With its expansive two-sided opening and stunningly realistic fire presentation, the DRT63ST See-Through provides a harmonious flow from one space to another, inside or outside the home. The DRT63ST See-Through is available in a 40" size, and comes standard with high-definition logs, ceramic ember bed burner, log grate, wire mesh pull screens and the Total Comfort Control™ System. Aesthetics Dramatic louverless construction gives the fireplace a clean, traditional masonry look and provides the ability to finish right up to the opening. Tall ceramic-glass opening provides an exceptional view of the logs and flame. The high-definition charred split-oak log set is cast from real wood for an authentic look. Platinum embers enhance the glow of the fire. Light- and dark-tinted outdoor kits trimmed in stainless steel are available for indoor/outdoor application. The dark-tinted version provides enhanced ambiance from inside the room by creating an infinity effect while reducing glare from the outside environment. Comfort Exclusive Secure Vent™ chimney system provides efficient venting. Rated 68% in annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). Ease of Operation Full-function remote offers an array of controls, including modulating flame height. Gas controls are conveniently located to the side of the fireplace opening for easy installation and operation. An adjustable air shutter is included in the burner which allows you to raise or lower flame height to desired levels. Design Versatility A required choice of liners available in Buff Rustic, Buff Herringbone and Black Porcelain. Optional andirons evoke the look of a traditional hearth, in Mission and Classic styles. Decorative freestanding screens in a variety of designs are available. Available in power-vented versions which can vent up to 110 ft. Can be installed as an indoor/indoor unit or as an indoor/outdoor unit with the addition of an outdoor kit. This fireplace meets all 2015 ANSI barrier requirements.

A bespoke residence, designed to suit its owner in every way. The result of a collaborative vision comprising the collective passion, taste, energy, and experience of our client, the architect, the builder, the utilities contractors, and ourselves, this home was planned to combine the best elements in the best ways, to complement a thoughtful, healthy, and green lifestyle not simply for today, but for years to come. Photo Credit: Jay Graham, Graham Photography

This project involved converting a partially finished basement into an ultimate media room with an English pub. The family is big on entertaining and enjoys watching movies and college football. It was important to combine the media area with the pub to create options for guests within the same space. Although the home has a full sized basement the staircase was centrally located, which made it difficult for special configuration. As a result, we were able to work with the existing plan be designing a media area large enough for a sectional sofa and additional seating with the English pub at the far end of the room. The home owner had a projection screen on a bare wall with the electrical components stacked on boxes. The new plan involved installing new cabinets to accommodate components and surround the screen to give it a built-in finish. Open shelving also allows the homeowner to feature some of their collectible sports memorabilia. As if the 130 inch projection screen wasn’t large enough, the surround sound system makes you feel like you are part of the action. It is as close to the I MAX viewing experience as you are going to get in a home. Sound-deadening insulation was installed in the ceiling and walls to prevent noise from penetrating the second floor. The design of the pub was inspired by the home owner’s favorite local pub, Brazenhead. The bar countertop with lift-top entrance was custom built by our carpenters to simulate aged wood. The finish looks rough, but it is smooth enough to wipe down easily. The top encloses the bar and provides seating for guests. A TV at the bar allows guest to follow along with the game on the big screen or tune into another game. The game table provides even another option for entertainment in the media room. Stacked stone with thick mortar joints was installed on the face of the bar and to an opposite wall containing the entrance to a wine room. Hand scrapped hardwood floors were installed in the pub portion of the media room to provide yet another touch to “Brazenhead” their own pub. The wet bar is under a soffit area that continues into the media area due to existing duct work. We wanted to creatively find a way to separate the two spaces. Adding trim on the ceiling and front of soffit at the bar defined the area and made a great transition from the drywall soffit to the wet bar. A tin ceiling was installed which added to the ambience of the pub wet bar and further aided in defining the soffit as an intentional part of the design. Custom built wainscoting borders the perimeter of the media room. The end result allows the client to comfortably entertain in a space designed just for them.

The copper roof and fascia of this home are echoed inside on the fireplace masses. From this Casita deck with forever views, the inside spaces are on display, demonstrating our client's love of vibrant colors.

Example of a classic enclosed carpeted and multicolored floor home theater design in Miami with beige walls and a projector screen

Example of a transitional enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room design in Boston with gray walls and a wall-mounted tv

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz
Traditional one-story brick exterior home idea in Dallas

This modern lake house is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The residence overlooks a mountain lake with expansive mountain views beyond. The design ties the home to its surroundings and enhances the ability to experience both home and nature together. The entry level serves as the primary living space and is situated into three groupings; the Great Room, the Guest Suite and the Master Suite. A glass connector links the Master Suite, providing privacy and the opportunity for terrace and garden areas. Won a 2013 AIANC Design Award. Featured in the Austrian magazine, More Than Design. Featured in Carolina Home and Garden, Summer 2015.

Our client wanted a rustic chic look for their covered porch. We gave the crown molding and trim a more formal look, but kept the roof more rustic with open rafters. At Atlanta Porch & Patio we are dedicated to building beautiful custom porches, decks, and outdoor living spaces throughout the metro Atlanta area. Our mission is to turn our clients’ ideas, dreams, and visions into personalized, tangible outcomes. Clients of Atlanta Porch & Patio rest easy knowing each step of their project is performed to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and dependability. Our team of builders and craftsmen are licensed, insured, and always up to date on trends, products, designs, and building codes. We are constantly educating ourselves in order to provide our clients the best services at the best prices. We deliver the ultimate professional experience with every step of our projects. After setting up a consultation through our website or by calling the office, we will meet with you in your home to discuss all of your ideas and concerns. After our initial meeting and site consultation, we will compile a detailed design plan and quote complete with renderings and a full listing of the materials to be used. Upon your approval, we will then draw up the necessary paperwork and decide on a project start date. From demo to cleanup, we strive to deliver your ultimate relaxation destination on time and on budget.

The Hollywood Hills Dollhouse - architectural gem and engineering masterpiece! Named to evoke a childhood memory of a dollhouse, this imposing architectural structure has a luxurious front facade and behind a remaining structure that is comprised of almost all glass giving the appearance and feeling of a dollhouse. This stunning gem is incomparable as there is no other house in the Los Angeles area that shares this unique architectural design. This unrivaled property is not the standard rectangular cube seen throughout the Hollywood Hills but an elegant, design-centric structure consisting of wood, glass and steel overlooking the city of Los Angeles and beyond.The rich, glossy Brazilian IPE hardwood that envelops the structure gives the this trophy house its recognizability from miles away, during both daytime and at night. It is brilliantly designed with an entrance that gives way to a sprawling open space with endless possibilities and approximately 13,000 sq feet for living, working and playing. This state-of-the art property was developed and built around three core principles: an unique and recognizable architectural design, endless views and a hotel-like experience. The property stands on a peerless promontory above the heart of the Sunset Strip offering 300+ degrees views. On every level there is a superb wrap-around experience where one can walk from one end of the property to the other while enjoying uninterrupted views. The structure comprises of 4 levels named for their functionality and versatility. First area, also known as the Play, Work & Be Well level is a 4000SF basement level comprised of terrace, orchard and indoor and outdoor space. In this level, there is also a Wellness Center with a twenty-three jet spa, a dry and infrared heat sauna, an aromatherapy Roman bath and a steam room. Also, on this level is what is dubbed the Play room with a red draped theater, game room, and a wine bar and cellar. An indoor-outdoor creative office space with a full-wall whiteboard, desks and conference table called the Work room is next door. Because this house is built with luxury amenities bearing in mind its future residents lifestyle it has an exterior basement stairwell allowing staff, associates, personal trainers, masseuse or stylists to arrive without entering via main entrance. This feature provides an additional level of privacy and decadence. Every detail of this house has been flawlessly curated to provide the utmost quality of luxe living. The Hollywood Hills Dollhouse has an entrance level with almost 2000 square foot ground floor that expands into an opulent 1800 square foot pool deck and catwalk. This area is referred to as Entertain level because it was designed to be the quintessential California experience. It has a spacious living area, full amenities kitchen and a phenomenal pool deck overlooking unique geometrically shaped pool and spa. The exquisite Masterpiece bedroom and three regal, en-suite bedrooms are situated on a sprawling 2,300 square foot floor designed around the breathtaking views. The Masterpiece bedroom, which is the name of master suite, embraces all the concepts that predominate in the creation of this house- modern architecture, energy, breathtaking views, functionality, recognizability, and luxury. The rooftop is named the Take your Breath Away level is an 2,800 square foot open deck with 360-degree views that provides a spectacular visual experience. It was designed to evoke a wondrous reaction in whomever walks towards this space.Each level is named after a verb mainly to illustrate what this monumental 13,000 square foot of meticulously developed space can provide which is a sanctuary to play, work, be well, entertain, rest and enjoy the breathtaking views in a tranquil setting. Simply put, the Hollywood Hills Dollhouse is unmatched in everything it has to offer. It is one of a kind and you will get a sense of awe the minute you set foot in this house beyond comparison.

www.seeinseeout.com
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary full sun backyard stone landscaping in Austin for summer.

Mali Azima
Living room - large transitional open concept light wood floor living room idea in Atlanta with white walls

The Living Room area and linear fireplace that anchors the Great Room with expansive glass that creates a "Live In View" experience in the home. Builder - Build Inc, Interior Design - Tate Studio Architects, Photography - Thompson Photographic.

Bedroom - transitional bedroom idea in Minneapolis

THE SETUP This remodeling project transformed a catchall room into a cinema-style theater designed for family entertainment and relaxation. The original space, which housed a small TV, older furniture, and various children’s toys, was reimagined to create a sophisticated, adult-friendly home theater with ample seating and modern amenities. Design Objectives: Create a Dark Theater Space: Ensure the room mimics a traditional movie theater environment. Provide Comfortable Theater Seating: Include enough seating for the family and guests. Integrate a Dry Bar Area: Include a space for snacks and drinks. Optimize Space Utilization: Maintain an open area for additional activities. Design Challenges: Natural light: The room was too bright for a theater setting. Seating: Accommodating six theater seats without obstructing views. Lighting: Ensuring the lighting does not interfere with the viewing experience. AV: Finding a clutter-free solution for AV equipment. Dry Bar: Incorporating a dry bar area without overcrowding the space. Viewing: Ensuring the TV placement allows for comfortable, optimized viewing. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Natural Light Control: Installed blackout remote shades on the back window and painted the walls dark charcoal to reduce natural light infiltration. Seating Arrangement: Built a second level for the back row of seating to ensure unobstructed views for all movie watchers. Lighting Design: Installed sconces on either side of the window that shine from the sides (to avoid interfering with the viewing experience). AV Equipment Storage: Utilized existing recess areas with custom shelves matching the cabinetry and concealed cables using a PVC pipe system. Dry Bar Integration: Created a dry bar area on the back wall with a refrigerator, candy storage, and a small counter space for a popcorn machine and ice maker, with locked drawers to prevent unsupervised access. Optimal Viewing Distance: Evaluated multiple floor plans and placed the TV on the most suitable wall to ensure optimal viewing and comfortable reclined seating. Final Thoughts: The completed home theater has been a resounding success, providing a versatile space for the entire family. The thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail have created a functional and enjoyable home theater that meets diverse needs, from watching movies and playing video games to relaxing and reading. The areas to the sides of the theater seats can accommodate spillover seating or activity zones. The area housing the AV equipment also includes extra shelves for storing snuggle-grade movie viewing blankets. This theater space has become a favorite hangout spot, offering comfort and entertainment for everyone. This is the kid and parent friendly candy-liquor dry bar. It is the home to a mini fridge, ice machine, and popcorn machine. The inspiration behind the custom drawers was the feeling you get walking inot a real theater and seeing all the candy in the glass. Yes, all the drawers actually do lock so the kids can't get into the candy for a midnight snack.

Automated shades not only add beauty and functionality to a space, they also are green. A room with large windows like this can be automated to open and closed according to the sun's schedule, allowing its heat in during winter months, and to shade during the summer keeping rooms cool. Excessive sunlight can also fade fabrics, flooring, and artwork, having your shades automated is an investment to keep your home energy efficient, beautiful, and protected.

Photo: Lucy Call © 2015 Houzz
Example of a trendy family room design in Salt Lake City

Joe Fletcher Atop a ridge in the Santa Lucia mountains of Carmel, California, an oak tree stands elevated above the fog and wrapped at its base in this ranch retreat. The weekend home’s design grew around the 100-year-old Valley Oak to form a horseshoe-shaped house that gathers ridgeline views of Oak, Madrone, and Redwood groves at its exterior and nestles around the tree at its center. The home’s orientation offers both the shade of the oak canopy in the courtyard and the sun flowing into the great room at the house’s rear façades. This modern take on a traditional ranch home offers contemporary materials and landscaping to a classic typology. From the main entry in the courtyard, one enters the home’s great room and immediately experiences the dramatic westward views across the 70 foot pool at the house’s rear. In this expansive public area, programmatic needs flow and connect - from the kitchen, whose windows face the courtyard, to the dining room, whose doors slide seamlessly into walls to create an outdoor dining pavilion. The primary circulation axes flank the internal courtyard, anchoring the house to its site and heightening the sense of scale by extending views outward at each of the corridor’s ends. Guest suites, complete with private kitchen and living room, and the garage are housed in auxiliary wings connected to the main house by covered walkways. Building materials including pre-weathered corrugated steel cladding, buff limestone walls, and large aluminum apertures, and the interior palette of cedar-clad ceilings, oil-rubbed steel, and exposed concrete floors soften the modern aesthetics into a refined but rugged ranch home.

The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside. Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids. We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine. We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden. The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture. The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.