Large arts and crafts back porch photo in New Orleans with decking and a pergola

This mountain vacation residence places the living and sleeping space for a family of three on the main level with guest bedrooms, recreation rooms, and garage below. The sloped site allows approach and entry on the main level, achieving the appearance of a one-story house. The scheme is an L-shaped, open-plan building containing primary living space covered with a shed roof. This configuration forms a “courtyard” facing southeast, which contains the main entry. Intersected with the shed roof component the mudroom, bedroom, and master closet and bath are contained in “cabins” of stone with arced roofs. The roof support at the northwest corner has been eliminated to allow a sliding glass system which, when open, voids the corner of the family room. This allows the living space to extend onto an elevated concrete terrace overlooking the view. The result is a living environment that distinguishes public from private uses with form and space, provides outdoor areas of contrasting characteristics in a place of sharp seasonal contrast, and creates an image that blends with the landscape.

The clients for this project saw potential to reinvent a small, one-story, 1940’s El Cerrito Bungalow, to support their unique and balanced, work-from-home lifestyle. They craved a modern, fresh approach to their day-to-day life with side-by-side, private work spaces, with the ability to open or close the connection between the two large offices. The home renovation and addition accommodates their spiritual interests as well with a room solely dedicated to meditation, yoga and tai chi. The creation of a small library near the entrance of the home provides a warm environment for research and leisure reading for this dynamic and creative couple. In order to achieve all of their requests, we kept portions of two sides of the original house and wedged a new, modern, 2-story addition in the middle while also extending the home to the rear. This allowed for a spacious master bedroom suite on the first floor complete with a wet room and Japanese soaking tub. Integral color cement plaster, natural wood and clear anodized aluminum create an authentic, rich, textural experience. The home offers lots of natural light, high wood ceilings, and a fun indoor/outdoor living experience that maximizes the use of the existing yard. The clients love their new home and hope that the design will raise the aesthetic bar for the neighborhood.

The home was designed to display the original owners rare art collection from around the world. It has a rare and captivating arts and craft style and a very open floor plan for its time. As such, it is superb for entertaining. In fact, the current owners have held many large benefits and functions here. All of the woodwork in the main part of the home is selected cypress, except the gourmet kitchen which is cherry. The main living areas that make up the center of the home (i.e., dining room, great room, game room or library) are separated by 5'6" high half partition walls capped with an 8" shelf around the side walls. All the partitions and side walls are wainscoted with 6.5" wood panels. The ceilings in these main rooms are wood-paneled with solid beams supported by column-formed posts. The Great Room is enormous and the focal point of the home. The space is grand and can accommodate multiple seating areas, plus a grand or baby grand piano, or even a billiards table. A portion of the ceiling is open and extends to the 2nd floor to a very unique coffered tent-style ceiling with stained glass window at its center. Another main feature in this room is the stone wood-burning fireplace flanked by two bench seats attached to a column. It is a wonderful place to sit and read or converse to the crackle of the fire. An intimate reading nook with built-in shelves on either side sits to the left of the fireplace. Left of that, a set of French doors leads to the front porch for seamless entertaining inside and out. At the opposite end of the great room is a large bayed seating area.

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 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

Elevated Living in Highland Park ​Blairsville, Georgia — Located in the Highland Park community of North Georgia, “Winding Ridge,” designed by James Knight, combines natural materials with clean, contemporary design for a home that is both functional and well-suited to its mountain setting. ​ Home Details ​ The home includes 5,808 heated square feet, organized to support both everyday living and hosting guests. The exterior features white board-and-batten siding, dark roofing, and warm wood accents for a balanced, modern mountain aesthetic. ​ Main Level: Three bedrooms and three bathrooms provide convenient, stair-free living. Upper Level: The primary suite occupies the entire top floor, offering added privacy and access to a balcony with views of the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains. Lower Level: Two additional bedrooms and two bathrooms create flexible space for guests, extended family, or recreation Practical Connections The layout prioritizes efficiency and organization. A mudroom and laundry room connect the two-car garage to the main living areas, creating a practical transition space. Above the garage, a semi-attached in-law suite offers a private living area that remains connected to the main home while allowing for independence.​ Outdoor Living Outdoor spaces are designed to function as an extension of the interior. The covered entertaining area includes: ​ A kitchenette for outdoor meals A stone fireplace with seating beneath a timber-frame ceiling Expansive decking overlooking the North Georgia mountain ​ Winding Ridge is a thoughtfully planned custom home that balances scale, comfort, and connection to its surroundings.

Elevated Living in Highland Park ​Blairsville, Georgia — Located in the Highland Park community of North Georgia, “Winding Ridge,” designed by James Knight, combines natural materials with clean, contemporary design for a home that is both functional and well-suited to its mountain setting. ​ Home Details ​ The home includes 5,808 heated square feet, organized to support both everyday living and hosting guests. The exterior features white board-and-batten siding, dark roofing, and warm wood accents for a balanced, modern mountain aesthetic. ​ Main Level: Three bedrooms and three bathrooms provide convenient, stair-free living. Upper Level: The primary suite occupies the entire top floor, offering added privacy and access to a balcony with views of the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains. Lower Level: Two additional bedrooms and two bathrooms create flexible space for guests, extended family, or recreation Practical Connections The layout prioritizes efficiency and organization. A mudroom and laundry room connect the two-car garage to the main living areas, creating a practical transition space. Above the garage, a semi-attached in-law suite offers a private living area that remains connected to the main home while allowing for independence.​ Outdoor Living Outdoor spaces are designed to function as an extension of the interior. The covered entertaining area includes: ​ A kitchenette for outdoor meals A stone fireplace with seating beneath a timber-frame ceiling Expansive decking overlooking the North Georgia mountain ​ Winding Ridge is a thoughtfully planned custom home that balances scale, comfort, and connection to its surroundings.

This deck once a dream has emerged as additional outdoor living space and now represents a significant increase to property value. Outdoor living space has become todays must-have. This design features Zuri Premium Decking by Royal, the latest maintenance free PVC with the look of Ipe hardwood. A gas fire feature accented with EP Henry Stone over a base of Belgard African Tile, is integrated into the deck area. Adjacent, is a gourmet kitchen accented in stone and granite, flanked by an ample seating area for entertainment. Highlighting the design is a stunning covered structure with a tiger wood ceiling, supported by a pair of detailed columns on 36” stone bases joined by custom powder coated aluminum rails. The covered area decked in Belgard Tile, features an outdoor entertainment centers that includes a Flat Screen TV with a Sound Systems mounted on an Ipe and Mahogany Paneled Wall. A built-in Heater and Ceiling Fan transform this space for comfort and an expanded season of enjoyment. An LED Lighting Design extends enjoyment into the evening hours. A project of this scope requires a Deck Professional specializing in all the elements that make up an Outdoor Design. Designing and Building an Outdoor Living Area like this one requires expert techniques and a vast awareness of materials. DeckRemodelers takes ownership of every project that they handle incorporating all these elements into a turnkey delivery for the client concept-to-completion.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and actress and comedian Ali Wong on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show Celebrity IOU. In the Ali Wong’s Renovation Surprise for A Dear Friend episode, Ali takes sledgehammers and crowbars into her own hands to help transform her best friend, Citadelle’s barren basement and backyard into the perfect indoor-outdoor entertaining space. Ali credits much of her early success to her best friend, Citadelle, whose tireless support helped her when she first started out in Los Angeles. “I really wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for her,” noted Ali. Citadelle opened up space in her home for Ali while she went on auditions. So years later, Ali knew it was time to give back in a big way. “Her friendship has been such a gift” said Ali. “I was supposed to stay there for two weeks and it ended up being a year.” With the help of Drew and Jonathan Scott, Ali was determined to update the entire lower level of Citadelle’s home inside and out and making these spaces as entertainment-friendly as possible for the whole family, including Citadelle’s husband and kids, to enjoy. The multipurpose downstairs basement makeover included turning the family room into a classy lounge with a built in bar, removing the basic stand up shower and replacing it with a luxurious spa tub with stone tiles and converting the guest bedroom into “an office by day and bedroom by night” courtesy of a hidden pull down Murphy bed. All Weather Series 7000 French Swing Doors extend and connect the indoor lounge area to the new outdoor living spaces. The ultimate backyard includes a stylish fireplace, white pergola, outdoor seating and dining area, an outdoor kitchen/grill and new turf for the yard and play structure areas. THE PROPERTY BROTHERS also painted the entire house white with black trim, leveled the backyard and basically doubled the livable square footage of the home. Check out the PROJECT PHOTOS here. Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude and to surprise someone who is important in their life by giving their living space a complete transformation, courtesy of the Drew and Jonathan Scott.

Dimension: Upper Rack: 34" L X 11" D X 16" H Storage Box: 34" L X 18" D X 26" H Emulate a visual and functional coherence in your entryways, foyers, and corridors by furnishing with our stylish Sapinero Rustic Solid Wood Wall Hanging Hall Tree Bench with Storage! It’s absolutely stylish and has been sleekly designed to suit the architecture of all transitional spaces quite well. It has a gorgeous solid wood build and has a plethora of compartments where you can store personal items and even feature accessories. The sturdy hand craftsmanship ensures that it has a great heirloom quality! The design of this solid wood hall tree is divided into 2 distinct parts. The top half comprises a floating shelf that hangs a few feet above the bottom credenza. It has an open shelf on top with 3 open cubbies underneath where you can showcase trendy decoration pieces or neatly organize your shoes. Below the cubbies are 3 double prong stainless steel hooks, which can be used to hang coats whenever you arrive back home. The bottom half is just as simple and pragmatic with the design of a low back bench. It has a top that is framed by extended dips and cuts, and here you can place a bowl for keys and whatever else you may need for going to-and-fro from the foyer and also use to sit while putting on your shoes. There are 2 pullout filing-cabinet style drawers at the bottom for extra storage and the base is supported by simple feet. The sleek hand-rubbed finish and gorgeous wood grain of this solid Rosewood hall tree give it an interesting and visually versatile quality. You can definitely match it with any and all kinds of interior design settings. Special Features: • 100% Handcrafted • Solid Rosewood craftsmanship • Rustic style • Floating cabinet with 3 open cubbies and open shelf • 3 double prong hooks • Bottom storage bench with a smooth top frame • 2 large pullout drawers • Stylish hand-wrought metal hardware • Sleek designing • Gorgeous wood grain • Stunning hand-rubbed finish • Heirloom quality • Visually versatile • Easy maintenance Note: Real wood is a product of nature, and as such, no two pieces are alike. Variations in solid wood grain patterns are to be expected and make each furniture uniquely beautiful, just like us humans.

A broad veranda edges the water, where airy columns, beadboard ceilings, and crisp railings frame sparkling bay views. Woven seating in warm tones pairs with turquoise cushions, creating modern balcony design that invites conversation and long sunsets. The arrangement supports balcony decoration ideas for casual dining, quiet reading, and effortless hosting. Sliding doors extend living areas outward, reinforcing modern house remodeling goals and a modern home makeover that embraces breezes and light. Proportioned zones encourage minimalist balcony design, while coordinated textures deliver contemporary balcony design with coastal character. Thoughtful placement of tables and benches enables small balcony makeover strategies without compromising comfort. Together, these choices express balcony renovation and smart home remodeling sensibilities modern outdoor spaces refined into welcoming luxury home remodeling, tailored for everyday ease and celebratory gatherings alike.

The home was designed to display the original owners rare art collection from around the world. It has a rare and captivating arts and craft style and a very open floor plan for its time. As such, it is superb for entertaining. In fact, the current owners have held many large benefits and functions here. All of the woodwork in the main part of the home is selected cypress, except the gourmet kitchen which is cherry. The main living areas that make up the center of the home (i.e., dining room, great room, game room or library) are separated by 5'6" high half partition walls capped with an 8" shelf around the side walls. All the partitions and side walls are wainscoted with 6.5" wood panels. The ceilings in these main rooms are wood-paneled with solid beams supported by column-formed posts. The Great Room is enormous and the focal point of the home. The space is grand and can accommodate multiple seating areas, plus a grand or baby grand piano, or even a billiards table. A portion of the ceiling is open and extends to the 2nd floor to a very unique coffered tent-style ceiling with stained glass window at its center. Another main feature in this room is the stone wood-burning fireplace flanked by two bench seats attached to a column. It is a wonderful place to sit and read or converse to the crackle of the fire. An intimate reading nook with built-in shelves on either side sits to the left of the fireplace. Left of that, a set of French doors leads to the front porch for seamless entertaining inside and out. At the opposite end of the great room is a large bayed seating area.

Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four. The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area. Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove. Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen. The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher. We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash. The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall. We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

The Denali floor plan is designed to bring warmth into every home by supporting the unique needs of multigenerational families. Its ample size and well-planned layout ensure every generation has space to feel both connected and comfortably independent. The main floor includes a full in-law suite designed with accessibility in mind, allowing aging parents or visiting relatives to live with ease while remaining close to family life. Generous bedrooms throughout the home provide room for growing families, while a large flex room offers adaptable space for work, play, or retreat. The basement is intentionally planned for future expansion, with an additional bedroom and bathroom and direct basement garage access allowing for private, self-contained living suitable for adult children, or extended family. Across the home, openness and connection are balanced with thoughtful privacy. Whether gathering in shared spaces or retreating to quieter areas, each generation can enjoy comfort, dignity, and belonging. The Denali is crafted to evolve with families, offering warm, functional, and future-ready home for every stage of life.

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.

Open concept kitchen - mid-sized contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Phoenix with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The Denali floor plan is designed to bring warmth into every home by supporting the unique needs of multigenerational families. Its ample size and well-planned layout ensure every generation has space to feel both connected and comfortably independent. The main floor includes a full in-law suite designed with accessibility in mind, allowing aging parents or visiting relatives to live with ease while remaining close to family life. Generous bedrooms throughout the home provide room for growing families, while a large flex room offers adaptable space for work, play, or retreat. The basement is intentionally planned for future expansion, with an additional bedroom and bathroom and direct basement garage access allowing for private, self-contained living suitable for adult children, or extended family. Across the home, openness and connection are balanced with thoughtful privacy. Whether gathering in shared spaces or retreating to quieter areas, each generation can enjoy comfort, dignity, and belonging. The Denali is crafted to evolve with families, offering warm, functional, and future-ready home for every stage of life.

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