This 3-season porch addition blends beautifully with the rest of the home, looking like it has always been there.
This is an example of a traditional porch design in Indianapolis.

Example of a trendy two-story exterior home design in Miami

The principal challenge was to design a usable space that provided seating for 25 in a confined area that also addressed aesthetics, maintenance, drainage and slope stabilization. The long narrow space, (approximately 9 x 60’) is located at the bottom of a 40% slope in an environmental critical area. A 3' to 6' high rockery is one side and the back façade of the house on the other side. A 3' wide pathway is the only exterior access to the project. The site was moss covered, wet, dark and subject to high litter trees. In order to maximize space and stabilize the rockery sit walls were designed into the existing rockery. A wide curved sit wall cups a 1/2-moon shaped patio extends from the interior living room. An L-shaped sit wall creates alfresco dining off the kitchen. The hardscapes slope toward custom drains in front of the sit walls, eliminating standing water. Low voltage lighting and cream colored concrete brighten the landscape. Concrete paving provides a low maintenance surface and a project with longevity. The end result is a highly functional, successful outdoor room enjoyed from the inside and the outside. The client wanted a water feature as a focal point. The difficulty was how to incorporate it into the landscape so that it would not undermine the rockery. Without machines the pipes and equipment would have to be in front of or on top the rockery. How would we hide the equipment? How would get the water up to the top of the rockery without moving any of boulders? The solution was uniquely innovative. The designer hand selected a large triangular shaped 4” flagstone then drew lines on the stone with chalk where to carve a river into the face the stone. The artisan then chiseled this stone into a custom weir that would direct the water away from the rockery and fall into a basin of Mexican pebble. A second large piece of stone was secured vertically under the direction of the designer on site to hide the liner and the pipe. Both stones were doweled into the rockery. The effect of the water falling is like a series of ever changing diamond shaped due to the rough cut of the face of the stone.

The principal challenge was to design a usable space that provided seating for 25 in a confined area that also addressed aesthetics, maintenance, drainage and slope stabilization. The long narrow space, (approximately 9 x 60’) is located at the bottom of a 40% slope in an environmental critical area. A 3' to 6' high rockery is one side and the back façade of the house on the other side. A 3' wide pathway is the only exterior access to the project. The site was moss covered, wet, dark and subject to high litter trees. In order to maximize space and stabilize the rockery sit walls were designed into the existing rockery. A wide curved sit wall cups a 1/2-moon shaped patio extends from the interior living room. An L-shaped sit wall creates alfresco dining off the kitchen. The hardscapes slope toward custom drains in front of the sit walls, eliminating standing water. Low voltage lighting and cream colored concrete brighten the landscape. Concrete paving provides a low maintenance surface and a project with longevity. The end result is a highly functional, successful outdoor room enjoyed from the inside and the outside. The client wanted a water feature as a focal point. The difficulty was how to incorporate it into the landscape so that it would not undermine the rockery. Without machines the pipes and equipment would have to be in front of or on top the rockery. How would we hide the equipment? How would get the water up to the top of the rockery without moving any of boulders? The solution was uniquely innovative. The designer hand selected a large triangular shaped 4” flagstone then drew lines on the stone with chalk where to carve a river into the face the stone. The artisan then chiseled this stone into a custom weir that would direct the water away from the rockery and fall into a basin of Mexican pebble. A second large piece of stone was secured vertically under the direction of the designer on site to hide the liner and the pipe. Both stones were doweled into the rockery. The effect of the water falling is like a series of ever changing diamond shaped due to the rough cut of the face of the stone.

The principal challenge was to design a usable space that provided seating for 25 in a confined area that also addressed aesthetics, maintenance, drainage and slope stabilization. The long narrow space, (approximately 9 x 60’) is located at the bottom of a 40% slope in an environmental critical area. A 3' to 6' high rockery is one side and the back façade of the house on the other side. A 3' wide pathway is the only exterior access to the project. The site was moss covered, wet, dark and subject to high litter trees. In order to maximize space and stabilize the rockery sit walls were designed into the existing rockery. A wide curved sit wall cups a 1/2-moon shaped patio extends from the interior living room. An L-shaped sit wall creates alfresco dining off the kitchen. The hardscapes slope toward custom drains in front of the sit walls, eliminating standing water. Low voltage lighting and cream colored concrete brighten the landscape. Concrete paving provides a low maintenance surface and a project with longevity. The end result is a highly functional, successful outdoor room enjoyed from the inside and the outside. The client wanted a water feature as a focal point. The difficulty was how to incorporate it into the landscape so that it would not undermine the rockery. Without machines the pipes and equipment would have to be in front of or on top the rockery. How would we hide the equipment? How would get the water up to the top of the rockery without moving any of boulders? The solution was uniquely innovative. The designer hand selected a large triangular shaped 4” flagstone then drew lines on the stone with chalk where to carve a river into the face the stone. The artisan then chiseled this stone into a custom weir that would direct the water away from the rockery and fall into a basin of Mexican pebble. A second large piece of stone was secured vertically under the direction of the designer on site to hide the liner and the pipe. Both stones were doweled into the rockery. The effect of the water falling is like a series of ever changing diamond shaped due to the rough cut of the face of the stone.

When the owner of this petite c. 1910 cottage in Riverside, RI first considered purchasing it, he fell for its charming front façade and the stunning rear water views. But it needed work. The weather-worn, water-facing back of the house was in dire need of attention. The first-floor kitchen/living/dining areas were cramped. There was no first-floor bathroom, and the second-floor bathroom was a fright. Most surprisingly, there was no rear-facing deck off the kitchen or living areas to allow for outdoor living along the Providence River. In collaboration with the homeowner, KHS proposed a number of renovations and additions. The first priority was a new cantilevered rear deck off an expanded kitchen/dining area and reconstructed sunroom, which was brought up to the main floor level. The cantilever of the deck prevents the need for awkwardly tall supporting posts that could potentially be undermined by a future storm event or rising sea level. To gain more first-floor living space, KHS also proposed capturing the corner of the wrapping front porch as interior kitchen space in order to create a more generous open kitchen/dining/living area, while having minimal impact on how the cottage appears from the curb. Underutilized space in the existing mudroom was also reconfigured to contain a modest full bath and laundry closet. Upstairs, a new full bath was created in an addition between existing bedrooms. It can be accessed from both the master bedroom and the stair hall. Additional closets were added, too. New windows and doors, new heart pine flooring stained to resemble the patina of old pine flooring that remained upstairs, new tile and countertops, new cabinetry, new plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as a new color palette complete the updated look. Upgraded insulation in areas exposed during the construction and augmented HVAC systems also greatly improved indoor comfort. Today, the cottage continues to charm while also accommodating modern amenities and features.

When the owner of this petite c. 1910 cottage in Riverside, RI first considered purchasing it, he fell for its charming front façade and the stunning rear water views. But it needed work. The weather-worn, water-facing back of the house was in dire need of attention. The first-floor kitchen/living/dining areas were cramped. There was no first-floor bathroom, and the second-floor bathroom was a fright. Most surprisingly, there was no rear-facing deck off the kitchen or living areas to allow for outdoor living along the Providence River. In collaboration with the homeowner, KHS proposed a number of renovations and additions. The first priority was a new cantilevered rear deck off an expanded kitchen/dining area and reconstructed sunroom, which was brought up to the main floor level. The cantilever of the deck prevents the need for awkwardly tall supporting posts that could potentially be undermined by a future storm event or rising sea level. To gain more first-floor living space, KHS also proposed capturing the corner of the wrapping front porch as interior kitchen space in order to create a more generous open kitchen/dining/living area, while having minimal impact on how the cottage appears from the curb. Underutilized space in the existing mudroom was also reconfigured to contain a modest full bath and laundry closet. Upstairs, a new full bath was created in an addition between existing bedrooms. It can be accessed from both the master bedroom and the stair hall. Additional closets were added, too. New windows and doors, new heart pine flooring stained to resemble the patina of old pine flooring that remained upstairs, new tile and countertops, new cabinetry, new plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as a new color palette complete the updated look. Upgraded insulation in areas exposed during the construction and augmented HVAC systems also greatly improved indoor comfort. Today, the cottage continues to charm while also accommodating modern amenities and features.

When the owner of this petite c. 1910 cottage in Riverside, RI first considered purchasing it, he fell for its charming front façade and the stunning rear water views. But it needed work. The weather-worn, water-facing back of the house was in dire need of attention. The first-floor kitchen/living/dining areas were cramped. There was no first-floor bathroom, and the second-floor bathroom was a fright. Most surprisingly, there was no rear-facing deck off the kitchen or living areas to allow for outdoor living along the Providence River. In collaboration with the homeowner, KHS proposed a number of renovations and additions. The first priority was a new cantilevered rear deck off an expanded kitchen/dining area and reconstructed sunroom, which was brought up to the main floor level. The cantilever of the deck prevents the need for awkwardly tall supporting posts that could potentially be undermined by a future storm event or rising sea level. To gain more first-floor living space, KHS also proposed capturing the corner of the wrapping front porch as interior kitchen space in order to create a more generous open kitchen/dining/living area, while having minimal impact on how the cottage appears from the curb. Underutilized space in the existing mudroom was also reconfigured to contain a modest full bath and laundry closet. Upstairs, a new full bath was created in an addition between existing bedrooms. It can be accessed from both the master bedroom and the stair hall. Additional closets were added, too. New windows and doors, new heart pine flooring stained to resemble the patina of old pine flooring that remained upstairs, new tile and countertops, new cabinetry, new plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as a new color palette complete the updated look. Upgraded insulation in areas exposed during the construction and augmented HVAC systems also greatly improved indoor comfort. Today, the cottage continues to charm while also accommodating modern amenities and features.

When the owner of this petite c. 1910 cottage in Riverside, RI first considered purchasing it, he fell for its charming front façade and the stunning rear water views. But it needed work. The weather-worn, water-facing back of the house was in dire need of attention. The first-floor kitchen/living/dining areas were cramped. There was no first-floor bathroom, and the second-floor bathroom was a fright. Most surprisingly, there was no rear-facing deck off the kitchen or living areas to allow for outdoor living along the Providence River. In collaboration with the homeowner, KHS proposed a number of renovations and additions. The first priority was a new cantilevered rear deck off an expanded kitchen/dining area and reconstructed sunroom, which was brought up to the main floor level. The cantilever of the deck prevents the need for awkwardly tall supporting posts that could potentially be undermined by a future storm event or rising sea level. To gain more first-floor living space, KHS also proposed capturing the corner of the wrapping front porch as interior kitchen space in order to create a more generous open kitchen/dining/living area, while having minimal impact on how the cottage appears from the curb. Underutilized space in the existing mudroom was also reconfigured to contain a modest full bath and laundry closet. Upstairs, a new full bath was created in an addition between existing bedrooms. It can be accessed from both the master bedroom and the stair hall. Additional closets were added, too. New windows and doors, new heart pine flooring stained to resemble the patina of old pine flooring that remained upstairs, new tile and countertops, new cabinetry, new plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as a new color palette complete the updated look. Upgraded insulation in areas exposed during the construction and augmented HVAC systems also greatly improved indoor comfort. Today, the cottage continues to charm while also accommodating modern amenities and features.

When the owner of this petite c. 1910 cottage in Riverside, RI first considered purchasing it, he fell for its charming front façade and the stunning rear water views. But it needed work. The weather-worn, water-facing back of the house was in dire need of attention. The first-floor kitchen/living/dining areas were cramped. There was no first-floor bathroom, and the second-floor bathroom was a fright. Most surprisingly, there was no rear-facing deck off the kitchen or living areas to allow for outdoor living along the Providence River. In collaboration with the homeowner, KHS proposed a number of renovations and additions. The first priority was a new cantilevered rear deck off an expanded kitchen/dining area and reconstructed sunroom, which was brought up to the main floor level. The cantilever of the deck prevents the need for awkwardly tall supporting posts that could potentially be undermined by a future storm event or rising sea level. To gain more first-floor living space, KHS also proposed capturing the corner of the wrapping front porch as interior kitchen space in order to create a more generous open kitchen/dining/living area, while having minimal impact on how the cottage appears from the curb. Underutilized space in the existing mudroom was also reconfigured to contain a modest full bath and laundry closet. Upstairs, a new full bath was created in an addition between existing bedrooms. It can be accessed from both the master bedroom and the stair hall. Additional closets were added, too. New windows and doors, new heart pine flooring stained to resemble the patina of old pine flooring that remained upstairs, new tile and countertops, new cabinetry, new plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as a new color palette complete the updated look. Upgraded insulation in areas exposed during the construction and augmented HVAC systems also greatly improved indoor comfort. Today, the cottage continues to charm while also accommodating modern amenities and features.

Design Consultant Jeff Doubét is the author of Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is now available. Please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com for more info. Jeff Doubét specializes in Santa Barbara style home and landscape designs. To learn more info about the variety of custom design services I offer, please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA.

Steve Mundinger
Bathroom - modern bathroom idea in Denver

This foyer was updated with the addition of white paneling and new herringbone hardwood floors with a walnut border. The walls are covered in a navy blue grasscloth wallpaper from Thibaut. A navy and white geometric patterned stair-runner, held in place with stair rods capped with pineapple finials, further contributes to the home's coastal feel. Photo by Mike Mroz of Michael Robert Construction

A unique feature of this space is the concrete countertop in the bar area. Fiber optic lighting was imbedded in the concrete with discs set in the top to allow the light to filter through. Photographer: Zane Williams Photography

Photos by Matt Bolt Cabinetry provided by Classic Kitchens of Charleston Design by Amy Trowman
Inspiration for a coastal kitchen remodel in San Francisco

Example of a mid-sized minimalist master multicolored tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and double-sink walk-in shower design in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, an undermount tub, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white countertops and a built-in vanity

This article is posted here with the consent of the author. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, view, or opinion of Crestron Electronics, Inc., or of any of its employees. Crestron Electronics is not responsible for, and does not verify the accuracy of, any of the information contained in this article. By Jeff Singer The “smart” revolution began several years ago with smartphones (a.k.a phones) and has extended in recent years to thermostats, doorbells, alarm systems, and kitchen appliances. Smart devices are so ubiquitous that the term “smart” is overused to the point that it is almost meaningless. Companies are eager to jump on the bandwagon and claim their products are “smart,” and consumers proudly claim they have a smart home because they have lighting control. Misconceptions about smart homes are prevalent and create confusion in the marketplace. This can have deleterious effects on businesses and underserve consumers. Here are seven of the most popular misconceptions about smart homes: 1. Apps are smart Apps are convenient and easy to use. Yes, it seems there’s an app for everything. People expect to be able to download an app and do just about anything. App developers and many companies do not disavow consumers of this myth. On the contrary, they promote this idea with carefully worded descriptions. The promise of having the world at your fingertips for $1.99 is very enticing. Although it sounds too good to be true, it is also too good to pass up for many people. This leads to undervaluing home control and disappointment when the apps don’t work, which undermines confidence in our industry. The fact is that apps are not smart. They do not control anything. They must connect to and communicate with a control system or cloud service that processes, prioritizes, and executes commands. That’s the real magic and what most people do not understand. 2. Smart devices work together With so many smart appliances and devices on the market today, it’s understandable that the average consumer might think that they actually communicate and work together. This is simply not the case. Smart devices are not that smart. They are designed and manufactured by different, often competing, companies. There are no national or industry standards governing these products. Even if they all operate using Wi-Fi® communications, that doesn’t mean they work together. Some companies promote a home control platform, which unites different devices from different companies – in theory. The platform is yet another third-party software totally dependent on other companies developing APIs and writing control modules for their hardware to run on that piece of software. The devices are not independently compatible. Also, when updates are made to either the hardware or the software, functionality may be affected for some period. That’s a nice way of saying the device or system won’t work and there’s no way of knowing for how long. 3. It’s a DIY project Which brings us to the next myth, which is that the average person can do it themselves. Unless you are a skilled professional, I would not advise taking on a smart home project. You want to make a light turn on and off with your Alexa® or Google Assistant™ virtual assistant software, go for it. A smart home takes much more planning and expertise. I have no problem changing a light bulb or hanging a light fixture in my dining room; however, I am not going to rewire my house. I may change the flush valve in my toilet, but I’m not going to replace the pipes in my house. You get it. Integrating devices and systems, establishing different zones, creating scenes, designing the UI with a balance between control, feedback, and simplicity – all takes experience and skill. 4. Need a programmer to make changes Early adopters may have experienced the pain of trying to make a simple change or update to their home control system. Years ago, if the cable provider changed the channel line-up, the homeowner would have to call the dealer or programmer to make an appointment for them to come out to the house to reprogram the system. The system wouldn’t work as expected until it was updated, which often took several days and beaucoup bucks. Not anymore. Technology has evolved so now it’s easy for system owners to change favorite channels, create scenes, rename buttons, update images, and more. While a professional is needed for the initial installation and setup, the system is easy to manage once it’s up and running. This makes life so much easier for both dealer and customer. 5. Tech becomes obsolete quickly Similar to updating the UI, updating firmware or hardware used to be a stressful process. A smart home should be intelligent enough to update itself. Apps don’t become obsolete. Updates are constantly pushed out from the cloud, making them better all the time. The same is true for a good smart home system. New features, functions, and device support gets added in the background consistently, so the system you installed (or purchased) yesterday gets better over time. Swapping out decorative elements, such as keypads, dimmers, and touch screens is also seamless. When a new device is added, all the settings are pulled down from the cloud and it just works. No system interruptions. No sunk costs. No imposing house calls. No surprise bills. 6. Lighting control saves energy and money Lighting control is one of the most popular smart systems, but it takes more than just one system to make a home smart. On the surface, it makes sense that if you dim the lights ten percent, then you save ten percent of energy costs. If the shades are raised during the day to take advantage of sunlight so the lights don’t need to be on (or at least not 100%), but that causes the room temperature to rise a few degrees, which triggers the air conditioner to run longer and more often, was energy usage (or cost) reduced? A smart home integrates all the various systems and technology to optimize comfort, convenience, safety, and sometimes energy. 7. Home technology is easy to hack Security is at the forefront of people’s minds these days. Personal identities are stolen; email accounts hacked; private photos publicized; and more. A smart home must outsmart those who don’t respect privacy. Crestron control systems adhere to the strictest security standards. The same Crestron control system that goes into a home is also installed in secure government and military facilities, global banking institutions, hospitals, and other mission critical applications. When installed correctly by a trained professional, a Crestron smart home is the gold standard for security, comfort, and convenience.

Contemporary Kitchen Design Photography by Space and Line (Spaceandline.com)
Inspiration for a huge contemporary beige floor kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white backsplash, marble backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Example of a trendy limestone floor and gray floor eat-in kitchen design in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops