This 6-bedroom, 5.5-bath new construction is a study in modern design - clean lines, an open flow and premium finishes carried through every square foot. A grand entry foyer greets you with 11-foot first-floor ceilings and oversized European windows, flooding the space with natural light and creating a bright, airy first impression that sets the tone for the entire home. At the heart of the home, the chef's kitchen blends function with high end design: Thermador appliances, honed Taj Mahal quartz counters, sleek custom cabinetry, a built-in wine refrigerator, dedicated coffee and beverage station, and an oversized walk-in pantry. The open-concept layout flows effortlessly into the family room, where Venetian plaster walls, custom oak shelving, and whole-home built-in speakers create a refined, contemporary living space made for both quiet nights in and entertaining guests. Upstairs, the primary suite is designed as a true private retreat spacious enough for a sitting room or home office, with three walk-in closets, a dedicated vanity area, and a spa-inspired bath featuring modern fixtures and clean tile work. Four additional generously sized bedrooms and a well-appointed laundry room round out the second floor. The fully finished basement, with 10-foot ceilings, extends the home's modern lifestyle even further — a home gym with sauna, a dedicated theater room, a stylish wet bar, open recreation space, and a full bedroom and bathroom suite for guests or extended family. Outside, the backyard is built for indoor-outdoor living with a custom-built outdoor kitchen and space reserved for a future pool, all framed by clean modern landscaping. An oversized 3-car garage completes the home's thoughtful, functional design. From the architecture to the finishes, every element of this home reflects a modern build executed at the highest level sleek, sophisticated, and move in ready.

As this family was moving to Dallas, they needed the guidance of a designer to provide finishing touches to the building process as well as someone to fully furnish their new home. Their desire was to have a new start in an updated transitional and slightly modern style, quite different from their previous home’s modern farmhouse décor. We brought in clean lines, warm textures and an abundance of neutrals to keep a light and airy feel throughout most of the home, reserving some moody tones for the study and a little drama in the guest bath. This home’s new, elevated aesthetic is a perfect balance of beauty, function, light and elegance. It just flows with feelings of comfort and ease!

As this family was moving to Dallas, they needed the guidance of a designer to provide finishing touches to the building process as well as someone to fully furnish their new home. Their desire was to have a new start in an updated transitional and slightly modern style, quite different from their previous home’s modern farmhouse décor. We brought in clean lines, warm textures and an abundance of neutrals to keep a light and airy feel throughout most of the home, reserving some moody tones for the study and a little drama in the guest bath. This home’s new, elevated aesthetic is a perfect balance of beauty, function, light and elegance. It just flows with feelings of comfort and ease!

©2014, MARS Photo and Design/Michael Raffin. All rights reserved.
Enclosed dining room - large traditional carpeted enclosed dining room idea in Detroit with green walls

As this family was moving to Dallas, they needed the guidance of a designer to provide finishing touches to the building process as well as someone to fully furnish their new home. Their desire was to have a new start in an updated transitional and slightly modern style, quite different from their previous home’s modern farmhouse décor. We brought in clean lines, warm textures and an abundance of neutrals to keep a light and airy feel throughout most of the home, reserving some moody tones for the study and a little drama in the guest bath. This home’s new, elevated aesthetic is a perfect balance of beauty, function, light and elegance. It just flows with feelings of comfort and ease!

Interior design by others Our architecture team was proud to design this traditional, cottage inspired home that is tucked within a developed residential location in St. Louis County. The main levels account for 6097 Sq Ft and an additional 1300 Sq Ft was reserved for the lower level. The homeowner requested a unique design that would provide backyard privacy from the street and an open floor plan in public spaces, but privacy in the master suite. Challenges of this home design included a narrow corner lot build site, building height restrictions and corner lot setback restrictions. The floorplan design was tailored to this corner lot and oriented to take full advantage of southern sun in the rear courtyard and pool terrace area. There are many notable spaces and visual design elements of this custom 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom brick cottage home. A mostly brick exterior with cut stone entry surround and entry terrace gardens helps create a cozy feel even before entering the home. Special spaces like a covered outdoor lanai, private southern terrace and second floor study nook create a pleasurable every-day living environment. For indoor entertainment, a lower level rec room, gallery, bar, lounge, and media room were also planned.

©2014, MARS Photo and Design/Michael Raffin. All rights reserved.
Inspiration for a large timeless carpeted enclosed dining room remodel in Detroit with green walls

Daylight is a very important factor that influences plant growth and reproduction. Gardeners need to make sure that they measure the length of daylight hours that a plant gets within a 24-hour period. This way, growth can be monitored and regulated. For sun-loving plants, changes in the length of each day serve as the guide that helps plants transition from vegetative growth to reproductive stages. Changes in seasons and daylight hours have an impact on the adjustment of growth hormones that are responsible for flowering. Therefore, it’s very important for gardeners to make sure that they conduct thorough research on long-season plants that are adapted to extended sunlight exposure. During this research, it’s not uncommon for gardeners to come across topics related to sativa seeds for sale because these plants are studied for their adaptation to bright, extended growing seasons. For gardeners that want to experiment with these kinds of plants, sativa seeds for sale can be a good starting point. But in all cases of plant growth for sun-loving plants, the principle is always the same: it’s that daylight acts as a calendar that plants use so they can determine when it’s time for them to reproduce. Long-Day, Short-Day, and Day-Neutral Responses Different plants have different responses to light cycles. This is why plants are grouped into long-day, short-day, and day-neutral categories. Long-day plants are those plants that thrive when daylight goes beyond the critical threshold. This is mostly common in late spring or early summer. A lot of sun-loving ornamental plants and vegetables fall within this category. They always take advantage of the longer days that support energy-intensive flower and seed production. On the other hand, short-day plants are those that usually flower and thrive when nights grow longer. When temperatures cool or the seasonal rainfall patterns change, these plants tend to thrive. Sure, these plants still require strong sunlight. However, it’s their uninterrupted time in the dark that triggers their reproductive phase. For day-neutral plants, it’s age and environmental stress that impacts their reproductive phase. However, they still do benefit from adequate sunlight. It’s very important for gardeners to understand these categories so that they can plan what to grow in their garden with each turn of the season. By doing this, it’s easier to guarantee better results in one’s garden. Why Sunlight Duration Matters More Than Intensity Alone It’s not only the sun’s intensity that should be taken into account when growing a garden. It’s also very important to take note of sunlight duration, which is actually more important for plants. Sure, light intensity does influence photosynthesis. However, it’s the duration of sunlight exposure that plays an important regulatory role. When plants are exposed to sunlight longer, they are able to produce more carbohydrates through photosynthesis. This helps them build the energy reserves they need to grow buds and flowers. However, if a plant does not get enough sunlight time, there is a huge chance that the plant will not bloom at all. If you have observed plants that grow very quickly but do not flower, the reason is that it doesn’t get enough sunlight time. Therefore, it’s very important to monitor sunlight duration in order to make sure that plants will actually grow buds and flowers. Practical Implications for Garden Planning When gardeners understand the impact of daylight hours on plants, they are able to plan their gardens more effectively. After all, seasons do change and the conditions brought by each season will definitely have a huge impact on plant growth. Once gardeners have the right knowledge in terms of which categories plants belong to, they can easily decide which plants to grow at any given time. It’s not enough to just rely on sunlight intensity and then expect plants to grow buds and flowers. It’s also very important to take into account the duration of sunlight time for each plant. By having this understanding, gardeners will become more effective when it comes to making sure that flowering occurs.

Our architecture team was proud to design this traditional, cottage inspired home that is tucked within a developed residential location in St. Louis County. The main levels account for 6097 Sq Ft and an additional 1300 Sq Ft was reserved for the lower level. The homeowner requested a unique design that would provide backyard privacy from the street and an open floor plan in public spaces, but privacy in the master suite. Challenges of this home design included a narrow corner lot build site, building height restrictions and corner lot setback restrictions. The floorplan design was tailored to this corner lot and oriented to take full advantage of southern sun in the rear courtyard and pool terrace area. There are many notable spaces and visual design elements of this custom 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom brick cottage home. A mostly brick exterior with cut stone entry surround and entry terrace gardens helps create a cozy feel even before entering the home. Special spaces like a covered outdoor lanai, private southern terrace and second floor study nook create a pleasurable every-day living environment. For indoor entertainment, a lower level rec room, gallery, bar, lounge, and media room were also planned.

Interior design by others Our architecture team was proud to design this traditional, cottage inspired home that is tucked within a developed residential location in St. Louis County. The main levels account for 6097 Sq Ft and an additional 1300 Sq Ft was reserved for the lower level. The homeowner requested a unique design that would provide backyard privacy from the street and an open floor plan in public spaces, but privacy in the master suite. Challenges of this home design included a narrow corner lot build site, building height restrictions and corner lot setback restrictions. The floorplan design was tailored to this corner lot and oriented to take full advantage of southern sun in the rear courtyard and pool terrace area. There are many notable spaces and visual design elements of this custom 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom brick cottage home. A mostly brick exterior with cut stone entry surround and entry terrace gardens helps create a cozy feel even before entering the home. Special spaces like a covered outdoor lanai, private southern terrace and second floor study nook create a pleasurable every-day living environment. For indoor entertainment, a lower level rec room, gallery, bar, lounge, and media room were also planned.

Leader Cinema Systems, Inc All World Rights Reserved Created for David Bowie's manager this expansive living room simply needs to be experienced. The talcum powder soft grey hue of the massive concrete structure together with the light play of both direct, diffusive and reflected light creates motion and moving contrast. It has been said that architecture is frozen music.....if so....there is an artistic thaw here on Maui. Artistry..... music, dance, art and literature all are in perfect balance here in paradise. Our LHF technologies are but mere tools, such as an artists brushes. Our systems enable artists and audiences alike the opportunity to both create and experience dimensions in music that is not possible on inferior systems.

Our architecture team was proud to design this traditional, cottage inspired home that is tucked within a developed residential location in St. Louis County. The main levels account for 6097 Sq Ft and an additional 1300 Sq Ft was reserved for the lower level. The homeowner requested a unique design that would provide backyard privacy from the street and an open floor plan in public spaces, but privacy in the master suite. Challenges of this home design included a narrow corner lot build site, building height restrictions and corner lot setback restrictions. The floorplan design was tailored to this corner lot and oriented to take full advantage of southern sun in the rear courtyard and pool terrace area. There are many notable spaces and visual design elements of this custom 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom brick cottage home. A mostly brick exterior with cut stone entry surround and entry terrace gardens helps create a cozy feel even before entering the home. Special spaces like a covered outdoor lanai, private southern terrace and second floor study nook create a pleasurable every-day living environment. For indoor entertainment, a lower level rec room, gallery, bar, lounge, and media room were also planned.

The kitchen is a study in contrasts. All-white perimeter cabinets meld into walls and bulkheads painted the same colour (Benjamin Moore Cloud white), while black areas -- island, sink, table, buffet, and doors -- are strategically placed to draw you into the space. White quartz countertops look sleek and clean, with a stepped edge detail reserved for the island waterfall. The top of the buffet features a unique inlay of diagonal stripes made from remnants of the granite used to make the custom dining table. Aside from being decorative, they hide the fact that a seam was required to construct the countertop. We added loads of glam with gold hardware and plumbing, and a playful brass and marble mosaic backsplash. As a further decorative fluorish, we took advantage of the existing bulkheads and emphasized the tray ceiling zones with a subtle shade of pale blue-grey. Paneling applied to the wall above the banquette adds another layer of detail. A view from the kitchen entrance through to the garden doors, with the veins in the marble-look porcelain tiles directing the flow.

Interior Design Show 2016, Toronto, ON, Canada The windrow table and imbue light were designed and built to showcase our studios unique and adventurous operation. These pieces of sculptural furniture are inspired by elements found in our Manitoba landscape, by the raw material of nature, and our intimate understanding of process. Every component to these pieces was made in house, from the milling and drying of salvaged trees to the forging and machining of custom aluminum parts. The aim is to constantly stretch the limits of materials and seek new methods of making. Imbue Light--200 year old white bur oak salvaged from development sites (trees in areas of development typically are land filled), cast aluminum in wood molds, cast and machined aluminum. The Oak is cut green on our sawmill and then bent into the beautiful folding continuous rings and then dried. The oak is left raw to celebrate the color and strength that this wood has. The aluminum is cast in wood molds, a technique Wood Anchor developed from countless hours of experimenting and becoming familiar with our materials. This leaves the aluminum with a beautiful purple/blue coloring and a texture that is reminiscent rough stone. Areas of the aluminum are polished to contrast the cast pieces and pay homage to the countless hours that we spend perfecting our craft. Windrow Table--150 year old black ash salvaged from urban development (trees in areas of development typically are land filled), sheet aluminum is sculpted and seam welded by hand, the ground and polished. The Ash is selected based on it’s suitability for the piece. It’s then cut on our sawmill, kiln dried and machined into a perfect table top. The aluminum is cut and sculpted by hand using heat. There is no pattern for the piece; the artist creates it from his mind, studying the form as it develops. It is seam welded and the ground and polished by hand paying attention to every detail. 2016 © Ray Chan Photo, All Rights Reserved

Interior Design Show 2016, Toronto, ON, Canada The windrow table and imbue light were designed and built to showcase our studios unique and adventurous operation. These pieces of sculptural furniture are inspired by elements found in our Manitoba landscape, by the raw material of nature, and our intimate understanding of process. Every component to these pieces was made in house, from the milling and drying of salvaged trees to the forging and machining of custom aluminum parts. The aim is to constantly stretch the limits of materials and seek new methods of making. Imbue Light--200 year old white bur oak salvaged from development sites (trees in areas of development typically are land filled), cast aluminum in wood molds, cast and machined aluminum. The Oak is cut green on our sawmill and then bent into the beautiful folding continuous rings and then dried. The oak is left raw to celebrate the color and strength that this wood has. The aluminum is cast in wood molds, a technique Wood Anchor developed from countless hours of experimenting and becoming familiar with our materials. This leaves the aluminum with a beautiful purple/blue coloring and a texture that is reminiscent rough stone. Areas of the aluminum are polished to contrast the cast pieces and pay homage to the countless hours that we spend perfecting our craft. Windrow Table--150 year old black ash salvaged from urban development (trees in areas of development typically are land filled), sheet aluminum is sculpted and seam welded by hand, the ground and polished. The Ash is selected based on it’s suitability for the piece. It’s then cut on our sawmill, kiln dried and machined into a perfect table top. The aluminum is cut and sculpted by hand using heat. There is no pattern for the piece; the artist creates it from his mind, studying the form as it develops. It is seam welded and the ground and polished by hand paying attention to every detail. 2016 © Ray Chan Photo, All Rights Reserved

Interior Design Show 2016, Toronto, ON, Canada The windrow table and imbue light were designed and built to showcase our studios unique and adventurous operation. These pieces of sculptural furniture are inspired by elements found in our Manitoba landscape, by the raw material of nature, and our intimate understanding of process. Every component to these pieces was made in house, from the milling and drying of salvaged trees to the forging and machining of custom aluminum parts. The aim is to constantly stretch the limits of materials and seek new methods of making. Imbue Light--200 year old white bur oak salvaged from development sites (trees in areas of development typically are land filled), cast aluminum in wood molds, cast and machined aluminum. The Oak is cut green on our sawmill and then bent into the beautiful folding continuous rings and then dried. The oak is left raw to celebrate the color and strength that this wood has. The aluminum is cast in wood molds, a technique Wood Anchor developed from countless hours of experimenting and becoming familiar with our materials. This leaves the aluminum with a beautiful purple/blue coloring and a texture that is reminiscent rough stone. Areas of the aluminum are polished to contrast the cast pieces and pay homage to the countless hours that we spend perfecting our craft. Windrow Table--150 year old black ash salvaged from urban development (trees in areas of development typically are land filled), sheet aluminum is sculpted and seam welded by hand, the ground and polished. The Ash is selected based on it’s suitability for the piece. It’s then cut on our sawmill, kiln dried and machined into a perfect table top. The aluminum is cut and sculpted by hand using heat. There is no pattern for the piece; the artist creates it from his mind, studying the form as it develops. It is seam welded and the ground and polished by hand paying attention to every detail. 2016 © Ray Chan Photo, All Rights Reserved

As this family was moving to Dallas, they needed the guidance of a designer to provide finishing touches to the building process as well as someone to fully furnish their new home. Their desire was to have a new start in an updated transitional and slightly modern style, quite different from their previous home’s modern farmhouse décor. We brought in clean lines, warm textures and an abundance of neutrals to keep a light and airy feel throughout most of the home, reserving some moody tones for the study and a little drama in the guest bath. This home’s new, elevated aesthetic is a perfect balance of beauty, function, light and elegance. It just flows with feelings of comfort and ease!

Our architecture team was proud to design this traditional, cottage inspired home that is tucked within a developed residential location in St. Louis County. The main levels account for 6097 Sq Ft and an additional 1300 Sq Ft was reserved for the lower level. The homeowner requested a unique design that would provide backyard privacy from the street and an open floor plan in public spaces, but privacy in the master suite. Challenges of this home design included a narrow corner lot build site, building height restrictions and corner lot setback restrictions. The floorplan design was tailored to this corner lot and oriented to take full advantage of southern sun in the rear courtyard and pool terrace area. There are many notable spaces and visual design elements of this custom 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom brick cottage home. A mostly brick exterior with cut stone entry surround and entry terrace gardens helps create a cozy feel even before entering the home. Special spaces like a covered outdoor lanai, private southern terrace and second floor study nook create a pleasurable every-day living environment. For indoor entertainment, a lower level rec room, gallery, bar, lounge, and media room were also planned.

Interior design by others Our architecture team was proud to design this traditional, cottage inspired home that is tucked within a developed residential location in St. Louis County. The main levels account for 6097 Sq Ft and an additional 1300 Sq Ft was reserved for the lower level. The homeowner requested a unique design that would provide backyard privacy from the street and an open floor plan in public spaces, but privacy in the master suite. Challenges of this home design included a narrow corner lot build site, building height restrictions and corner lot setback restrictions. The floorplan design was tailored to this corner lot and oriented to take full advantage of southern sun in the rear courtyard and pool terrace area. There are many notable spaces and visual design elements of this custom 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom brick cottage home. A mostly brick exterior with cut stone entry surround and entry terrace gardens helps create a cozy feel even before entering the home. Special spaces like a covered outdoor lanai, private southern terrace and second floor study nook create a pleasurable every-day living environment. For indoor entertainment, a lower level rec room, gallery, bar, lounge, and media room were also planned.