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.

The lower section of patio features a fireplace and seating walls to create entertainment space. It provides easy access between the house and back yard as well.

It’s true in construction, and it’s true in life: sometimes, you have to get down to the bare bones and rebuild from there. A “full gut” is the complete and total rebuilding of a home from the inside out. And that’s what we did for this apartment in a 1921 home in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. Our team took up the floors, raised ceilings, and moved walls, with a new architectural space as the result. The finished apartment is a playful fusion of old and new. Gritty texture meets smooth surface as exposed brick and wood headers contrast with reclaimed wood and fresh paint. The open-flow floor plan blends historic touches with a modern sensibility; when the sliding barn doors are open, the kitchen and living area connects with the bedroom/playroom area. At the center of it all, the custom dining table serves as an elegant visual anchor. Natural light streams in through an uncovered window, affording a calming glimpse of the landscaped yard and garden. At the same time, new interior lighting illumines the kitchen and the bathroom. The latter is a luxury experience, featuring a drop-in tub with granite surround, a custom-tiled niche, and a towel warmer too. The formerly dim, cramped apartment is energized and illuminated; the process of peeling back the layers changed a sub-par space into something special. Want to peel back the layers of your space? Contact us today! Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

My client called me in for a "Design Perspective". She hated her floors and wanted my professional opinion. I questioned whether I should be brutally honest, and her response was "absolutely". Then truth be told, "your countertops bother me more than your floors". My client has a stunningly beautiful home and her countertops were not in "the same league". So the project scope expanded from new floors to include countertops, backsplash, plumbing fixtures and hardware. While we were at it, her overly froufrou corbels were updated along with dishwashers that "drove her crazy". Since there was plenty of "demo" in store, she elected to lower her breakfast bar to counter height at the same time to connect her nook more seamlessly with her kitchen. The process: at our first slab warehouse stop, within ten minutes, we uncovered the most beautiful slabs of Taj Mahal ever. No need to keep looking. The slabs had perfect coloration and veining. So different from any other slab of Taj Mahal, it really ought to have its own name. Countertop selection was easy as was the subway and Arabesque backsplash tile. Polished chrome, with its blend of warm and cool tones, was the obvious choice for her plumbing fixture and hardware finish. Finding the right floor tile was what proved to be most challenging, but my client was up to the task. Several weeks of shopping and numerous samples hauled home led us to the perfect limestone. Once her room was complete, better barstools were in order. Hancock and Moore with their huge assortment of leather colors and textures was our clear choice. The Ellie barstools selected embody the perfect blend of form and comfort. Her new limestone flooring extends into her Butler's pantry, pool bath, powder bath and sewing room, so wait, there is still more to do.

Rob Thiel Photographer Completely renovated with stunning finishes, this Troon Lakes at Pelican Marsh home rivals new construction yet provides the ultra convenient location of Pelican Marsh. All new features include hardwood floors throughout the main living area, new carpeting in all three bedrooms, a new open kitchen with Bosch stainless steel appliances, custom kitchen cabinet design, quartz countertops, an expanded island and a new built-in bar area with an integrated wine cooler. In addition, this home has all-new baseboards, light fixtures, ceiling fans and fresh paint throughout. All bathrooms have also been updated with new sinks, toilets, mirrors and hardware. The outdoor area features intimate covered and uncovered entertaining areas, new travertine pavers, an outdoor kitchen, a new dipping pool/oversized spa, a brand new screen enclosure meeting the most current hurricane code and new plantings/landscape design. This home is situated on a unique corner lot that allows for maximum privacy while still enjoying a lake view. Pelican Marsh is one of the most desired communities in Naples with great amenities, including an active tennis program, fitness club, community center, bocce courts and more. The Pelican Marsh Golf Club membership/social dining club is optional.

Large arts and crafts gray two-story brick exterior home photo in Raleigh

Rob Thiel Photographer This home was completely renovated with stunning finishes, this Troon Lakes at Pelican Marsh home rivals new construction yet provides the ultra convenient location of Pelican Marsh. All new features include hardwood floors throughout the main living area, new carpeting in all three bedrooms, a new open kitchen with Bosch stainless steel appliances, custom kitchen cabinet design, quartz countertops, an expanded island and a new built-in bar area with an integrated wine cooler. In addition, this home has all-new baseboards, light fixtures, ceiling fans and fresh paint throughout. All bathrooms have also been updated with new sinks, toilets, mirrors and hardware. The outdoor area features intimate covered and uncovered entertaining areas, new travertine pavers, an outdoor kitchen, a new dipping pool/oversized spa, a brand new screen enclosure meeting the most current hurricane code and new plantings/landscape design. This home is situated on a unique corner lot that allows for maximum privacy while still enjoying a lake view. Pelican Marsh is one of the most desired communities in Naples with great amenities, including an active tennis program, fitness club, community center, bocce courts and more. The Pelican Marsh Golf Club membership/social dining club is optional.

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

Elegant hallway photo in Boston

Rob Thiel Photographer This home was completely renovated with stunning finishes, this Troon Lakes at Pelican Marsh home rivals new construction yet provides the ultra convenient location of Pelican Marsh. All new features include hardwood floors throughout the main living area, new carpeting in all three bedrooms, a new open kitchen with Bosch stainless steel appliances, custom kitchen cabinet design, quartz countertops, an expanded island and a new built-in bar area with an integrated wine cooler. In addition, this home has all-new baseboards, light fixtures, ceiling fans and fresh paint throughout. All bathrooms have also been updated with new sinks, toilets, mirrors and hardware. The outdoor area features intimate covered and uncovered entertaining areas, new travertine pavers, an outdoor kitchen, a new dipping pool/oversized spa, a brand new screen enclosure meeting the most current hurricane code and new plantings/landscape design. This home is situated on a unique corner lot that allows for maximum privacy while still enjoying a lake view. Pelican Marsh is one of the most desired communities in Naples with great amenities, including an active tennis program, fitness club, community center, bocce courts and more. The Pelican Marsh Golf Club membership/social dining club is optional.

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 traditional charmer house plan welcomes with its country porch and prominent gables with decorative brackets. A cathedral ceiling spans the open great and dining rooms of this house plan, with bar seating facing the roomy kitchen. A mud room off the garage includes a pantry, closets, and an e-space for looking up recipes. The master suite features two oversized walk-in closets and a linen closet for extra storage in this house plan.

Rob Thiel Photographer This home was completely renovated with stunning finishes, this Troon Lakes at Pelican Marsh home rivals new construction yet provides the ultra convenient location of Pelican Marsh. All new features include hardwood floors throughout the main living area, new carpeting in all three bedrooms, a new open kitchen with Bosch stainless steel appliances, custom kitchen cabinet design, quartz countertops, an expanded island and a new built-in bar area with an integrated wine cooler. In addition, this home has all-new baseboards, light fixtures, ceiling fans and fresh paint throughout. All bathrooms have also been updated with new sinks, toilets, mirrors and hardware. The outdoor area features intimate covered and uncovered entertaining areas, new travertine pavers, an outdoor kitchen, a new dipping pool/oversized spa, a brand new screen enclosure meeting the most current hurricane code and new plantings/landscape design. This home is situated on a unique corner lot that allows for maximum privacy while still enjoying a lake view. Pelican Marsh is one of the most desired communities in Naples with great amenities, including an active tennis program, fitness club, community center, bocce courts and more. The Pelican Marsh Golf Club membership/social dining club is optional.

The deck is 12 feet by 18 feet and can easily seat six people at a table with room to grill. The lattice on the sides provides privacy (especially valuable in a town house) without obstructing the view behind the house. We enjoy watching the deer, foxes, and other wildlife that frequently wander along the edge of the woods behind our fence. Two large trees in the neighboring yards provide shade for most of the day and give the illusion of sitting in a treehouse.

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits.

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits.

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits.

With the slope stabilized, our team addressed pool renovation. After draining the pool and removing the original liner, a poorly built concrete block wall was uncovered. The solution was to straighten the wall and fill the block in with concrete and steel rebars for strength. New vinyl covered stairs were then added, as well as new pipes, returns, skimmers, pump, filter and new liner was installed. After this, the pool was carefully backfilled and tamped. We compacted the soil back around the pool in three-inch lifts to allow for the immediate installation of new pavers around the pool. This compacting process is not done by many contractors. The idea is that using compacted soil the base will not settle, so you don’t have to wait to install a patio around a new pool. Many contractors still install concrete slabs under their patio. In our experience we find this does not work well. Settling still occurs under the slab allowing the patio to crack or settle. After the base materials were finished, we installed chestnut-hued durable pavers from Cambridge (Sahara). These particular pavers have little or no color fade and the random design pattern adds interest to the patio. The pavers’ protective coating means these clients will have a clean-lined modern look. Even after being subjected to snow plowing, de-icing salts and normal wear, they will keep their color and beautiful appearance.

A simple low deck off the back of this mid century split level means the home owners can walk out to enjoy the view. An extra wide slider replaces the old leaky wood door and low windows. Where before the den just inside was dark and dreary is is now filled with light. The deck is Ipe' with cedar side boards. The awning is cedar with polycarbonate sheeting. The lamps are bronze. photo credit: Damon Landry