Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic partial sun backyard stone walkway in Seattle.

Middlefork was retained to update and revitalize this North Shore home to a family of six. The primary goal of this project was to update and expand the home's small, eat-in kitchen. The existing space was gutted and a 1,500-square-foot addition was built to house a gourmet kitchen, connected breakfast room, fireside seating, butler's pantry, and a small office. The family desired nice, timeless spaces that were also durable and family-friendly. As such, great consideration was given to the interior finishes. The 10' kitchen island, for instance, is a solid slab of white velvet quartzite, selected for its ability to withstand mustard, ketchup and finger-paint. There are shorter, walnut extensions off either end of the island that support the children's involvement in meal preparation and crafts. Low-maintenance Atlantic Blue Stone was selected for the perimeter counters. The scope of this phase grew to include re-trimming the front façade and entry to emphasize the Georgian detailing of the home. In addition, the balance of the first floor was gutted; existing plumbing and electrical systems were updated; all windows were replaced; two powder rooms were updated; a low-voltage distribution system for HDTV and audio was added; and, the interior of the home was re-trimmed. Two new patios were also added, providing outdoor areas for entertaining, dining and cooking. Tom Harris, Hedrich Blessing

L.Z. Horizon Residence is a luxury apartment designed to restore clarity and presence. Its palette of soft tones, natural materials, and open flow creates a subtle emotional rhythm—supporting both stillness and vitality. Light moves gently through the space, textures invite touch, and every element was chosen not only for beauty, but for how it feels. More than a home, it’s a quiet system that brings balance back to the body and mind.

The 722 Ash Street residence consists of a 1500 sf primary house with a contiguous 500 sf accessory dwelling. The project is set in the rich culture of North Lawrence, its rear property line abuts the Lawrence levee trail which runs for nine miles along the north bank of the Kansas River. North Lawrence is known for its quality soil, large trees, curbless streets and random size parcels before it breaks into larger farms further from the urban center. It is built on the typical orthogonal grid of American development, but it represents the older growth of the city prior to urban planners and zoning regulations. The rumble of freight trains and farm trucks in the shadows of the towering grain elevators are only blocks away. It is home to many who enjoy being only a bridge crossing away from Lawrence’s vibrant downtown but are far enough away to maintain their independence from many of the restrictions on living near the historic district. They can work in their large gardens and toiling in their garages and shops in a manner more rural than urban. The house on 722 Ash St. is imbued with the character of North Lawrence and the Levee Trail area. The design was inspired by the Midwestern farmstead vernacular of the region. These timeless vernacular qualities house all the accommodations necessary for modern, sustainable living. A unique feature of this house is the Accessory Dwelling Unit permitted in the zoning district. It is a small separate residence on the same lot that can be used for income property or for extended family members. It also supports the city of Lawrence’s goals of increased density close to downtown rather than continued sprawl into the countryside. The buildings use technology and common-sense design to reduce the building’s footprint and assure the owners low energy use and costs. A 4.9 Kw solar collection system is located on the only south facing gable and the super insulated envelopes (r-62 roof and r-35 walls) of all three forms easily exceeds the standards. Studio 804 continues their long standing pattern of maintaining the highest level of sustainable design while remaining contextually sensitive to the surrounding community. This house, like every Studio 804 project since 2008, is USGBC LEED Platinum Certified.

In this new construction home in Hinsdale, IL the design team at O’Brien Harris was brought in at the earliest stages of planning—allowing for seamless integration of cabinetry and architectural details. Early collaboration with the builder meant every functional need could be fully addressed, including custom framing for hidden lighting and other details that would have been difficult to retrofit. The kitchen features a unique layout that places the cook at the center of the space, facing the yard and natural light. This intentional orientation shaped the design from the start to create a layout that felt open, balanced, and multi-functional. Because the project was built from the ground up, O’Brien Harris was able to integrate downdraft ventilation systems that maintain sightlines allowing the range to face outward—achieving both form and function without compromise. Two kitchen islands define the space, though each serves a distinct purpose. The first island is centered around the cooktop and prep area, while the second acts more like a piece of freestanding furniture—with seating, storage, and a softer presence in the room. Four oversized pendant lanterns anchor the entire space, offering both visual weight and warm illumination. To support entertaining, a full back kitchen was added behind the main space, offering the same level of functionality with additional appliances and prep areas. A fully retractable pass-through window opens directly to the outdoor entertaining area, making the kitchen feel as expansive as the outdoors. O’Brien Harris also designed and fabricated the cabinetry in the primary bath. Location: Hinsdale | Custom Cabinetry: O’Brien Harris | Interior Designer: Brynn Olson Design | Builder: J. Jordan Homes | Architect: Moment Design Architecture | Photography: Werner Straube Photography | Kitchen Cabinetry: Painted Finish in Gossamar Veil | Kitchen Island and Back Kitchen Cabinetry: Stained Chatham Oak Featured Article: Luxe Interiors + Design

As an avid cook, this homeowner wanted to upgrade the existing apartment-sized appliances and improve the functionality of cabinets and the countertop space to support his chef skills and daily use. We readdressed the kitchen back wall, updating the range and sink and refreshing the overall aesthetic. A stunning black Ann Saks accent tile provides a dramatic focal point and complements the sophisticated waterfall edge island countertop. We installed a microwave drawer and additional storage in the island without disrupting the prominent stone edge detail. Other changes included the integration of a reverse osmosis water system and transitioning from an induction to a gas heat source.

In this new construction home in Hinsdale, IL the design team at O’Brien Harris was brought in at the earliest stages of planning—allowing for seamless integration of cabinetry and architectural details. Early collaboration with the builder meant every functional need could be fully addressed, including custom framing for hidden lighting and other details that would have been difficult to retrofit. The kitchen features a unique layout that places the cook at the center of the space, facing the yard and natural light. This intentional orientation shaped the design from the start to create a layout that felt open, balanced, and multi-functional. Because the project was built from the ground up, O’Brien Harris was able to integrate downdraft ventilation systems that maintain sightlines allowing the range to face outward—achieving both form and function without compromise. Two kitchen islands define the space, though each serves a distinct purpose. The first island is centered around the cooktop and prep area, while the second acts more like a piece of freestanding furniture—with seating, storage, and a softer presence in the room. Four oversized pendant lanterns anchor the entire space, offering both visual weight and warm illumination. To support entertaining, a full back kitchen was added behind the main space, offering the same level of functionality with additional appliances and prep areas. A fully retractable pass-through window opens directly to the outdoor entertaining area, making the kitchen feel as expansive as the outdoors. O’Brien Harris also designed and fabricated the cabinetry in the primary bath.

Among the art-deco modernist architecture of the relaxed Penha de França neighborhood, just beyond the tourist path, an actor has acquired a home for peaceful retreat with family and friends. Extensive collaboration with the client rendered a space instilled with wrought-metal accents, vintage woods, and tropical plants, recalling the instruments of cinema’s southern California golden age and the natural landscape of southern Portugal. A modest hand-crafted bed is the backdrop of the master bedroom, flanked by modern Portugese wall lamps and nightstands with vintage flair. Generous apertures show changing seasonal foliage, while an adjacent contemporary reading chair relishes rays of afternoon sunlight throughout the year. In the guest room, extant closets were modified into a nook, accommodating a larger bed and slender nightstands. The majority of the wall between the hallway and living room was removed to establish a viewing axis through the apartment, accentuating and linking the cooking and dining spaces. Convivial meals are set on a custom-cut Estremoz marble slab atop a fabricated metal structure, supported by mid-century dining chairs, and illuminated by an enamel factory lamp. The living room doubles as a projection room; a floating bench topped with terracotta tiles conceals home electronics. A raw steel center table is surrounded by an inviting couch, a reupholstered armchair, and a classic Portuguese shelving system. The pantry was merged into a spacious galley kitchen with integrated appliances, allowing ample space for social cooking. Upper cabinets are eschewed in favor of floating shelves for openness, including dish drying and cookware hanging. Just beyond, a balcony tiled with Algarve terracotta creates a gardenesque hideaway to unwind and enjoy the summer breeze through windows open wide. PHOTOGRAPHY: © ALEXANDER BOGORODSKIY

Photography by Natalie Marotta Bungalows are lovable homes, but how can they be better? Along with many of our clients, we find that older (early 20th c.) homes have a lot of character and a comfortable scale, but are leaky, damp (especially in the basement), have fair to poor air quality, and use unconscionable amounts of fossil fuels to heat. The owners of this bungalow were ready to change that, and wanted to do so with minimal upfront carbon emissions as well. The gut renovation included replacing the basement slab and providing capillary breaks and insulation continuously below grade. The brick structure was treated with a fluid-applied air and water barrier from the interior and insulated entirely with cellulose, a carbon-storing insulation. The roof used HFO-blown spray foam to provide sufficient insulation while allowing headroom for bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry. One great benefit of a full renovation is the possibility of reconfiguring spaces to suit the family’s lifestyle, and to make the best of indoor-outdoor connections. We opened up the main rooms on the first floor, creating a family gathering spot with a view to the back yard, and a spacious kitchen that supports the family’s commitment to cooking for healthy eating. The stair uses a north-facing skylight to bring light from above into the middle of the home, where it was previously dark. As a decarbonization retrofit, the inefficient furnace was replaced with two small ducted heat pump systems, water heating and clothes drying are powered by air-source heat pumps, and cooking uses an induction cooktop plus electric ovens. Energy recovery ventilation provides filtered fresh air continuous exhaust from the kitchen, baths, and laundry, and supplies fresh, highly filtered air to bedrooms and living spaces. The Better Bungalow now makes sense for the 21st century–it now fits the owners’ life-patterns, is super comfortable, has great air quality, and uses a fraction of the energy it did before, greatly lowering the demand on the utility grid. In the near future, when solar PV is installed, it can achieve net zero or near net zero emissions, and with battery backup, can provide great resilience in the event of power outages.

This renovation was all about turning frustration into function for a family of four who loved their neighborhood but felt boxed in by their outdated, choppy layout. The kitchen was tired, the rooms felt dark, and nothing quite worked the way they needed it to. With a clear goal—bring in more light, open up the space, and create a kitchen worthy of a passionate home cook—they trusted our team to reimagine their home from the ground up. They even moved into a rental during construction to give us full access to do the work right (and on schedule). What We Did: Opened Up the Main Floor: By engineering the removal of major structural walls (and reinforcing from the basement up), we transformed the layout into one cohesive, flowing space. Maximized Natural Light: A new family room window turned a once-dark corner into a bright, cozy gathering spot. Created a Statement Kitchen: Featuring navy lowers, white uppers, and a quartz backsplash that continues seamlessly over a waterfall island—both bold and functional. Upgraded Flooring & Storage: Wide-plank white oak flooring throughout, with custom millwork in the family room and mudroom for stylish, everyday storage solutions. The Result? A main floor that finally supports the way this family lives, entertains, and relaxes. It’s light-filled, beautifully functional, and—most importantly—it feels like home.

The 722 Ash Street residence consists of a 1500 sf primary house with a contiguous 500 sf accessory dwelling. The project is set in the rich culture of North Lawrence, its rear property line abuts the Lawrence levee trail which runs for nine miles along the north bank of the Kansas River. North Lawrence is known for its quality soil, large trees, curbless streets and random size parcels before it breaks into larger farms further from the urban center. It is built on the typical orthogonal grid of American development, but it represents the older growth of the city prior to urban planners and zoning regulations. The rumble of freight trains and farm trucks in the shadows of the towering grain elevators are only blocks away. It is home to many who enjoy being only a bridge crossing away from Lawrence’s vibrant downtown but are far enough away to maintain their independence from many of the restrictions on living near the historic district. They can work in their large gardens and toiling in their garages and shops in a manner more rural than urban. The house on 722 Ash St. is imbued with the character of North Lawrence and the Levee Trail area. The design was inspired by the Midwestern farmstead vernacular of the region. These timeless vernacular qualities house all the accommodations necessary for modern, sustainable living. A unique feature of this house is the Accessory Dwelling Unit permitted in the zoning district. It is a small separate residence on the same lot that can be used for income property or for extended family members. It also supports the city of Lawrence’s goals of increased density close to downtown rather than continued sprawl into the countryside. The buildings use technology and common-sense design to reduce the building’s footprint and assure the owners low energy use and costs. A 4.9 Kw solar collection system is located on the only south facing gable and the super insulated envelopes (r-62 roof and r-35 walls) of all three forms easily exceeds the standards. Studio 804 continues their long standing pattern of maintaining the highest level of sustainable design while remaining contextually sensitive to the surrounding community. This house, like every Studio 804 project since 2008, is USGBC LEED Platinum Certified.

L.Z. Horizon Residence is a luxury apartment designed to restore clarity and presence. Its palette of soft tones, natural materials, and open flow creates a subtle emotional rhythm—supporting both stillness and vitality. Light moves gently through the space, textures invite touch, and every element was chosen not only for beauty, but for how it feels. More than a home, it’s a quiet system that brings balance back to the body and mind.

L.Z. Horizon Residence is a luxury apartment designed to restore clarity and presence. Its palette of soft tones, natural materials, and open flow creates a subtle emotional rhythm—supporting both stillness and vitality. Light moves gently through the space, textures invite touch, and every element was chosen not only for beauty, but for how it feels. More than a home, it’s a quiet system that brings balance back to the body and mind.

Originally constructed in the 1700s, this historic building once served as a barn, enduring the test of time for centuries. Today, it has been rejuvenated into an artist's studio, thoughtfully designed by architect Anthony Miksitz, preserving its rich heritage while accommodating a new purpose. The studio boasts exposed support beams and soaring ceilings, paying homage to the structure's original function. A generous storefront window and door maintain the spacious ambiance of a barn, allowing an abundance of natural light and glimpses of the surrounding greenery to flood in. To ensure consistent lighting throughout, skylights have been thoughtfully incorporated into both the studio and bathroom. In the spirit of creating a versatile space that meets every need without disrupting the creative process, we have equipped the barn with modern plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC. Additionally, a well-appointed kitchen alcove and a comfortable sleeping loft have been seamlessly integrated, ideal for extended and uninterrupted creative sessions.

This early-70’s floating home was purchased by a recently returned Santa Barbara native looking for a home that would mesh with his active and creative lifestyle. However, weakened by over 50 years of exposure to a marine environment, the craft needed significant updates to its flotation system, structural framing, walls, and interior. Inspired by the dwellings of coastal Swedish towns, Archipelago Workshop provided iterative design concepts, structural engineering guidance, technical drawings, and no small amount of moral support as the owner and his father addressed 40-plus years of deferred maintenance. The fully redesigned two-story dwelling is highly crafted using a ship builder’s mindset. At the center core of the plan’s pinwheel design, a stairwell creates vertical circulation and delineates the long axes that define the highly rectilinear design. Mindfully placed windows enhance both privacy and views and capitalize on prevailing winds. With a first-floor design studio that also houses his surfboard collection, it is now the perfect live-work space for its adventuresome owner and guests.

Originally constructed in the 1700s, this historic building once served as a barn, enduring the test of time for centuries. Today, it has been rejuvenated into an artist's studio, thoughtfully designed by architect Anthony Miksitz, preserving its rich heritage while accommodating a new purpose. The studio boasts exposed support beams and soaring ceilings, paying homage to the structure's original function. A generous storefront window and door maintain the spacious ambiance of a barn, allowing an abundance of natural light and glimpses of the surrounding greenery to flood in. To ensure consistent lighting throughout, skylights have been thoughtfully incorporated into both the studio and bathroom. In the spirit of creating a versatile space that meets every need without disrupting the creative process, we have equipped the barn with modern plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC. Additionally, a well-appointed kitchen alcove and a comfortable sleeping loft have been seamlessly integrated, ideal for extended and uninterrupted creative sessions.

This stunning modern farmhouse residence in Columbia, Tennessee, sits atop a transformed hilltop parcel, originally raw land that was expertly excavated to create a level 2-acre plateau. The site development included installing essential infrastructure such as paved roads, water lines, and electrical systems, turning an undeveloped ridge into a private, family-friendly haven with panoramic valley and mountain views. The home features a crisp white board-and-batten and horizontal siding exterior, accented by natural stone foundations and stained timber beams for a perfect blend of rustic charm and contemporary edge. Dramatic black-framed windows flood the interior with natural light, while the dark asphalt shingle roof with gabled peaks adds depth and contrast. An expansive covered front porch, supported by cedar posts and topped with metal roofing, invites relaxation with seating areas overlooking the sunset. Additional highlights include an oversized two-car garage with white doors, a lower-level walkout basement ready for expansion, and smart-home-ready elements like energy-efficient construction. Twilight lighting accentuates the clean lines, making the house glow against the evening sky. The landscaped yard is thoughtfully designed for everyday enjoyment, with manicured green lawns, gravel pathways, and low-maintenance shrubs lining the foundation. A circular asphalt driveway provides easy access and ample parking, curving gracefully around the property. In the backyard, a gravel patio area with a fire pit offers a cozy spot for gatherings, while a covered rear deck extends living space outdoors. The setup includes potential for additions like a pool, outdoor kitchen, or expanded entertaining zones, with features like a satellite dish and HVAC units discreetly placed for functionality without compromising aesthetics. Perched on a scenic hilltop surrounded by wooded forests, the 2-acre lot provides plenty of flat, open space for children and dogs to play safely—ideal for games, picnics, or simply running free amid the fresh air. The elevated position ensures unobstructed, layered views of rolling hills, distant valleys, and seasonal foliage, creating a serene rural retreat feel. In summer, lush green trees frame the property; in fall and winter, bare branches reveal even broader vistas. This custom-developed site balances privacy, accessibility, and natural beauty, making it a true dream property for those seeking a luxurious escape in Tennessee's countryside.

Request Free Quote This inground hot tub in Winnetka, IL measures 8'0" square, and is flush with the decking. Featuring an automatic pool cover with hidden stone safety lid, bluestone coping and decking, and multi-colored LED lighting, this hot tub is the perfect complement to the lovely outoor living space. Photos by Larry Huene.

A kitchen remodel for a Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery client in Rockville, MD. Cabinet design provided by Jan Zhuge, Cabinet Designer for Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.