in mounded beds. Placing the waterfall to the rear of the pool helped block the view of the school beyond. The township had restrictions on the amount of impervious material allowable on site. The patio was designed to the maximum allowable size with square footage going to where it would be most usable. Planting beds were cut into the patio to decrease unnecessary square footage, divide spaces, and allow for more places to add plants and trees. A rectangular swimming pool was chosen to make it easier to install an automatic pool cover. The pool was designed, with input from the landscape designers, and contracted separately by the owner. The landscape designers chose the location of pool and waterfall so that it was prominently placed to be the focal point of the backyard. The pool includes a curving sunbathing shelf running from end to end, finished in a lighter color to make it more visible, with removable umbrellas for shade and to add to the resort feel. To tie into the boulders used throughout the design, a large boulder was used as a substitute for a diving board. The yard sloped down towards the back of the property which required a large amount of soil to be added and large boulder retaining wall along the back. For the planting design, the designers choose to focus on plants with larger leaves, various leaf colors and textures, and plants with large flowers in bold colors. These plants were then arranged into a loose lush planting scheme mixed with more traditional northeast plants such as pines, grasses, and roses. Unique plants such as hardy bananas were added for their tropical and exotic look. The full planting beds help to nestle in and enclose the living space. Broken flagstone was chosen for the patio and intentionally left irregular at the edges. PA flagstone was avoided and a stone with gold and brown tones was chosen. Boulder outcroppings added to the natural and tropical theme. The fire pit was designed with a large built-in bench to increase the amount of seating. The designers chose a rounded smooth shape and incorporated the same stone as the pool coping for the caps and bench. For entertaining guests the outdoor kitchen was outfitted with a large gas grill, beverage taps, refrigerator, sink and a dedicated lobster cooker. The kitchen was finished with granite countertops and stainless steel cabinets. Two strategically placed fire bowls, along with the low voltage lighting, add additional interest to the space at night. While the designers were faced with many challenges the resulting design incorporated enough elements to achieve the desired look and feel. Using plants appropriate to the northeast that fit the design criteria and carefully choosing hardscaping materials was essential. The owner’s feel they now have their own tropical theme resort right in their Pennsylvania backyard.

Classic black and white styling is prevalent throughout this home and is carried through into the kitchen with Nordic white cabinets in a simple ‘Shaker-esque’ style and a soft black island. These contrast beautifully with the rich wood floors. Glass doors in the top portion of the sink wall cabinets let the homeowner display a collection of red and white stoneware. The client used red accents throughout, including red-bound cookbooks and dish towels to add that country flavor and create a happy, playful look. The centerpiece of this kitchen is the Cottage Black Island - stout chamfered posts support a French Country shelf, open on both sides and front. A carved top valance and French Country trim around the bottom give a handcrafted look, and the bun feet are a playful addition. Many of the drawers have specific inserts calculated exactly to fit the clients various items, from placemats to knives, to spices and utensils. Reminiscent of times past, the client chose hot-rolled and waxed steel for the island top, giving it a rustic-industrial look, and setting it apart from the leathered black granite of the perimeter.

The client is a voracious baker & cook, so we designed the kitchen for easy access to all tools & equipment. This minimized the steps while cooking and had a place for everything. There is a custom baking area with a lower countertop for kneading & rolling out dough, as well specific storage for just baking items.