The “handrill” of Corten steel follows the peastone and steel steps down a steep slope to pour into a round basin, emptying into a channel that meanders through the narrow back garden at ground level, ending finally in a boulder fountain. Devised to minimize root disturbance for the tall existing pines on the property, the continuous Corten steel structure is supported by concrete tubes rather than a foundation that would have required extensive excavation. Architect: Wolf Architects, Inc. General Contractor: GF Rhode Construction, Inc. Landscape Contractor: Robert Hanss, Inc. Steel Fabrication: Wovensteel and Richard Duca Water Systems: Pond Creations by Sean Photo by Susan Teare.

For this swimming pool renovation in Long Grove, Il we started by building a new pool structure inside an existing steel walled, concrete bottomed pool. We then added a new hot tub with its own dedicated, separate equipment. Both pool and spa received Hartstone coping and Jewelscapes glass bead interior. The pool has a full-end sun shelf in the deep end of the pool and full-end steps in the shallow end. The pool is also equipped with a new automatic cover. The Hot Tub equipment is located in the basement, which provides for year-round operation. Both the pool and the hot tub are controlled by a Pentair Intellitouch system with iPhone interface compatibility.

For this swimming pool renovation in Long Grove, Il we started by building a new pool structure inside an existing steel walled, concrete bottomed pool. We then added a new hot tub with its own dedicated, separate equipment. Both pool and spa received Hartstone coping and Jewelscapes glass bead interior. The pool has a full-end sun shelf in the deep end of the pool and full-end steps in the shallow end. The pool is also equipped with a new automatic cover. The Hot Tub equipment is located in the basement, which provides for year-round operation. Both the pool and the hot tub are controlled by a Pentair Intellitouch system with iPhone interface compatibility.

For this swimming pool renovation in Long Grove, Il we started by building a new pool structure inside an existing steel walled, concrete bottomed pool. We then added a new hot tub with its own dedicated, separate equipment. Both pool and spa received Hartstone coping and Jewelscapes glass bead interior. The pool has a full-end sun shelf in the deep end of the pool and full-end steps in the shallow end. The pool is also equipped with a new automatic cover. The Hot Tub equipment is located in the basement, which provides for year-round operation. Both the pool and the hot tub are controlled by a Pentair Intellitouch system with iPhone interface compatibility.

For this swimming pool renovation in Long Grove, Il we started by building a new pool structure inside an existing steel walled, concrete bottomed pool. We then added a new hot tub with its own dedicated, separate equipment. Both pool and spa received Hartstone coping and Jewelscapes glass bead interior. The pool has a full-end sun shelf in the deep end of the pool and full-end steps in the shallow end. The pool is also equipped with a new automatic cover. The Hot Tub equipment is located in the basement, which provides for year-round operation. Both the pool and the hot tub are controlled by a Pentair Intellitouch system with iPhone interface compatibility.

Living in the home for over 25 years, their kitchen was in need of an update. We’re thinking since the 60s! A hybrid solution for more savings was the perfect compromise. Reface cabinets and add some new achieved results. Antique Satin White in a Prestige Square raised panel door provides a timeless design. We added glass fronts to the display cabinets in Villa style for a touch of glamour. Cambria countertops in quartz. The color is “Berwyn” with streams of gray and white. The backsplash in a lantern pattern adds interest. Neutrals abound! The homeowner wanted a simple, yet timeless design. Choosing to add color through décor items, they can update seasonally.

Colin Price Photography
Living room - mid-sized transitional formal and enclosed dark wood floor living room idea in San Francisco with brown walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Inspiration for a small transitional guest carpeted and beige floor bedroom remodel in Toronto with beige walls

Over the years, my jobs have involved collaborating with homeowners, business owners, architects and contractors analyzing and designing plans for new construction and remodels, renovating kitchens, designing fireplaces, cabinetry, lighting, window treatments and furnishings. But even more important than the design, I believe the ability to communicate all the ideas and concepts of the design to the various trades people involved is critical to achieving the end results my clients and I envision. My 35 years in the business as well as my academic background in design have given me the ability to confidently provide this service. Give me a call, I'd love to hear from you and discuss your project.

Seasonal interest, English garden style and a love for perennials inspired this front yard transformation. The goal was to combine these client loves with some structure and create a year round garden space they could enjoy. The walkway was the only element that had to stay. The rest was a collaboration between myself and the homeowners to end up with this beautiful garden.

This lower level remodel was two years in the making. In the end we had completed the wine room with 3000 bottle capacity, bar, wall paneling and bath. Our shop also installed crown and baseboard. All doors were made by Shadowhill as well.

The use of high-end laminate doors and a complex grey/brown paint color have transformed dated built - in cabinets. Add in a 3D industrial-style tile to this fireplace and you have a family room you'll love for years to come.

MIRIAM MOORE has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from Miami International University of Art and Design. She has been responsible for numerous residential and commercial projects and her work is featured in design publications with national circulation. Before turning her attention to interior design, Miriam worked for many years in the fashion industry, owning several high-end boutiques. Miriam is an active member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

OLSEN RESIDENCE Location: Grand Rapids, MI Scope: Design & Installation Features: Multi-tier water feature with stream and pools, integrated paver and flagstone decks, segmental retaining, boulder retaining, natural stone steps, specimen plant material.

Inspiration for a large contemporary master medium tone wood floor, brown floor and tray ceiling bedroom remodel in Atlanta with blue walls

There are so many design elements to this kitchen, I almost don’t know where to start. Bright and airy with crisp clean white cabinets, the kitchen is open and welcoming. Still crisp but gently contrasting, the stainless steel appliance add depth amid the white. To keep this kitchen warm, natural oak covers the floors and a toasted wheat color washes the walls. And then there is the architectural elements. You know. That post and beam in the middle of the room. It’s the center of attention. When you walk into a room your eyes roam around, establishing the size and shape of the room as your feet take you forward. From the front door of this home straight ahead you encountered this wall. The dining area to the right gives you a glimpse of things to come. Where there is a dining room you will usually find a kitchen. The architecture of years gone by consistently hides the kitchen, the heart of the home, behind walls. I sympathize with my Mom, and all the other Moms, who have had to spend so much time tucked into a tight kitchen, away from the family. This wall had to go, but it was structural. We needed its support but not its bulk. So we got rid of the bulk and only the bulk. Instead of a wall we have a post and beam, offering all of the structure we need. We could have installed a huge steel beam and reconfigure the joists to upset the beam, but why? The small beam and post add an incredible architectural element. It’s turning lemons into lemon, we simply made the most of what we had. It may be functional but it’s so fantastic. It looks like we created the effect just for the drama. The original kitchen may have had a working triangle and some counter space, but it was fairly small, with each area only a step or two away. The dark cabinets made the space feel even smaller and the butcher block patterned laminate counter tops were very dated. The appliances were feeling their age as well, from a coil burner electric stove to a top freezer refrigerator. To keep this kitchen within its space, a half wall separated it from the dining area. With the wall gone we borrowed some space from the living room and extended what was a U shaped kitchen into an L. At the living room window we start our new kitchen. We kept a small part of the wall to support the other end of our decorative beam. Sandwiched between a large pantry and our new French door refrigerator, the wall disappears. With our new open floor plan a sizable island was in order. We split our cooking areas and installed a continuous grill gas cooktop into the island. A sleek island hood takes care of exhaust and adds an extra element to our architectural feature. Under the cooktop we added over-sized drawers for pots and pan storage. The frameless cabinets from New River Cabinetry are maple, painted white, with the Herndon door style. With the cooktop safely nestled into our island, we still had to add an oven. We used the space where the old range sat for a large single oven of stainless steel and glass. If it worked for one, why not two? We created a home for a microwave in the wall cabinets. It’s perfect for heating leftovers so close to the refrigerator. An important consideration for hot spots in your kitchen is landing zones. Each of our cooking areas have generous landing zones, one on each side of the cooktop and an entire counter area above or below the ovens, depending on which one you’re using. We wanted to give the sink area more room so the half wall had to come out. We moved the trash and recycle cans into a cabinet, removed the heavy soffits and kept the sink under the window. With that little bit of extra space we were able to add a larger cabinet above the dishwasher and slide it all down. This used to be where the carpeting met the vinyl floor, but all of it is gone. Long oak planks eliminate that final divide between the kitchen and the dining area, while adding visual length to the area. White wall cabinets on each side of the window reflect the sunlight for a brighter view. With all of the darker cabinetry the backsplash walls had been painted white. Even still, there was a darkness in the corners and it wasn’t very exciting. We wanted to add visual interest and reflect the new under-cabinet lighting, eliminating the shadows in this corner. With 1″x 2″ Arabescato Honed marble mosaics and those under-cabinet lights, we achieved the perfect balance. The marble has subtle swirls in gray and beige on a clean white background, but with the honed finish the light is softly reflected instead of glaring. For granite, we chose the soft gray tones of Luna Pearl. The speckles of gray and beige are a gentle contrast to the white cabinets and emulate the color of the stainless steel. Between the carpet, red half wall, dark railing and dated light fixture, the dining area felt tired. Since the kitchen lacked sufficient storage, a large utility cabinet crowded the table space without adding any decorate elements. Although it didn’t get any bigger, our dining area feels fresher and more open too. With the oak flooring joining the area to the rest of our space and the toasted wheat on the walls, the white table and chairs compliment the cabinetry while contrasting the warmer colors. We replaced the chandelier with recessed lighting and changed that railing too. With our new open floor plan, we ended up with a fairly open area in between our foyer closet and the living room window. Not one to miss an opportunity, we filled the space with a multi-functional work space. With the sunlight streaming in this bright corner works for anything this family needs. There’s plenty of space for a chair under this large desk drawer. A closed cabinet below, glass doors above and lots of open shelving let you store and or showcase your belongings. We added a lite area at the top to keep away the darker corners. The transformation is complete. This kitchen and all of its features are truly the center of attention in this home. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

With this client who has been passionate about plants all his life, there was naturally a close collaboration and a lot of input from him. Upon closer inspection you'd find some very exceptional plants that are sort of experimental but "all worth the try" in Gordon's eyes. And he is right! I relished the opportunity to use Star Magnolia stellata, Redbud Cercis 'Avondale' and 'Silver Cloud', Arabian Lilac 'Grand Duke of Tuscany', Royal Bromeliad Vriesea imperialis, also many unusual bulbs such as Scilla. Besides structure providing shrubs and trees (Tecoma, existing Indian Hawthorne with beautiful structures, Sweet Pea Bush, Golden Breath of Heaven, Ilex, Ginkgo, Bronze Loquat etc.) you'll see here also my favorite perennials, succulents and grasses, all as low care and undemanding as well as low-water as possible, to keep the landscape colorful and interesting year round. One of the highlights of this garden are the dry stream beds, bird bath and garden bench that we added. Built originally by himself and his wife, the dry stream beds were overgrown, mostly hidden by plant debris, or half rolling down hill. We had fun selecting a mixed collection of colorful and richly textured boulders of various sizes over, and with the input from 7 team members: Gordon, me, the contractor, the supervisor and three workers, we re-created the stream beds, making sure that anchor stones on the sides were well embedded in the slope, and that stone shelves and “top dressing” with smaller pebbles would add to the visual interest. Now these beds form very pleasing architectural features that look like they have always been there. We were all surprised how quickly all plants adapted to the site and started growing and putting out bloom. Now the old birdbath, a traditional white thing with dove figurines resting on the scalloped bowl, looked out of place, and I suggested to replace it with a stone bowl. And that part of the garden just called for a bench under the Macademia nut tree, to observe the birds and contemplate the whole creation. Only stone would do, but not any stone! Gordon picked a Basalt boulder that was naturally bowl shaped. It’s so heavy that it took 8 men to heave it into place! The Basalt bench was not much lighter, and together they make a very inviting scene. This job should last for a while. Photographed by Emma Almendarez at http://www.emmatheodoraphotography.com/

Striking natural light streams through the transom window and side door creating an abundance of brightness that was lacking before. Tying in with Taj Mahal Leathered Quartzite countertops this Master Bathroom has been transformed into the perfect end of the day unwinding space.

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Chicago