The planning phase of this modern retreat was an intense collaboration that took place over the course of more than two years. While the initial design concept exceeded the clients' expectations, it also exceeded their budget beyond the point of comfort. The next several months were spent modifying the design, in attempts to lower the budget. Ultimately, the decision was made that they would hold off on the project until they could budget for the original design, rather than compromising the vision. About a year later, we repeated that same process, which resulted in the same outcome. After another year-long hiatus, we met once again. We revisited design thoughts, each of us bringing to the table new ideas and options. Each thought simply solidified the fact that the initial vision was absolutely what we all wanted to see come to fruition, and the decision was finally made to move forward. The main challenge of the site was elevation. The Southeast corner of the lot stands 5'6" above the threshold of the rear door, while the Northeast corner dropped a full 2' below the threshold of the door. The backyard was also long and narrow, sloping side-to-side and toward the house. The key to the design concept was to deftly place the project into the slope and utilize the elevation changes, without allowing them to dominate the yard, or overwhelm the senses. The unseen challenge on this project came in the form of hitting every underground issue possible. We had to relocate the sewer main, the gas line, and the electrical service; and since rock was sitting about 6" below the surface, all of these had to be chiseled through many feet of dense rock, adding to our projected timeline and budget. As you enter the space, your first stop is an outdoor living area. Smooth finished concrete, colored to match the 'Leuder' limestone coping, has a subtle saw-cut pattern aligned with the edges of the recessed fire pit. In small spaces, it is important to consider a multi-purpose approach. So, the recessed fire pit has been fitted with an aluminum cover that allows our client to set up tables and chairs for entertaining, right over the top of the fire pit. From here, it;s two steps up to the pool elevation, and the floating 'Leuder' limestone stepper pads that lead across the pool and hide the dam wall of the flush spa. The main retaining wall to the Southeast is a poured concrete wall with an integrated sheer descent waterfall into the spa. To bring in some depth and texture, a 'Brownstone' ledgestone was used to face both the dropped beam on the pool, and the raised beam of the water feature wall. The main water feature is comprised of five custom made stainless steel scuppers, supplied by a dedicated booster pump. Colored concrete stepper pads lead to the 'Ipe' wood deck at the far end of the pool. The placement of this wood deck allowed us to minimize our use of retaining walls on the Northeast end of the yard, since it drops off over three feet below the elevation of the pool beam. One of the most unique features on this project has to be the structure over the dining area. With a unique combination of steel and wood, the clean modern aesthetic of this structure creates a visual stamp in the space that standard structure could not accomplish. 4" steel posts, painted charcoal grey, are set on an angle, 4' into the bedrock, to anchor the structure. Steel I-beams painted in green-yellow color--aptly called "frolic"--act as the base to the hefty cedar rafters of the roof structure, which has a slight pitch toward the rear. A hidden gutter on the back of the roof sends water down a copper rain chain, and into the drainage system. The backdrop for both this dining area , as well as the living area, is the horizontal screen panel, created with alternating sizes of cedar planks, stained to a calm hue of dove grey.

Open concept kitchen - large modern galley concrete floor open concept kitchen idea in New York with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, solid surface countertops, brown backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

"Straight from the Paris runway, this ever-so-chic and sophisticated shade delivers a fresh, fashion-forward earthy neutral that mixes almost magically with every color in the crayon box. If you prefer leather we also offer the wedge in more than 150 special order fully aniline-dyed leathers. Beneath the leather or fabric you choose are thick layers of eco-friendly soy-based foam to provide irresistable softness and support 24/7."

Example of a classic home theater design in Los Angeles

William Winslow House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1893-94). Frank Lloyd Wright's first major commission as an independent architect after leaving the firm of Adler and Sullivan.

The color of the Belgard Dublin 3 piece pavers is "Toscana" for the band area. The dimensions of the bench in this project was 23' long in a backward "S" pattern. The seats are 22" Deep and the back rest is 18" High from the seat; which includes the top cap. The top paver cap is 10" and sits back from the front, with only an inch forward. Also for comfort when you lean back. There are 6 seat cushions made with Sunbrella fabric and they are 3" high for extra comfort. Photos by Joe Dodd at JD DesignsPhotos by Joe Dodd at JD Designs

Builder: Homes by True North Interior Designer: L. Rose Interiors Photographer: M-Buck Studio This charming house wraps all of the conveniences of a modern, open concept floor plan inside of a wonderfully detailed modern farmhouse exterior. The front elevation sets the tone with its distinctive twin gable roofline and hipped main level roofline. Large forward facing windows are sheltered by a deep and inviting front porch, which is further detailed by its use of square columns, rafter tails, and old world copper lighting. Inside the foyer, all of the public spaces for entertaining guests are within eyesight. At the heart of this home is a living room bursting with traditional moldings, columns, and tiled fireplace surround. Opposite and on axis with the custom fireplace, is an expansive open concept kitchen with an island that comfortably seats four. During the spring and summer months, the entertainment capacity of the living room can be expanded out onto the rear patio featuring stone pavers, stone fireplace, and retractable screens for added convenience. When the day is done, and it’s time to rest, this home provides four separate sleeping quarters. Three of them can be found upstairs, including an office that can easily be converted into an extra bedroom. The master suite is tucked away in its own private wing off the main level stair hall. Lastly, more entertainment space is provided in the form of a lower level complete with a theatre room and exercise space.

Builder: Homes by True North Interior Designer: L. Rose Interiors Photographer: M-Buck Studio This charming house wraps all of the conveniences of a modern, open concept floor plan inside of a wonderfully detailed modern farmhouse exterior. The front elevation sets the tone with its distinctive twin gable roofline and hipped main level roofline. Large forward facing windows are sheltered by a deep and inviting front porch, which is further detailed by its use of square columns, rafter tails, and old world copper lighting. Inside the foyer, all of the public spaces for entertaining guests are within eyesight. At the heart of this home is a living room bursting with traditional moldings, columns, and tiled fireplace surround. Opposite and on axis with the custom fireplace, is an expansive open concept kitchen with an island that comfortably seats four. During the spring and summer months, the entertainment capacity of the living room can be expanded out onto the rear patio featuring stone pavers, stone fireplace, and retractable screens for added convenience. When the day is done, and it’s time to rest, this home provides four separate sleeping quarters. Three of them can be found upstairs, including an office that can easily be converted into an extra bedroom. The master suite is tucked away in its own private wing off the main level stair hall. Lastly, more entertainment space is provided in the form of a lower level complete with a theatre room and exercise space.

Builder: Homes by True North Interior Designer: L. Rose Interiors Photographer: M-Buck Studio This charming house wraps all of the conveniences of a modern, open concept floor plan inside of a wonderfully detailed modern farmhouse exterior. The front elevation sets the tone with its distinctive twin gable roofline and hipped main level roofline. Large forward facing windows are sheltered by a deep and inviting front porch, which is further detailed by its use of square columns, rafter tails, and old world copper lighting. Inside the foyer, all of the public spaces for entertaining guests are within eyesight. At the heart of this home is a living room bursting with traditional moldings, columns, and tiled fireplace surround. Opposite and on axis with the custom fireplace, is an expansive open concept kitchen with an island that comfortably seats four. During the spring and summer months, the entertainment capacity of the living room can be expanded out onto the rear patio featuring stone pavers, stone fireplace, and retractable screens for added convenience. When the day is done, and it’s time to rest, this home provides four separate sleeping quarters. Three of them can be found upstairs, including an office that can easily be converted into an extra bedroom. The master suite is tucked away in its own private wing off the main level stair hall. Lastly, more entertainment space is provided in the form of a lower level complete with a theatre room and exercise space.

Example of a large classic wooden l-shaped wood railing staircase design in Chicago with painted risers

In the railing industry, there are many kinds of infill systems. Viewrail is thrilled to introduce a few new infill systems to the market. One of those new systems incorporates stainless steel rods. Like cable railing, rods run horizontally. Though they are thicker than cable, rods are also still able to provide a clean and clear view. Our rods are 3/8″, and give incredible strength to any system. In addition to strength, rods have a contemporary feel that pair well with modern designs. This project uses our rods with a hard maple mission-style handrail to provide ample contrast and visual interest. Furthermore, we were able to design a custom starting post for the customer to keep the bottom rods from touching the tops of the treads. Finally, we provided the customer with split foot covers that could slide around the base of the posts. Here at Viewrail, we equipped and excited to help with customizations that help you achieve your dream design. Our stainless steel rods will be available for purchase on the website soon. However, if you are interested in a stainless steel rod system, you may fill out this simple contact form to get an order started. We look forward to working with you!

Complete Hillside Backyard Renovation, El Paso – by GoDesigns This breathtaking backyard transformation in the historic area of El Paso, Texas, is a shining example of GoDesigns’ vision, expertise, and resilience. Situated on a challenging hillside property, the original backyard installed in 2005 was plagued by critical design flaws that led to a complete failure of the outdoor space. The existing negative edge pool, improperly installed with insufficient grade, drainage, and support, caused massive water loss and structural issues. The consequences were severe — the side rock wall broke in half, the backyard destabilized, and even a portion of the house was compromised. GoDesigns was brought in to turn crisis into opportunity. During the height of COVID-19, they launched Phase 1 of a multi-phase master plan to restore and reinvent the space. The entire backyard was demolished, including the compromised pool shell. The broken negative edge section was filled in, making way for a reimagined pool design. A new, reinforced pool structure was shot, finished with 5cm tumbled travertine coping, oversized mossrock boulders, new waterline tile, and a premium PebbleTec interior. Beneath the beauty lies smart engineering: GoDesigns replaced all plumbing and regraded the property, applying subsurface remediation and compaction techniques to ensure long-term stability. A new rocksalt steel reinforced concrete deck was poured, replacing the narrow wraparound layout with a spacious, functional outdoor living area. Now, the family enjoys ample room for chaise lounges, alfresco dining, and relaxing by the existing outdoor fireplace — luxuries they never had before. GoDesigns didn’t stop there. Advanced drainage systems — including underground piping, box drains, and planter drains — were installed to protect the integrity of the hillside. These systems are integrated into leveled planters that not only beautify the space but also reinforce the structure of the pool and surrounding terrain. Phase 2 focused on upgrading the patio directly outside the main house, while Phase 3 was the final touch — a lush landscape planting plan paired with elegant outdoor lighting to enhance ambiance and curb appeal. What was once a scene of despair is now a luxurious retreat — completed in thoughtfully timed phases over four years. Thanks to GoDesigns’ master planning and unwavering commitment, this hillside haven is a true testament to transformation. The clients are now looking forward to their next chapter: the front yard.

Complete Hillside Backyard Renovation, El Paso – by GoDesigns This breathtaking backyard transformation in the historic area of El Paso, Texas, is a shining example of GoDesigns’ vision, expertise, and resilience. Situated on a challenging hillside property, the original backyard installed in 2005 was plagued by critical design flaws that led to a complete failure of the outdoor space. The existing negative edge pool, improperly installed with insufficient grade, drainage, and support, caused massive water loss and structural issues. The consequences were severe — the side rock wall broke in half, the backyard destabilized, and even a portion of the house was compromised. GoDesigns was brought in to turn crisis into opportunity. During the height of COVID-19, they launched Phase 1 of a multi-phase master plan to restore and reinvent the space. The entire backyard was demolished, including the compromised pool shell. The broken negative edge section was filled in, making way for a reimagined pool design. A new, reinforced pool structure was shot, finished with 5cm tumbled travertine coping, oversized mossrock boulders, new waterline tile, and a premium PebbleTec interior. Beneath the beauty lies smart engineering: GoDesigns replaced all plumbing and regraded the property, applying subsurface remediation and compaction techniques to ensure long-term stability. A new rocksalt steel reinforced concrete deck was poured, replacing the narrow wraparound layout with a spacious, functional outdoor living area. Now, the family enjoys ample room for chaise lounges, alfresco dining, and relaxing by the existing outdoor fireplace — luxuries they never had before. GoDesigns didn’t stop there. Advanced drainage systems — including underground piping, box drains, and planter drains — were installed to protect the integrity of the hillside. These systems are integrated into leveled planters that not only beautify the space but also reinforce the structure of the pool and surrounding terrain. Phase 2 focused on upgrading the patio directly outside the main house, while Phase 3 was the final touch — a lush landscape planting plan paired with elegant outdoor lighting to enhance ambiance and curb appeal. What was once a scene of despair is now a luxurious retreat — completed in thoughtfully timed phases over four years. Thanks to GoDesigns’ master planning and unwavering commitment, this hillside haven is a true testament to transformation. The clients are now looking forward to their next chapter: the front yard.

Complete Hillside Backyard Renovation, El Paso – by GoDesigns This breathtaking backyard transformation in the historic area of El Paso, Texas, is a shining example of GoDesigns’ vision, expertise, and resilience. Situated on a challenging hillside property, the original backyard installed in 2005 was plagued by critical design flaws that led to a complete failure of the outdoor space. The existing negative edge pool, improperly installed with insufficient grade, drainage, and support, caused massive water loss and structural issues. The consequences were severe — the side rock wall broke in half, the backyard destabilized, and even a portion of the house was compromised. GoDesigns was brought in to turn crisis into opportunity. During the height of COVID-19, they launched Phase 1 of a multi-phase master plan to restore and reinvent the space. The entire backyard was demolished, including the compromised pool shell. The broken negative edge section was filled in, making way for a reimagined pool design. A new, reinforced pool structure was shot, finished with 5cm tumbled travertine coping, oversized mossrock boulders, new waterline tile, and a premium PebbleTec interior. Beneath the beauty lies smart engineering: GoDesigns replaced all plumbing and regraded the property, applying subsurface remediation and compaction techniques to ensure long-term stability. A new rocksalt steel reinforced concrete deck was poured, replacing the narrow wraparound layout with a spacious, functional outdoor living area. Now, the family enjoys ample room for chaise lounges, alfresco dining, and relaxing by the existing outdoor fireplace — luxuries they never had before. GoDesigns didn’t stop there. Advanced drainage systems — including underground piping, box drains, and planter drains — were installed to protect the integrity of the hillside. These systems are integrated into leveled planters that not only beautify the space but also reinforce the structure of the pool and surrounding terrain. Phase 2 focused on upgrading the patio directly outside the main house, while Phase 3 was the final touch — a lush landscape planting plan paired with elegant outdoor lighting to enhance ambiance and curb appeal. What was once a scene of despair is now a luxurious retreat — completed in thoughtfully timed phases over four years. Thanks to GoDesigns’ master planning and unwavering commitment, this hillside haven is a true testament to transformation. The clients are now looking forward to their next chapter: the front yard.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

This gorgeous, contemporary wine cellar makes its home in a basement in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California. This Wine cellar was a very special collaborative project undertaken with the homeowner. It is always an incredible pleasure to assist in turning a wine cellar dream into a reality. The Homeowner's vision was to create this entire underground space from scratch. A stunning wooden grille covers the cooling unit face inside the contemporary wine cellar. The Modern feel and design of this wine room, heightened by a very clean, contemporary room feel itself, metal 'Contempo' wine racking, and straight lines throughout, is becoming more popular in chic homes throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, and San Diego Counties alike. Upon walking down the staircase into the modern wine cellar, a backlit horizontal display wall greets you with wines more suitable for drinking now. This space is not temperature and humidity controlled. Walk a few more feet down the staircase, however, and feast your eyes on this beautiful, contemporary showpiece wine cellar. The custom wine cellar design incorporates a mixture of wooden, metal, and glass features with backlit wine showcasing walls, roll out shelving, individual bottle storage, high reveal angled bottle display, wine case storage space, diamond bins, and even a cigar humidor. The sleek design of the metal wine racking enables the homeowner to match the contemporary house design with their newly installed wine cellar. The cork forward design section presents a library style wall where the wines can be easily categorized and organized. Additionally, the beautiful beige marble countertops and tabletop centered in the room lend a fantastic spots to decant wine, set out a cheese and charcuterie plate and invite some friends over for a great night together. Cheers! Vintage Cellars has built gorgeous custom wine cellars and wine storage rooms across the United States and World for over 25 years. We are your go-to business for anything wine cellar and wine storage related! Whether you're interested in a wine closet, wine racking, custom wine racks, a custom wine cellar door, or a cooling system for your existing space, Vintage Cellars has you covered! We carry all kinds of wine cellar cooling and refrigeration systems, incuding: Breezaire, CellarCool, WhisperKool, Wine Guardian, CellarPro and Commercial systems. We also carry many types of Wine Refrigerators, Wine Cabinets, and wine racking types, including La Cache, Marvel, N'Finity, Transtherm, Vinotheque, Vintage Series, Credenza, Walk in wine rooms, Climadiff, Riedel, Fontenay, and VintageView. Vintage Cellars also does work in many styles, including Contemporary and Modern, Rustic, Farmhouse, Traditional, Craftsman, Industrial, Mediterranean, Mid-Century, Industrial and Eclectic. Some locations we cover often include: San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Corona Del Mar, Del Mar, La Jolla, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Huntington Beach, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Orange County, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Bel Air, Los Angeles, Encinitas, Cardiff, Coronado, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, San Marino, Ladera Heights, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Westwood, Hancock Park, Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove, Laguna Niguel, Torrey Pines, Thousand Oaks, Coto De Caza, Coronado Island, San Francisco, Danville, Walnut Creek, Marin, Tiburon, Hillsborough, Berkeley, Oakland, Napa, Sonoma, Agoura Hills, Hollywood Hills, Laurel Canyon, Sausalito, Mill Valley, San Rafael, Piedmont, Paso Robles, Carmel, Pebble Beach Contact Vintage Cellars today with any of your Wine Cellar needs! (800) 876-8789 Vintage Cellars 904 Rancheros Drive San Marcos, California 92069 (800) 876-8789

In the railing industry, there are many kinds of infill systems. Viewrail is thrilled to introduce a few new infill systems to the market. One of those new systems incorporates stainless steel rods. Like cable railing, rods run horizontally. Though they are thicker than cable, rods are also still able to provide a clean and clear view. Our rods are 3/8″, and give incredible strength to any system. In addition to strength, rods have a contemporary feel that pair well with modern designs. This project uses our rods with a hard maple mission-style handrail to provide ample contrast and visual interest. Furthermore, we were able to design a custom starting post for the customer to keep the bottom rods from touching the tops of the treads. Finally, we provided the customer with split foot covers that could slide around the base of the posts. Here at Viewrail, we equipped and excited to help with customizations that help you achieve your dream design. Our stainless steel rods will be available for purchase on the website soon. However, if you are interested in a stainless steel rod system, you may fill out this simple contact form to get an order started. We look forward to working with you!

From 2020 to 2022 we had the opportunity to work with this wonderful client building in Altadore. We were so fortunate to help them build their family dream home. They wanted to add some fun pops of color and make it their own. So we implemented green and blue tiles into the bathrooms. The kitchen is extremely fashion forward with open shelves on either side of the hoodfan, and the wooden handles throughout. There are nodes to mid century modern in this home that give it a classic look. Our favorite details are the stair handrail, and the natural flagstone fireplace. The fun, cozy upper hall reading area is a reader’s paradise. This home is both stylish and perfect for a young busy family.

Inspiration for an unfinished industrial wooden stainable, solid and sliding single-panel and universal hallway remodel in Toronto