Joe Cotitta
Example of a large 1950s orange tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile corner shower design in Phoenix with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, orange cabinets, quartz countertops and orange walls

We used wide plank flooring in the new kitchen to match the authentic floors throughout the home.
Example of a mid-sized cottage l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Architect: Michelle Penn, AIA High contrast brown and white cabinets really set off the kitchen cabinets. We used LED strip lighting under the cabinets. The upper cabinets also use the same type of lighting.

The Alta Vista hardwood collection is a return to vintage European Design. These beautiful classic and refined floors are crafted out of European Oak, a premier hardwood species that has been used for everything from flooring to shipbuilding over the centuries due to its stability. The floors feature Hallmark Floors’ authentic sawn-cut style, are lightly sculpted and wire brushed by hand. The boards are of generous widths and lengths, and the surface is treated with our exclusive Nu Oil® finish for a classic style and elegance.

Dynamic Garage Door specializes in Tuscan Architectural beautification in the Newport Beach, CA through our custom designed and hand made architectural shutters, garden gates and garage doors. This Newport-Mesa Tuscan home was exquisitely decorated with a combination of custom gates, decorative shutters and balcony barn door style shutters all handcrafted out of authentic, century-old reclaimed barn wood specifically harvested for this custom project. Beginning with the balcony shutters which actually slide from side to side like a real barn door we worked a charming rustic shutter design that would typically be seen in the Tuscan Riviera. We opted for sliding shutters as the balcony spacing limited the swing action of even bi-folding shutters. Incorporating real barn door hardware railing and crowing it behind the faux reclaimed wood beam made an excellent statement while adding functional shutters that can be shut close for comfort during the summer morning when the sun beats down into the master suite. The four shutter leafs are decorated with real hand forged dummy straps that were hammered and crafted by hand to achieve that gorgeous rustic charm typical of Tuscan architecture. The reclaimed barn wood from a century-old barn gives off a timeless appearance that increase in characters as the years go by. Because rustic barn wood has already aged beautifully over hundreds of years, the next century will only increase its authentically gorgeous appearance. The culmination of this project has been a meticulous collaborative input of our in-house head designer and the clients themselves. Although the completion of this project is lengthy and intricate, the results speak volumes and the wait simply justifies the outcome. The rest of thew windows on this Tuscan home have been accessorized with rustic barn wood as well and accentuated with our custom designed and handmade dummy iron hinge straps. Our dummy hardware is so authentically done in the same tradition used for hundreds of years in Europe to create shutter hardware that looks authentic and functional although it is only decorative. The details of our custom shutters is evident in the slightest of details including the bolts used to hold the shutter straps in place. Each of the shutter also has a decorative ring pull with a hand-hammered back plate which enhances the appearance of true functional shutters and defining that authentic Tuscan look. The beauty of this Tuscan home is visible throughout the entire property including the garden gates, garage doors and entry door. Again, for the garden gates, we went with rustic barn wood carefully crafted to preserve the original surface that has aged over hundreds of years but building the gates on galvanized steel frames that will ensure structural durability for the next few hundred years. The gates are highly secure, sound and can definitely hold back a crowd with authentic rustic charm. Don't be fooled with the simple-looking gate design. It is quite intricate with its 45 degree angle cuts around the perimeter of the trim which deviates water away from crevices that would otherwise make the gates vulnerable to the accumulation of moisture from the elements, sprinkler system or simply air humidity since the home is located near the ocean. Each one of the garden gates is equipped with European style mortise lock mechanisms and roller catches. Dynamic Garage Door gates are not your typical garden gates, they are truly made with quality and durability in mind as well as aesthetic attention to detail. Everything, from the hardware used, the core steel frame and overlay material used is hand selected and approved individually for maximum beauty and timeless appreciation. At Dynamic Garage Door, we specialize in multiple facet projects that include garden gates, driveway gates as well as barn doors and shutters. It is very important because these are the accessories that can make or break the beauty and continuity of your home's architectural style and authenticity. Increase your curb appeal and home value with Dynamic Garage Door's gates, shutters and automatic custom garage doors. Our in-house designers would love to speak with you today! Design Consultation Center: (855) 343-3667

This MossCreek custom designed family retreat features several historically authentic and preserved log cabins that were used as the basis for the design of several individual homes. MossCreek worked closely with the client to develop unique new structures with period-correct details from a remarkable collection of antique homes, all of which were disassembled, moved, and then reassembled at the project site. This project is an excellent example of MossCreek's ability to incorporate the past in to a new home for the ages. Photo by Erwin Loveland

Period furnishings were used to recreate the French decorative style of Louis XVI for this master bedroom. Upholstered frame, antique night stands, ottoman, accent chair, and traditional hand-knotted wool area rug provide authenticity. Wood tones of cream, tan, and brown produce harmony and unity. The floral and plaid patterns of gold and blue-green add variety. Mirrored closet doors reflect and brighten the space. French doors, adorned with antique hardware and shutters lead to a private balcony.

Designed by Armani/Casa. Available exclusively at NewWall.com | Fine wallcovering made of silk and lurex which gives special light reflection and a flaming texture to the product; because of these materials there may be slight variation across the width from drop to drop. These features characterize the authenticity of the yarns used and create a product of particular value.

“Breezy Point” is a wonderful example of American craftsmanship. The cottage, with its quaint symmetry and use of authentic materials, is reminiscent of a simpler time. Offering ample outdoor living space, the home is designed to sit comfortably on the water. The main level is suited to family living, featuring sitting areas, open kitchen and dining rooms, and a luxurious master suite. The upper level boasts five guests bedrooms, with two more on the lower level plus space for entertaining.

Again using authentic reclaimed barnwood, the home theater was created with shelving and access to the "guts" behind the wall, allowing some components to be totally hidden.

This beautiful Spanish Colonial on the lake in Pablo Creek Reserve is nearly 4000 SF and consists of four bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms and a 'flex room' that can be used as a study or fifth bedroom. Architectural authentic, this home includes an open floor plan ideal for entertaining. An extensive lanai with summer kitchen brings the outdoors in. Ceiling treatments include coffered ceilings in the great room and dining room and barrel vaults in the kitchen and master bath. Thermador appliances, Kohler and Waterworks plumbing fixtures and wood beams bring functionality and character to the home.

Great use of our Ancient Classic Tapete Mosaic Meshmount™ pattern in this kitchen bar remodel, that also features Authentic Durango Veracruz™ marble limestone tile flooring.

The design of the home is inspired by the very best examples of local Spanish Colonial design as seen in the famed Palmcroft and Encanto neighborhoods in Phoenix through its carefully composed massing, fenestration, and detailing. The entry arch, door awnings, plaster grille, wrought iron details and corner chimney mass are all highly evocative of the period, and along with the use of authentic three-coat stucco over metal lath, reinforces the strong sense of authenticity which emanates from the home. Design Principal: Gene Kniaz, Spiral Architects; General Contractor: Eric Linthicum, Linthicum Custom Builders; Photo: Josh Wells, Sun Valley Photo

The design of the home is inspired by the very best examples of local Spanish Colonial design as seen in the famed Palmcroft and Encanto neighborhoods in Phoenix through its carefully composed massing, fenestration, and detailing. The entry arch, door awnings, plaster grille, wrought iron details and corner chimney mass are all highly evocative of the period, and along with the use of authentic three-coat stucco over metal lath, reinforces the strong sense of authenticity which emanates from the home. Design Principal: Gene Kniaz, Spiral Architects; General Contractor: Eric Linthicum, Linthicum Custom Builders; Photo: Josh Wells, Sun Valley Photo

The outer walls and walkways of this gorgeous contemporary custom home were created using Authentic Durango Veracruz™ honed & unfilled tile and custom cut blocks. General Contractor: 180 Degrees, Architect: Marwan Al-Sayed Architects, Install: Pioneer Masonry

French country chateau, Villa Coublay, is set amid a beautiful wooded backdrop. Native stone veneer with red brick accents, stained cypress shutters, and timber-framed columns and brackets add to this estate's charm and authenticity. A twelve-foot tall family room ceiling allows for expansive glass at the southern wall taking advantage of the forest view and providing passive heating in the winter months. A largely open plan design puts a modern spin on the classic French country exterior creating an unexpected juxtaposition, inspiring awe upon entry.

A beautiful home with extensive use of Authentic Durango Stone marble limestone tile throughout. This property recently sold for $789,000.
Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic backyard tile patio fountain remodel in Phoenix with a roof extension

The owners of a charming home in the hills west of Paso Robles recently decided to remodel their not-so-charming kitchen. Referred to San Luis Kitchen by several of their friends, the homeowners visited our showroom and soon decided we were the best people to design a kitchen fitting the style of their home. We were delighted to get to work on the project right away. When we arrived at the house, we found a small, cramped and out-dated kitchen. The ceiling was low, the cabinets old fashioned and painted a stark dead white, and the best view in the house was neglected in a seldom-used breakfast nook (sequestered behind the kitchen peninsula). This kitchen was also handicapped by white tile counters with dark grout, odd-sized and cluttered cabinets, and small ‘desk’ tacked on to the side of the oven cabinet. Due to a marked lack of counter space & inadequate storage the homeowner had resorted to keeping her small appliances on a little cart parked in the corner and the garbage was just sitting by the wall in full view of everything! On the plus side, the kitchen opened into a nice dining room and had beautiful saltillo tile floors. Mrs. Homeowner loves to entertain and often hosts dinner parties for her friends. She enjoys visiting with her guests in the kitchen while putting the finishing touches on the evening’s meal. Sadly, her small kitchen really limited her interactions with her guests – she often felt left out of the mix at her own parties! This savvy homeowner dreamed big – a new kitchen that would accommodate multiple workstations, have space for guests to gather but not be in the way, and maybe a prettier transition from the kitchen to the dining (wine service area or hutch?) – while managing the remodel budget by reusing some of her major appliances and keeping (patching as needed) her existing floors. Responding to the homeowner’s stated wish list and the opportunities presented by the home's setting and existing architecture, the designers at San Luis Kitchen decided to expand the kitchen into the breakfast nook. This change allowed the work area to be reoriented to take advantage of the great view – we replaced the existing window and added another while moving the door to gain space. A second sink and set of refrigerator drawers (housing fresh fruits & veggies) were included for the convenience of this mainly vegetarian cook – her prep station. The clean-up area now boasts a farmhouse style single bowl sink – adding to the ‘cottage’ charm. We located a new gas cook-top between the two workstations for easy access from each. Also tucked in here is a pullout trash/recycle cabinet for convenience and additional drawers for storage. Running parallel to the work counter we added a long butcher-block island with easy-to-access open shelves for the avid cook and seating for friendly guests placed just right to take in the view. A counter-top garage is used to hide excess small appliances. Glass door cabinets and open shelves are now available to display the owners beautiful dishware. The microwave was placed inconspicuously on the end of the island facing the refrigerator – easy access for guests (and extraneous family members) to help themselves to drinks and snacks while staying out of the cook’s way. We also moved the pantry storage away from the dining room (putting it on the far wall and closer to the work triangle) and added a furniture-like hutch in its place allowing the more formal dining area to flow seamlessly into the up-beat work area of the kitchen. This space is now also home (opposite wall) to an under counter wine refrigerator, a liquor cabinet and pretty glass door wall cabinet for stemware storage – meeting Mr. Homeowner’s desire for a bar service area. And then the aesthetic: an old-world style country cottage theme. The homeowners wanted the kitchen to have a warm feel while still loving the look of white cabinetry. San Luis Kitchen melded country-casual knotty pine base cabinets with vintage hand-brushed creamy white wall cabinets to create the desired cottage look. We also added bead board and mullioned glass doors for charm, used an inset doorstyle on the cabinets for authenticity, and mixed stone and wood counters to create an eclectic nuance in the space. All in all, the happy homeowners now boast a charming county cottage kitchen with plenty of space for entertaining their guests while creating gourmet meals to feed them. Credits: Custom cabinetry by Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry Contracting by Michael Pezzato of Lost Coast Construction Stone counters by Pyramid M.T.M.

Mountain style gray two-story mixed siding exterior home photo