Installing a terraced natural stone wall create a flat area for useable space
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard landscaping in Denver for summer.

We started with a step off the porch and onto a sloping backyard that was unusable and we transformed it into a larger, useable outdoor living space by adding a circular seat wall with built in LED low voltage lighting, a natural gas burning fire pit, 790 sq feet of Tremron pavers, custom build walls that were sunken to add a cozy atmosphere. We build a veranda style step down allowing access all across to the patio from the existing porch. we installed Low Voltage LED lighting to the steps to allow visibility at night. We graded the entire back yard to allow the kids a great spot to play football and soccer, while maintaining a proper drainage system for storm water runoff. We also fixed all of the disrupted sod areas with 8000 sq ft of Bermuda sod and built natural areas full of plant material for privacy and aesthetics.

To maximize space in this small beach home bathroom, we created an integrated granite sink, with no visible drain to keep everything clean and use-able. To keep the space warm and cottage like (matching the house) but upgraded to a more elegant style, we used off white cabinets with a dark glaze, labrador brown granite, and a lot of multi glass tiles to keep it bright but still add a modern flair. We also chose chrome finishes and a glass wall with amazing crystal bath bar light!

Inspiration for a mediterranean landscaping in Santa Barbara.

A pool oasis merging the natural look of boulders, a stream, waterfalls, and ample plantings with a comfortable, resort-like feel. Transformed a sloped back yard into a useable, enjoyable space.

Nestled in the quiet hills of La Habra Heights is this 3 bedroom, 3 bath home with beautiful views. Features include remodeled chef's kitchen with solid cherry cabinets, granite counter tops and over $20,000 in top of the line appliances. Newer Pella triple pane windows with built in mini blinds. Newly remodeled master bath with huge walk in shower. 2 master suites upstairs and 1 bedroom and full bath downstairs. The downstairs bedroom has been converted to an office but can be easily switched back. Large decks all around the house with a built in hot tub and sitting area right off of the family room. This property has too many fruit trees to list and a concrete walk way that takes you all the way up to the top of the hill making your backyard very useable.

Part of a major renovation that touched all corners of a 120-year-old Bloomfield home, this project is full of style and charming Victorian details. As an avid home cook, one of our client’s top priorities was maximizing storage throughout the space. To make the compact kitchen more functional, we removed a small peninsula containing the sink and dishwasher which was splitting the space in half. We also adjusted the size of the windows, bringing them above countertop height which allowed for a new “U-shaped” layout. What this room lacked in useable wall space was made up for in height — we took advantage of the generous 9-foot tall space, bringing the custom cabinetry all the way to the ceiling. Our client also opted for a slightly smaller Euro-style refrigerator, allowing for even more storage along that wall. Central to the refrigerator, eco-friendly induction range, and farmhouse style sink, a hand carved antique Spanish work table provides the perfect prep zone, complete with an adjustable high-low fluted ceramic pendant above. A few other places where form meets function: a brass hanging rail along the range wall, a custom integral drainboard in the soapstone countertop, under cabinet lighting and hidden outlets, cushioned anti-fatigue Marmoleum sheet flooring, and a show-stopping gantry style faucet in a living unlacquered brass finish.

Black Large Open Peak Shade Structure along with matching Glass Railings allow this otherwise heavy upper deck to feel Cozy yet Airy
Photo of a craftsman landscaping in Toronto.

Retaining walls help to make your entire landscape useable by breaking up a space and create separate outdoor rooms.
Inspiration for a transitional brick retaining wall landscape in Detroit.

WINNER - ASID Design Ovation Award 2019 - First Place Residential Powder Room Click here for a before and after image: https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/before-and-after-pinehurst-powder-bath-dallas-phvw-vp~143281756 Concept: To create a Pool Powder Room with privacy from the kitchen and living room with additional storage. The client desired a Wow! feeling that was fully explosive with pattern and color. Birds and butterflies were requested as a nod to the client’s favorite hobby, gardening. The main challenge for this design was to keep the existing foot print, yet make a more private and useable bath with better storage. Closing off the two existing doorways and creating one pocket door off the main hallway solved the privacy issues from the kitchen and second living room, in addition to giving more usable square footage for storage. A larger vanity with storage drawers along with floor to ceiling wall cabinets provide for the additional storage needed for pool towels and gardening items. Layering strong color and stimulating patterns created a visually stunning space that was personalized to the client’s specific request, Wow! The strong use of color and pattern play well with each other. The antique vanity mirror has been recycled from the previous bath and given a fresh coat of bold, cobalt blue paint, which is the client’s all-time favorite color. The requested bird motif is reflected in the wall covering as well as the details of the hardware. The combination of bird and feather shaped hardware gives the Powder Room a fun flair and unique style.

We transitioned this unfinished basement to a functional space including a kitchen, workout room, lounge area, extra bathroom and music room. The homeowners opted for an exposed black ceiling and epoxy coated floor, and upgraded the stairwell with creative two-toned shiplap and a stained wood tongue and groove ceiling. This is a perfect example of using an unfinished basement to increase useable space that meets your specific needs.

I designed this small kitchen for maximum useable space and function. A custom corner cabinet and ceiling height cabinets provide lots of storage. The breakfast bar also has base cabinets. Orange glass subway tile adds color and fun and the diamond "walkway" on floor draws you into the room.

Updated the front of this lovely home by adding a court yard in place of an underutilized grass area. Built a stucco wall and reinforced side hill, added an extra parking space using driveway pavers. A cozy useable entertainment area for all to enjoy.

Helene Terry is an award winning Kitchen Design Specialist. She works with homeowners and designers to create a kitchen space that uses every square inch of area available. Her superb planning ability transforms the kitchen into functional, useable space that flows and performs. She creates detailed drawings, floor plans and perspectives to communicate the new design to all trades and principals. The owner of this beautiful blue kitchen had a great sense of style This a custom remodel that included the demolition of 3 walls and the relocation of the central island. You'll note the focal point of the new island which has two (2) Miele dishwashers, a Sub Zero icemaker and various custom recycling and pull out bins. There is seasonal storage for dishes in front of the barstools. Spacious walkways between wall counters and island of 41"-48" allow 2 cooks to move easily. There are 2 sinks in the island at right angles to facilitate conversation. On the side walls, custom cabinets go all the way to the ceiling. The custom color and glaze is from Benjamin Moore and was specified by the Interior Designer, Charlotte Comer. Flanking the Wolf 36" range and built into the wall are two appliance garages with concealed electrical outlets. One garage houses the owner's blender and pulls out on a tray. The other one houses spices. The Sub-Zero integrated refrigerator with glass door is 36" wide. There are other integrated refrigerator drawers as well. The Vent Hood is from Best with a 900 cfm remote blower. There is a pot filler spout behind the range. To the left of the range is a plumbed Miele coffee maker. The backsplash is recessed with contrasting tiles inserts and bullnose trim from Antique Floors. Cabinet Hardware is from Top Knob. The flooring is a Silver Travertine from Porcelanosa laid on a straight stack. The counter top is Carerra Marble from Aria Stone fabricated by Holland Marble. The microwave and additional appliances garages are concealed behind the range wall in a former under stairway pantry. This space acts as a second staging area for large dinner parties and to conceal frequently used appliances.

The key to energy control is to stop the sun before it heats up your glass and radiates into your home or business. Exterior Screens are the ideal retractable solar screen for maximum sun protection on your windows, doors and patios. They were designed to be a very reliable product and will stop 90% of the radiant heat before it gets into your home. Transform you patio into useable space.

Part of a major renovation that touched all corners of a 120-year-old Bloomfield home, this project is full of style and charming Victorian details. As an avid home cook, one of our client’s top priorities was maximizing storage throughout the space. To make the compact kitchen more functional, we removed a small peninsula containing the sink and dishwasher which was splitting the space in half. We also adjusted the size of the windows, bringing them above countertop height which allowed for a new “U-shaped” layout. What this room lacked in useable wall space was made up for in height — we took advantage of the generous 9-foot tall space, bringing the custom cabinetry all the way to the ceiling. Our client also opted for a slightly smaller Euro-style refrigerator, allowing for even more storage along that wall. Central to the refrigerator, eco-friendly induction range, and farmhouse style sink, a hand carved antique Spanish work table provides the perfect prep zone, complete with an adjustable high-low fluted ceramic pendant above. A few other places where form meets function: a brass hanging rail along the range wall, a custom integral drainboard in the soapstone countertop, under cabinet lighting and hidden outlets, cushioned anti-fatigue Marmoleum sheet flooring, and a show-stopping gantry style faucet in a living unlacquered brass finish.

Architect: RMT Architects Builder: Treelines Homes
Mountain style porch photo in Denver

Its feeling like this kind of season! Outdoor entertaining is right around the corner, and this project has it all. From the expansive lounging area with gas fire place to its welcoming cooking and eating area with built in gas grill. Trex decking in Island Mist was used for the floor surface, while afco rails were used for the guard rails. Down below the vibe continues with this great happy hour area with built in bar with multiple refrigerators. Heaters were installed to help extend the evening on those cool nights. We installed Trex RainEscape under our decking to keep everything below the deck dry and useable even in rainy weather. TrexRainEscape afcocolumnsandrailings.com

As is often the case in the homes that I see, this bathroom was dark, run down and used more out of necessity than anything else. In much need of attention, I redesigned this space to be open and flooded with natural light. Highly reflective surfaces, allow the eye to bounce around the room. A re-built, high end shower now feels like a spa with multiple controls at a user’s service. A sculptural bathtub, sets relaxation up for long lingering and highlights the lake side view. Automated, custom designed window treatments are remoted controlled for ease and vanities are wide and softly cheery to leave the mornings with lots of useable space. We completely changed the footprint of this master bath, adding a water closet clad in a wonderful high gloss veneer. Giving the space richness through color, materials, texture and all of this glorious marble flooring and wall tiles, this space now makes you want to spend extra time getting ready.