This kitchen, with its breathtaking view of Walker Point in Kennebunkport, ME, is an escape from the monotony of everyday life. White walls, a neutral backsplash and a light countertop keep this traditional kitchen bright and airy. Rich, full overlay walnut cabinetry, finished in Cocoa, add interest and depth to the space. The Vogue door used with the perimeter cabinetry gives the space a certain understated elegance. The kitchen island, finished in dove white with 3˝ vogue doors on maple, contrast nicely with the rest of the kitchen. Deep, full-extension drawers in the end of the island, hold pots, pans and other cookware and are accessible any time they are needed. The island is a prime work station, but with a beautiful walnut countertop extension, it also doubles as a great spot to entertain guests. Not only does this traditional kitchen have just the right amount of work stations and ample room for family and friends, but it also has glass front cabinets with x-front mullion for displaying fine glassware and china. Though serene, this kitchen doesn't sacrifice style. It is a blissful escape from the everyday pressures and stresses of life, found right inside the comfort of home.

This custom estate was built on a beautiful 12 acre lot just outside the city of Frederick, MD. This was a custom home with an extra large 2 car detached garage. The home is 2000 square feet all on one level with a walk out basement. It has a large composite deck with an attached covered screened in porch. The screened in porch will be the first place to go from a busy day at work to take in the beauty of the mountains and let the stress melt away. The charcoal gray exterior turned out beautiful with the stone selection. It all fits very well on top of the mountain.

This custom estate was built on a beautiful 12 acre lot just outside the city of Frederick, MD. This was a custom home with an extra large 2 car detached garage. The home is 2000 square feet all on one level with a walk out basement. It has a large composite deck with an attached covered screened in porch. The screened in porch will be the first place to go from a busy day at work to take in the beauty of the mountains and let the stress melt away. The charcoal gray exterior turned out beautiful with the stone selection. It all fits very well on top of the mountain.

Located in the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York, this stunning A-frame Cabin is the perfect retreat from busy city life. With 2,072 total square feet, the cabin has two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, two living spaces, a kitchen, an office, a laundry room, and a mudroom. This modern timber frame is sleek and stunning inside and out. The exterior is bold, with a striking contrast between the black metal roof and the warm tones of Douglas Fir wood siding. Large windows strategically placed on each side of the home highlight the surrounding landscape's beauty. Open the front door, and it's easy to imagine stepping into this cabin to unplug and reset. Upon entering the space, the classic white and natural wood combination gives a fresh, clean, calming vibe. The first floor features an open living space with a massive bank of windows letting natural light flood the room. The concealed (or hidden) kitchen design creates a clutter-free look. Right off the kitchen are sliding doors where you can step outside and relax on the ground-level deck. You'll find the primary bedroom and bath near the back of the home. The bathroom has a freestanding tub where you can truly soak in the beautiful views of the forest. Climb the floating stairs to the loft, passing beneath the web pendant light, and you'll find a guest bedroom on one side and additional living space to relax or create on the other. The desk space with a large lookout window is the perfect setting to spark creativity. A frameless glass railing in the loft is a unique touch that creates a great sense of spaciousness throughout the home. This A-Frame cabin is the perfect example of a minimalist aesthetic that allows nature to be the focal design element. The timber's natural warmth and texture play a key role in achieving biophilic design. Biophilic design is a philosophy and architectural practice that connects people with nature in built environments. It incorporates natural elements into spaces to improve health and well-being. Shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive performance, incorporating wood is an important aspect to consider when designing your home. The structure type of this home is a timber frame. Timber frame construction relies on mortise and tenon (or wood-to-wood) joinery to bring everything together aesthetically and structurally. This traditional method is known for longevity and creates a strong and attractive space.

This country kitchen is a great combination of new and recycled material. The exposed wooden beams are part of the original kitchen and we used the natural wood to tie together the farmhouse style and the color palette. Our Caves Millwork Custom Cabinetry Brand handcrafted the painted sage green cabinetry to complement the creamy white cabinets. -Allison Caves, CKD Caves Kitchens

SBS, commonly known as Flat roof does not have to be flat. Slope can range from dead-level (except single-ply) up to and including vertical; the choice of membrane combination and its suitability to a particular slope is governed by the type of deck, insulation and fastening capability, application method, perceived stresses on the membrane, and its required finish. For more information and to discuss your options, please consult your Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd

Our local Caves Millwork Custom Cabinetry brand built these columns to complement the homeowner's existing furniture piece. They also built the back panel to fit on the piece and perfectly match the cabinetry style.

Designing a Health-Focused Home Living Space Designing a health-focused home living space is more than just arranging furniture and choosing colors; it's about creating an environment that promotes physical well-being, mental clarity, and overall wellness. As we spend more time at home, especially in the wake of recent global shifts towards remote work and lifestyle changes, the importance of our living spaces in supporting our health has never been greater. Here are some key considerations when designing a health-oriented home. Natural Light and Air Quality Natural light plays a crucial role in our health, affecting everything from our sleep patterns to our mood. When designing your home, prioritize spaces that allow for ample sunlight. Large windows, skylights, and strategically placed mirrors can help maximize natural light. In rooms where natural light is limited, consider using full-spectrum lighting that mimics daylight to support your circadian rhythms. Air quality is another critical factor in a health-focused home. Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air due to various factors like off-gassing from furniture, household cleaners, and poor ventilation. Incorporating plants that are known to purify air, such as spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies, can help improve indoor air quality. Additionally, ensure your home is well-ventilated by using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and consider investing in air purifiers, especially if you live in an area with high pollution levels. Ergonomic Furniture and Movement Spaces The furniture you choose and how you arrange it can significantly impact your physical health. Ergonomic furniture, especially in workspaces, can help prevent strain and injury. Adjustable desks, supportive chairs, and monitor stands can contribute to better posture and reduced risk of musculoskeletal issues. Incorporating spaces that encourage movement is also important. For example, a small home gym or a yoga corner can serve as a dedicated area for physical activity. Even in smaller spaces, you can create movement opportunities by ensuring there’s enough room to stretch or do simple exercises. Open floor plans or multipurpose spaces that can be easily reconfigured for different activities can help integrate movement into daily life. Mindful and Minimalist Design A clutter-free environment is conducive to mental clarity and relaxation. Mindful and minimalist design principles focus on creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing without being overwhelming. Start by decluttering and organizing your belongings, keeping only what you need and what brings you joy. Choose furniture and decor that are simple, natural, and calming. Materials like wood, stone, and natural fibers not only add a touch of nature to your home but also tend to have fewer chemicals than synthetic materials. Neutral color palettes with accents of soothing colors like blues and greens can help create a tranquil atmosphere. Sleep and Restful Areas A significant part of health-focused design is creating spaces that promote restful sleep. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary that encourages relaxation. Invest in a good-quality mattress and pillows that support your body. Blackout curtains, soundproofing, and maintaining a cool room temperature can also contribute to better sleep quality. In addition to the bedroom, consider creating other restful areas in your home where you can unwind, meditate, or practice mindfulness. A cozy reading nook, a meditation space, or even a comfortable chair by a window can serve as your personal retreat. Incorporating Nature and Green Spaces Finally, integrating elements of nature into your living space can have a profound impact on your health. Biophilic design, which connects indoor environments with nature, has been shown to reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being. This can be as simple as adding more houseplants, incorporating natural materials, or even installing a small indoor water feature. If you have outdoor space, create a garden or a patio where you can relax and enjoy fresh air. Even a small balcony can be transformed into a green oasis with the right plants and seating. By thoughtfully designing your living space with health in mind, you create an environment that not only looks beautiful but also supports your physical and mental well-being.

The owners wanted a modern country house, but with a touch of distinction. They had been living with the original construction finishes for ten years and were ready for something special, something that felt personalized and intentional. They had spent months searching for inspiration, and when we sat down together, one thing was clear: they wanted warmth, natural materials, and a level of craftsmanship that could be seen and felt. The kitchen became the heart of the transformation. Custom white oak cabinets with vertical grain and black hardware set the tone: natural, organic, and sophisticated. We designed them to reach the ceiling, maximizing storage space and creating striking vertical lines. The black soapstone countertops and backsplash contrast with the warmth of the wood, while the enormous island with its polished stone countertop became the family’s new gathering place. Regarding the vaulted ceiling with exposed beams, we opened it up during the demolition and found a beautiful existing structure that had been hidden behind drywall. Instead of covering it up again, we celebrated it with those robust wooden beams that anchor the entire space. The brass accessories and sconces provide the necessary warmth and glamour without being overwhelming. These are the details that elevate the rustic style to something more refined. But what truly stands out is the master bathroom. The symmetrical layout with matching white oak vanities flanking an arched doorway leading to the shower is pure architectural drama. Through that arch, you glimpse the white-tiled bathroom: a spa-like sanctuary with a freestanding bathtub and walk-in shower that makes you feel miles away from the stresses of daily life. The herringbone brick-patterned tile floor adds texture and earthy tones to the space, while the open shelving of the vanities provides light and accessibility. And those brass faucets and ceramic sconces? Perfection. At Evergreen, we believe that what good design should achieve is making you want to be at home. We create the difference between house and home.

After completing The Victoria Crest Residence we used this plan model for more homes after, because of it's success in the floorpan and overall design. The home offers expansive decks along the back of the house as well as a rooftop deck. Our flat panel walnut cabinets plays in with our clean line scheme. The creative process for our window layout is given much care along with interior lighting selection. We cannot stress how important lighting is to our company. Our wrought iron and wood floating staircase system is designed in house with much care. This open floorpan provides space for entertaining on both the main and upstair levels. This home has a large master suite with a walk in closet and free standing tub. Photography: Layne Freedle

https://bit.ly/2BXMQxo The next benefit of using cork flooring is that this type of flooring offers a higher level of comfort. The structure of cork is such that it is made up of hundreds of millions of tiny cells packed closely together. These cells are air pockets can absorb shockwaves or pressure, so walking on this flooring not only relieves stress on your joints but also helps to reduce the weariness that is brought on when you walk a lot over a hard surface. If you suffer from knee pain or any joint pain, you will find that walking over a cork floor is so much easier than walking over, say a ceramic tile floor.

Ecosystem Ponds are the crown jewel of the Water Feature world. They soon become the centerpiece of your landscape. These low-maintenance, natural-looking water gardens work with Mother Nature, not against her, to stay clean and clear without using chemicals or UV sterilizers or anything artificial. The key is the symbiotic relationship between the Pond Fish, the beneficial bacteria, and the Aquatic Plants. There is no sound in nature quite as relaxing as moving, falling water. It soothes away your stress at the end of a long day and you instantly start to feel more relaxed. Watching the Koi and other Pond Fish gracefully swimming around and nibbling from the underwater rocks and gravel can be almost hypnotizing. A variety of birds come to drink and bathe in the stream and colorful dragonflies flit here and there on mosquito patrol. Water lilies bloom in almost every color you can imagine and you'll soon see that frogs really DO sit on lily pads! Having one of these Ponds in your landscape is like coming home every day to a private vacation retreat right in your own backyard! Texas Ponds and Water Features creates some of the most beautiful and natural looking Ecosystem Ponds and Water Gardens in the Austin and Central Texas area. We also work in the Houston, Southeast Texas area and almost anywhere in between. Working with only natural stone, our specialists craft waterfalls and ponds that look as if they had been carved by the hand of nature. Our two main pond guys have over 27 years of experience between them. We are at the Master level of Certified Aquascape Contractors--among the best in the world at what we do. Contact us today to get started on your own backyard paradise.

This is a brand new custom home we built for some clients at Cowichan Lake. It has been built with SIPS panels (Structurally Insulated Panel System) from Insulspan. This is an alternative to traditional stick framing that is a prefabricated wall system that is a six inch wall made of wood and filled with styrofoam. The exterior of the home uses a combination of brick, stucco, tile, and an amazing vertical charred cedar exterior cladding. With the help of Chris Wiebe from Energy Experts who is our energy advisor the home has achieved level 4 in the step code which means it is super energy efficient and super air tight. The home has a great flow and has ikea kitchens, quartz countertops, and some incredible lighting solutions the client had imported from China. These clients have a wonderful modern sense of style and were very patient with us through the building process. Building a home like this is a trying process. Getting out of the ground was a challenge and the unconventional exterior cladding choices caused some stress along the way.

Adding a spa to a swimming pool takes your backyard to a completely different level. Your heated inground spa with therapeutic jets can melt all of your stress away. Riverbend Sandler custom spas are second to none.

Ecosystem Ponds are the crown jewel of the Water Feature world. They soon become the centerpiece of your landscape. These low-maintenance, natural-looking water gardens work with Mother Nature, not against her, to stay clean and clear without using chemicals or UV sterilizers or anything artificial. The key is the symbiotic relationship between the Pond Fish, the beneficial bacteria, and the Aquatic Plants. There is no sound in nature quite as relaxing as moving, falling water. It soothes away your stress at the end of a long day and you instantly start to feel more relaxed. Watching the Koi and other Pond Fish gracefully swimming around and nibbling from the underwater rocks and gravel can be almost hypnotizing. A variety of birds come to drink and bathe in the stream and colorful dragonflies flit here and there on mosquito patrol. Water lilies bloom in almost every color you can imagine and you'll soon see that frogs really DO sit on lily pads! Having one of these Ponds in your landscape is like coming home every day to a private vacation retreat right in your own backyard! Texas Ponds and Water Features creates some of the most beautiful and natural looking Ecosystem Ponds and Water Gardens in the Austin and Central Texas area. We also work in the Houston, Southeast Texas area and almost anywhere in between. Working with only natural stone, our specialists craft waterfalls and ponds that look as if they had been carved by the hand of nature. Our two main pond guys have over 27 years of experience between them. We are at the Master level of Certified Aquascape Contractors--among the best in the world at what we do. Contact us today to get started on your own backyard paradise.

The kitchen was dark overall and the cherry cabinets had darkened over time and paired with a black granite countertop, left them wanting. Avid coffee drinkers, a morning espresso for the pair was a must have. Their favorite coffee machine was important in their kitchen; however they didn’t love that it was visible on the counter even when not in use. A large peninsula separated the eat-in dining area, putting a barrier between the cook and guests. The island, while large, was two levels, and limited the work area because of the raised area. Finally, a nearby business center ended up being a catch-all, causing stress for this organized duo. After living in the home for a bit, they wanted to take the kitchen and make it theirs. The new kitchen design features white maple cabinets with a quartzite countertop in the color Taj Mahal. The slightly larger island eliminates the peninsula so that it feels open and cohesive, while butcher block countertops on either side of the range provide a beautiful and functional option. Additional cabinets, hidden behind the chairs on the back of the island provide additional storage options for specialty dishes. Large matte black pendant lights with brass interiors hang over the island and dining area. Wooden and wire pot racks enclose the island pendants for a fun and attractive way to store cooking pans. Overall, the kitchen color profile is much lighter than before with white subway tiles on the backsplash. A touch of whimsy in the design can be found in the form of a small nod to New England’s Cape Cod with a custom tile map over the range that they picked up in their travels. A creamy beadboard ceiling gives the room a beautiful custom look while staying on theme. A favorite feature is the appliance garage that holds their ever-important espresso machine but hides it away when not in use. Little details like their pop-up outlets make a big splash with everyday use, while the built-in cabinets in the hallway offer additional kitchen storage, book storage and display cabinets at the top complete with special lighting.

After completing The Victoria Crest Residence we used this plan model for more homes after, because of it's success in the floorpan and overall design. The home offers expansive decks along the back of the house as well as a rooftop deck. Our flat panel walnut cabinets plays in with our clean line scheme. The creative process for our window layout is given much care along with interior lighting selection. We cannot stress how important lighting is to our company. Our wrought iron and wood floating staircase system is designed in house with much care. This open floorpan provides space for entertaining on both the main and upstair levels. This home has a large master suite with a walk in closet and free standing tub. Photography: Layne Freedle

After completing The Victoria Crest Residence we used this plan model for more homes after, because of it's success in the floorpan and overall design. The home offers expansive decks along the back of the house as well as a rooftop deck. Our flat panel walnut cabinets plays in with our clean line scheme. The creative process for our window layout is given much care along with interior lighting selection. We cannot stress how important lighting is to our company. Our wrought iron and wood floating staircase system is designed in house with much care. This open floorpan provides space for entertaining on both the main and upstair levels. This home has a large master suite with a walk in closet and free standing tub. Photography: Layne Freedle

After completing The Victoria Crest Residence we used this plan model for more homes after, because of it's success in the floorpan and overall design. The home offers expansive decks along the back of the house as well as a rooftop deck. Our flat panel walnut cabinets plays in with our clean line scheme. The creative process for our window layout is given much care along with interior lighting selection. We cannot stress how important lighting is to our company. Our wrought iron and wood floating staircase system is designed in house with much care. This open floorpan provides space for entertaining on both the main and upstair levels. This home has a large master suite with a walk in closet and free standing tub. Photography: Layne Freedle