Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

We started with a blank slate on this basement project where our only obstacles were exposed steel support columns, existing plumbing risers from the concrete slab, and dropped soffits concealing ductwork on the ceiling. It had the advantage of tall ceilings, an existing egress window, and a sliding door leading to a newly constructed patio. This family of five loves the beach and frequents summer beach resorts in the Northeast. Bringing that aesthetic home to enjoy all year long was the inspiration for the décor, as well as creating a family-friendly space for entertaining. Wish list items included room for a billiard table, wet bar, game table, family room, guest bedroom, full bathroom, space for a treadmill and closed storage. The existing structural elements helped to define how best to organize the basement. For instance, we knew we wanted to connect the bar area and billiards table with the patio in order to create an indoor/outdoor entertaining space. It made sense to use the egress window for the guest bedroom for both safety and natural light. The bedroom also would be adjacent to the plumbing risers for easy access to the new bathroom. Since the primary focus of the family room would be for TV viewing, natural light did not need to filter into that space. We made sure to hide the columns inside of newly constructed walls and dropped additional soffits where needed to make the ceiling mechanicals feel less random. In addition to the beach vibe, the homeowner has valuable sports memorabilia that was to be prominently displayed including two seats from the original Yankee stadium. For a coastal feel, shiplap is used on two walls of the family room area. In the bathroom shiplap is used again in a more creative way using wood grain white porcelain tile as the horizontal shiplap “wood”. We connected the tile horizontally with vertical white grout joints and mimicked the horizontal shadow line with dark grey grout. At first glance it looks like we wrapped the shower with real wood shiplap. Materials including a blue and white patterned floor, blue penny tiles and a natural wood vanity checked the list for that seaside feel. A large reclaimed wood door on an exposed sliding barn track separates the family room from the game room where reclaimed beams are punctuated with cable lighting. Cabinetry and a beverage refrigerator are tucked behind the rolling bar cabinet (that doubles as a Blackjack table!). A TV and upright video arcade machine round-out the entertainment in the room. Bar stools, two rotating club chairs, and large square poufs along with the Yankee Stadium seats provide fun places to sit while having a drink, watching billiards or a game on the TV. Signed baseballs can be found behind the bar, adjacent to the billiard table, and on specially designed display shelves next to the poker table in the family room. Thoughtful touches like the surfboards, signage, photographs and accessories make a visitor feel like they are on vacation at a well-appointed beach resort without being cliché.

In this picture, the cut back of entry level allows a vertical connection to the lower level and a feeling of space beyond. In this project, we identified the challenge of renovating a triplex as finding a way to integrate the stairs, so as to not take up the entire width of a narrow house, as well as to minimize the feeling of constantly having to run up and down to connect floors. This twelve-foot-wide townhouse consists of a cellar living room, a master bedroom suite on the upper floor, and a kitchen and dining area on the entry level. In trying to weave together these different floors, the aim of the project was to transform the stairs and steps into a fluid space that combines transition and rest. The steps were designed to be integrated with the architecture, cantilevering from the wall and almost disappearing. The living room on the ground plane folds into the garden through steps and a full-window wall, effectively extending the garden into the living room. From the garden to the entry level, the stairs were transformed into a platform and space for meditation within the open-space living room, dining room and kitchen. The introduction of a skylight midway through the length of the triplex permits natural light to flow to the back of the home, blending into the natural light coming in through the window facing the garden. The skylight also revealed a view of the trees hanging over the townhouse, framing the master bedroom suite from above and extending down with a view towards the garden. In this project, we identified the challenge of renovating a triplex as finding a way to integrate the stairs, so as to not take up the entire width of a narrow house, as well as to minimize the feeling of constantly having to run up and down to connect floors. This twelve-foot-wide townhouse consists of a cellar living room, a master bedroom suite on the upper floor, and a kitchen and dining area on the entry level. In trying to weave together these different floors, the aim of the project was to transform the stairs and steps into a fluid space that combines transition and rest. The steps were designed to be integrated with the architecture, cantilevering from the wall and almost disappearing. The living room on the ground plane folds into the garden through steps and a full-window wall, effectively extending the garden into the living room. From the garden to the entry level, the stairs were transformed into a platform and space for meditation within the open-space living room, dining room and kitchen. The introduction of a skylight midway through the length of the triplex permits natural light to flow to the back of the home, blending into the natural light coming in through the window facing the garden. The skylight also revealed a view of the trees hanging over the townhouse, framing the master bedroom suite from above and extending down with a view towards the garden. In this project, we identified the challenge of renovating a triplex as finding a way to integrate the stairs, so as to not take up the entire width of a narrow house, as well as to minimize the feeling of constantly having to run up and down to connect floors. This twelve-foot-wide townhouse consists of a cellar living room, a master bedroom suite on the upper floor, and a kitchen and dining area on the entry level. In trying to weave together these different floors, the aim of the project was to transform the stairs and steps into a fluid space that combines transition and rest. The steps were designed to be integrated with the architecture, cantilevering from the wall and almost disappearing. The living room on the ground plane folds into the garden through steps and a full-window wall, effectively extending the garden into the living room. From the garden to the entry level, the stairs were transformed into a platform and space for meditation within the open-space living room, dining room and kitchen. The introduction of a skylight midway through the length of the triplex permits natural light to flow to the back of the home, blending into the natural light coming in through the window facing the garden. The skylight also revealed a view of the trees hanging over the townhouse, framing the master bedroom suite from above and extending down with a view towards the garden

Features: Intricate Carving: The door showcases a stunning, deeply carved scene depicting a bear catching a fish in a river. The level of detail in the carving is impressive, capturing the textures of the bear's fur, the fish's scales, and the riverbed. Natural Theme: The design evokes a strong connection to nature, with its depiction of a bear and its natural habitat. Dynamic Composition: The scene is dynamic, with the bear in a moment of action, creating a sense of movement and energy. Material and Construction: Wood: The door is constructed from a rich, reddish-brown wood - mahogany. Sturdiness: The door is tenon and mortise well-constructed and sturdy, with a solid frame. Other Details: Door Knobs: The door features two round door knobs, adding a classic touch. Framing: The door is framed with a matching wood trim, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. Application: The bear fishing door, with its unique and captivating design, would be well-suited for a variety of applications where a connection to nature and a touch of rustic elegance are desired. Residential: Homes with a Rustic or Nature-Inspired Aesthetic: The door would be a striking addition to homes with a rustic, log cabin, or country-style design. It would also be a perfect fit for homes with an Alaskan or Northwestern theme. Mountain Cabins and Lodges: The door's natural theme would perfectly complement the rustic charm of a mountain cabin or lodge. Homes with a Hunting or Fishing Theme: The door's depiction of a bear fishing would be a perfect fit for homes with a hunting or fishing theme. Game Rooms and Man Caves: The door could create a unique and impressive entrance for a game room or man cave. Commercial: Eco-Lodges and Retreats: The door's natural theme would align well with the ethos of eco-friendly accommodations. Hunting and Fishing Lodges: The door would be a perfect fit for hunting and fishing lodges, creating a welcoming and inviting entrance. Restaurants and Bars with a Nature Theme: The door could create a unique and captivating entrance for restaurants and bars with a nature theme. Outdoor Gear Stores and Outfitters: The door could be used to create a striking entrance for outdoor gear stores and outfitters, showcasing their connection to nature and adventure. Other Applications: Nature-Themed Event Spaces: The door could add a touch of rustic elegance to event spaces such as wedding venues or nature-themed retreats. Art Galleries and Museums: The door's artistic nature could make it a suitable addition to spaces dedicated to art and nature. Overall, the bear fishing door's unique design and high-quality craftsmanship make it a versatile and appealing option for a variety of applications where a connection to nature and a touch of rustic elegance are desired. Now reach out to us, let's design a unique door similar with Bear Fishing door for your home.

Features: Intricate Carving: The door showcases a stunning, deeply carved scene depicting a bear catching a fish in a river. The level of detail in the carving is impressive, capturing the textures of the bear's fur, the fish's scales, and the riverbed. Natural Theme: The design evokes a strong connection to nature, with its depiction of a bear and its natural habitat. Dynamic Composition: The scene is dynamic, with the bear in a moment of action, creating a sense of movement and energy. Material and Construction: Wood: The door is constructed from a rich, reddish-brown wood - mahogany. Sturdiness: The door is tenon and mortise well-constructed and sturdy, with a solid frame. Other Details: Door Knobs: The door features two round door knobs, adding a classic touch. Framing: The door is framed with a matching wood trim, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. Application: The bear fishing door, with its unique and captivating design, would be well-suited for a variety of applications where a connection to nature and a touch of rustic elegance are desired. Residential: Homes with a Rustic or Nature-Inspired Aesthetic: The door would be a striking addition to homes with a rustic, log cabin, or country-style design. It would also be a perfect fit for homes with an Alaskan or Northwestern theme. Mountain Cabins and Lodges: The door's natural theme would perfectly complement the rustic charm of a mountain cabin or lodge. Homes with a Hunting or Fishing Theme: The door's depiction of a bear fishing would be a perfect fit for homes with a hunting or fishing theme. Game Rooms and Man Caves: The door could create a unique and impressive entrance for a game room or man cave. Commercial: Eco-Lodges and Retreats: The door's natural theme would align well with the ethos of eco-friendly accommodations. Hunting and Fishing Lodges: The door would be a perfect fit for hunting and fishing lodges, creating a welcoming and inviting entrance. Restaurants and Bars with a Nature Theme: The door could create a unique and captivating entrance for restaurants and bars with a nature theme. Outdoor Gear Stores and Outfitters: The door could be used to create a striking entrance for outdoor gear stores and outfitters, showcasing their connection to nature and adventure. Other Applications: Nature-Themed Event Spaces: The door could add a touch of rustic elegance to event spaces such as wedding venues or nature-themed retreats. Art Galleries and Museums: The door's artistic nature could make it a suitable addition to spaces dedicated to art and nature. Overall, the bear fishing door's unique design and high-quality craftsmanship make it a versatile and appealing option for a variety of applications where a connection to nature and a touch of rustic elegance are desired. Now reach out to us, let's design a unique door similar with Bear Fishing door for your home.

The Harmonious Blending of Inside to Out with Wood Framed Patio Doors By NanaWall Systems, September 3, 2025 Wood framed patio doors Some homes are designed to impress from the outside. This one was reimagined to breathe from the inside out with wood framed patio doors. For a family of music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the goal was about connection. Connection to each other, to the seasons, to nature, to sound, and to their lush backyard space for daily life and family gatherings. Designed by Jason Hanrahan of Mode Architects, the home features a thoughtfully placed NanaWall kitchen pass-through window and, later, wide bifold doors in the family sunroom. The design evolved in two phases to fit the family’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle perfectly. The result is a renovation defined by openness, light, and laid-back living. A Home Shaped by Light, Music, Wood Framed Patio Doors, and a Pass-Through Window Kitchen Renovation Opens Space to Light and Entertaining with a Pass-Through Window During phase one of the renovation, the existing kitchen was reimagined to replace a restrictive floor plan and outdated appliances. Central to its new design is a three-panel NanaWall SL60 folding window system—sized at counter height to serve as a flexible pass-through window for alfresco dining and entertaining. Custom divided lites were added to complement the home’s existing window styles. The window frames were finished in a warm, off-white on both interior and exterior, tying the kitchen seamlessly to the rest of the home and its façade. The result is a transitional space that connects the kitchen directly to the outdoor dining area, a seamless connection across spaces. “The countertop-height NanaWall system made the kitchen fit better into the family’s lifestyle,” says Hanrahan. “It supports hosting and day-to-day use without turning the kitchen into a full opening.” Designed for Living: Home Reimagined Around How the Family Connects After phase one introduced a NanaWall pass-through window in the kitchen, making serving, conversation, and time outside effortless, the homeowners returned to MODE to reimagine their older sunroom. The goal: a living room and music lounge that could open completely to the backyard. The solution was incorporating a full-height, five-panel NW Clad 740 wood framed patio doors. The Generation 4 folding glass wall offered the slimmest aluminum clad frames available, and therefore, was the ideal solution to achieve seamless connectivity. Outside, the frames were finished in a warm off-white to match the façade. Inside, solid wood frames seamlessly integrate with the mushroom wood paneling and millwork. The nearly 15-foot-wide system was customized with divided lites placed high up to add rhythm while preserving unobstructed views and keeping transitions seamless. “We wanted to maximize the opening size,” says Jason. “Not just to maximize light, but literally the opening as well. The family sunroom space became more useful.” A Living Sunroom That Folds Open to the Garden MODE centered the second half of the home renovation on the family sunroom, featuring wood framed patio doors to create a seamless transition from the interior to the garden. It’s the difference between “a room with a view” and a room that becomes the view. With the nearly 8-foot-tall system open, music spills outside; with it closed, daylight, acoustics, and comfort remain finely tuned. “You are sitting in the house with the family. The opening frames the view of the pond and the trees,” describes Architect Jason Hanrahan. “They liked how it connected them with their family when they were outside… it made it more cohesive.” Choosing Materials that Reflect Nature and Serenity According to the architect, the design aims to bring the outdoors in with an organic material approach. Inside, the room is wrapped in mushroom wood reclaimed boards, whose textured grain warms the acoustics and steadies the eye. Large-format tiles keep lines calm and maintenance easy. Outside, a long concrete tread and natural stone hold the grade without hard edges. Nothing shouts; everything contributes to a single idea: bring the outdoors in and the indoors out. Energy Efficiency Meets Everyday Living The systems’ energy-efficient and performance engineering make the sunroom a four-season retreat. The architect chose NanaWall wood framed patio doors to maximize the existing exterior opening, provide intuitive and easy daily operation, and create a threshold that feels like part of the floor rather than a barrier. T hese are hallmarks of NanaWall wood framed patio doors: engineered for durability and frequent use, precision-gliding panels, and performance-tested. To ensure year-round comfort, the NanaWall wood framed patio doors and pass-through window were specified with double glazed panels for optimal performance regardless of weather. Paired with the thermally broken Low Profile Saddle Sill, the bifold door not only offers energy efficiency but also a seamless, barefoot-friendly threshold to the outdoors. Final Thoughts From weeknight dinners to weekend music sessions, this is now a home that meets the family at the place they actually live, gather, and connect in. The kitchen pass-through window keeps everyday hosting effortless. The music room turns into a garden room in seconds, inviting breezes and conversation across one continuous plane. Here, NanaWall wood framed patio doors added versatile usable square footage and extended the soul of the home outdoors. By focusing on how the family truly lives, this home now opens in all the right ways: to light, to laughter, to nature, and to each other. Visit the NanaWall inspiration gallery to explore more homes like this, designed for connection, built for modern living!

Features Intricate Carving: The door boasts a stunning, deeply carved scene featuring trees, a deer, and a mountain landscape. The level of detail in the carving is impressive. Natural Theme: The design evokes a strong connection to nature, with its depiction of trees, a deer, and a mountain landscape. Glass Panel: A rectangular glass panel is integrated into the design, adding a touch of transparency and allowing natural light to filter through. Material and Construction: Wood: The door is constructed from a rich, reddish-brown wood - mahogany. Sturdiness: The door is tenon and mortise well-constructed and sturdy, with a solid frame and robust hardware. Other Details: Door Knob: A traditional, round door knob adds a classic touch. Framing: The door is framed with a matching wood trim, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. The door's intricate carving depicting a natural scene, would be well-suited for a variety of applications where a connection to nature and a touch of rustic elegance are desired. Here are some potential applications: Residential: Mountain Cabins and Lodges: The door's natural theme would perfectly complement the rustic charm of a mountain cabin or lodge. Homes with a Rustic or Nature-Inspired Aesthetic: It would be a striking addition to homes with a rustic, log cabin, or country-style design. Homes with Expansive Views: The door could be used in homes with stunning natural views, creating a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Home Offices/Studios: For those seeking a connection to nature while working from home, this door could create a peaceful and inspiring workspace. Commercial: Eco-Lodges and Retreats: The door's natural theme would align well with the ethos of eco-friendly accommodations. Nature-Themed Restaurants and Cafes: The door could create a welcoming and inviting entrance for establishments with a focus on natural ingredients and outdoor dining. Art Galleries and Studios: The door's artistic nature could make it a suitable addition to spaces dedicated to art and nature. Other Applications: Treehouses and Cabins: The door's unique design would make it a whimsical and enchanting entrance for a treehouse or cabin. Nature-Themed Event Spaces: The door could add a touch of rustic elegance to event spaces such as wedding venues or nature-themed retreats. Overall, the door's intricate carving and natural theme make it a versatile and appealing option for a variety of applications where a connection to nature and a touch of rustic charm are desired.

Features: Intricate Carving: The door showcases a stunning, deeply carved scene featuring a moose walking through a winter landscape. The level of detail in the carving is impressive, capturing the textures of the moose's fur, the snow, and the trees. Winter Theme: The design evokes a strong connection to winter with its depiction of snow and a moose in a snowy landscape. Textured Background: The background of the door features a textured pattern, adding depth and visual interest. Material and Construction: Wood: The door appears to be constructed from a rich, dark wood, likely walnut or a similar hardwood. Sturdiness: The door appears to be well-constructed and sturdy, with a solid frame. Application The moose door, with its unique and captivating design, would be well-suited for a variety of applications where a connection to nature and a touch of rustic elegance are desired. Here are some potential applications: Residential: Homes with a Rustic or Nature-Inspired Aesthetic: The door would be a striking addition to homes with a rustic, log cabin, or country-style design. It would also be a perfect fit for homes with a mountain or winter theme. Mountain Cabins and Lodges: The door's winter theme would perfectly complement the ambiance of a mountain cabin or lodge. Homes with a Hunting Theme: The door's depiction of a moose would be a perfect fit for homes with a hunting theme. Game Rooms and Man Caves: The door could create a unique and impressive entrance for a game room or man cave. Commercial: Eco-Lodges and Retreats: The door's natural theme would align well with the ethos of eco-friendly accommodations. Hunting Lodges: The door would be a perfect fit for hunting lodges, creating a welcoming and inviting entrance. Restaurants and Bars with a Nature Theme: The door could create a unique and captivating entrance for restaurants and bars with a nature theme. Outdoor Gear Stores and Outfitters: The door could be used to create a striking entrance for outdoor gear stores and outfitters, showcasing their connection to nature and adventure. Other Applications: Nature-Themed Event Spaces: The door could add a touch of rustic elegance to event spaces such as wedding venues or nature-themed retreats. Art Galleries and Museums: The door's artistic nature could make it a suitable addition to spaces dedicated to art and nature. Overall, the moose door's unique design and high-quality craftsmanship make it a versatile and appealing option for a variety of applications where a connection to nature and a touch of rustic elegance are desired.

Bathroom - bathroom idea in Dallas

After decorating many rooms in our clients’ home, it was time to tackle the dining room and living room. They still cherished the dining room table as well as a few pieces in the living room and asked that we incorporate these pieces into their fresh, new design. Our clients especially love the taupe and silver metallic wallpaper in the dining room and the way it visually connects the two rooms together with graphics and colors. The dining room chandelier is of the latest style. The oval shape and the crystal infused with the new-brushed gold create a gorgeous new look, blending well with the table and chairs from long ago. At the request of our clients, we renewed the classic nature of these spaces by connecting new furniture and accessories with pieces from thirty years ago. This living room and dining room prove that if you invest in nice furnishings that are classic in style, they will stand the test of time. Design Connection, Inc. Interior Designers Kansas City provided: Space planning-furniture-accessories-wallpaper and installation-painting and installation and project management.

After decorating many rooms in our clients’ home, it was time to tackle the dining room and living room. They still cherished the dining room table as well as a few pieces in the living room and asked that we incorporate these pieces into their fresh, new design. Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc. had the walls and ceilings painted a neutral color, giving this space a brighter, larger feel. The new sofa, chairs, tables, lamps and accessories are current and blend with the remaining furnishings from long ago. The sofa is rich linen velvet that works well with the brown and linen geometric print chair. Our clients are enjoying the latest in fabric trends and they love our mixture of linen and velvet fabrics. The new gold tones combined with the aged bronze metal pictures above the older chest are a notable blend of new and old. At the request of our clients, we renewed the classic nature of these spaces by connecting new furniture and accessories with pieces from thirty years ago. This living room and dining room prove that if you invest in nice furnishings that are classic in style, they will stand the test of time. Design Connection, Inc. Interior Designers Kansas City provided: Space planning-furniture-accessories-wallpaper and installation-painting and installation and project management.

After decorating many rooms in our clients’ home, it was time to tackle the dining room and living room. They still cherished the dining room table as well as a few pieces in the living room and asked that we incorporate these pieces into their fresh, new design. Our clients especially love the taupe and silver metallic wallpaper in the dining room and the way it visually connects the two rooms together with graphics and colors. The dining room chandelier is of the latest style. The oval shape and the crystal infused with the new-brushed gold create a gorgeous new look, blending well with the table and chairs from long ago. At the request of our clients, we renewed the classic nature of these spaces by connecting new furniture and accessories with pieces from thirty years ago. This living room and dining room prove that if you invest in nice furnishings that are classic in style, they will stand the test of time. Design Connection, Inc. Interior Designers Kansas City provided: Space planning-furniture-accessories-wallpaper and installation-painting and installation and project management.

Ron Blunt Photography
Example of a small beach style home design design in DC Metro

An interior design collaboration with the homeowners offers a well connected transitional style throughout the home. From an open concept kitchen and family room, to a guest powder room, spacious Master Bathroom, and coordination of paint and window treatments for the Living Room, Dining Room, and Master Bedroom. Interior Design by True Identity Concepts.

Learn seed starting basics and get a jump start on growing the flower garden of your dreams. In this striking guide you will find everything you need to grow, harvest, and arrange stunning seasonal blooms. With equal parts instruction and inspiration, Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden welcomes you into Erin Benzakein’s abundant, bloom-filled world, and is a feast for every flower lover’s eyes and soul. Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden. Written by Erin Benzakein with Julie Chai. Photos by Michèle M. Waite. Published by Chronicle Books.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This powder room was transformed with new vanity, mirror, toilet, lighting, accessories and wall décor. Updating the powder room was a necessity. The wallpaper was selected for color, texture, and durability and makes for easy clean-up for this family of six. See all of the Before & After pics from this project here: http://www.designconnectioninc.com/main-level-transformation-a-design-connection-inc-featured-project/ Design Connection, Inc. provided: space planning, countertops, tile and stone, light fixtures, custom furniture, painting, hardwood floors and all other installations and as well project management.

We started with a blank slate on this basement project where our only obstacles were exposed steel support columns, existing plumbing risers from the concrete slab, and dropped soffits concealing ductwork on the ceiling. It had the advantage of tall ceilings, an existing egress window, and a sliding door leading to a newly constructed patio. This family of five loves the beach and frequents summer beach resorts in the Northeast. Bringing that aesthetic home to enjoy all year long was the inspiration for the décor, as well as creating a family-friendly space for entertaining. Wish list items included room for a billiard table, wet bar, game table, family room, guest bedroom, full bathroom, space for a treadmill and closed storage. The existing structural elements helped to define how best to organize the basement. For instance, we knew we wanted to connect the bar area and billiards table with the patio in order to create an indoor/outdoor entertaining space. It made sense to use the egress window for the guest bedroom for both safety and natural light. The bedroom also would be adjacent to the plumbing risers for easy access to the new bathroom. Since the primary focus of the family room would be for TV viewing, natural light did not need to filter into that space. We made sure to hide the columns inside of newly constructed walls and dropped additional soffits where needed to make the ceiling mechanicals feel less random. In addition to the beach vibe, the homeowner has valuable sports memorabilia that was to be prominently displayed including two seats from the original Yankee stadium. For a coastal feel, shiplap is used on two walls of the family room area. In the bathroom shiplap is used again in a more creative way using wood grain white porcelain tile as the horizontal shiplap “wood”. We connected the tile horizontally with vertical white grout joints and mimicked the horizontal shadow line with dark grey grout. At first glance it looks like we wrapped the shower with real wood shiplap. Materials including a blue and white patterned floor, blue penny tiles and a natural wood vanity checked the list for that seaside feel. A large reclaimed wood door on an exposed sliding barn track separates the family room from the game room where reclaimed beams are punctuated with cable lighting. Cabinetry and a beverage refrigerator are tucked behind the rolling bar cabinet (that doubles as a Blackjack table!). A TV and upright video arcade machine round-out the entertainment in the room. Bar stools, two rotating club chairs, and large square poufs along with the Yankee Stadium seats provide fun places to sit while having a drink, watching billiards or a game on the TV. Signed baseballs can be found behind the bar, adjacent to the billiard table, and on specially designed display shelves next to the poker table in the family room. Thoughtful touches like the surfboards, signage, photographs and accessories make a visitor feel like they are on vacation at a well-appointed beach resort without being cliché.

Design Connection, Inc. is the proud recipient of the Heartland Design Award ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) GOLD Award for this master bathroom project. Our clients requested wallpaper that would be reflective and dark. The central ceiling fixture, as well as the wall sconces, are of the finest crystal and create a mirrored quality throughout the master en suite. Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design Kansas City provided: Tile and installation, wallpaper and installation, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures and installation, cabinets and project management.