Search results for "Systems increases" in Home Design Ideas

We love it when a home becomes a family compound with wonderful history. That is exactly what this home on Mullet Lake is. The original cottage was built by our client’s father and enjoyed by the family for years. It finally came to the point that there was simply not enough room and it lacked some of the efficiencies and luxuries enjoyed in permanent residences. The cottage is utilized by several families and space was needed to allow for summer and holiday enjoyment. The focus was on creating additional space on the second level, increasing views of the lake, moving interior spaces and the need to increase the ceiling heights on the main level. All these changes led for the need to start over or at least keep what we could and add to it. The home had an excellent foundation, in more ways than one, so we started from there.
It was important to our client to create a northern Michigan cottage using low maintenance exterior finishes. The interior look and feel moved to more timber beam with pine paneling to keep the warmth and appeal of our area. The home features 2 master suites, one on the main level and one on the 2nd level with a balcony. There are 4 additional bedrooms with one also serving as an office. The bunkroom provides plenty of sleeping space for the grandchildren. The great room has vaulted ceilings, plenty of seating and a stone fireplace with vast windows toward the lake. The kitchen and dining are open to each other and enjoy the view.
The beach entry provides access to storage, the 3/4 bath, and laundry. The sunroom off the dining area is a great extension of the home with 180 degrees of view. This allows a wonderful morning escape to enjoy your coffee. The covered timber entry porch provides a direct view of the lake upon entering the home. The garage also features a timber bracketed shed roof system which adds wonderful detail to garage doors.
The home’s footprint was extended in a few areas to allow for the interior spaces to work with the needs of the family. Plenty of living spaces for all to enjoy as well as bedrooms to rest their heads after a busy day on the lake. This will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Eichler Orange is a stunning expression of mid-century modern architecture. The vision in modernizing this historic Eichler home with a 21st-century makeover was to honor the work of Joseph Eichler and restore it to the 1964 icon of California modernism it once was.
The clean aesthetics of this home features glass walls, post and beam, tongue and groove ceilings, and oversize porcelain tile floors throughout. The free-flowing indoor/outdoor floorplan is highlighted with a signature atrium, and all material selections were made to honor the time period. Custom cherry cabinets and warm slab walnut doors grace the interior.
This home had significant structural termite damage with three-quarters of the framing needing replacement. Additionally, the original house did not come close to meeting the current seismic codes. During reconstruction, we upgraded the post and beam structure with seismic hold-downs and concealed fasteners. The house lacked energy efficiency due to its flat roof and did not meet California’s current Title 24 energy-efficient standards. While honoring its era, this fully renovated residence is now updated with today’s energy efficiencies, including all-aluminum dual-glazed windows and doors, new spray foam insulation atop the flat roof, and tankless water heaters.
A new photovoltaic solar system was added. We abandoned the radiant floor heat and installed a new high-efficiency ductless heating and air units to each room. This increased the building’s performance and provided each room with its own thermostat and control. This system also allowed us to eliminate soffits and ductwork and maintain the exposed tongue and groove ceiling throughout the home.
The living space next to the family and dining room was repurposed to relocate the washer and dryer and allowed space to add a third bathroom. The primary bathroom was also reconfigured for a larger layout.
The sleek kitchen design includes frameless Crystal Cabinets, professional-grade Miele appliances, a large stainless steel Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, and a generous Caesarstone countertop workspace.
The outdoor backyard living space captures the natural beauty of Southern California and mid-century modern features, including drought-resistant landscaping with decomposed granite planter areas and all-new concrete hardscape. A new spa was added to the existing pool, along with a new BBQ area and firepit.
Photographer: Public 311 Design

This beautiful home had an old, non functioning lighting system in place that was removed and replaced with a completely new, low voltage, LED lighting system with a completely new design which flattered the details of this cape cod style home in a far better way. We increased the curb appeal, safety around the walkways and stairs and enhanced the security with accent lighting around the doors and windows. The overall effect is a warm and elegant look that this home was begging for.
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THE SETUP
The original primary bathroom was characterized by a disjointed and segmented layout. The shower featured a bulky glass-block enclosure that overwhelmed the space visually. There was a considerable amount of open, unused space, and despite having a his and hers vanity, the arrangement lacked personal space for each user, as they shared the conjoined space between the sinks. The toilet was inconveniently located right by the door, with a half-wall partition meant to provide privacy but instead contributing to a cramped and unbalanced feel. Overall, the bathroom’s layout and design were fragmented, failing to make the most of the available space and lacking adequate storage solutions.
Design objectives:
- Reconfigure the layout to enhance functionality and flow.
- Create an elegant, upscale aesthetic that is light and bright.
- Incorporate specialized storage solutions for female hair care needs.
- Increase overall storage capacity.
- Develop a spa-like shower experience.
- Provide a significant wow factor to the space.
THE REMODEL
Design challenges to be solved:
- Repositioning the toilet to a more suitable location.
- Designing hair care storage solutions without cluttering the elegant space.
- Balancing an upscale, elegant design with a feminine touch in the color palette.
- Increasing the brightness of the room without adding windows.
- Completely replacing the existing shower to create a spa-like experience.
- Planning new storage solutions without adding bulkiness or clutter to the cabinetry.
THE RENEWED SPACE
Design solutions:
Toilet Relocation: Moved the toilet by the window, creating a better overall layout that also opened up two full walls for cabinetry and storage solutions.
Specialized Vanity Storage: The left side of the left vanity is the wife’s. Open shelves facing across the vanity can be used for decorative or daily needs items. Pull-out docking drawers with power outlets and metal basins handle hot hair appliances.
Bright and Elegant Color Scheme: White cabinets, countertops, floors, and shower walls keep the space bright. The just-off-white wall color with a hint of pink adds a feminine touch. Thin wainscoting with white trim offers traditional-leaning elegance.
Layered Lighting Strategy: Ceiling can lights, sconces, lighted mirrors, and toe-kick lighting were installed. Natural light-rated bulbs keep the space bright and natural-feeling.
Spa-Like Shower: An extra-large shower was created using the same floor tile materials for continuity. Equipped with a Kohler Anthem system with a shower head, hand-held, and four body sprays. His and Hers niches for separate body care product storage.
Enhanced Storage Solutions: Added a linen cabinet within the vanity area for efficient storage of towels and bathroom essentials.
This elegant bathroom feels incredibly spacious now. The color palette and lights keep the room bright and cheery. Gold fixtures, the herringbone pattern on the floor, and exquisite trim work add an elegant touch. With the husband and wife having their own vanity wall sections joined at the corner, each user truly has their own space within the space. The clients are very happy with the final result.

We love it when a home becomes a family compound with wonderful history. That is exactly what this home on Mullet Lake is. The original cottage was built by our client’s father and enjoyed by the family for years. It finally came to the point that there was simply not enough room and it lacked some of the efficiencies and luxuries enjoyed in permanent residences. The cottage is utilized by several families and space was needed to allow for summer and holiday enjoyment. The focus was on creating additional space on the second level, increasing views of the lake, moving interior spaces and the need to increase the ceiling heights on the main level. All these changes led for the need to start over or at least keep what we could and add to it. The home had an excellent foundation, in more ways than one, so we started from there.
It was important to our client to create a northern Michigan cottage using low maintenance exterior finishes. The interior look and feel moved to more timber beam with pine paneling to keep the warmth and appeal of our area. The home features 2 master suites, one on the main level and one on the 2nd level with a balcony. There are 4 additional bedrooms with one also serving as an office. The bunkroom provides plenty of sleeping space for the grandchildren. The great room has vaulted ceilings, plenty of seating and a stone fireplace with vast windows toward the lake. The kitchen and dining are open to each other and enjoy the view.
The beach entry provides access to storage, the 3/4 bath, and laundry. The sunroom off the dining area is a great extension of the home with 180 degrees of view. This allows a wonderful morning escape to enjoy your coffee. The covered timber entry porch provides a direct view of the lake upon entering the home. The garage also features a timber bracketed shed roof system which adds wonderful detail to garage doors.
The home’s footprint was extended in a few areas to allow for the interior spaces to work with the needs of the family. Plenty of living spaces for all to enjoy as well as bedrooms to rest their heads after a busy day on the lake. This will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Eichler Orange is a stunning expression of mid-century modern architecture. The vision in modernizing this historic Eichler home with a 21st-century makeover was to honor the work of Joseph Eichler and restore it to the 1964 icon of California modernism it once was.
The clean aesthetics of this home features glass walls, post and beam, tongue and groove ceilings, and oversize porcelain tile floors throughout. The free-flowing indoor/outdoor floorplan is highlighted with a signature atrium, and all material selections were made to honor the time period. Custom cherry cabinets and warm slab walnut doors grace the interior.
This home had significant structural termite damage with three-quarters of the framing needing replacement. Additionally, the original house did not come close to meeting the current seismic codes. During reconstruction, we upgraded the post and beam structure with seismic hold-downs and concealed fasteners. The house lacked energy efficiency due to its flat roof and did not meet California’s current Title 24 energy-efficient standards. While honoring its era, this fully renovated residence is now updated with today’s energy efficiencies, including all-aluminum dual-glazed windows and doors, new spray foam insulation atop the flat roof, and tankless water heaters.
A new photovoltaic solar system was added. We abandoned the radiant floor heat and installed a new high-efficiency ductless heating and air units to each room. This increased the building’s performance and provided each room with its own thermostat and control. This system also allowed us to eliminate soffits and ductwork and maintain the exposed tongue and groove ceiling throughout the home.
The living space next to the family and dining room was repurposed to relocate the washer and dryer and allowed space to add a third bathroom. The primary bathroom was also reconfigured for a larger layout.
The sleek kitchen design includes frameless Crystal Cabinets, professional-grade Miele appliances, a large stainless steel Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, and a generous Caesarstone countertop workspace.
The outdoor backyard living space captures the natural beauty of Southern California and mid-century modern features, including drought-resistant landscaping with decomposed granite planter areas and all-new concrete hardscape. A new spa was added to the existing pool, along with a new BBQ area and firepit.
Photographer: Public 311 Design

Woodinville WA Phased Farmhouse Transformation Project
Project Overview
In Woodinville, WA, our team at M3Decks & Outdoor Living executed a multi-phase, three-year transformation of a 1970s woody walk-up home, converting it into a stunning farmhouse-style retreat. This project, tailored to the client’s vision, showcases our expertise in custom deck construction, structural enhancements, and outdoor living solutions, with a focus on quality and timeless design.
Project Phases
Phase 1: Deck and Entry Deck (Year 1)
Scope: Designed and constructed a composite deck using premium TimberTech materials, paired with a welcoming entry deck to enhance curb appeal. The decks were built with Fortress Steel Framing for durability, aligning with the farmhouse aesthetic through clean lines and rustic charm.
Features: Incorporated a multi-level layout to maximize usable space, with decorative railings and a drink rail cap for functionality and style.
Outcome: The new decks provided a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, transforming the home’s exterior into a functional and inviting space.
Phase 2: Roof Extension and DrySpace Installation (Year 2)
Scope: Extended the roof over the second-story deck and entryway to create a covered outdoor living area. Installed TimberTech DrySpace under the deck to create a dry, usable space below, ideal for a future hot tub.
Design Elements: The roof extension featured farmhouse-inspired gabled roofing with exposed beams, complementing the home’s updated aesthetic. The DrySpace system ensured weather protection for the under-deck area.
Outcome: The covered deck became a year-round outdoor oasis, while the DrySpace addition increased the home’s functional space, adding value and versatility.
Phase 3: Hardscaping (Planned for Year 3)
Scope: Scheduled to return for the final phase, which will focus on hardscaping to complete the outdoor transformation. Plans include a stamped concrete patio, planter boxes with Pacific Northwest-native plants, and a fire pit to enhance the farmhouse vibe.
Goals: Create a cohesive outdoor environment that integrates with the existing deck and roof structures, prioritizing biophilic design principles for a natural, inviting space.
Anticipated Outcome: The hardscaping will finalize the property’s evolution into a luxurious, functional outdoor retreat, perfect for entertaining and relaxation.
Key Features
Farmhouse Aesthetic: Rustic yet modern design with TimberTech composite decking, exposed beam roofing, and farmhouse-inspired detailing.
TimberTech DrySpace: Innovative under-deck system to ensure a dry, usable space for future additions like a hot tub.
Durable Materials: Fortress Steel Framing and TimberTech products for low-maintenance, long-lasting results.
Phased Approach: Flexible, client-focused construction timeline to accommodate budget and evolving needs.
Outcome
This phased project transformed a dated 1970s walk-up into a modern farmhouse masterpiece, significantly enhancing the home’s aesthetic and functional value. The deck and roof extensions have already elevated the client’s outdoor living experience, and the upcoming hardscaping phase will complete the vision of a cohesive, luxurious backyard retreat. The project exemplifies our commitment to quality craftsmanship and client satisfaction.
Location
Woodinville, WA
Project Type
Residential Phased Design-Build

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Being in business doing TV lift cabinet furniture for 13 years, the rewards of happy clients, building relationships and getting to be creative never gets old. This was a great project and as I, the client is very happy with their 100% hand carved pop up TV motorized designer piece.
We worked back and forth for months on getting the finish just perfect and so glad we all were patient and wanted the same outcome. The result from this piece was nothing short of exciting and stunning.
Cabinet Tronix, ship anywhere, specializes in tailor made pieces where we take all elements from furniture design, TV size, components, space constraints, custom and included finishes into consideration. Furniture pieces alone can be ordered.
Answers from a handful of questions sets the entire project scope up quickly. Any of our designs can be changed in size, finish, placed at the foot of the bed ... against as wall or window, next to a fire place and as a room divider or centrally located in the middle of the room.
We use Logitect Harmony Ultimate home as our remote or can be shipped our ready for your AV company to hook up with what they have.
Simple to complex, steam line modern to ornate hand carved pieces, our design or custom everything is possible.
Our US Made, quiet and durable, pop-up TV lift cabinet designs can be built with a component section to house your electronic equipment, positioned how you like and finished the way you require. Before your Pop up TV cabinet ships, each cabinet system goes through a thorough furniture, finish, TV lift, and technical quality control check list. To further increase your excitement, we provide detailed pictures of your furniture system before it ships.
We white glove ship the hidden TV furniture into your home by a professional furniture delivery company.

We love it when a home becomes a family compound with wonderful history. That is exactly what this home on Mullet Lake is. The original cottage was built by our client’s father and enjoyed by the family for years. It finally came to the point that there was simply not enough room and it lacked some of the efficiencies and luxuries enjoyed in permanent residences. The cottage is utilized by several families and space was needed to allow for summer and holiday enjoyment. The focus was on creating additional space on the second level, increasing views of the lake, moving interior spaces and the need to increase the ceiling heights on the main level. All these changes led for the need to start over or at least keep what we could and add to it. The home had an excellent foundation, in more ways than one, so we started from there.
It was important to our client to create a northern Michigan cottage using low maintenance exterior finishes. The interior look and feel moved to more timber beam with pine paneling to keep the warmth and appeal of our area. The home features 2 master suites, one on the main level and one on the 2nd level with a balcony. There are 4 additional bedrooms with one also serving as an office. The bunkroom provides plenty of sleeping space for the grandchildren. The great room has vaulted ceilings, plenty of seating and a stone fireplace with vast windows toward the lake. The kitchen and dining are open to each other and enjoy the view.
The beach entry provides access to storage, the 3/4 bath, and laundry. The sunroom off the dining area is a great extension of the home with 180 degrees of view. This allows a wonderful morning escape to enjoy your coffee. The covered timber entry porch provides a direct view of the lake upon entering the home. The garage also features a timber bracketed shed roof system which adds wonderful detail to garage doors.
The home’s footprint was extended in a few areas to allow for the interior spaces to work with the needs of the family. Plenty of living spaces for all to enjoy as well as bedrooms to rest their heads after a busy day on the lake. This will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Nearly every inch of this 1908 Ravenna home was upgraded, and the interior layout was re-envisioned. On the main floor, the kitchen and dining room locations were swapped to connect the kitchen to the living room. A spa-like bathroom was added upstairs to create an inviting new master suite, with heated floors, a double vanity, and a large shower. A spacious walk-in closet with a custom-designed organization system completes the luxurious appointments. The basement was dug down for increased head height, and a new laundry room, bedroom, and bonus room were added. All new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were installed, and the exterior was refreshed, with all new siding and rebuilt porches, including high-end composite decking and railings. The home is now an oasis, welcoming its owners and guests with gleaming new hardwood flooring, custom cabinetry and mill work, professional-grade appliances, layered lighting, and a gorgeous and warming soapstone fireplace surround.

Our new project.
To implement it, we were invited by the company in San Francisco. We had a very difficult task to do.
The building in which we had to install sound-absorbing panels has a historical and architectural value, and the main thing was not to harm anything.
And at the moment the building is used by the federal government, so that the work had to be carried out quickly and quietly, not to disturb the employees working in the building.
We have carefully selected materials, so that the shade of color on the wall would be completely coincided with shade of the fabric set. In the choice, we stopped at a specially made for this purpose CLIPSO sound-absorbing fabric. This material is better than any other for this kind of work: 1) Clipso Sound Proof is specially designed for sound absorption. 2) This material is made of synthetic fabric impregnated with polyurethane, it is ready to cope with significant operational loads in public buildings. 3) The texture of the material looks like a canvas, which creates an additional atmosphere of comfort and harmony with every interior of the premises where we have installed it. In the base, behind the CLIPSO fabric, we have installed an additional layer of sound-absorbing material.
This combination has increased the sound absorption to a factor of 1.0 (100%). All premises in which the work was carried out was provided to us for 3 days. During this time, we had to remove all lights, grille ventilation systems, as well as safety sensors and fire extinguishing systems.
Then install the mounting profile in the places told by the architects,mount a layer of sound-absorbing material and sound-absorbing fabric CLIPSO. Then, it was necessary to put back all dismantled equipment.
With this task we coped.

Mid-sized traditional white one-story stucco house exterior idea in Los Angeles with a hip roof and a shingle roof

This project represents an increasingly popular type of project - combining 2 bedrooms into a single master suite. The house is a 1910 craftsman, with 4 bedrooms on the second floor. Typical of older homes, the master bedroom had a very small bathroom, and very little closet space. The owners decided to sacrifice an adjacent guest bedroom to create a spacious master suite. The new rooms include a large bathroom, with hers and his vanities, separate toilet room, custom tile shower and soaking tub. The extra space also allowed us to install a luxurious custom walk-in closet.
Design Criteria:
- Increase size and utility of closet space.
- Create a large, luxury bathroom with distinctly separate hers/his spaces.
Special Features:
- Custom tile shower, with frameless glass door
- Platform soaking tub w/ custom tile deck
- His/Hers vanities with quartz countertops.
- Separate toilet room.
- Room-sized walk-in closet with custom cabinet system.
- Custom 5-Panel doors and built-up mouldings to match the original woodwork.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Woodinville WA Phased Farmhouse Transformation Project
Project Overview
In Woodinville, WA, our team at M3Decks & Outdoor Living executed a multi-phase, three-year transformation of a 1970s woody walk-up home, converting it into a stunning farmhouse-style retreat. This project, tailored to the client’s vision, showcases our expertise in custom deck construction, structural enhancements, and outdoor living solutions, with a focus on quality and timeless design.
Project Phases
Phase 1: Deck and Entry Deck (Year 1)
Scope: Designed and constructed a composite deck using premium TimberTech materials, paired with a welcoming entry deck to enhance curb appeal. The decks were built with Fortress Steel Framing for durability, aligning with the farmhouse aesthetic through clean lines and rustic charm.
Features: Incorporated a multi-level layout to maximize usable space, with decorative railings and a drink rail cap for functionality and style.
Outcome: The new decks provided a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, transforming the home’s exterior into a functional and inviting space.
Phase 2: Roof Extension and DrySpace Installation (Year 2)
Scope: Extended the roof over the second-story deck and entryway to create a covered outdoor living area. Installed TimberTech DrySpace under the deck to create a dry, usable space below, ideal for a future hot tub.
Design Elements: The roof extension featured farmhouse-inspired gabled roofing with exposed beams, complementing the home’s updated aesthetic. The DrySpace system ensured weather protection for the under-deck area.
Outcome: The covered deck became a year-round outdoor oasis, while the DrySpace addition increased the home’s functional space, adding value and versatility.
Phase 3: Hardscaping (Planned for Year 3)
Scope: Scheduled to return for the final phase, which will focus on hardscaping to complete the outdoor transformation. Plans include a stamped concrete patio, planter boxes with Pacific Northwest-native plants, and a fire pit to enhance the farmhouse vibe.
Goals: Create a cohesive outdoor environment that integrates with the existing deck and roof structures, prioritizing biophilic design principles for a natural, inviting space.
Anticipated Outcome: The hardscaping will finalize the property’s evolution into a luxurious, functional outdoor retreat, perfect for entertaining and relaxation.
Key Features
Farmhouse Aesthetic: Rustic yet modern design with TimberTech composite decking, exposed beam roofing, and farmhouse-inspired detailing.
TimberTech DrySpace: Innovative under-deck system to ensure a dry, usable space for future additions like a hot tub.
Durable Materials: Fortress Steel Framing and TimberTech products for low-maintenance, long-lasting results.
Phased Approach: Flexible, client-focused construction timeline to accommodate budget and evolving needs.
Outcome
This phased project transformed a dated 1970s walk-up into a modern farmhouse masterpiece, significantly enhancing the home’s aesthetic and functional value. The deck and roof extensions have already elevated the client’s outdoor living experience, and the upcoming hardscaping phase will complete the vision of a cohesive, luxurious backyard retreat. The project exemplifies our commitment to quality craftsmanship and client satisfaction.
Location
Woodinville, WA
Project Type
Residential Phased Design-Build

Garage rooftop decks have gained in popularity in many cities, and are very common in Chicago as one of the best options to increase access to outdoor space, where residential space is otherwise limited.
This beautiful single family home in Lakeview needed a significant garage roof deck overhaul. Rooftopia removed an old pergola and wooden decking bringing a modern aesthetic to the design of the new deck. We installed new porcelain paver floor tiles, added gorgeous Ipe privacy screens, and a Renson Pergola with an adjustable louvered waterproof cover. The Renson pergola system also seamlessly integrates three retractable screens made of fabric for privacy on three sides of the pergola, as well as LED lighting in the columns of the pergola and outdoor heaters. The pergola includes outdoor curtains to provide our clients with the ability to create a very cozy enclosure.
The lighter finishes of the pavers, pergola and planter boxes keep the space looking fresh and bright all year round. Planter boxes include ornamental trees and native grasses with an integrated watering system.

Eichler Orange is a stunning expression of mid-century modern architecture. The vision in modernizing this historic Eichler home with a 21st-century makeover was to honor the work of Joseph Eichler and restore it to the 1964 icon of California modernism it once was.
The clean aesthetics of this home features glass walls, post and beam, tongue and groove ceilings, and oversize porcelain tile floors throughout. The free-flowing indoor/outdoor floorplan is highlighted with a signature atrium, and all material selections were made to honor the time period. Custom cherry cabinets and warm slab walnut doors grace the interior.
This home had significant structural termite damage with three-quarters of the framing needing replacement. Additionally, the original house did not come close to meeting the current seismic codes. During reconstruction, we upgraded the post and beam structure with seismic hold-downs and concealed fasteners. The house lacked energy efficiency due to its flat roof and did not meet California’s current Title 24 energy-efficient standards. While honoring its era, this fully renovated residence is now updated with today’s energy efficiencies, including all-aluminum dual-glazed windows and doors, new spray foam insulation atop the flat roof, and tankless water heaters.
A new photovoltaic solar system was added. We abandoned the radiant floor heat and installed a new high-efficiency ductless heating and air units to each room. This increased the building’s performance and provided each room with its own thermostat and control. This system also allowed us to eliminate soffits and ductwork and maintain the exposed tongue and groove ceiling throughout the home.
The living space next to the family and dining room was repurposed to relocate the washer and dryer and allowed space to add a third bathroom. The primary bathroom was also reconfigured for a larger layout.
The sleek kitchen design includes frameless Crystal Cabinets, professional-grade Miele appliances, a large stainless steel Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, and a generous Caesarstone countertop workspace.
The outdoor backyard living space captures the natural beauty of Southern California and mid-century modern features, including drought-resistant landscaping with decomposed granite planter areas and all-new concrete hardscape. A new spa was added to the existing pool, along with a new BBQ area and firepit.
Photographer: Public 311 Design

We love it when a home becomes a family compound with wonderful history. That is exactly what this home on Mullet Lake is. The original cottage was built by our client’s father and enjoyed by the family for years. It finally came to the point that there was simply not enough room and it lacked some of the efficiencies and luxuries enjoyed in permanent residences. The cottage is utilized by several families and space was needed to allow for summer and holiday enjoyment. The focus was on creating additional space on the second level, increasing views of the lake, moving interior spaces and the need to increase the ceiling heights on the main level. All these changes led for the need to start over or at least keep what we could and add to it. The home had an excellent foundation, in more ways than one, so we started from there.
It was important to our client to create a northern Michigan cottage using low maintenance exterior finishes. The interior look and feel moved to more timber beam with pine paneling to keep the warmth and appeal of our area. The home features 2 master suites, one on the main level and one on the 2nd level with a balcony. There are 4 additional bedrooms with one also serving as an office. The bunkroom provides plenty of sleeping space for the grandchildren. The great room has vaulted ceilings, plenty of seating and a stone fireplace with vast windows toward the lake. The kitchen and dining are open to each other and enjoy the view.
The beach entry provides access to storage, the 3/4 bath, and laundry. The sunroom off the dining area is a great extension of the home with 180 degrees of view. This allows a wonderful morning escape to enjoy your coffee. The covered timber entry porch provides a direct view of the lake upon entering the home. The garage also features a timber bracketed shed roof system which adds wonderful detail to garage doors.
The home’s footprint was extended in a few areas to allow for the interior spaces to work with the needs of the family. Plenty of living spaces for all to enjoy as well as bedrooms to rest their heads after a busy day on the lake. This will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Just north of Seattle, this family home is tucked away on a magical parcel of land within the Edmonds city limits. Designed to maximize the site’s breathtaking views, it is carefully sited to blend into its wooded setting while opening fully to expansive views.
On our first visit, we found a secluded forest glade with stunning vistas of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains perched atop a high seaside bluff. Preserving and enhancing this singular landscape as the surrounding neighborhood fills in with development was central to our design.
The approach is intentionally restrained—the home does not reveal itself entirely upon arrival. The house is composed of two wings that cradle the meadow, making it the most important “room.” Interior spaces are oriented towards the lush landscape and impressive views framed by mature trees.
The structures are kept close to the perimeter, leaving the center of the site unbuilt. A covered bridge with a green roof acts as a front porch, linking the upslope garage/office with the main house. A gentle stair flows through the gap between the structures, drawing visitors into the clearing.
The floorplan is highly efficient, carefully tuned to the family’s daily routines. Each room is exactly suited to its purpose, yet no larger than needed.
An open corner with double-height windows creates a jewel-box dining room. Free of a corner structure, the home expands to encompass the covered patio for outdoor cooking and dining, plus easy access to the kitchen, encouraging year-round outdoor living.
Human-scale moments are intentionally created, from a stairway window seat with peekaboo views to a covered outdoor extension of the great room that fosters a cozy relationship between interior and exterior.
Much of the light-filled interior is wrapped in clear-finished fir, giving it a warm glow even on rainy winter days. White oak cabinets and black soapstone countertops add warmth to the kitchen. The built-in furniture in the library loft and the cold-rolled steel fireplace surround were crafted by the owner’s father, an expert woodworker, increasing the connection between the home and its occupants. The second story includes the primary suite with treehouse vibes.
Located on a steep slope in a landslide-prone area, the Edmonds Overlook overcame numerous technical and engineering challenges to address vehicle and fire access, stormwater and erosion mitigation, and potential earth movement.
Green Design:
Compact footprint and conditioned area compared to comparable homes, reducing carbon and ongoing energy use
Green roof at covered entry
Heat-pump air and water heating with multiple zones to maximize efficiency
Whole-house Heat Recovery Ventilation system
Engineered On-Site Stormwater Management System
Landscape restoration using 100% native species, added 47 trees to site, plus meadow plantings

Nearly every inch of this 1908 Ravenna home was upgraded, and the interior layout was re-envisioned. On the main floor, the kitchen and dining room locations were swapped to connect the kitchen to the living room. A spa-like bathroom was added upstairs to create an inviting new master suite, with heated floors, a double vanity, and a large shower. A spacious walk-in closet with a custom-designed organization system completes the luxurious appointments. The basement was dug down for increased head height, and a new laundry room, bedroom, and bonus room were added. All new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were installed, and the exterior was refreshed, with all new siding and rebuilt porches, including high-end composite decking and railings. The home is now an oasis, welcoming its owners and guests with gleaming new hardwood flooring, custom cabinetry and mill work, professional-grade appliances, layered lighting, and a gorgeous and warming soapstone fireplace surround.

To ensure our client's precious wines age to perfection, we installed an HS4600 ducted split wine cellar refrigeration TX system from US Cellar Systems.
The unit maintains the ideal temperature and humidity levels within the wine cellar space.
Note the label forward orientation of the wines, pictured here.
Wine Cellar Specialists
1134 Commerce Drive
Richardson
(972)454-0480
75081
winecellarspec.com
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