The challenge was to create a modern, minimalist structure that did not interfere with the natural setting but rather seemed nestled in and part of the landscape while blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces. Special Features and Details: • wood floor, ceiling and exterior deck all run in the same direction drawing the eye toward the water view below • valence encompassing the living space aligns with the face of the loft floor and conceals window shades and uplighting. • pocket doors are flush with the ceiling adding to the feeling of one room flowing into the other when the doors are open • ample storage tucks into the walls unobtrusively • baseboards are set in, flush with the walls separated by a channel detail. • deck appears to float, creating a sense of weightlessness. This detail repeats at the bedside tables and bathroom vanity • obscured glass window in shower provides light and privacy

The attic door is located in the master closet. This limits clothing items that can be placed on the wall since the owner would have to remove every time they entered the attic. By placing shelves and drawers on the side (which does not interfere when opening the attic door), this allows more storage for shoes, purses, folded clothes, undergarments, etc, and allows the client to store the hanging on the back wall. Our client wanted to maximize the storage space by going all the way to the top of the 10' space. WOW! Lots of storage now!

Eric Kneller from Reico Kitchen & Bath in Frederick, MD, partnered with Ravenwood to design a transitional kitchen using Merillat Autograph cabinetry. The kitchen features the Bayard door style in an Evercore painted Warm White finish for the wall cabinets and Maple in Stained Molasses for the base cabinets. The client shared, “We avoided a kitchen remodel for years due to stories of stressful experiences. Our project with Reico was nothing like that! From start to finish, everything was handled professionally. Eric played a key role in the process, offering helpful suggestions for the layout and design that gave us great options for customization.” Eric added, “The homeowners wanted more storage space, especially since there was no pantry in the home. We worked together to design a solution that wouldn’t interfere with the dining area. The transitional style of the cabinets works well with the warm white and dark stained finishes. I’m pleased with the final result.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images.

Located in the picturesque Portsmouth, this private residence truly embraces its location, capturing views from every angle plus allowing air to enter and keeping the interiors cool during summer months. Numerous doors and windows make the home appear as though its inhabitants are a natural part of their surroundings—as is the home. The design team needed to source screens for the doors and windows that would let in the fresh air without blocking the stunning beachfront views. The selected mesh type – Phifer’s 18/14 insect mesh in charcoal color – offers great visibility to the outside, lets in the breeze, and keeps the insects from entering the home. The resulting cross ventilation is used to reduce the need for air conditioning in summer by letting cool air into the home during the breezier morning and evening hours. During cool days or in the spring or fall, air conditioning dependence is now virtually eliminated by using screens throughout the day. Integration with design: The designers selected Legacy door screens and Serene window screens as the best solution for the home`s custom designed Kolbe windows and doors. Professionally installed to match the varying sizes of each opening, the screens retract completely out of sight into their color-matched housings, preserving the look and design of the windows and the doorway. The homeowners chose an exterior mount application so the screens would not interfere with interior shades. "We chose Phantom screens for our new coastal home due to the fine quality of construction of Phantom’s screens and hardware. In addition, it provided us options to mount the screens on the outside so that we could have our window treatments mounted inside the frame to show off the millwork, plus keep the views. We love them!" – Debra T., Homeowner

The design strategy included working within the footprint created by the home and backyard, wanting to incorporate a swimming pool “destination” within the backyard that would be large enough to fit the “larger than life” criteria, but without taking away any of the natural beauty or obstructing the view of the horse pastures, barn and nature surrounding the home. Once the design work began, and the pool area was able to incorporate one of every feature the customer could have wanted, Curtis had some steel grates from a former tilt-a-whirl carnival ride that gave him the idea of suspending a stage over the pool. The initial idea was a modest stage with some waterfall/sheer decent features. With the idea of using steel to form the framework, the stage idea grew into something much more that would include a full stage set up, lighting trusses, a “green room” and staging area. Once the stage was designed to be so large, the pool size and scope needed to match including the patio surround, area underneath the stage, and all the additional features. The home architecture is a Ranch with a full finished walkout basement adjacent to the pool area. An existing deck had to be removed to allow for the pool build and new Trex deck, as well as a 3 story tall observation tower that overlooks the pool and surrounding horse pastures. The design strategy was to work within the footprint the house and decks provided to create an extension of the home for outdoor entertaining. Since the exterior of the house was quite long (and dull, the owner equating it to a 1970’s motel), our team needed to incorporate elements to make the space feel more like a backyard resort. The goal was maintaining a cozy at home feel in a grand expanse of space. It takes a team and a unique blend of artistry to build this project. Sandi Maki, co-owner of the company is responsible for the business side of things, and marketing to reach exceptional customers who allow us to build these backyard dreams. The construction side of our company boasts a diverse, multi-geneational family business. Allan Curtis is the designer/builder and comes up with the fantastic pool plans and ideas. His team consists of his daughter Jesse Curtis, who is high right hand and manages the project just as much as Allan does. She is instrumental in everything from dig day, to tying the steel, pouring the concrete, stonework and tile work, forming the waterfall, applying ecoFinish, pouring and stamping patio, and everything in between. Allan’s nephew Mark Curtis installed and plumbed the three pool filtration systems. Allan’s wife Annie has become very good at stonework on walls and waterfalls adding the unique accents our projects have become known for. Allan’s sister-in-law, Karen Olson also does tile and stonework on the jobs and created the rockstar mural on the patio. Frank DiPiazza assists with structural elements and built the new deck, and college student Brendan Schafer assists where needed and maintains the pool and equipment during the summer on a weekly basis. As with many homeowners who reach out to Legendary Escapes, this owner, Dale Walter, knew he wanted a “custom” pool without knowing what that really meant. He was able to show Curtis the space, and his initial ideas, and then allowed Allan and his team the freedom to dream and build. The majority of Legendary Escapes customers make the decision to hire the company after the first meeting with Curtis. As long as the project and design are challenging and interesting, the customer meets the criteria of being easy to work with, and is special in their own unique way Curtis will consider taking on their project. From the beginning it is important to Curtis that the customer understands they need to allow the project to take on a life of it’s own, and for Curtis to create without interference or asking too many questions – working together becomes a reality. The design is typically presented on paper, a hand-colored, hand drawn design that outlines only the large elements, and an accompanying budget which outlines the structural elements and budgets and has a “theme” budget for items to be determined but doesn’t change once it is set. Once that contract is signed, Curtis and his team over-deliver on what the customer could only have dreamed up in their wildest imagination. Projects proceed in an organic way- not every element is planned before the project begins. As the space begins to take shape, so do the details and finishing elements. When the Rockstar project began, there was no plan for the guitars on the fences, or guitar fire features. The VIP seating area wasn’t added until mid way through the patio pours as the space began to take shape. The murals both in the grotto and on the pool floor were planned just moments before each of them was to be installed. It’s this free-flowing combination of the customers and team’s dreams, ideas, elements and the Legendary Escapes team that creates backyard pools that are as much art as they are design and engineering masterpieces.

This bright laundry room packs plenty of storage into a narrow room. The single wall of cabinets offers ample space to store laundry and cleaning items. The countertop and large sink are perfect for sorting and rinsing clothes, and a bar was installed for hanging clothes to dry. A pocket door is ideal for this laundry room, as it tucks away neatly and does not interfere with the flow of traffic in the space.

Inspiration for a bedroom remodel in Grand Rapids

From builder standard to designer upgrade. A recent project of ours in Harrison NY had us taking an adequate builder designed kitchen to something much more special. The original layout led to traffic jams while entertaining and valuable storage was lost due to the fact that the cabinets did not go to the ceiling. The new design moves the refrigerator out of the traffic pattern that often lead to gridlock in previous years as well as providing ample storage for trays and baking sheets in the slim pantry. Grillwork doors allow for airflow from the air-conditioning vents, while still allowing for cabinets to the ceiling. A professional grade range replaces the old smaller model, with a heavy-duty hood to assure complete ventilation no matter what the cook creates. The microwave moves farther down the work triangle to assure that the heating of a cup of coffee or bag of popcorn need never interfere with the chef again. Equally of value is the island mini-frig not just to chill the occasional bottle of wine, but to keep the kids sodas out the main refrigerator. And then there is the desk/ command central area. The formerly blank wall where no piece of furniture seemed to fit, because of the radiator, has become an efficient home office. With room for two people to work, grown-ups can search Food Network for recipes while the kids do their homework – problem area solved!

Custom wine room designed, fabricated and installed with clients rustic tones in mind. Knotty alder, full glass entry with a viewing window from the adjacent room immediately details a stone, cave-like entry into the wine room. Individual bottles, display, bulk storage and presentation shelves adorn this inviting space. Displays are all accented with LED lights on a dimmable transformer. Unique ceiling and wall sconce light fixtures provide just enough light to easily identify all labels. A wine cellar cooling system is hidden in a dead corner of the racking so as not to interfere with the décor or capacity.

This kitchen included an odd-sized double-oven with shattered glass and appliance interference, wasted soffit space, inadequate lighting, and more. The client also faced issues with the laundry closet, storage, and countertops. We addressed these concerns by adjusting the layout. Featured changes include an integrated micro-convection double-oven, a counter-depth refrigerator, the removal of soffits, an expanded cabinetry footprint, a built-in laundry, relocating the electrical panel, and adding solid-surface countertops. Design elements include cabinet-mounted remote switches, a built-in wine refrigerator, two-tone cabinetry, all LED lighting, a pull-down swivel faucet, fully functional storage, and virtually seamless countertops. These changes addressed all of the clients’ pain points and improved the kitchen’s functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic.

A pocket door was introduced into the plan so strange swinging doors would not interfere with the flow nor black natural light coming into the commode or shower. Knee walls offer a sense of privacy to each area and balance to the overall design.

AV Architects + Builders Location: Great Falls, VA, US We suggested a French Country design to solve our clients’ needs and they couldn’t agree more. Originally, the kitchen was way to widespread and disjointed, not allowing for easy access to their backyard where they spend most of their time with their kids. The main house entry was misplaced in the mudroom and the food prep area was far too small. We made sure to integrate the kitchen with the rest of the home, as the other parts were already modernized and renovated. The kitchen layout was streamlined to include a large and comfortable dining room space, with a prep area now sitting comfortably off to the side where as it doesn’t interfere with guests but still in walking distance. Stacy Zarin Photography

The challenge was to create a modern, minimalist structure that did not interfere with the natural setting but rather seemed nestled in and part of the landscape while blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces. Special Features and Details: • wood floor, ceiling and exterior deck all run in the same direction drawing the eye toward the water view below • valence encompassing the living space aligns with the face of the loft floor and conceals window shades and uplighting. • pocket doors are flush with the ceiling adding to the feeling of one room flowing into the other when the doors are open • ample storage tucks into the walls unobtrusively • baseboards are set in, flush with the walls separated by a channel detail. • deck appears to float, creating a sense of weightlessness. This detail repeats at the bedside tables and bathroom vanity • obscured glass window in shower provides light and privacy

Coming up with new ideas is always challenging, but the challenge seems even more difficult to overcome when the starting point is quite limiting. In the case of this residential project, the starting point was an existing foundation, that needed to be used for the future building. Therefore, the footprint of the house needed to remain the same, however, the functions needed adjustments since the requirements and priorities of the owners changed in the previous years. Another aspect that involved limitations but in a totally different sense was the setting - a beautiful place near a lake, surrounded by wild vegetation - and our challenge was to integrate the house while emphasizing the view. We managed to do so by using large glass areas towards the lake, by laying the house properly on the sloped ground and by the use of materials. Because we didn't want to interfere with the all-natural vibe of the surroundings, we preferred using all-natural materials: wood as a structural material as well as an interior and exterior wall finishing, natural stone on both façades and pavements, ceramic roofing. The result now peacefully lays near the lake, a discrete presence, while hosting the life of a family and all the peace of mind one can get.

This home, set at the end of a long, private driveway, is far more than meets the eye. Built in three sections and connected by two breezeways, the home’s setting takes full advantage of the clean ocean air. Set back from the water on an open plot, its lush lawn is bordered by fieldstone walls that lead to an ocean cove. The hideaway calms the mind and spirit, not only by its privacy from the noise of daily life, but through well-chosen elements, clean lines, and a bright, cheerful feel throughout. The interior is show-stopping, covered almost entirely in clear, vertical-grain fir—most of which was source from the same place. From the flooring to the walls, columns, staircases and ceiling beams, this special, tight-grain wood brightens every room in the home. At just over 3,000 feet of living area, storage and smart use of space was a huge consideration in the creation of this home. For example, the mudroom and living room were both built with expansive window seating with storage beneath. Built-in drawers and cabinets can also be found throughout, yet never interfere with the distinctly uncluttered feel of the rooms. The homeowners wanted the home to fit in as naturally as possible with the Cape Cod landscape, and also desired a feeling of virtual seamlessness between the indoors and out, resulting in an abundance of windows and doors throughout. This home has high performance windows, which are rated to withstand hurricane-force winds and impact rated against wind-borne debris. The 24-foot skylight, which was installed by crane, consists of six independently mechanized shades operating in unison. The open kitchen blends in with the home’s great room, and includes a Sub Zero refrigerator and a Wolf stove. Eco-friendly features in the home include low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets in the bathrooms, and an energy recovery ventilation system, which conditions and improves indoor air quality. Other natural materials incorporated for the home included a variety of stone, including bluestone and boulders. Hand-made ceramic tiles were used for the bathroom showers, and the kitchen counters are covered in granite – eye-catching and long-lasting.

The objectives were: Make better use of the dining room – create a space ideal for informal gatherings Create a display space that is Marvel Spectacular-worthy Create a wow-worthy focal point that is visible as guests walk in the front door Incorporate a sink into the bar Plenty of storage Incorporate the client’s custom “barrel” secret mini bar into the design Design challenges we solved for: Make the two areas feel as one Provide enough support for the bar’s thick wood-top so that it would not need legs that would interfere with the seating area Find a way to incorporate as much bar seating as possible Make the room’s finishes flow with the rest of the house THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Add open cabinets on the back bar wall with lights and display sections – this ties the bar area to the open display cabinets Back bar wall base cabinets provide lots of storage U-shaped island allows for more seating Custom shelving adjustable to accommodate a wide range of collectibles Finishes that tie into the secret barrel bar integrate nicely with the rest of the house Transforming the former dining room area into a bar with lots of display shelving gives the clients a new, functional gathering place that reflects their personal style. It feels more fun and modern, and it feels more like “them.” After all, this is their own special area in their own home and it’s a perfect place for hanging out with friends.

Request Free Quote This innovative swimming pool measures 16'0" x 35'0" and has a 10.75'0" swim lane. Due to the offset for the swim lane, the pool features two separate automatic pool safety covers to completely cover the pool. Diving Board, deep water benches, Ledgestone pool coping and LED colored lighting complete the aesthetic. Photos by Larry Huene

The granite steps make walking down the slope easy and safe. The foot traffic does not interfere with the table area.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard stone patio fountain remodel in Boston with no cover

This room has a 5.2 surround sound system with a 70" flat panel TV and three 37" TV's allowing the owner to watch four sporting events at the same time or allow his children to play video games while the parents watch television. Three sets of headphones were included for the smaller TV's so that they would not interfere with the audio from the larger TV. An RTI automation system was used to control the A/V system as well as indoor/outdoor house audio. Other products used were Marantz, Sonance, Sony, LG, Furman and Middle Atlantic.