This exquisite master suite combines rough hewn reclaimed wood, custom milled reclaimed fir, VG fir, hot rolled steel, custom barn doors, stone, concrete counters and hearths and limestone plaster for a truly one of kind space. The suite's entrance hall showcases three gorgeous barn doors hand made from from reclaimed jarrah and fir. Behind one of the doors is the office, which was designed to precisely suit my clients' needs. The built in's house a small desk, Sub Zero undercounter refrigerator and Miele built in espresso machine. The leather swivel chairs, slate and iron end tables from a Montana artist and dual function ottomans keep the space very usable while still beautiful. The walls are painted in dry erase paint, allowing every square inch of wall space to be used for business strategizing and planning. The limestone plaster fireplace warms the space and brings another texture to the room. Through another barn door is the stunning 20' x 23' master bedroom. The VG fir beams have a channel routed in the top containing LED rope light, illuminating the soaring VG fir ceiling. The bronze chandelier from France is a free form shape, providing contrast to all the horizontal lines in the room. The show piece is definitely the 150 year old reclaimed jarrah wood used on the bed wall. The gray tones coordinate beautifully with all the warmth from the fir. We custom designed the panelized fireplace surround with inset wood storage in hot rolled steel. The cantilevered concrete hearth adds depth to the sleek steel. Opposite the bed is a fir 18' wide bifold door, allowing my outdoor-loving clients to feel as one with their gorgeous property. The final space is a dream bath suite, with sauna, steam shower, sunken tub, fireplace and custom vanities. The glazed wood vanities were designed with all drawers to maximize function. We topped the vanities with antique corbels and a reclaimed fir soffit and corner column for a dramatic design. The corner column houses spring loaded magnetic doors, hiding away all the bathroom necessities that require plugs. The concrete countertop on the vanities has integral sinks and a low profile contemporary design. The soaking tub is sunk into a bed of Mexican beach pebbles and clad in reclaimed jarrah and steel. The custom steel and tile fireplace is beautiful and warms the bathroom nicely on cool Pacific Northwest days. www.cascadepromedia.com

The new bluestone walkway gracefully curves up to a wide landing in front of the multi-terraced stoop creating additional accessibility from the sidewalk. Strategically placed annual beds and containers provide transitional color throughout the seasons.

The owners of this farmhouse were tempted to sell their home and move to Florida. They decided they would stay if they could remodel to accommodate main floor living with a new master suite and an enlarged family room. A design with three additions enabled us to make all the changes they requested. One addition created the master suite, the second was a five-foot bump out in the family room, and the third is a breezeway addition connecting the garage to the main house. Special features include a master bath with a no-threshold shower and floating vanity. Windows are strategically placed throughout to allow views to the outdoor swimming pool.

The client was looking for a complete renovation of the kitchen with sleek lines and simple aesthetics paired with a pale color palette. The partial removal of the shared kitchen / dining room, and kitchen / living room walls achieved the open concept. White, high gloss, glass and chrome finishes throughout the kitchen created a bright refreshing space with a modern esthetic. The bright white was contrasted with dark luxury vinyl flooring that resists wear and tear better than hardwoods. Strategically placed lighting is both functional and adds to the beauty of this kitchen gathering place.

The use of thick white oak vertical and horizontal members strategically placed throughout the cabinetry provided an interesting inset appearance to otherwise strictly overlay faceframeless casework. During the cabinetry installation there was much fitting to be done to precisely match the conditions of the walls, ceilings and floor. It seems hard to believe, but this is even more difficult to do in smaller kitchens. All the same elements, just in a smaller space.

A riverfront property is a desirable piece of property duet to its proximity to a waterway and parklike setting. The value in this renovation to the customer was creating a home that allowed for maximum appreciation of the outside environment and integrating the outside with the inside, and this design achieved this goal completely. To eliminate the fishbowl effect and sight-lines from the street the kitchen was strategically designed with a higher counter top space, wall areas were added and sinks and appliances were intentional placement. Open shelving in the kitchen and wine display area in the dining room was incorporated to display customer's pottery. Seating on two sides of the island maximize river views and conversation potential. Overall kitchen/dining/great room layout designed for parties, etc. - lots of gathering spots for people to hang out without cluttering the work triangle. Eliminating walls in the ensuite provided a larger footprint for the area allowing for the freestanding tub and larger walk-in closet. Hardwoods, wood cabinets and the light grey colour pallet were carried through the entire home to integrate the space.

Inspired by the Louisiana architecture of A. Hays Town, this client set out to replicate a Louisiana courtyard in the midst of this creekside estate. A pool was the centerpiece of the design, and it was anchored by an antique brick clad spa. The spa, strategically placed on the home's main axis, was specifically purposed to replicate a courtyard fountain. The vegetation includes a mixture of trimmed boxwood hedges, ferns, and azaleas, as well as a variety of other broad leafed plants. The potted plants add seasonal interest and year-round decor. This project also features the best in outdoor living. A copper screened cabana house includes an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and temperature controls for year round comfort. There is an outdoor firepit and seating area, sheltered by a vine covered trellis.

Tropical islands are the focal point for the design build of the acreage behind this stunning, Mediterranean-style home. The hardscape features a three level pool, including a toddler pool and a wading pool. Starting at the reef, there are three leaf petal loungers which allow you to recline in four to six inches of water at your feet. Limestone holy boulders are placed strategically along the edge for a natural element. A beautiful blend of earthy colors within the flagstone create a natural and rustic pool deck. All of the steps and bench seating inside the pool are also made of flagstone (custom fabricated flagstone coping for this project was completed on site). The toddler pool features fiber optic lighting which was installed at the bottom of the pool in the gunnite shell to create the reflection of a starry, celestial sky (fiber optic lighting can be used to create any number of shapes or constellations). An infinity edge crashes over beautiful stone and tile work, falling into a wading pool below. Another special feature is a water feature of riverstone cobbles sitting below dancing flames. Large stepping stones alongside this feature lead you to a lounge pool deck creating the feeling of an island retreat. Limestone slabs were used for a path of steps that take you through the landscaping back to the main house. A gazebo was added to hold an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor shower and a pool house with restrooms. All of the outdoor features are automated, allowing you to operate water temperature, fire features, water features, even the music and lighting from your smartphone.

A prostrate native salvia and succulent Rock Purslane fill the parkway with fragrance and dancing blooms and are impossible to walk by without smiling.

The pool platform is strategically located a half flight down from the veranda level to create better connectivity to the main floor. This platform was also pulled away from the house to allow natural light to penetrate the basement level which contains adjoining spaces for family life such as the spa and TV room. Flying stairs provide wide access to the pool level and help define a stone veneered exterior corridor beneath the basement periphery. Photography by Sam Gray.

Lisa Konz Photography This was such a fun project working with these clients who wanted to take an old school, traditional lake house and update it. We moved the kitchen from the previous location to the breakfast area to create a more open space floor plan. We also added ship lap strategically to some feature walls and columns. The color palette we went with was navy, black, tan and cream. The decorative and central feature of the kitchen tile and family room rug really drove the direction of this project. With plenty of light once we moved the kitchen and white walls, we were able to go with dramatic black cabinets. The solid brass pulls added a little drama, but the light reclaimed open shelves and cross detail on the island kept it from getting too fussy and clean white Quartz countertops keep the kitchen from feeling too dark. There previously wasn't a fireplace so added one for cozy winter lake days with a herringbone tile surround and reclaimed beam mantle. To ensure this family friendly lake house can withstand the traffic, we added sunbrella slipcovers to all the upholstery in the family room. The back screened porch overlooks the lake and dock and is ready for an abundance of extended family and friends to enjoy this beautiful updated and classic lake home.

SPACE CORNER is a strategic way to store all your essentials neatly, yet still make your drawer look rather chic. Photo credits: Fauzi Anuar of http://www.zeeandmarina.com and ICON Interior.

This Lafayette, California, modern farmhouse is all about laid-back luxury. Designed for warmth and comfort, the home invites a sense of ease, transforming it into a welcoming haven for family gatherings and events. This powder room is adorned with artful tiles, a neutral palette, and a sleek vanity. The expansive mirror and strategic lighting create an open and inviting ambience.

These particular clients are from San Francisco and hired us to decorate their second home in Mission Beach. The goal of this project was to decorate in such a way that accommodated the family for their uses, and also renters while they are away. Window treatments, decor, bedding and furniture were strategically procured with both users in mind. Enjoy the pictures!

This large expanse of lawn needed a major make over. Designer added many color full water wise shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennials. Took out 85% of existing lawn and added a new patio, steps, garden with grow boxes and strategic screens too. Designed for maximum enjoyment and preserving/enhancing their views while saving much water and maintenance. Rick Laughlin, APLD

A riverfront property is a desirable piece of property duet to its proximity to a waterway and parklike setting. The value in this renovation to the customer was creating a home that allowed for maximum appreciation of the outside environment and integrating the outside with the inside, and this design achieved this goal completely. To eliminate the fishbowl effect and sight-lines from the street the kitchen was strategically designed with a higher counter top space, wall areas were added and sinks and appliances were intentional placement. Open shelving in the kitchen and wine display area in the dining room was incorporated to display customer's pottery. Seating on two sides of the island maximize river views and conversation potential. Overall kitchen/dining/great room layout designed for parties, etc. - lots of gathering spots for people to hang out without cluttering the work triangle. Eliminating walls in the ensuite provided a larger footprint for the area allowing for the freestanding tub and larger walk-in closet. Hardwoods, wood cabinets and the light grey colour pallet were carried through the entire home to integrate the space.

Set in a wildflower-filled mountain meadow, this Tuscan-inspired home is given a few design twists, incorporating the local mountain home flavor with modern design elements. The plan of the home is roughly 4500 square feet, and settled on the site in a single level. A series of ‘pods’ break the home into separate zones of use, as well as creating interesting exterior spaces. Clean, contemporary lines work seamlessly with the heavy timbers throughout the interior spaces. An open concept plan for the great room, kitchen, and dining acts as the focus, and all other spaces radiate off that point. Bedrooms are designed to be cozy, with lots of storage with cubbies and built-ins. Natural lighting has been strategically designed to allow diffused light to filter into circulation spaces. Exterior materials of historic planking, stone, slate roofing and stucco, along with accents of copper add a rich texture to the home. The use of these modern and traditional materials together results in a home that is exciting and unexpected. (photos by Shelly Saunders)

This homeowner is a local shop keeper and interior designer in Geneva, who exudes style and a has a great eye for interiors. There was no doubt that we had to create a space that showcased her favorite decorative accents and heirlooms. A myriad of display cabinets were artfully fitted into the design which delightfully boasts her family’s keepsakes. The refrigerator, strategically hidden within the wall, is a millwork backdrop – Not standing in the way, like refrigerators are famous for. The kitchen a visual work of art amid the ordinary tasks of cooking and tidying. Project specs: Appliances by Gaggenau, Walnut island with natural quartzite countertops. Limestone countertops on the perimeter’s white painted cabinets. Photo Bruce Van Inwegen

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