This beautiful home is situated on a large corner lot, enclosed by brand new - equestrian style fencing and lush landscaping. The main house is 1,414 sq. /ft with 3 beds, 2 baths including a spacious master suite that is sure to have you saying - “This is it”. The eye catching Santa Barbara stucco is welcomed with an 18th Century inspired Dutch door, all new dual pane windows while copper gutters surround the brand new roof offering neighborhood supremacy. As the door opens, you are invited in with brand new hardwood flooring throughout the home. The great room is textured with custom wainscoting that pairs perfectly with the coffered ceilings, ambient - recessed lighting and a cozy fireplace. Continue through the family area and uncover the contemporary, yet elegantly designed kitchen equipped with top of the line appliances. The Carrara Marble Countertops waterfall off the custom cabinetry to complete the modern farmhouse feel. On top of all this, you have room for company with a brand new deck, enclosed back yard with copious natural grass and a 450 Sqft 1 Bed / 1 Bath guest house for those long term stays from both friends and family. This accessory unit is equipped with its own laundry hook ups, air conditioning and a kitchenette.

We took our client’s goals and added our design and craftsmanship to make a GREAT outdoor living space with an amazing deck and storage room two-story addition. The North Phoenix home faces north with a stunning view of Lookout Mountain Preserve and the northeast valley. Our client now has an incredible space to enjoy their scenic view. We created a large outdoor living area for entertaining. This beautiful adobe style home’s first floor was built below grade level. The second story of the home is dedicated to the main living space with the kitchen, living room, and dining room. By expanding the deck, and integrating an outdoor kitchen, we created a much larger living space for their home. We built a two-story addition to the back of the house which creates a storage room, of which the roof serves as an additional walk deck space for the new outdoor kitchen (check out the photos). This new uncovered deck directly extends from the existing deck so that it spans the width of the home. The storage room is a secure, temperature-controlled space. With a ceiling height of just over 9’0” and over 200 sq. ft., this room below the new deck addition is the perfect space for secure additional storage.

Rear Facade and Backyard
Mid-sized mid-century modern gray two-story stucco house exterior photo in Los Angeles with a shingle roof

The attached bar was designed so that someone could pass drinks bring the bar to guests in the hot tub. The luxury outdoor kitchen was installed with a natural blue stone veneer and boasts a nearby dining area in NJ.

We took our client’s goals and added our design and craftsmanship to make a GREAT outdoor living space with an amazing deck and storage room two-story addition. The North Phoenix home faces north with a stunning view of Lookout Mountain Preserve and the northeast valley. Our client now has an incredible space to enjoy their scenic view. We created a large outdoor living area for entertaining. This beautiful adobe style home’s first floor was built below grade level. The second story of the home is dedicated to the main living space with the kitchen, living room, and dining room. By expanding the deck, and integrating an outdoor kitchen, we created a much larger living space for their home. We built a two-story addition to the back of the house which creates a storage room, of which the roof serves as an additional walk deck space for the new outdoor kitchen (check out the photos). This new uncovered deck directly extends from the existing deck so that it spans the width of the home. The storage room is a secure, temperature-controlled space. With a ceiling height of just over 9’0” and over 200 sq. ft., this room below the new deck addition is the perfect space for secure additional storage.

This beautiful home is situated on a large corner lot, enclosed by brand new - equestrian style fencing and lush landscaping. The main house is 1,414 sq. /ft with 3 beds, 2 baths including a spacious master suite that is sure to have you saying - “This is it”. The eye catching Santa Barbara stucco is welcomed with an 18th Century inspired Dutch door, all new dual pane windows while copper gutters surround the brand new roof offering neighborhood supremacy. As the door opens, you are invited in with brand new hardwood flooring throughout the home. The great room is textured with custom wainscoting that pairs perfectly with the coffered ceilings, ambient - recessed lighting and a cozy fireplace. Continue through the family area and uncover the contemporary, yet elegantly designed kitchen equipped with top of the line appliances. The Carrara Marble Countertops waterfall off the custom cabinetry to complete the modern farmhouse feel. On top of all this, you have room for company with a brand new deck, enclosed back yard with copious natural grass and a 450 Sqft 1 Bed / 1 Bath guest house for those long term stays from both friends and family. This accessory unit is equipped with its own laundry hook ups, air conditioning and a kitchenette.

Unobstructed view from inside the kitchen looking out across the new outdoor kitchen/living space. We took our client’s goals and added our design and craftsmanship to make a GREAT outdoor living space with an amazing deck and storage room two-story addition. The North Phoenix home faces north with a stunning view of Lookout Mountain Preserve and the northeast valley. Our client now has an incredible space to enjoy their scenic view. We created a large outdoor living area for entertaining. This beautiful adobe style home’s first floor was built below grade level. The second story of the home is dedicated to the main living space with the kitchen, living room, and dining room. By expanding the deck, and integrating an outdoor kitchen, we created a much larger living space for their home. We built a two-story addition to the back of the house which creates a storage room, of which the roof serves as an additional walk deck space for the new outdoor kitchen (check out the photos). This new uncovered deck directly extends from the existing deck so that it spans the width of the home. The storage room is a secure, temperature-controlled space. With a ceiling height of just over 9’0” and over 200 sq. ft., this room below the new deck addition is the perfect space for secure additional storage.

We took our client’s goals and added our design and craftsmanship to make a GREAT outdoor living space with an amazing deck and storage room two-story addition. The North Phoenix home faces north with a stunning view of Lookout Mountain Preserve and the northeast valley. Our client now has an incredible space to enjoy their scenic view. We created a large outdoor living area for entertaining. This beautiful adobe style home’s first floor was built below grade level. The second story of the home is dedicated to the main living space with the kitchen, living room, and dining room. By expanding the deck, and integrating an outdoor kitchen, we created a much larger living space for their home. We built a two-story addition to the back of the house which creates a storage room, of which the roof serves as an additional walk deck space for the new outdoor kitchen (check out the photos). This new uncovered deck directly extends from the existing deck so that it spans the width of the home. The storage room is a secure, temperature-controlled space. With a ceiling height of just over 9’0” and over 200 sq. ft., this room below the new deck addition is the perfect space for secure additional storage.

Who needs just one room with a view when you can live with and enjoy breathtaking vistas from three floors in this outstanding and innovative 2,861 square foot design? Narrow waterfront lots are no match for this efficient and easy living floor plan designed by Visbeen Architects, which makes the most of available land and includes the perfect balance of spacious interiors and covered exterior living. The transitional architectural style combines traditional details with clean, sophisticated lines and references both classic and contemporary waterfront vacation homes across the country, from the coastal south to the New England Oceanside. Both familiar and welcoming in style, the updated exterior features peaks, wood siding and multiple window styles. From the street, the innovative design is full of curb appeal, with the lowest level designed for circulation and outdoor living. Rising from the street level, the home concentrates the majority of living space on the upper two floors, with an efficient floor plan that lives large on all three floors. The lowest level has just 370 well-planned square feet of living space, but features a roomy two-car garage, a foyer and powder room and two patios perfect for both alfresco dining and entertaining, one an exterior covered area and a nearby uncovered open-air alternative.

Photo Credit: Chantel Madgwick
Example of a small trendy front yard concrete patio design with a roof extension

Outdoor patio on the beach. A small weekend beach resort home for a family of four with two little girls. Remodeled from a funky old house built in the 60's on Oxnard Shores. This little white cottage has the master bedroom, a playroom, guest bedroom and girls' bunk room upstairs, while downstairs there is a 1960s feel family room with an industrial modern style bar for the family's many parties and celebrations. A great room open to the dining area with a zinc dining table and rattan chairs. Fireplace features custom iron doors, and green glass tile surround. New white cabinets and bookshelves flank the real wood burning fire place. Simple clean white cabinetry in the kitchen with x designs on glass cabinet doors and peninsula ends. Durable, beautiful white quartzite counter tops and yes! porcelain planked floors for durability! The girls can run in and out without worrying about the beach sand damage!. White painted planked and beamed ceilings, natural reclaimed woods mixed with rattans and velvets for comfortable, beautiful interiors Project Location: Oxnard, California. Project designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more.

Who needs just one room with a view when you can live with and enjoy breathtaking vistas from three floors in this outstanding and innovative 2,861 square foot design? Narrow waterfront lots are no match for this efficient and easy living floor plan designed by Visbeen Architects, which makes the most of available land and includes the perfect balance of spacious interiors and covered exterior living. The transitional architectural style combines traditional details with clean, sophisticated lines and references both classic and contemporary waterfront vacation homes across the country, from the coastal south to the New England Oceanside. Both familiar and welcoming in style, the updated exterior features peaks, wood siding and multiple window styles. From the street, the innovative design is full of curb appeal, with the lowest level designed for circulation and outdoor living. Rising from the street level, the home concentrates the majority of living space on the upper two floors, with an efficient floor plan that lives large on all three floors. The lowest level has just 370 well-planned square feet of living space, but features a roomy two-car garage, a foyer and powder room and two patios perfect for both alfresco dining and entertaining, one an exterior covered area and a nearby uncovered open-air alternative.

This large deck uses a unique stair design with multiple entrances. The stair, deck and fascia material is Fiberon Horizon composite decking. The deck was built by Chattanooga eXteriors. Fiberon's Horizon capped composite - a reversible deck board with multiple grain patterns. The color is called "Castle Gray". Get a sample and start planning your new deck!

Who needs just one room with a view when you can live with and enjoy breathtaking vistas from three floors in this outstanding and innovative 2,861 square foot design? Narrow waterfront lots are no match for this efficient and easy living floor plan designed by Visbeen Architects, which makes the most of available land and includes the perfect balance of spacious interiors and covered exterior living. The transitional architectural style combines traditional details with clean, sophisticated lines and references both classic and contemporary waterfront vacation homes across the country, from the coastal south to the New England Oceanside. Both familiar and welcoming in style, the updated exterior features peaks, wood siding and multiple window styles. From the street, the innovative design is full of curb appeal, with the lowest level designed for circulation and outdoor living. Rising from the street level, the home concentrates the majority of living space on the upper two floors, with an efficient floor plan that lives large on all three floors. The lowest level has just 370 well-planned square feet of living space, but features a roomy two-car garage, a foyer and powder room and two patios perfect for both alfresco dining and entertaining, one an exterior covered area and a nearby uncovered open-air alternative.

Who needs just one room with a view when you can live with and enjoy breathtaking vistas from three floors in this outstanding and innovative 2,861 square foot design? Narrow waterfront lots are no match for this efficient and easy living floor plan designed by Visbeen Architects, which makes the most of available land and includes the perfect balance of spacious interiors and covered exterior living. The transitional architectural style combines traditional details with clean, sophisticated lines and references both classic and contemporary waterfront vacation homes across the country, from the coastal south to the New England Oceanside. Both familiar and welcoming in style, the updated exterior features peaks, wood siding and multiple window styles. From the street, the innovative design is full of curb appeal, with the lowest level designed for circulation and outdoor living. Rising from the street level, the home concentrates the majority of living space on the upper two floors, with an efficient floor plan that lives large on all three floors. The lowest level has just 370 well-planned square feet of living space, but features a roomy two-car garage, a foyer and powder room and two patios perfect for both alfresco dining and entertaining, one an exterior covered area and a nearby uncovered open-air alternative.

Every home improvement project can feel like going into battle, but the sweet taste of victory is enough to make it worthwhile. If you ever feel intimidated by homes and gardens in magazines, don’t fret – you can turn your home into a beautiful beacon with easy curb appeal updates! Kevin and Annette Klingel are some of our favorite weekend warriors, and their latest project proves that anything is possible when it comes to dressing up your front garden. The Klingels recently gave their home and front garden a major renovation and entered their photos in the Window Box Contest. When we saw the gorgeous before and after pictures, we knew we had to get the inside scoop on their process and uncover their best curb appeal ideas. Curb Appeal – Before and After Before the renovation, the Klingels had a charming South Bend, Indiana rambler that was tidy and traditional, if a little unassuming. Deciding it was time for a much-needed update, the Klingels replaced their old green roof with a black barrel roof to match the style of their home. They also made a needed replacement and changed out the sidewalk and front stoop to a new version in classic black. After those dramatic changes, the Klingels just couldn’t stop! Loving the contrast between the new black roof and stoop and their cream house, they painted their shutters black. And here’s where we come in – Annette wanted to incorporate her love of flowers into the new home design and found the perfect planters and window boxes to match the shutters. They purchased ten black window boxes in a classic and chic design to put around their outside windows. The Klingels also used tall black planters around the entrance to the house. The window boxes and planters each received the same plant treatment – red, yellow, and orange impatiens with flowing ferns for a bright punch of color. Paired with hanging baskets and a few other accents, the Klingels house is now a masterpiece. From Drab to Fab The Klingels love their warm and inviting new front entrance, and the neighbors do too. Instead of getting overlooked, their house now stands out and is the star of their busy street, where it is seen by lots of people everyday. They have received tons of compliments about their new look – a crisp and clean front garden that stays true to the style of the home and neighborhood. The Klingels’ curb appeal update wasn’t without its challenges, but the end product is amazing, and as Annette says, definitely worth the time. The Klingels recommend starting with the necessary replacements and finding beautiful matching pieces to add curb appeal. With a little patience, elbow grease, and the help of a great garden supply store like Hooks & Lattice, you too can have the home of your dreams. Photos: Kevin & Annette Klingel

Minimalist patio photo in Atlanta

Mid-sized transitional formal living room photo in Calgary

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.