The homes in Heritage Hills in Chapel Hill, NC are representative of the popularity and explosive growth of American Home Ownership that occurred during the economic expansion that followed the end of WW II. They were designed and built to foster the benefits and sense of “community”, where families could come together and share theirs and their children’s lives. They are typically in very desirable locations within their larger communities, and remodeling them with modern amenities, increasing the performance and efficiency of them, and having them Green Certified (independent third-party verified) makes them extremely attractive to buyers, and helps to raise other property values within the neighborhood. Green Certified Remodeled Homes offer significant value and advantage in the marketplace over similar homes in their area, which is especially important as a new, younger era of home buyers enter the market. Current trends suggest that younger (as well as many “seasoned”) homeowners are interested in smaller, more efficient (and thus affordable) homes situated closer to shopping, their work, entertainment opportunities, and access to the economic and environmental benefits of mass transit. These older homes also offer an additional value that is continuing to gain visibility and appreciation in the market place. They were built from lumber from slower-growth trees (denser and harder wood), and as such offer superior structural support compared to the same home built using lumber from today’s faster-growing (softer and less-dense wood) trees. Robin and Kent had lived in their 2-story Gambrel Roof home in Heritage Hills since 1994. The house was structurally sound, due in large part to the old-growth (and denser) yellow pine that was used in its framing. They loved the quiet neighborhood, its sense of community and amenities, and their home. It suited their life-style and needs; and they had decided that they would remain in the home. It was showing its age, and was in need of general repairs and maintenance, and its energy, water, and indoor air quality performance was continuing to increase their ongoing cost of ownership. Robin loved the screen porch that looked out on their private and nicely landscaped back yard, but she wanted to be able to use it in the colder months of the year. She was unsatisfied with the kitchen and the mud room / laundry room, and the darkness of other living spaces. A previous water leak in the laundry room had resulted in a large patch of mold that had compromised flooring, wall board, and insulation and contributed to the homes reduced indoor air quality. The home lacked insulation in the crawl, and inadequate insulation in the attic. The single HVAC unit had been replaced a few years earlier with a more efficient unit, but with a single programmable thermostat control on the first floor and aging and un-insulated ducting, the second floor was often over-heated in the summer months. The original wood windows had begun to deteriorate and were drafty and inefficient, and the original wood-burning fireplace was an open conduit for escaping conditioned air as well as an inlet for wood-smoke smelling air being pulled into the home. The siding had been replaced a few years earlier with a cement-fiber product, but the exterior wood trim was compromised and beginning to look unsightly. Its original architecture had been altered over the years in ways that presented ongoing maintenance and durability issues, as well as disrupting the elegance of the original design. Kent has worked for over 30 years in the Environmental Sciences field, and is considered to be a national expert in understanding the sources of, and human exposure to pollutants in indoor environments. He had always been very conscious and cautious about the effects on indoor air quality that the construction, furnishings, and products used in home had on him and his family. Project Goals Increase the performance of their home by improving energy efficiency by at least 40% and lowering their natural gas and electric utility costs. Increase the performance of their home by reducing water usage by at least 40% and lowering the water utility costs. Increase the comfort of their home that was being compromised by an inadequate HVAC design, inadequate insulation, inefficient and compromised wood windows, and copious air intrusions and drafts. Improve the healthiness of the homes indoor air quality that was being compromised by an open wood-burning fireplace, and prior water intrusion that had allowed colonies of mold to thrive. Create a new Kitchen, Family Room, Home Office, Mudroom, and Laundry Room that featured some of the latest designs and trends and harmonized with the rest of the homes charm. Increase the usefulness and aesthetics of the screened porch by creating a warm and inviting semi-conditioned 3-Season Room that extended the times during the year that it was comfortable. Introduce day-lighting into areas of the home that were dark and uninviting. Brighten and harmonize all of the interior finishes. Protect and restore the exterior of the home with superior-performing products and finishes. Achieve Gold Level Green Home Certification in conformance with the ICC 700-2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS).

This modern Tigerwood Staircase carries the beautiful red flooring from the lowest level right to the top level of the home. 15mm Glass panels on either side of the staircase allow separation, safety and support of a slightly oversized handrailing. The lower staircase uses and extended MDF stringer to achieve an absolute zero tolerance connection between stair tread and wall and also allows for a simple stairwell lighting detail.

The Loyal Heights Addition expanded the existing home to create a more open, functional living environment centered around daily life and gathering. The design introduced a larger, more usable kitchen and dining area, improving both circulation and connection between spaces. A vaulted ceiling paired with strategically placed skylights brings in natural light deep into the space, enhancing the sense of volume and openness. Extending from the main living area, a compact deck provides an inviting outdoor space for seating and grilling, strengthening the home’s connection to the outdoors and supporting year-round indoor-outdoor living. Additionally, the primary suite was reconfigured to create a dedicated bedroom, bathroom, and closet area. + Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design + Interior Design: H2D Architecture + Design www.h2darchitects.com + Builder: GT Residential Contracting + Photography: Anastasiya Homes

The owners desired a modest home that would enable them to experience the dual natures of the outdoors: intimate forest and sweeping views. The use of economical, pre-fabricated materials was seen as an opportunity to develop an expressive architecture. The house is organized on a four-foot module, establishing a delicate rigor for the building and maximizing the use of pre-manufactured materials. A series of open web trusses are combined with dimensional wood framing to form broad overhangs. Plywood sheets spanning between the trusses are left exposed at the eaves. An insulated aluminum window system is attached to exposed laminated wood columns, creating an expansive yet economical wall of glass in the living spaces with mountain views. On the opposite side, support spaces and a children’s desk are located along the hallway. A bridge clad in green fiber cement panels marks the entry. Visible through the front door is an angled yellow wall that opens to a protected outdoor space between the garage and living spaces, offering the first views of the mountain peaks. Living and sleeping spaces are arranged in a line, with a circulation corridor to the east. The exterior is clad in pre-finished fiber cement panels that match the horizontal spacing of the window mullions, accentuating the linear nature of the structure. Two boxes clad in corrugated metal punctuate the east elevation. At the north end of the house, a deck extends into the landscape, providing a quiet place to enjoy the view. Images by Nic LeHoux Photography

Decking: Trex / Transcends Tropicals Island Mist Railing: Standard Vinyl T-Top / White / Black Round Metal Balusters Railing Posts: Vinyl 4”x4” / White / Extended to support Roof Special Features: Privacy Lattic Skirt / White / New 13x20' Roof incorporated into Deck Rail Posts / Beaded Soffit Ceiling / Roof Finish to match exisitng / Electric Hook up for Ceiling Fan and Lighting / Door Replacement and Installtion of new 6' Slider

This southern traditional styled home is a one and a half story home with 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths. The square footage for the conditioned spaces is 4,467 sq ft and the total under roof square footage is 6,530 sq ft. The exterior has a natural brick veneer base that anchors it to the ground with a painted lap siding finish material on top that makes up most of the exterior surface. It blends nicely with the wooded surroundings that slope down to a boat house on a waterway. As one enters the site, they approach down a gravel road arriving at a cottage home nestled in its natural surroundings with a welcoming raised front porch. As you enter the foyer, there is an office to the right and a guest bedroom on the left, both of which have views to the front yard. Walking through the foyer, you enter a family room that opens to the kitchen and dining areas. Natural brick columns continue from the exterior into the house, adding warmth as they support a network of antique wood beams that help define the spaces below them. From the family room one can enter a screened porch that provides a comfortable transition from indoors to the natural surroundings of the back yard property. The outdoor cooking and living spaces are conveniently located thru French doors right off the kitchen area extending outward with beautiful views into the heavily wooded rear property. An outdoor fireplace adds a cozy touch in the winter months with operable shutters on each side that block the colder winter wind but let in cool summer breezes. The master bedroom suite, also accessible from the family room, is positioned to take advantage of views to the back property and has access to the screened porch as well. Upstairs there are 2 more bedrooms, one of which has its own ensuite bathroom. All have views looking down over the front and side yards. A common area that is located between the two bedrooms provides beautiful views to the rear property. Up here you will also find a stacked washer and dryer and extra storage with easy access to attic spaces.

This well-appointed home office is designed for productivity and comfort, perfect for a dynamic duo. Featuring two Chapman Writing Desks, this space offers ample workspace with a sophisticated design. Each desk is paired with a comfortable Maren Upholstered Desk Chair, ensuring ergonomic support and a touch of elegance for extended work sessions. The thoughtful layout and stylish furnishings create an inspiring environment conducive to focus and collaboration.

This project transformed an existing outdoor space into a functional, all-season retreat with the addition of a custom waterproof pergola system. Built using white UCS panels with an integrated gutter, the structure provides reliable weather protection while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. The pergola was constructed on the home’s existing 6x6 pressure-treated posts, originally part of a trellis system, allowing for an efficient build while preserving the existing framework. Structural flexibility was built into the design, including provisions for an additional support post and potential height adjustments to ensure long-term performance and adaptability. To enhance comfort and usability, integrated lighting and a patio heater were added, extending the functionality of the space into the evening and cooler months. The end result is a refined outdoor living area that combines durability, protection from the elements, and year-round comfort—all while seamlessly blending with the home’s existing structure.

This project transformed an existing outdoor space into a functional, all-season retreat with the addition of a custom waterproof pergola system. Built using white UCS panels with an integrated gutter, the structure provides reliable weather protection while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. The pergola was constructed on the home’s existing 6x6 pressure-treated posts, originally part of a trellis system, allowing for an efficient build while preserving the existing framework. Structural flexibility was built into the design, including provisions for an additional support post and potential height adjustments to ensure long-term performance and adaptability. To enhance comfort and usability, integrated lighting and a patio heater were added, extending the functionality of the space into the evening and cooler months. The end result is a refined outdoor living area that combines durability, protection from the elements, and year-round comfort—all while seamlessly blending with the home’s existing structure.

The dark wood island contrasts with the white countertops and light gray cabinets and also grounds the space. The island also features recessed paneling and base moulding for that classic feel. Simple square columns support the counter over the seating areas. base moulding at the bottom of those columns add interest and add to the transitional style that makes this kitchen so timeless The light wood floors are of white oak and add warmth to the space. The medium grey leather-like low back bar stools repeat the gray color pallet of the light gray cabinets. The slender metal legs of the counter seating creates an update fresh feel with its nod to the modern aesthetic. These stools fit the height of the island. The island allows people to sit on 2 sides. The upper cabinets extend down to rest on the counters. This provides concealed storage easily at reach. This timeless kitchen uses neutral grey, white and dark wood tones to create a welcoming space for all. Guests are welcomed through the trimmed arched opening with paneling details. The architectural and cabinetry details elevate the kitchen to bring elegance and interest. The shaker style cabinet fronts are recessed into the cabinetry fronts. Glass front upper cabinets add visual interest and depth to the space. The beautiful cabinetry was crafted by JEM Woodworking. The kitchen is open to the foyer, through an arched opening with paneling details.

Katherine wanted her kitchen to feel more open and streamlined. The goal was to create a layout that better supported storage and movement, while choosing materials that brought in a subtle, calming style. The remodel began with the removal of the original soffit, followed by new drywall installation and texture work to refresh the ceiling area. HVAC ducting was rerouted, two new vents were added. New base, upper, and tall cabinets were added using Waypoint’s 470F line in Painted Sage. These were paired with 3 ¾” Matte Black Naples handles by Elements. An upper spice rack insert was factory-installed beside the stove, adding organization where it was needed most. Quartz countertops in MSI's Calacatta Idillio were installed, giving a bright and timeless appeal. The backsplash was finished with Arizona Tile’s Ivory Flash 3x12, and extended around the window and above the stovetop to tie the design. A new 30” Kraus stainless steel sink was installed, complete with a matching basket strainer and basin rack. Under-sink plumbing was updated, and an InSinkErator Badger ½ HP garbage disposal was added with a Delta matte black countertop air switch. The new Delta Essa kitchen faucet in matte black added a bold visual anchor to the sink area. The appliances, including a microwave hood, counter-depth refrigerator, and standard stovetop oven range, were installed in the reconfigured layout to enhance usability. Katherine’s kitchen now offers modern efficiency, cohesive styling, and a layout that elevates everyday cooking and hosting. Her thoughtful design choices brought a calm and sophisticated energy to the space, making it as functional as it is beautiful.

The homeowners of this Mukilteo residence partnered with H2D Architecture + Design to transform their underutilized rear deck into a highly functional outdoor living environment. The existing deck was refinished and reconfigured to create a more useable area for gathering, seamlessly extending the interior living space to the outdoors. A Struxure pergola was introduced to provide adjustable shade and light filtration, allowing the space to adapt to changing weather and seasons. Beyond the deck, the design steps down to a thoughtfully composed concrete paver patio anchored by a custom round wood hot tub, creating a warm and tactile focal point. Surrounding this feature, a built-in bench establishes a zone for relaxation and socializing, while a fire pit adds both ambiance and year-round usability. A custom screen wall was integrated to provide privacy and subtle enclosure without sacrificing openness, helping to define the space while maintaining visual connections to the landscape. The combination of multi-level seating, integrated elements, and carefully considered materials results in a cohesive outdoor retreat that supports a variety of uses. + Architecture + Design: H2D Architecture + Design + Builder: Bradley J. Rodgers Remodelling + Photography: Thomas Vincent

This small addition and kitchen remodel reimagines a classic St. Paul home for a growing family—prioritizing natural light, smart function, and modern warmth. A modest side-yard addition creates space for a mudroom and ¾ bath, carefully positioned to preserve the dining room’s original piano windows. New windows throughout balance light, privacy, and flow. Inside, custom bleached butternut cabinets and a curved enameled tambour island bring warmth and sculptural contrast. Heated porcelain tile floors extend to a new deck, blending indoors and out. The exterior pairs vertical cedar with dark cement board for a subtle, modern update. Small in size, big in intention—this project honors the past while supporting the way this family lives now

An angled perspective highlighting the craftsmanship and functional layout of the custom kitchen island. The island is constructed from solid natural white oak with detailed end panels and extended seating support posts. It houses an integrated gas cooktop set into a thick, polished stone counter with subtle movement. Twin fluted ceramic pendants suspended by brass chains anchor the island, while built-in off-white wall cabinets and a double wall oven tower seamlessly blend into the background.

Partition to entry was removed for an open floor plan. Bar length was extended. 2 support beams concealed by being built into the design plan. Theatre Room entry was relocated to opposite side of room to maximize seating. Gym entry area was opened up to provide better flow and maximize floor plan. Bathroom was updated as well to complement other areas.

For a family putting down lasting roots in Park City, this 10,000-square-foot estate within the gated enclave of Quarry Mountain Ranch is conceived as both sanctuary and legacy. Designed to evolve alongside its owners, the home balances permanence with a deep sensitivity to the land it inhabits. Thoughtfully positioned within an alpine meadow shaped by the gentle flow of McLeod Creek, the residence embraces its setting. The waterway threads through the property, sustaining native grasses and drawing elk, deer, and migratory birdlife, grounding daily life in the rhythms of season and landscape. Broad planes of glass and sheltering rooflines frame uninterrupted views of ski slopes and distant ridgelines, while long sightlines pull natural light deep into the interior. Terraces and covered outdoor rooms mediate between house and meadow, creating spaces for gathering, reflection, and year-round connection to the outdoors. A restrained palette of wood and stone echoes the textures of the terrain, lending warmth and durability to the home’s contemporary expression. A separate guest house extends the architectural language, forming a discreet compound that supports family life, hospitality, and the enduring cadence of alpine living. Architecture: Advanced Design Interior Design: Erin Brewer Design

Oasis Architecture & Design Auda & Coudayre Photography
Trendy home office photo in San Diego

This modern kitchen remodel blends crisp white upper cabinetry with warm natural oak base cabinets to create a balanced and inviting space. The design pairs clean-lined shaker doors with brushed brass hardware, introducing warmth without overwhelming the minimalist aesthetic. A full-height quartz backsplash extends behind the cooktop, enhancing visual continuity while providing a durable and easy-to-maintain surface. Floating wood shelves add architectural interest and open storage, softening the transition between cabinetry and wall space. Under-cabinet lighting highlights the quartz veining and reinforces layered illumination throughout the kitchen. Designed with ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinetry, this project demonstrates how thoughtfully engineered cabinet construction can achieve a refined, modern look while supporting efficient installation and consistent build quality. The layout maximizes functionality through deep drawers, corner storage solutions, and practical work zones—creating a kitchen that is both visually calm and highly efficient for everyday use. Cabinetry designed and supplied by The Cabination.

The homes in Heritage Hills in Chapel Hill, NC are representative of the popularity and explosive growth of American Home Ownership that occurred during the economic expansion that followed the end of WW II. They were designed and built to foster the benefits and sense of “community”, where families could come together and share theirs and their children’s lives. They are typically in very desirable locations within their larger communities, and remodeling them with modern amenities, increasing the performance and efficiency of them, and having them Green Certified (independent third-party verified) makes them extremely attractive to buyers, and helps to raise other property values within the neighborhood. Green Certified Remodeled Homes offer significant value and advantage in the marketplace over similar homes in their area, which is especially important as a new, younger era of home buyers enter the market. Current trends suggest that younger (as well as many “seasoned”) homeowners are interested in smaller, more efficient (and thus affordable) homes situated closer to shopping, their work, entertainment opportunities, and access to the economic and environmental benefits of mass transit. These older homes also offer an additional value that is continuing to gain visibility and appreciation in the market place. They were built from lumber from slower-growth trees (denser and harder wood), and as such offer superior structural support compared to the same home built using lumber from today’s faster-growing (softer and less-dense wood) trees. Robin and Kent had lived in their 2-story Gambrel Roof home in Heritage Hills since 1994. The house was structurally sound, due in large part to the old-growth (and denser) yellow pine that was used in its framing. They loved the quiet neighborhood, its sense of community and amenities, and their home. It suited their life-style and needs; and they had decided that they would remain in the home. It was showing its age, and was in need of general repairs and maintenance, and its energy, water, and indoor air quality performance was continuing to increase their ongoing cost of ownership. Robin loved the screen porch that looked out on their private and nicely landscaped back yard, but she wanted to be able to use it in the colder months of the year. She was unsatisfied with the kitchen and the mud room / laundry room, and the darkness of other living spaces. A previous water leak in the laundry room had resulted in a large patch of mold that had compromised flooring, wall board, and insulation and contributed to the homes reduced indoor air quality. The home lacked insulation in the crawl, and inadequate insulation in the attic. The single HVAC unit had been replaced a few years earlier with a more efficient unit, but with a single programmable thermostat control on the first floor and aging and un-insulated ducting, the second floor was often over-heated in the summer months. The original wood windows had begun to deteriorate and were drafty and inefficient, and the original wood-burning fireplace was an open conduit for escaping conditioned air as well as an inlet for wood-smoke smelling air being pulled into the home. The siding had been replaced a few years earlier with a cement-fiber product, but the exterior wood trim was compromised and beginning to look unsightly. Its original architecture had been altered over the years in ways that presented ongoing maintenance and durability issues, as well as disrupting the elegance of the original design. Kent has worked for over 30 years in the Environmental Sciences field, and is considered to be a national expert in understanding the sources of, and human exposure to pollutants in indoor environments. He had always been very conscious and cautious about the effects on indoor air quality that the construction, furnishings, and products used in home had on him and his family. Project Goals Increase the performance of their home by improving energy efficiency by at least 40% and lowering their natural gas and electric utility costs. Increase the performance of their home by reducing water usage by at least 40% and lowering the water utility costs. Increase the comfort of their home that was being compromised by an inadequate HVAC design, inadequate insulation, inefficient and compromised wood windows, and copious air intrusions and drafts. Improve the healthiness of the homes indoor air quality that was being compromised by an open wood-burning fireplace, and prior water intrusion that had allowed colonies of mold to thrive. Create a new Kitchen, Family Room, Home Office, Mudroom, and Laundry Room that featured some of the latest designs and trends and harmonized with the rest of the homes charm. Increase the usefulness and aesthetics of the screened porch by creating a warm and inviting semi-conditioned 3-Season Room that extended the times during the year that it was comfortable. Introduce day-lighting into areas of the home that were dark and uninviting. Brighten and harmonize all of the interior finishes. Protect and restore the exterior of the home with superior-performing products and finishes. Achieve Gold Level Green Home Certification in conformance with the ICC 700-2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS).