This modern farmhouse, designed by Robert Luchetti Associates, features hardwood trim harvested from the site, exposed fir beams, and soaring ceilings flooded in natural light. This energy efficient home conserves water, utilizes non-toxic, renewable materials, and harnesses solar energy. A beautiful example of sustainable living, this home achieved a Bronze certification in the North Carolina HealthyBuilt Homes Program.

Example of a trendy home design design in San Diego

Home design - contemporary home design idea in San Diego

Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in San Diego

This light-filled modern farmhouse in Mill Spring, North Carolina serves as a relaxing refuge for its owners. The home is tucked in the countryside on a horse farm with rolling pastures and beautiful mountain landscape. Our clients wanted a home that would be cozy for them and their dogs but could also maintain a comfortable feel when hosting extended family and friends. Photography by Todd Crawford.

Running a small restaurant is a high-wire act - delicious plates on one end, razor-thin margins on the other. With food costs averaging 28-35 percent of revenue and labor at 30 percent, every dollar counts. The good news? Targeted tweaks can shave 10-20 percent off your bottom line without sacrificing quality. From smarter sourcing to streamlined waste handling, these strategies empower independents to thrive. One underrated gem: Efficient waste management via roll-off dumpster rentals, which can slash disposal fees by up to 40 percent. Let's break it down. Optimize Inventory: Waste Less, Save More Overstocked pantries are profit killers - U.S. restaurants toss $25 billion in food yearly. Audit weekly. Track sales data to forecast demand, using apps like Toast or MarketMan for real-time insights. Trim your menu to 12-15 core items, focusing on seasonal, high-margin stars like farm-fresh salads over imported proteins. Portion control is key - pre-weighed scoops cut overuse by 15 percent. Repurpose scraps creatively. Veggie peels into stocks, bread ends for croutons. Donate extras to food banks via apps like Too Good To Go, earning tax deductions up to $5,000 annually. These habits reclaim 5-10 percent of food budgets, freeing cash for upgrades. Additionally, consider using citrus rinds for infused oils or desserts, and coffee grounds for compost to support local gardens. Engaging staff in sustainability efforts also builds morale and can be highlighted in marketing materials to attract eco-conscious diners. Trim Energy and Utilities: Go Green for Greenbacks Utilities gobble 4-10 percent of expenses. Swap to LED bulbs and energy-star appliances - upfront costs pay back in 6-12 months via 20-30 percent bill drops. Install low-flow faucets and programmable thermostats; during off-hours, dial down to 55°F to save $200/month on HVAC. Use induction cooktops for precise heat, reducing gas by 15 percent. Train staff on "last out" protocols - unplugging idle equipment. Solar panels? For rooftops under 1,000 sq ft, incentives cover 30 percent installation, yielding ROI in 5 years.  Master Waste Management: Dumpsters as Cost Commanders Trash isn't just garbage - it's a budget black hole, with disposal eating 2-5 percent of revenues. Small spots generate 1-2 tons monthly from food scraps, packaging, and grease. Ditch overflowing bins and irregular hauls for roll-off dumpster rentals. A 10-15 yard unit centralizes waste, handling bulk like fryer oil drums or produce crates without daily pickups. Efficiency Over Headcount Labor's your biggest line item - cross-train staff for multi-roles, like servers prepping during lulls, trimming overtime 10-15 percent. Shift scheduling software optimizes based on reservations, avoiding idle payroll. Negotiate bulk buys with local suppliers for 5-10 percent discounts; loyalty programs from Sysco yield free deliveries. Go digital - QR menus cut printing costs, speed table turnover, and allow menu updates in real time without waste. Loyalty apps boost repeat visits without increasing your advertising budget, making it easier to track customer preferences and send targeted promotions. Consider bundling purchases with other area restaurants to unlock deeper discounts and leverage supplier relationships for exclusive seasonal specials. These strategies can reduce overhead, improve customer retention, and keep operations flexible as trends shift.

Location: Atlanta, Georgia - Historical Inman Park Scope: This home was a new home we developed and built in Atlanta, GA. This was built to fit into the historical neighborhood. This family room is meant to appear like an addition to the "original" home, which is in fact also new. This space is designed more within the modern farmhouse feel, compared to the rest of the home.. The wood on the fireplace is from our sustainable woods program and is from a downed white oak tree. The table is made from a repurposed wooden cart. The room also looks out onto the pool, which is not visible from this angle. Please see other photos to see the relationship. High performance / green building certifications: EPA Energy Star Certified Home, EarthCraft Certified Home - Gold, NGBS Green Certified Home - Gold, Department of Energy Net Zero Ready Home, GA Power Earthcents Home, EPA WaterSense Certified Home. The home achieved a 50 HERS rating. Builder/Developer: Heirloom Design Build Architect: Jones Pierce Interior Design/Decorator: Heirloom Design Build Photo Credit: D. F. Radlmann www.heirloomdesignbuild.com

A Vermont second home renovation used for an active family who skis. Photos by Matthew Niemann Photography.
Inspiration for a contemporary light wood floor and beige floor great room remodel in Dallas with white walls

Brick and stone veneer are nothing new to the world of architecture and construction. They are attractive, durable, and don’t come with the same hefty price tag as a traditional, full sized stone or brick. And, in the instance of this beautiful new home in Evanston, Illinois, their use marks achieving a standard of sustainability measured by the popular certification program, LEED. These are no ordinary stone veneers. They are entirely man-made, which gives them several important qualities that do well to promote environmentally friendly design. This article aims to examine this stunning work of residential construction, and answer a few fundamental questions about LEED. What is it? Why is it Important? And how do things like sourcing local, sustainable materials make an impact on the environment? Learn more: http://bit.ly/leed-stone-veneer

Brick and stone veneer are nothing new to the world of architecture and construction. They are attractive, durable, and don’t come with the same hefty price tag as a traditional, full sized stone or brick. And, in the instance of this beautiful new home in Evanston, Illinois, their use marks achieving a standard of sustainability measured by the popular certification program, LEED. These are no ordinary stone veneers. They are entirely man-made, which gives them several important qualities that do well to promote environmentally friendly design. This article aims to examine this stunning work of residential construction, and answer a few fundamental questions about LEED. What is it? Why is it Important? And how do things like sourcing local, sustainable materials make an impact on the environment? Learn more: http://bit.ly/leed-stone-veneer

LEED certification level: Platinum. Going beyond LEED this home is the start of a brand new line of "eco-smart" homes in the Chicagoland area that are committing to Net Zero Energy. Under the GreenHome Institute's new Zero Energy Capable program which was designed to help project teams achieve actual zero energy in their homes if operated right and market it in a simple way, this home has shown that it can be done. Their 2nd home is already underway, and they hope to make zero energy capable just a standard part of their business model. They also have been a part of local USGBCIL Green Built Home Tour and are educating 100's about LEED and zero energy. Learn more https://greenhomeinstitute.org/grand-teton-eco-smart-home-goes-leed-platinum-zero-energy-capable-il/

Location: Rosemary Beach, Florida Scope: This was an extremely outdated traditional home. The goal was to take a modest budget and breath life into this tired home. We wanted to give it a current feel, while also working within the exiting small footprint. Builder: Heriloom Design Build Architecture: Heirloom Design Build Interior Design: Heirloom Design Build Decorator: Heirloom Design Build Seen here is wood paneling is part of our sustainable woods program. It is white oak from a downed tree in Atlanta, and the non VOC application is a natural mineral based liquid with a white oil rub to finish it off. Please let us know if you are interested or like the paneling! We would love to know what you think, as we are developing different samples.

We created an elegant expression of space and light from an incredibly complex program, and within difficult environmental, code, and land use constraints. Limiting the construction footprint preserves the hillside, many existing trees and native vegetation, and the natural habitats to the west. The mixed-use building includes retail, restaurant, commercial demonstration manufacturing, office, and meeting space, fourteen luxury residences, residential amenity spaces, parking, and three levels of decks. The building mass is divided and opened to incorporate a breezeway.

Island Breeze,” situated on the bayfront of Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, FL, epitomizes an unparalleled balance of style, craftsmanship, sustainability, and low maintenance. Drawing inspiration from the Abaco Islands, the home gracefully unites historical elegance and modern simplicity, creating a luxurious waterfront retreat. The exterior’s radius roof lines, adorned with cedar shake, hand-bent copper roofs, and Carolina brick, resonate with timeless craftsmanship and a family’s cherished memories. Inside, spaces like the great room with a soaring fireplace and hand-carved coral mantle exude elegance. The kitchen stands as a beacon of sophistication, adorned with Calcatta gold marble countertops and custom cabinetry. Environmental stewardship interweaves throughout, with features like a geothermal HVAC system, sustainably sourced cedar shake roof, spray foam insulation, certified green framing lumber and windows/doors, and a community solar program. These elements synergize to create a high-performance, low-maintenance, and stunningly beautiful home. Every detail, from the light blue louvered shutters to the antique mirrors and brass lattice, reflects a meticulous focus on design and functionality. “Island Breeze” transcends traditional homebuilding, embodying a perfect blend of luxurious aesthetics, innovative design, unmatched craftsmanship, and responsible sustainability, setting a new benchmark in custom home design. “Island Breeze” sets an industry benchmark, masterfully balancing style, craftsmanship, sustainability, and low maintenance.

A NEW FORM OF BATHROOM DESIGN. | We have come to expect something special when architect and designer Matteo Thundesigns a bathroom for Duravit, and the Onto programme is just that. Onto introduces a completely new console principle: the washbasin is not placed on the console but, instead, the washbasin is mounted fi rst so that the console can be placed onto the ceramic afterwards. A new form of bathroom design – easy to plan, easy to install and easy to clean. Thanks to its practicality and aesthetics, the collection is suitable for a wide range of different applications, whether in private homes, hotels or in other semi-public or public areas, Onto always offers impressive modern solutions and good value for money. | Available at www.ShopStudio41.com

This green home combines affordability with great design on a tight lot, to meet the Garfield County Affordable Housing Program guidelines. *Brent Moss Photography

Nestled in the heart of Decatur, Georgia, sits an entirely sustainable home that has received notable accolades for “green construction" by the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED for Homes program. Located at 225 Wilton Drive, the new two-story, 2,800 square-foot residence is called the RainShine House, reflective of the butterfly roof designed to capture rainfall and the utilization of natural light to shine throughout the home. These key features were created by Robert Cain, principle of Atlanta architectural firm Robert M. Cain, and the home was built by Decatur builder Robert Soens of Pinnacle Custom Builders, Inc.

Nestled in the heart of Decatur, Georgia, sits an entirely sustainable home that has received notable accolades for “green construction" by the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED for Homes program. Located at 225 Wilton Drive, the new two-story, 2,800 square-foot residence is called the RainShine House, reflective of the butterfly roof designed to capture rainfall and the utilization of natural light to shine throughout the home. These key features were created by Robert Cain, principle of Atlanta architectural firm Robert M. Cain, and the home was built by Decatur builder Robert Soens of Pinnacle Custom Builders, Inc.

PROGRAM: RESIDENTIAL LOCATION: DUNKIRK ESTATE, SALT ROCK, SOUTH AFRICA SIZE: 350m² Located within Dunkirk Estate, this design maximises the potential of the small site. It minimises impact on the surrounding environment by reducing cut and fill. The building opens up to the north and south to maximise natural light and reduce solar heat gain. All windows on the upper ground floor slide away to promote cross ventilation and promote indoor/outdoor living. The large expanse of Low-E glass captures views into the forest from both levels, whilst maintaining a good thermal performance The rainwater collected from the 15000 litre harvesting system will be used to flush toilets and irrigate the landscaping. The indigenous green roof not only reduces heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, it also serves to visually integrate the built environment with the natural surrounding vegetation. The interiors were designed by Moos Interior Architects.