Replacing an existing driveway with the same 'Versailles' pattern travertine stone of the home's newly installed pathway, this front yard now looks complete. Continuity in materials and texture throughout is in noticeable contrast with the industrial grey concrete driveways that have been left as is on adjoining properties. The beautiful earth tones of the flatwork are in harmony with the home as well as the carefully selected water-wise plantings. This is the 'complete package', even in a relatively modest space!

Russell Abraham
Example of a large trendy master gray tile and mosaic tile porcelain tile and gray floor freestanding bathtub design in San Francisco with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, solid surface countertops and white walls

Spectacular unobstructed views of the Bay, Bridge, Alcatraz, San Francisco skyline and the rolling hills of Marin greet you from almost every window of this stunning Provençal Villa located in the acclaimed Middle Ridge neighborhood of Mill Valley. Built in 2000, this exclusive 5 bedroom, 5+ bath estate was thoughtfully designed by architect Jorge de Quesada to provide a classically elegant backdrop for today’s active lifestyle. Perfectly positioned on over half an acre with flat lawns and an award winning garden there is unmatched sense of privacy just minutes from the shops and restaurants of downtown Mill Valley. A curved stone staircase leads from the charming entry gate to the private front lawn and on to the grand hand carved front door. A gracious formal entry and wide hall opens out to the main living spaces of the home and out to the view beyond. The Venetian plaster walls and soaring ceilings provide an open airy feeling to the living room and country chef’s kitchen, while three sets of oversized French doors lead onto the Jerusalem Limestone patios and bring in the panoramic views. The chef’s kitchen is the focal point of the warm welcoming great room and features a range-top and double wall ovens, two dishwashers, marble counters and sinks with Waterworks fixtures. The tile backsplash behind the range pays homage to Monet’s Giverny kitchen. A fireplace offers up a cozy sitting area to lounge and watch television or curl up with a book. There is ample space for a farm table for casual dining. In addition to a well-appointed formal living room, the main level of this estate includes an office, stunning library/den with faux tortoise detailing, butler’s pantry, powder room, and a wonderful indoor/outdoor flow allowing the spectacular setting to envelop every space. A wide staircase leads up to the four main bedrooms of home. There is a spacious master suite complete with private balcony and French doors showcasing the views. The suite features his and her baths complete with walk – in closets, and steam showers. In hers there is a sumptuous soaking tub positioned to make the most of the view. Two additional bedrooms share a bath while the third is en-suite. The laundry room features a second set of stairs leading back to the butler’s pantry, garage and outdoor areas. The lowest level of the home includes a legal second unit complete with kitchen, spacious walk in closet, private entry and patio area. In addition to interior access to the second unit there is a spacious exercise room, the potential for a poolside kitchenette, second laundry room, and secure storage area primed to become a state of the art tasting room/wine cellar. From the main level the spacious entertaining patio leads you out to the magnificent grounds and pool area. Designed by Steve Stucky, the gardens were featured on the 2007 Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club tour. A level lawn leads to the focal point of the grounds; the iconic “Crags Head” outcropping favored by hikers as far back as the 19th century. The perfect place to stop for lunch and take in the spectacular view. The Century old Sonoma Olive trees and lavender plantings add a Mediterranean touch to the two lawn areas that also include an antique fountain, and a charming custom Barbara Butler playhouse. Inspired by Provence and built to exacting standards this charming villa provides an elegant yet welcoming environment designed to meet the needs of today’s active lifestyle while staying true to its Continental roots creating a warm and inviting space ready to call home.

Wissel's Saguaro Lawson's false cypress - ideal for skinny spaces Le jardinet

Oliver Irwin Photography www.oliveriphoto.com Park Lane Residence is a single family house designed in a unique, northwest modern style. The goal of the project is to create a space that allows the family to entertain their guests in a welcoming one-of-a-kind environment. Uptic Studios took into consideration the relation between the exterior and interior spaces creating a smooth transition with an open concept design and celebrating the natural environment. The Clean geometry and contrast in materials creates an integrative design that is both artistic, functional and in harmony with its surroundings. Uptic Studios provided the privacy needed, while also opening the space to the surrounding environment with large floor to ceiling windows. The large overhangs and trellises reduce solar exposure in the summer, while provides protection from the elements and letting in daylight in the winter. The crisp hardwood, metal and stone blends the exterior with the beautiful surrounding nature.

Oliver Irwin Photography www.oliveriphoto.com Park Lane Residence is a single family house designed in a unique, northwest modern style. The goal of the project is to create a space that allows the family to entertain their guests in a welcoming one-of-a-kind environment. Uptic Studios took into consideration the relation between the exterior and interior spaces creating a smooth transition with an open concept design and celebrating the natural environment. The Clean geometry and contrast in materials creates an integrative design that is both artistic, functional and in harmony with its surroundings. Uptic Studios provided the privacy needed, while also opening the space to the surrounding environment with large floor to ceiling windows. The large overhangs and trellises reduce solar exposure in the summer, while provides protection from the elements and letting in daylight in the winter. The crisp hardwood, metal and stone blends the exterior with the beautiful surrounding nature.

Contemporary exterior home idea in Miami

Inspiration for a 1960s master light wood floor and beige floor bedroom remodel in Portland with a standard fireplace

A classic two-story home with dark siding, porch and white picket fence. Residential design by Strand Design, Minneapolis.
Example of a classic exterior home design in Minneapolis

With sweeping views of the Willamette river and Mt. Hood, this Atwater Place condo was designed with a balance of minimalism and livability in mind. A complete kitchen remodel brought a dark interior kitchen to the light and a full furnishings package welcomed Los Angeles transplants home to their new modern and bright residence. Our clients, a retired camera operator for both feature films and television and a producer/production manager on numerous television series including Weeds and The Middle, relocated from their traditionally-styled LA bungalow to Portland in the Summer of 2014. The couple sought a design departure from their long-term California residence and a fresh start for their new life in the South Waterfront. With only two pieces of sentimental furniture and a handful of artwork included in the plan, we set out to create a comfortable and clean-lined furnishings package complimenting the broad southeast views. Organically shaped upholstery pieces juxtaposed with angular steel and wood tables create a soft balance in the open floor plan. Several custom pieces, including a dining table designed by our studio and a custom hand-blown glass chandelier crafted by Scott Schiesel with Lightlite compliment timeless pieces from Knoll, Herman Miller, and B&B Italia. The kitchen is designed to reflect light and create brilliance in a space that is otherwise naturally dark. A material balance of stainless steel, back painted glass, quartz composite, lacquer, and mirror all play their part in creating a vibrant cooking environment. We collectively decided to forgo the traditional island pendant for a linear commercial fixture that provides tremendous light to the prep surface and creates an unexpected architectural element. The mirrored prep island creates the illusion of open space while concealing casework and wine storage on the working side of the kitchen. It is worth noting that this project was designed and installed almost entirely while our clients were still living in LA and wrapping up professional obligations and selling their home. This afforded us the tremendous opportunity to send our clients to showrooms not available in Portland to view key pieces before final specification. Textiles and finish samples were approved via mail and communication took place over e-mail, telephone, and an occasional office visit. This unique process lead to a successful result and a beautifully balanced living environment.

A sturdy outdoor shower was a welcome addition for the family. Materials were chosen for extra durability, without skimping on appearance. Constructed from actual sailboat cleats hung vertically, the hooks in the shower stand up to the outdoor environment as well as echoing a subtle nautical design theme of the home. An inlaid pebble shower floor continues the natural theme—and its surface is more slip-resistant. The shower surround is PVC to hold up to heavy use and the salt and sun environment.

Soak your senses in a tranquil spa environment with sophisticated bathroom furniture from Dura Supreme. Coordinate an entire collection of bath cabinetry and furniture and customize it for your particular needs to create an environment that always looks put together and beautifully styled. Any combination of Dura Supreme’s many cabinet door styles, wood species, and finishes can be selected to create a one-of a-kind bath furniture collection. A double sink vanity creates personal space for two, while drawer stacks create convenient storage to keep your bath uncluttered and organized. This soothing at-home retreat features Dura Supreme’s “Style One” furniture series. Style One offers 15 different configurations (for single sink vanities, double sink vanities, or offset sinks) and multiple decorative toe options to create a personal environment that reflects your individual style. On this example, a matching decorative toe element coordinates the vanity and linen cabinets. The bathroom has evolved from its purist utilitarian roots to a more intimate and reflective sanctuary in which to relax and reconnect. A refreshing spa-like environment offers a brisk welcome at the dawning of a new day or a soothing interlude as your day concludes. Our busy and hectic lifestyles leave us yearning for a private place where we can truly relax and indulge. With amenities that pamper the senses and design elements inspired by luxury spas, bathroom environments are being transformed from the mundane and utilitarian to the extravagant and luxurious. Bath cabinetry from Dura Supreme offers myriad design directions to create the personal harmony and beauty that are a hallmark of the bath sanctuary. Immerse yourself in our expansive palette of finishes and wood species to discover the look that calms your senses and soothes your soul. Your Dura Supreme designer will guide you through the selections and transform your bath into a beautiful retreat. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator

Photo: Camille Simmons © 2014 Houzz
Living room - small eclectic open concept dark wood floor living room idea in San Francisco with white walls

Contemporary exterior home idea in Dallas

David Burroughs
Trendy home office photo in Baltimore

Cape Cod; Dennis, MA This open-concept living and dining area features a bright and inviting Cape Cod aesthetic, creating a perfect space for both relaxation and entertaining. The living room is anchored by two tufted yellow armchairs covered in a sunbrella fabric with navy piping, which provide a vibrant pop of color. The chairs are paired with a patterned upholstered ottoman and a round coffee table with a mirrored top, creating a cozy and stylish seating arrangement. The fireplace, framed by a classic white mantel, features a herringbone-patterned firebox and a television mounted above, blending traditional charm with modern media needs. A large, patterned area rug in shades of red, blue, and cream defines the living space and adds warmth to the hardwood floors. In the adjacent dining area, a large farmhouse-style table is surrounded by classic black Windsor chairs, creating a striking contrast with the light-colored walls and the long window bank that brightens the entire space. A decorative brass chandelier hangs above the table, adding a touch of elegance. The overall design harmonizes traditional coastal elements with functional, comfortable furnishings to create a welcoming home environment.

The organic shape of the surrounding trees contrasts the hard-lined form of the home. To the right, a photo studio is clad in pre-cast concrete. The large front door defines the central entry. To the left, the great room is screened by perforated metal. Heavy Metal is a contemporary take on the Miesian courtyard house, in a rural setting. In this instance, the courtyard is created as much by the landscaping and vegetation as it is by the architecture. Photography by Andrew Fabin

Oliver Irwin Photography www.oliveriphoto.com Park Lane Residence is a single family house designed in a unique, northwest modern style. The goal of the project is to create a space that allows the family to entertain their guests in a welcoming one-of-a-kind environment. Uptic Studios took into consideration the relation between the exterior and interior spaces creating a smooth transition with an open concept design and celebrating the natural environment. The Clean geometry and contrast in materials creates an integrative design that is both artistic, functional and in harmony with its surroundings. Uptic Studios provided the privacy needed, while also opening the space to the surrounding environment with large floor to ceiling windows. The large overhangs and trellises reduce solar exposure in the summer, while provides protection from the elements and letting in daylight in the winter. The crisp hardwood, metal and stone blends the exterior with the beautiful surrounding nature.

ErIc Rorer
Patio - mid-sized contemporary one-story and backyard patio idea in San Francisco with a fire pit