A robust, modern, riverside home with minimalist detailing that blends seamlessly into the surroundings. The home is used as a year-round weekend retreat for a family with children and as such they wanted it to be private and offer a sense of escape and freedom. The clients wanted it to be a low maintenance, energy efficient home making use of natural materials. Clad with innovative treated timber, the house nestles harmoniously into its rural, riverside setting; making the most of its context, orientation and views while minimising any impact on the surrounding area. Two opposing blocks, forming a 'T' shape in plan, taper up in height towards the river to the east and fields to the south and define the internal spaces. The open-plan living, kitchen and dining areas benefit from fully-glazed sliding doors set in a deep reveal to the south which maximises light and provides shelter above. Large windows look out over the river and a raised, cantilevered deck wraps around the east and south elevations, creating an extension to the internal space that bleeds out into the landscape beyond.

This Killarney, Ontario Cottage was built on the shores of Georgian Bay. The Cottage took advantage of the receding waters of the Bay and was built cascading towards the water's edge. Natural materials were used throughout the exterior and interior of the cottage including wood and stone. Clear glass paneled railings provide an unobstructed view of the Bay while highlighting the expansive cedar decks and stone landscaping. The cottage has a rustic but contemporary feel.

These homeowners came to us wanting to update their property with new plantings at the street, which matched the existing landscaping of the neighborhood, as well as update the various beds around their foundation. The existing beds throughout the property became overgrown and needed a bit of breathing room to allow space for the new plants to fill in. The old vegetation was ripped out and replaced with both native, and adapted plants. The wooded area in the backyard was rid of debris, and a drainage system was added using the rocks that were in their previous landscape design. Not only were the materials able to be recycled, they are now used to help prevent continued erosion of the hillside by taking the water from the sloped driveway and giving it a path toward the woods. Limestone was the chosen replacement because it is cohesive with the neighbor’s landscaping and the pre-existing stairs in the backyard. Blocks of limestone were used to line the new beds and build a new fire pit to accessorize the beautiful view!

Photos by Patrick Brickman
Kitchen - farmhouse kitchen idea in Charleston

A beautifully crafted 6BR | 5BA designer home, thoughtfully curated to enhance everyday living through the union of art & functional home design. Upon arrival, a porte-cochère ushers you into the motor court. Notice how the architectural details & landscape elements flow continuously on all sides of the home. The attention to detail is paramount. Premium materials, paired selectively in black & white, deliver dramatic contrasts that abound in beauty. A cathedral ceiling in the heart of the home directs attention towards an impressive, floor-to-ceiling masonry fireplace showcasing a solid beam, heart pine mantel circa 1895. Recharge in the well-appointed master suite complete with heated floors, curbless shower, free-standing tub, & a luxurious custom closet. Brilliant lighting throughout. Dedicated home office (flex space with separate entrance), 2nd bedroom on main, & so much more!

These homeowners came to us wanting to update their property with new plantings at the street, which matched the existing landscaping of the neighborhood, as well as update the various beds around their foundation. The existing beds throughout the property became overgrown and needed a bit of breathing room to allow space for the new plants to fill in. The old vegetation was ripped out and replaced with both native, and adapted plants. The wooded area in the backyard was rid of debris, and a drainage system was added using the rocks that were in their previous landscape design. Not only were the materials able to be recycled, they are now used to help prevent continued erosion of the hillside by taking the water from the sloped driveway and giving it a path toward the woods. Limestone was the chosen replacement because it is cohesive with the neighbor’s landscaping and the pre-existing stairs in the backyard. Blocks of limestone were used to line the new beds and build a new fire pit to accessorize the beautiful view!

This house and guest house design fits the rolling Hill Country site it commands along the Blanco River in Texas. The somewhat triangular shape of the site grows wider towards the limestone-based river that arcs through the hills. Every space in the house naturally wanted a view of the river and the forest hills beyond. To achieve this, the house arcs to fit the site, expanding the view and personalizing each space's relationship to the water and woods, as each view is slightly different. Materials and colors in the house reflect the site: limestone, olive (which matches the water!) stained concrete floors, wood of reminiscent of the woods, and the complementary silvery permanence of galvanized steel. The 3-layered complex (rendered in stone+metal+glass) is approached downhill from the west through a break in a limestone wall between the main house and the guest house. Upon crossing this threshold, visitors are drawn into the mutually compatible relationship between building and site,

The brief was simple: create an elevated ‘surf shack’ for a laid back family of surfers on the northeast coast. Inspired heavily by the deep blues and warm textures of the coastline, this home maintained the charm of the surrounding architecture but took a step towards modernity. We kept things primarily light and bright, but were intentional to include materials that will patina and grow more beautiful with time such as unlacquered brass finishes, worn wood, hand-shaped kiln-fired zellige tile, concretes, linens, mudcloths, and various vintage textiles. The result is a home that feels inviting and warm; a space where the homeowners and their guests alike can feel at ease.

After their Niwot, Colorado, home was inundated with floodwater and mud in the historic 2013 flood, the owners brought their “glass is half full” zest for life to the process of restarting their lives in a modest budget-conscious home. It wouldn’t have been possible without the goodwill of neighbors, friends, strangers, donated services, and their own grit and full engagement in the building process. Water-shed Revival is a 2000 square foot home designed for social engagement, inside-outside living, the joy of cooking, and soaking in the sun and mountain views. The lofty space under the shed roof speaks of farm structures, but with a twist of the modern vis-à-vis clerestory windows and glass walls. Concrete floors act as a passive solar heat sink for a constant sense of thermal comfort, not to mention a relief for muddy pet paw cleanups. Cost-effective structure and material choices, such as corrugated metal and HardiePanel siding, point this home and this couple toward a renewed future.

Inspiration for a timeless single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry remodel in Austin with raised-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash and white countertops

Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman attached three-car carport remodel in Chicago

This Killarney, Ontario Cottage was built on the shores of Georgian Bay. The Cottage took advantage of the receding waters of the Bay and was built cascading towards the water's edge. Natural materials were used throughout the exterior and interior of the cottage including wood and stone. Clear glass paneled railings provide an unobstructed view of the Bay while highlighting the expansive cedar decks and stone landscaping. The cottage has a rustic but contemporary feel.

The homeowners were building a new home and wanted to incorporate a beautiful lakeside landscape design. The design was constrained by several factors, including lakeshore setbacks that limited development towards the lake and impacted sideyards, as well as strict impervious surface restrictions that limited installation options. To address these challenges, steppers and 3-foot pathways with planting beds were used to create connection spaces without affecting lot coverage. Despite these restrictions, the goals for the project were clear: create an open yard that maintains views of the lake, develop connected and versatile entertaining spaces, and use materials and colors that blend seamlessly with the house. The design also aimed to provide ample space for family and friends and incorporate a firepit area, hot tub, cooking area, longue beds, and dining area.

The homeowners were building a new home and wanted to incorporate a beautiful lakeside landscape design. The design was constrained by several factors, including lakeshore setbacks that limited development towards the lake and impacted sideyards, as well as strict impervious surface restrictions that limited installation options. To address these challenges, steppers and 3-foot pathways with planting beds were used to create connection spaces without affecting lot coverage. Despite these restrictions, the goals for the project were clear: create an open yard that maintains views of the lake, develop connected and versatile entertaining spaces, and use materials and colors that blend seamlessly with the house. The design also aimed to provide ample space for family and friends and incorporate a firepit area, hot tub, cooking area, longue beds, and dining area.

This Killarney, Ontario Cottage was built on the shores of Georgian Bay. The Cottage took advantage of the receding waters of the Bay and was built cascading towards the water's edge. Natural materials were used throughout the exterior and interior of the cottage including wood and stone. Clear glass paneled railings provide an unobstructed view of the Bay while highlighting the expansive cedar decks and stone landscaping. The cottage has a rustic but contemporary feel.

JE Evans Photography
Transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Columbus with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

Example of a minimalist bathroom design in Atlanta

View toward pocket door through curbless entry to shower. Remote fan above (we left a finished hole rather than radial plastic grille.)© WORD
Example of a minimalist bathroom design in Los Angeles

Design & Supply: Astro Design Centre, Ottawa Canada Photo: JVL Photography We opted for using luxurious materials to add the warmth and glamour synonymous with a more traditional interior. Walnut, marble, brushed nickel and glass were all used to offset simple ivory lacquer cabinetry in the open concept living room. A massive slab of Taj Mahal Quartzite dictated the size of the kitchen island which we kept free of major utilities so that the room would bleed seamlessly into the adjacent living room. The base of the island is natural American walnut. The perimeter of the kitchen houses an industrial range and massive steel hood; which is juxtaposed on a backsplash of mosaic tile. The mosaic is delicate lattice work pattern gently nodding towards the traditional. To add additional depth and dimension to the space we made all the upper cabinetry open glass. The interiors of the glass cabinetry are in the same natural walnut as the island. This unexpected detail is the perfect backdrop to white dishes and crystal stemware. Ultimately the room is elegant and serene.