Our clients wish list was fairly simple: a small, traditional pool with a raised spa. They wanted enough deck space for light entertaining around the pool, but due to their generous covered veranda, they did not require much more than that. Oh--and a little yard space for the dog! The entire design was really driven by a very strong central sight line through the house, all the way from the front door. Using this as the center-line for the pool, we pushed the pool as far toward the rear property line as code would allow and then created the main focal feature of the project: a seven-foot-tall limestone and cast stone wall, with a laser-cut steel sculpture, created the project designer. The cast stone columns and center arch echo the architecture of the home and create the perfect backdrop for the raised spa. The same wrought-iron gas lanterns used at the front entry of the home are repeated on columns here. The color palette is subtle and classic, much like the interior of the home and the decor within the grand veranda directly adjacent the pool. 18"x30" blocks of limestone were used to create the wall at the rear of the property, and harmonizing with the veneer on the home. The pool is finished with Pennsylvania Premier coping, with a bull-nosed edge, shadowed by a 2" band of black granite. The surrounding decks are Travertine pavers in a 'Versailles' pattern, bordered by a 12" band of Pennsylvania stone. The pool utilizes three different glass tiles for a highly customized style. The glass mosaic on the wet deck and in the spa is a custom blend created by the homeowner and the designer. A grey/green Diamondbrite interior finish completes the soft hues that make this project aesthetically soothing to the eye. The homeowner had been through 4 different home builders during the construction of their dream home. Understandably, when it came to the pool, they wanted to be certain they didn't go through the same difficulties and sought out a company with the reputation and the creativity that would exceed their expectations. After seeing our detailed design study for their admittedly "compact space", they knew they had found just the right company.

This waterfront pool project in Beaconsfield reimagines a transitional backyard by fusing timeless warmth with crisp modern geometry. At its heart lies a custom concrete pool whose expansive beach entry pool—also known as a generous tanning ledge—slopes gently into the water, delivering the relaxed feel of a private resort. A frameless glass pool fence with low-iron panels preserves unobstructed lake vistas while ensuring safety, allowing the pool’s shimmering surface to merge visually with the open water beyond. Anchoring the far end of the basin is a dramatic outdoor fire feature that rises directly from the waterline. By day it acts as a sculptural focal point; by night the flames ripple across the water, transforming the space into a show-stopping luxury swimming pool experience. Every contour, drainage line, and equipment specification was shaped by Northstone’s in-house landscape architect design team and executed by our 180-strong crew of specialists, reinforcing our reputation as the go-to Beaconsfield pool builder for bespoke, high-end projects. Because Northstone is an entirely in-house design build firm, we streamline all stages—city permits, excavation, steel placement, shotcrete, and finishing—under a single roof. This turnkey approach distinguishes us among Montreal pool construction companies and ensures flawless craftsmanship in every pour. It is also why clients seeking a custom pool contractor to create a resort-style backyard consistently choose Northstone. That commitment to quality has earned us the #1 ranking for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and the top spot for pool design-build on bestmontrealservices.com. Our work has been showcased in Dwell, House & Home, the Montreal Gazette, and Living Luxe Magazine, underscoring our status as Montreal’s premier high-end pool company for luxury outdoor living on lakefront properties.

This waterfront pool project in Beaconsfield reimagines a transitional backyard by fusing timeless warmth with crisp modern geometry. At its heart lies a custom concrete pool whose expansive beach entry pool—also known as a generous tanning ledge—slopes gently into the water, delivering the relaxed feel of a private resort. A frameless glass pool fence with low-iron panels preserves unobstructed lake vistas while ensuring safety, allowing the pool’s shimmering surface to merge visually with the open water beyond. Anchoring the far end of the basin is a dramatic outdoor fire feature that rises directly from the waterline. By day it acts as a sculptural focal point; by night the flames ripple across the water, transforming the space into a show-stopping luxury swimming pool experience. Every contour, drainage line, and equipment specification was shaped by Northstone’s in-house landscape architect design team and executed by our 180-strong crew of specialists, reinforcing our reputation as the go-to Beaconsfield pool builder for bespoke, high-end projects. Because Northstone is an entirely in-house design build firm, we streamline all stages—city permits, excavation, steel placement, shotcrete, and finishing—under a single roof. This turnkey approach distinguishes us among Montreal pool construction companies and ensures flawless craftsmanship in every pour. It is also why clients seeking a custom pool contractor to create a resort-style backyard consistently choose Northstone. That commitment to quality has earned us the #1 ranking for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and the top spot for pool design-build on bestmontrealservices.com. Our work has been showcased in Dwell, House & Home, the Montreal Gazette, and Living Luxe Magazine, underscoring our status as Montreal’s premier high-end pool company for luxury outdoor living on lakefront properties.

This waterfront pool project in Beaconsfield reimagines a transitional backyard by fusing timeless warmth with crisp modern geometry. At its heart lies a custom concrete pool whose expansive beach entry pool—also known as a generous tanning ledge—slopes gently into the water, delivering the relaxed feel of a private resort. A frameless glass pool fence with low-iron panels preserves unobstructed lake vistas while ensuring safety, allowing the pool’s shimmering surface to merge visually with the open water beyond. Anchoring the far end of the basin is a dramatic outdoor fire feature that rises directly from the waterline. By day it acts as a sculptural focal point; by night the flames ripple across the water, transforming the space into a show-stopping luxury swimming pool experience. Every contour, drainage line, and equipment specification was shaped by Northstone’s in-house landscape architect design team and executed by our 180-strong crew of specialists, reinforcing our reputation as the go-to Beaconsfield pool builder for bespoke, high-end projects. Because Northstone is an entirely in-house design build firm, we streamline all stages—city permits, excavation, steel placement, shotcrete, and finishing—under a single roof. This turnkey approach distinguishes us among Montreal pool construction companies and ensures flawless craftsmanship in every pour. It is also why clients seeking a custom pool contractor to create a resort-style backyard consistently choose Northstone. That commitment to quality has earned us the #1 ranking for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and the top spot for pool design-build on bestmontrealservices.com. Our work has been showcased in Dwell, House & Home, the Montreal Gazette, and Living Luxe Magazine, underscoring our status as Montreal’s premier high-end pool company for luxury outdoor living on lakefront properties.

This waterfront pool project in Beaconsfield reimagines a transitional backyard by fusing timeless warmth with crisp modern geometry. At its heart lies a custom concrete pool whose expansive beach entry pool—also known as a generous tanning ledge—slopes gently into the water, delivering the relaxed feel of a private resort. A frameless glass pool fence with low-iron panels preserves unobstructed lake vistas while ensuring safety, allowing the pool’s shimmering surface to merge visually with the open water beyond. Anchoring the far end of the basin is a dramatic outdoor fire feature that rises directly from the waterline. By day it acts as a sculptural focal point; by night the flames ripple across the water, transforming the space into a show-stopping luxury swimming pool experience. Every contour, drainage line, and equipment specification was shaped by Northstone’s in-house landscape architect design team and executed by our 180-strong crew of specialists, reinforcing our reputation as the go-to Beaconsfield pool builder for bespoke, high-end projects. Because Northstone is an entirely in-house design build firm, we streamline all stages—city permits, excavation, steel placement, shotcrete, and finishing—under a single roof. This turnkey approach distinguishes us among Montreal pool construction companies and ensures flawless craftsmanship in every pour. It is also why clients seeking a custom pool contractor to create a resort-style backyard consistently choose Northstone. That commitment to quality has earned us the #1 ranking for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and the top spot for pool design-build on bestmontrealservices.com. Our work has been showcased in Dwell, House & Home, the Montreal Gazette, and Living Luxe Magazine, underscoring our status as Montreal’s premier high-end pool company for luxury outdoor living on lakefront properties.

This waterfront pool project in Beaconsfield reimagines a transitional backyard by fusing timeless warmth with crisp modern geometry. At its heart lies a custom concrete pool whose expansive beach entry pool—also known as a generous tanning ledge—slopes gently into the water, delivering the relaxed feel of a private resort. A frameless glass pool fence with low-iron panels preserves unobstructed lake vistas while ensuring safety, allowing the pool’s shimmering surface to merge visually with the open water beyond. Anchoring the far end of the basin is a dramatic outdoor fire feature that rises directly from the waterline. By day it acts as a sculptural focal point; by night the flames ripple across the water, transforming the space into a show-stopping luxury swimming pool experience. Every contour, drainage line, and equipment specification was shaped by Northstone’s in-house landscape architect design team and executed by our 180-strong crew of specialists, reinforcing our reputation as the go-to Beaconsfield pool builder for bespoke, high-end projects. Because Northstone is an entirely in-house design build firm, we streamline all stages—city permits, excavation, steel placement, shotcrete, and finishing—under a single roof. This turnkey approach distinguishes us among Montreal pool construction companies and ensures flawless craftsmanship in every pour. It is also why clients seeking a custom pool contractor to create a resort-style backyard consistently choose Northstone. That commitment to quality has earned us the #1 ranking for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and the top spot for pool design-build on bestmontrealservices.com. Our work has been showcased in Dwell, House & Home, the Montreal Gazette, and Living Luxe Magazine, underscoring our status as Montreal’s premier high-end pool company for luxury outdoor living on lakefront properties.

This waterfront pool project in Beaconsfield reimagines a transitional backyard by fusing timeless warmth with crisp modern geometry. At its heart lies a custom concrete pool whose expansive beach entry pool—also known as a generous tanning ledge—slopes gently into the water, delivering the relaxed feel of a private resort. A frameless glass pool fence with low-iron panels preserves unobstructed lake vistas while ensuring safety, allowing the pool’s shimmering surface to merge visually with the open water beyond. Anchoring the far end of the basin is a dramatic outdoor fire feature that rises directly from the waterline. By day it acts as a sculptural focal point; by night the flames ripple across the water, transforming the space into a show-stopping luxury swimming pool experience. Every contour, drainage line, and equipment specification was shaped by Northstone’s in-house landscape architect design team and executed by our 180-strong crew of specialists, reinforcing our reputation as the go-to Beaconsfield pool builder for bespoke, high-end projects. Because Northstone is an entirely in-house design build firm, we streamline all stages—city permits, excavation, steel placement, shotcrete, and finishing—under a single roof. This turnkey approach distinguishes us among Montreal pool construction companies and ensures flawless craftsmanship in every pour. It is also why clients seeking a custom pool contractor to create a resort-style backyard consistently choose Northstone. That commitment to quality has earned us the #1 ranking for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and the top spot for pool design-build on bestmontrealservices.com. Our work has been showcased in Dwell, House & Home, the Montreal Gazette, and Living Luxe Magazine, underscoring our status as Montreal’s premier high-end pool company for luxury outdoor living on lakefront properties.

This waterfront pool project in Beaconsfield reimagines a transitional backyard by fusing timeless warmth with crisp modern geometry. At its heart lies a custom concrete pool whose expansive beach entry pool—also known as a generous tanning ledge—slopes gently into the water, delivering the relaxed feel of a private resort. A frameless glass pool fence with low-iron panels preserves unobstructed lake vistas while ensuring safety, allowing the pool’s shimmering surface to merge visually with the open water beyond. Anchoring the far end of the basin is a dramatic outdoor fire feature that rises directly from the waterline. By day it acts as a sculptural focal point; by night the flames ripple across the water, transforming the space into a show-stopping luxury swimming pool experience. Every contour, drainage line, and equipment specification was shaped by Northstone’s in-house landscape architect design team and executed by our 180-strong crew of specialists, reinforcing our reputation as the go-to Beaconsfield pool builder for bespoke, high-end projects. Because Northstone is an entirely in-house design build firm, we streamline all stages—city permits, excavation, steel placement, shotcrete, and finishing—under a single roof. This turnkey approach distinguishes us among Montreal pool construction companies and ensures flawless craftsmanship in every pour. It is also why clients seeking a custom pool contractor to create a resort-style backyard consistently choose Northstone. That commitment to quality has earned us the #1 ranking for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and the top spot for pool design-build on bestmontrealservices.com. Our work has been showcased in Dwell, House & Home, the Montreal Gazette, and Living Luxe Magazine, underscoring our status as Montreal’s premier high-end pool company for luxury outdoor living on lakefront properties.

This waterfront pool project in Beaconsfield reimagines a transitional backyard by fusing timeless warmth with crisp modern geometry. At its heart lies a custom concrete pool whose expansive beach entry pool—also known as a generous tanning ledge—slopes gently into the water, delivering the relaxed feel of a private resort. A frameless glass pool fence with low-iron panels preserves unobstructed lake vistas while ensuring safety, allowing the pool’s shimmering surface to merge visually with the open water beyond. Anchoring the far end of the basin is a dramatic outdoor fire feature that rises directly from the waterline. By day it acts as a sculptural focal point; by night the flames ripple across the water, transforming the space into a show-stopping luxury swimming pool experience. Every contour, drainage line, and equipment specification was shaped by Northstone’s in-house landscape architect design team and executed by our 180-strong crew of specialists, reinforcing our reputation as the go-to Beaconsfield pool builder for bespoke, high-end projects. Because Northstone is an entirely in-house design build firm, we streamline all stages—city permits, excavation, steel placement, shotcrete, and finishing—under a single roof. This turnkey approach distinguishes us among Montreal pool construction companies and ensures flawless craftsmanship in every pour. It is also why clients seeking a custom pool contractor to create a resort-style backyard consistently choose Northstone. That commitment to quality has earned us the #1 ranking for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and the top spot for pool design-build on bestmontrealservices.com. Our work has been showcased in Dwell, House & Home, the Montreal Gazette, and Living Luxe Magazine, underscoring our status as Montreal’s premier high-end pool company for luxury outdoor living on lakefront properties.

Combining Form and Function of Wine Cellar In collaboration with Chicago based interior designers, Stones Throw Interiors, we were able to provide a speak-easy style wine cellar in a beautiful Chicago high-rise. We combined our expertise and design skills with lead designer, Lonnie Unger, to create this one-of-a-kind experience for our customer. From the wine cellar door and custom wine racks, to the cooling system, we were able to utilize all of our products to their highest potential. Our expertise relies heavily on custom design, so we were delighted to be brought on to this project to showcase our abilities. We are able to build our products to fit any space limitation. Luckily for us, our client had a space with 14′ high ceilings and wanted to utilize as much of the space as possible. Custom Wine Racking Designs We used a classic crossed shelving design that is consistent with the ‘old-world’ speakeasy era. The use of dark Mahogany wood was ideal for this moody and dramatic wine cellar. Keeping with traditional styles, we stuck to our classic X racking technique from top to bottom. This style of racking is consistent with the era that the rest of the project was emulating. Custom Wine Cellar Cooling System One detail that is crucial to the project, is the temperature controlled cooling system. Wine is strongly encouraged to be kept at a strict 55 degrees in order to stay preserved. For collectors, this feature is crucial to maintaining and prolonging the life of each bottle. With such an extensive wine collection, preservation was a top priority while working on this project. Our goal was to ensure that this collection would withstand the test of time. Function and form are fused together with this classic speak-easy style wine cellar. We love working with designers and our clients to create timeless products that are reputable in their appearance and purpose.

Combining Form and Function of Wine Cellar In collaboration with Chicago based interior designers, Stones Throw Interiors, we were able to provide a speak-easy style wine cellar in a beautiful Chicago high-rise. We combined our expertise and design skills with lead designer, Lonnie Unger, to create this one-of-a-kind experience for our customer. From the wine cellar door and custom wine racks, to the cooling system, we were able to utilize all of our products to their highest potential. Our expertise relies heavily on custom design, so we were delighted to be brought on to this project to showcase our abilities. We are able to build our products to fit any space limitation. Luckily for us, our client had a space with 14′ high ceilings and wanted to utilize as much of the space as possible. Custom Wine Racking Designs We used a classic crossed shelving design that is consistent with the ‘old-world’ speakeasy era. The use of dark Mahogany wood was ideal for this moody and dramatic wine cellar. Keeping with traditional styles, we stuck to our classic X racking technique from top to bottom. This style of racking is consistent with the era that the rest of the project was emulating. Custom Wine Cellar Cooling System One detail that is crucial to the project, is the temperature controlled cooling system. Wine is strongly encouraged to be kept at a strict 55 degrees in order to stay preserved. For collectors, this feature is crucial to maintaining and prolonging the life of each bottle. With such an extensive wine collection, preservation was a top priority while working on this project. Our goal was to ensure that this collection would withstand the test of time. Function and form are fused together with this classic speak-easy style wine cellar. We love working with designers and our clients to create timeless products that are reputable in their appearance and purpose.

Combining Form and Function of Wine Cellar In collaboration with Chicago based interior designers, Stones Throw Interiors, we were able to provide a speak-easy style wine cellar in a beautiful Chicago high-rise. We combined our expertise and design skills with lead designer, Lonnie Unger, to create this one-of-a-kind experience for our customer. From the wine cellar door and custom wine racks, to the cooling system, we were able to utilize all of our products to their highest potential. Our expertise relies heavily on custom design, so we were delighted to be brought on to this project to showcase our abilities. We are able to build our products to fit any space limitation. Luckily for us, our client had a space with 14′ high ceilings and wanted to utilize as much of the space as possible. Custom Wine Racking Designs We used a classic crossed shelving design that is consistent with the ‘old-world’ speakeasy era. The use of dark Mahogany wood was ideal for this moody and dramatic wine cellar. Keeping with traditional styles, we stuck to our classic X racking technique from top to bottom. This style of racking is consistent with the era that the rest of the project was emulating. Custom Wine Cellar Cooling System One detail that is crucial to the project, is the temperature controlled cooling system. Wine is strongly encouraged to be kept at a strict 55 degrees in order to stay preserved. For collectors, this feature is crucial to maintaining and prolonging the life of each bottle. With such an extensive wine collection, preservation was a top priority while working on this project. Our goal was to ensure that this collection would withstand the test of time. Function and form are fused together with this classic speak-easy style wine cellar. We love working with designers and our clients to create timeless products that are reputable in their appearance and purpose.

Maple cabinets, blue subway tile, and a green and blue checkered VCT floor give the kitchen a fun, colorful look. Photo by David J. Turner
Kitchen - contemporary galley multicolored floor kitchen idea in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, blue backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

This waterfront pool project in Beaconsfield reimagines a transitional backyard by fusing timeless warmth with crisp modern geometry. At its heart lies a custom concrete pool whose expansive beach entry pool—also known as a generous tanning ledge—slopes gently into the water, delivering the relaxed feel of a private resort. A frameless glass pool fence with low-iron panels preserves unobstructed lake vistas while ensuring safety, allowing the pool’s shimmering surface to merge visually with the open water beyond. Anchoring the far end of the basin is a dramatic outdoor fire feature that rises directly from the waterline. By day it acts as a sculptural focal point; by night the flames ripple across the water, transforming the space into a show-stopping luxury swimming pool experience. Every contour, drainage line, and equipment specification was shaped by Northstone’s in-house landscape architect design team and executed by our 180-strong crew of specialists, reinforcing our reputation as the go-to Beaconsfield pool builder for bespoke, high-end projects. Because Northstone is an entirely in-house design build firm, we streamline all stages—city permits, excavation, steel placement, shotcrete, and finishing—under a single roof. This turnkey approach distinguishes us among Montreal pool construction companies and ensures flawless craftsmanship in every pour. It is also why clients seeking a custom pool contractor to create a resort-style backyard consistently choose Northstone. That commitment to quality has earned us the #1 ranking for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and the top spot for pool design-build on bestmontrealservices.com. Our work has been showcased in Dwell, House & Home, the Montreal Gazette, and Living Luxe Magazine, underscoring our status as Montreal’s premier high-end pool company for luxury outdoor living on lakefront properties.

This is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option! Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

Brista Homes is a reputable development and construction company renowned for their expertise in creating exquisite custom-built homes and remodels in the picturesque Bradenton-Sarasota area. With a strong focus on craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail, Brista Homes has become synonymous with exceptional quality and stunning architectural design. One of the defining features of Brista Homes is their commitment to spacious open designs that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living. Their homes are thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of the surrounding natural beauty, making use of large expanses of glass to maximize the breathtaking foliage and mesmerizing water views that Sarasota, Florida has to offer. These carefully curated designs allow residents to embrace the captivating landscapes from the comfort of their own homes. The strategic placement of windows and glass doors not only fills the interiors with an abundance of natural light but also creates a harmonious connection with the outdoors, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside spaces. Step into a Brista Home, and you'll instantly be greeted by an atmosphere that exudes a sense of openness, airiness, and relaxation. The spacious interiors are characterized by their breezy and bright ambiance, evoking a perpetual feeling of being on a blissful Florida vacation. The integration of expansive windows and glass elements not only provides stunning panoramic views but also invites refreshing breezes to permeate the living spaces, enhancing the overall sense of tranquility and comfort. Every aspect of a Brista Home is meticulously designed to elevate the homeowner's experience. From the carefully chosen materials and finishes to the strategic layout and flow of each room, no detail is overlooked. The homes boast a seamless fusion of contemporary aesthetics and timeless elegance, creating a captivating and inviting atmosphere for residents and their guests. Whether it's the seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living, the abundance of natural light, or the captivating views, Brista Homes has mastered the art of creating residences that embody the true essence of Florida living. With their spacious open designs, breezy interiors, and the allure of beautiful foliage and water views, Brista Homes offers a lifestyle that is both luxurious and harmoniously connected to its surroundings.

'Carmello' tomato growing in a 15-gallon terra-cotta pot, week 1. Photo by Steve Masley
Example of an eclectic home design design in San Francisco

Our clients wish list was fairly simple: a small, traditional pool with a raised spa. They wanted enough deck space for light entertaining around the pool, but due to their generous covered veranda, they did not require much more than that. Oh--and a little yard space for the dog! The entire design was really driven by a very strong central sight line through the house, all the way from the front door. Using this as the center-line for the pool, we pushed the pool as far toward the rear property line as code would allow and then created the main focal feature of the project: a seven-foot-tall limestone and cast stone wall, with a laser-cut steel sculpture, created the project designer. The cast stone columns and center arch echo the architecture of the home and create the perfect backdrop for the raised spa. The same wrought-iron gas lanterns used at the front entry of the home are repeated on columns here. The color palette is subtle and classic, much like the interior of the home and the decor within the grand veranda directly adjacent the pool. 18"x30" blocks of limestone were used to create the wall at the rear of the property, and harmonizing with the veneer on the home. The pool is finished with Pennsylvania Premier coping, with a bull-nosed edge, shadowed by a 2" band of black granite. The surrounding decks are Travertine pavers in a 'Versailles' pattern, bordered by a 12" band of Pennsylvania stone. The pool utilizes three different glass tiles for a highly customized style. The glass mosaic on the wet deck and in the spa is a custom blend created by the homeowner and the designer. A grey/green Diamondbrite interior finish completes the soft hues that make this project aesthetically soothing to the eye. The homeowner had been through 4 different home builders during the construction of their dream home. Understandably, when it came to the pool, they wanted to be certain they didn't go through the same difficulties and sought out a company with the reputation and the creativity that would exceed their expectations. After seeing our detailed design study for their admittedly "compact space", they knew they had found just the right company.

common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), also called annual ragweed or bitterweed. This noxious weed is much smaller, growing to between two and four feet tall. This species of ragweed is very aggressive and will grow in sunnier spots than its larger cousin, Giant Ragweed. It can often invade Bermuda lawns where the soil is compacted and irrigation may be sparse. It produces masses of pollen in late summer and early fall, causing serious allergy problems all across our region. https://soilsalive.com/resources/identification-guide/common-ragweed