Jane Vorbrodt
Living room - 1960s living room idea in Vancouver with a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

When you open the back doors of the home of Nancy and Jeremy Campbell in Granville, you don’t just step out onto a patio. You enter an extension of a modern living space that just happens to be outdoors. Their patio’s unique design and setting provides the comfort and style of indoors while enjoying the natural beauty and fresh air of outdoors. It all started with a rather desolate back yard. “It was completely blank, there was nothing back there,” Nancy remembers of the patio space of this 1972 split-level house they bought five years ago. With a blank slate to work with, the Campbells knew the key elements of what they wanted for their new outdoor space when they sat down with Travis Ketron of Ketron Custom Builders to design it. “We knew we wanted something covered so we could use it in the rain, and in the winter, and we knew we wanted a stone fireplace,” Nancy recalls. Travis translated the Campbells’ vision into a design to satisfy outdoor entertaining and relaxing desires in all seasons. The new outdoor space is reminiscent of a vast, rustic great room complete with a stone fireplace, a vaulted ceiling, skylights, and ceiling fans, yet no walls. The space is completely open to the elements without any glass or doors on any of the sides, except from the house. Furnished like a great room, with a built-in music system as well, it’s truly an extension of indoor living and entertaining space, and one that is unaffected by rain. Jeremy comments, “We haven’t had to cover the furniture yet. It would have to be a pretty strong wind to get wet.” Just outside the covered patio is a quartet of outdoor chairs adorned with plush cushions and colorful pillows, positioned perfectly for users to bask in the sun. In the design process, the fireplace emerged as the anchor of the space and set the stage for the outdoor space both aesthetically and functionally. “We didn’t want it to block the view. Then designing the space with Travis, the fireplace became the center,” remembers Jeremy. Placed directly across from the two sets of French doors leading out from the house, a Rumford fireplace and extended hearth of stone in neutral earth tones is the focal point of this outdoor living room. Seating for entertaining and lounging falls easily into place around it providing optimal viewing of the private, wooded back yard. When temperatures cool off, the fireplace provides ample warmth and a cozy setting to experience the change of seasons. “It’s a great fireplace for the space,” Jeremy says of the unique design of a Rumford style fireplace. “The way you stack the wood in the fireplace is different so as to get more heat. It has a shallower box, burns hotter and puts off more heat. Wood is placed in it vertically, not stacked.” Just in case the fireplace doesn’t provide enough light for late-night soirees, there is additional outdoor lighting mounted from the ceiling to make sure the party always goes on. Travis brought the idea of the Rumford outdoor fireplace to the Campbells. “I learned about it a few years back from some masons, and I was intrigued by the idea then,” he says. “We like to do stuff that’s out of the norm, and this fireplace fits the space and function very well.” Travis adds, “People want unique things that are designed for them. That’s our style to do that for them.” The patio also extends out to an uncovered area set up with patio tables for grilling and dining. Gray pavers flow throughout from the covered space to the open-air area. Their continuous flow mimics the feel of flooring that extends from a living room into a dining room inside a home. Also, the earth tone colors throughout the space on the pavers, fireplace and furnishings help the entire space mesh nicely with its natural surroundings. A little ways off from both the covered and uncovered patio area is a stone fire pit ring. Removed by just the right distance, it provides a separate place for young adults to gather and enjoy the night. Adirondack chairs and matching tables surround the outdoor fire pit, offering seating for anyone who doesn’t wish to stand and a place to set down ingredients for yummy fireside treats like s’mores. Padded chairs outside the reach of the pavilion and the nearby umbrella the perfect place to kick back and relax in the sun. The colorful throw pillows and outdoor furniture cushions add some needed color and a touch of personality. Enjoying the comforts of indoors while being outdoors is exactly what the Campbells are doing now, particularly when lounging on the comfortable wicker furniture that dominate most of the area. “My favorite part of the whole thing is the fireplace,” Nancy says. Jeremy concludes, “There is no television, it would destroy the ambiance out there. We just enjoy listening to music and watching the fire.”

"Dramatically positioned along Pelican Crest's prized front row, this Newport Coast House presents a refreshing modern aesthetic rarely available in the community. A comprehensive $6M renovation completed in December 2017 appointed the home with an assortment of sophisticated design elements, including white oak & travertine flooring, light fixtures & chandeliers by Apparatus & Ladies & Gentlemen, & SubZero appliances throughout. The home's unique orientation offers the region's best view perspective, encompassing the ocean, Catalina Island, Harbor, city lights, Palos Verdes, Pelican Hill Golf Course, & crashing waves. The eminently liveable floorplan spans 3 levels and is host to 5 bedroom suites, open social spaces, home office (possible 6th bedroom) with views & balcony, temperature-controlled wine and cigar room, home spa with heated floors, a steam room, and quick-fill tub, home gym, & chic master suite with frameless, stand-alone shower, his & hers closets, & sprawling ocean views. The rear yard is an entertainer's paradise with infinity-edge pool & spa, fireplace, built-in BBQ, putting green, lawn, and covered outdoor dining area. An 8-car subterranean garage & fully integrated Savant system complete this one of-a-kind residence. Residents of Pelican Crest enjoy 24/7 guard-gated patrolled security, swim, tennis & playground amenities of the Newport Coast Community Center & close proximity to the pristine beaches, world-class shopping & dining, & John Wayne Airport." via Cain Group / Pacific Sotheby's International Realty Photo: Chris Snitko

One of the reviews from this home: "An off the grid eco home project. This home is exemplary in its design, both from an aesthetic and an ecological point of view. The indoor/outdoor construction modulates airflow and temperature creating a comfortable environment in the jungle."

An expansive white kitchen with Shaker cabinets a secondary smaller dining area with a large eat-in counter height island that seats 5. A large walk-in wine room surrounded on two sides with glass is temperature controlled and is the statement and conversation pieces of the space. The dining table is an industrial steel crank style that seats up to 10 comfortably.

This fused and slumped glass light shade is handmade. The colorful glass ornamentation is cut and arranged by hand, then fired at high temperature in an electric kiln. Many different sizes and shapes of lighting are available in this pattern, and we are more than willing to do custom work, so please don't hesitate to ask.

Wine Cellar Concept - large dark wine cellar with hardwood floors - wine barrel floors, expansive wine storage, curved ceiling
Elegant wine cellar photo in Columbus with display racks

Softened door profile supports an idea of an informal space. Roman shades provide temperature/light control as needed. photo by Julia Piterkina
Kitchen - 1950s kitchen idea

Our homes are resilient, adaptable, and when combined with Solar can be built to zero energy standards. Designs come complete with Solar ready features, LED Lighting, structured wiring, and expandable building automation technology. Ultra efficient mechanical equipment with small diameter ducts and variable speed blowers reduce energy use and ensure consistent temperatures between rooms, zones, and floors. Modular Prefabrication offers a smarter building system that leverages manufacturing efficiency, advanced engineering technology, and highly skilled labor to precisely produce high quality, durable, and efficient buildings in a fraction of the time needed in traditional construction. This is not your standard prefab home! EcoCraft homes are designed and constructed to provide our home owners with a look and feel that is unlike anything you have ever experienced!

Step into a world where elegance meets practicality in this stunning scullery/butler's pantry. Bold and dramatic, it features bespoke cabinetry in a rich, moody green, beautifully accentuated by brass mesh inserts and hardware. Nestled adjacent to the kitchen, this space is expertly designed for maximum efficiency—offering ample storage for cookware and bulky accessories. It transforms seamlessly into a chic butler’s pantry for entertaining, all while keeping your wine at the perfect temperature and within easy reach. Every kitchen deserves this ideal partner!

Wine Cellar Concept - large dark wine cellar with hardwood floors - wine barrel floors, expansive wine storage, curved ceiling
Wine cellar - traditional wine cellar idea in Columbus with storage racks

Wine Cellar Concept - large dark wine cellar with hardwood floors - wine barrel floors, expansive wine storage, curved ceiling
Elegant wine cellar photo in Columbus with display racks

Wine cellar with custom island lined with wooden case tops, double high wine bottle reveals, and tall wine racks. An eSommelier inventory management system keeps track of the wine collection. Grand mahogany wood with grey wash stain. A Wine Guardian Ducted system keeps the cellar at the appropriate temperature and relative humidity.

This cottage transformation transcends from charming to stunning. Jenny has added all the right simple-elegant finishing touches to her sweet cottage home! Click to slide through and swoon away with us for an exclusive mini home-tour! Shutter style: Polywood® bright white. Louver size & finish: 3.5 in/smooth/front tilt. Photo & Style Creds: Jenny @FinishingTouchDecorByJenny. E-Design & Consulting at http://www.finishingtouchdecorbyjenny.com/ https://www.instagram.com/finishingtouchdecorbyjenny/

Inspired by the Louisiana architecture of A. Hays Town, this client set out to replicate a Louisiana courtyard in the midst of this creekside estate. A pool was the centerpiece of the design, and it was anchored by an antique brick clad spa. The spa, strategically placed on the home's main axis, was specifically purposed to replicate a courtyard fountain. The vegetation includes a mixture of trimmed boxwood hedges, ferns, and azaleas, as well as a variety of other broad leafed plants. The potted plants add seasonal interest and year-round decor. This project also features the best in outdoor living. A copper screened cabana house includes an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and temperature controls for year round comfort. There is an outdoor firepit and seating area, sheltered by a vine covered trellis.

The sun can be overwhelming at times with the brightness and high temperatures. Shades are also a great way to block harmful ultra-violet rays to protect your hardwood flooring, furniture and artwork from fading. There are different types of shades that were engineered to solve a specific dilemma. We work with clients in the Central Indiana Area. Contact us today to get started on your project. 317-273-8343

Elite Landscaping removed an old vinyl liner pool from this home in a premier Omaha neighborhood. The goal was to install a new, concrete infinity-edge pool and spa with accessible pool deck. And we accomplished so much more! During the backyard remodel, the yard was elevated by 7.5 feet to improve access from the house to the pool deck with just three steps and a wheelchair-accessible ramp. More than 3,000 sq. feet of natural Travertine were installed for the pool deck, with stone veneer accents around the seating areas and firepit. An outdoor kitchen was installed, featuring polished granite countertops, a Fire Magic grill, Black Diamond appliances, and ample storage drawers. The pool structure boasts a 16-foot wide infinity edge, which is adorned with Black Galaxy iridescent glass tile. The pool wall is topped with fire/water bowls that cascade into the pool. A raised, double spa with 11-foot black granite ‘sheerfall’ edge also cascades into the pool. The custom concrete pool and raised spa each have their own variable speed pumps and heating systems for separate water flow and temperature control. Both can be fully automated through a smartphone or other smart device with the Pentair IntelliTouch system. An app allows homeowners to program LED lights, adjust temperature and water flow speeds, and test pool chemistry.

The porch addition allows the best of both worlds of indoor and outdoor living. A retractable phantom screen opens fully to let the outdoors in and closes when needed to protect from insects and weather. The skylight not only illuminates the porch but also the adjoining interior rooms benefit from the natural light offered. Comfy furniture make this a room to be enjoyed everyday the temperature allows.

A tour-de-force, the CORDELIA freestanding soaking tub, has her name derived from ancient Welsh, meaning ''Jewel from the Sea''. UNIQUELY INDULGENT, as described by the Interior Designers for the ultra-luxury One Palm Residences in Dubai. When selecting this bath they wanted to create an 'inspiring sanctuary' that provided this unparalleled luxury both to the touch and visually. Silky smooth to the touch our unique and natural DADOquartz material ensures that the water retains it's temperature for longer.