An used closet under the stairs is transformed into a beautiful and functional chilled wine cellar with a new wrought iron railing for the stairs to tie it all together. Travertine slabs replace carpet on the stairs. LED lights are installed in the wine cellar for additional ambient lighting that gives the room a soft glow in the evening. Photos by: Ryan Wilson

Patio kitchen plans these days require the ability to incorporate high-tech, modern appliances into timeless – even ancient-looking – environments. You can see this juxtaposition pulled off perfectly in this outdoor kitchen by Outdoor Homescapes of Houston. “A smart patio kitchen plan requires not only a balance of the new and old,” says Outdoor Homescapes owner Wayne Franks, “but a blending of new elements – like an outdoor kitchen – with the existing home and outdoor living features like a pool, hardscaping or landscaping.” In this case, explains Franks, the existing 25-by-15-foot pool had a craggy edge of moss rock boulders, plus a spa and firepit faced with a rough Scabos splitface travertine. “The overall look was rustic and naturalistic,” says Franks, “so we of course wanted the new outdoor kitchen island to match.” Hence the 14-foot-long outdoor kitchen island with a raised bar, also faced in the Scabos splitface travertine and topped with a Normandy granite countertop. The hardscaping around it is Kool Deck® textured concrete. “People used to shy away from busy textures in outside patio kitchen plans, but now they’re embracing them,” notes Franks. “They’re increasingly attracted to the beautiful imperfections and irregularities of nature – there’s more of an authenticity and character to it.” Now, for the high-tech part: A Traeger wood pellet grill. Traeger grills are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to infuse amazing, rich flavor and for their versatility (they can grill, bake, smoke, slow cook, braise and barbecue). This premier model, the Memphis Pro 304, features 562 square inches of cooking space and a three-in-one cooking system (high-temperature grill, low-and-low smoker and true-convection-oven roasting and baking). It also has an intuitive Intelligent Temperature Control (see the display panel to the left of the grill) that can be set for cooking and internal temperature. A programmable food probe tells you when the internal temperature is reached and drops the grill down to a programmed lower temperature to keep the food warm till serving. The dual-fan convection system, with reliable metal blades, circulates heat evenly for tender, juicy results. Double-walled and sealed construction of 304 stainless steel allows for optimum heat retention and consistent temperatures in all weather conditions. A direct-flame “flavorizer” insert delivers the added flavor of a seared finish. Outdoor Homescapes also added a mount sink with a custom oil-rubbed bronze faucet by Moen and the following RCS stainless steel accessories: a pull-out trash door, a countertop trash chute, dual horizontal grill utensil drawers and a swing-out storage door. “At first, you’d think all this technology and the smooth, modern stainless steel would fight with the rustic look of the rough-faced stone in outdoor patio kitchen plans,” says Franks. “But it actually provides some visual rest from all the rugged textures and busyness.” Serving a similar function is the smooth, polished Scabos travertine tile used for the pool coping and firepit ledge. “It’s a perfect environment for the client to entertain business associates,” says Franks. “He’s very happy with the old-meets-new approach, and so are we.” More patio kitchen plans can be found at Outdoor Homescapes of Houston’s website, at www.outdoorhomescapes.com

Huggy Bear Quaker style door in Cherry with Nutmeg stain. Island is Cherry with Slate stain. Backsplash is split-face travertine. Custom paneled hood. Cambria Cardiff Cream countertops. Wolf gas range.

Huggy Bear Quaker style door in Cherry with Nutmeg stain. Island is Cherry with Slate stain. Backsplash is split-face travertine. Custom paneled hood. Cambria Cardiff Cream countertops. Wolf gas range.

Lucente Ambrato Circle Mosaic, Style Plain White (walls/bench), Silver Marble (floor), Kat Alves Photography
Bathroom - large contemporary master white tile and mosaic tile porcelain tile and white floor bathroom idea in Los Angeles with white walls and a niche

While working with this couple on their master bathroom, they asked us to renovate their kitchen which was still in the 70’s and needed a complete demo and upgrade utilizing new modern design and innovative technology and elements. We transformed an indoor grill area with curved design on top to a buffet/serving station with an angled top to mimic the angle of the ceiling. Skylights were incorporated for natural light and the red brick fireplace was changed to split face stacked travertine which continued over the buffet for a dramatic aesthetic. The dated island, cabinetry and appliances were replaced with bark-stained Hickory cabinets, a larger island and state of the art appliances. The sink and faucet were chosen from a source in Chicago and add a contemporary flare to the island. An additional buffet area was added for a tv, bookshelves and additional storage. The pendant light over the kitchen table took some time to find exactly what they were looking for, but we found a light that was minimalist and contemporary to ensure an unobstructed view of their beautiful backyard. The result is a stunning kitchen with improved function, storage, and the WOW they were going for.

Huggy Bear Quaker style door in Cherry with Nutmeg stain. Island is Cherry with Slate stain. Backsplash is split-face travertine. Custom paneled hood. Cambria Cardiff Cream countertops. Wolf gas range.

Roxanne Gutierrez
Transitional kids' bathroom photo in Austin with a trough sink

This family wanted a contemporary structure that blended natural elements with with grays and blues. This is a unique structure that turned out beautifully. We went with powder coated 6x6 steel posts hiding all of the base and top plates creating a seamless transition between the structure and travertine flooring. Due to limitations on spacing we added a built-in granite table with matching powder coated steel frame. This created a unique look and practical application for dining seating. By adding a knee wall with cedar slats it created an intimate nook while keeping everything open. The modern fireplace and split style kitchen created a great use of space without making if feel crowded. Appliances: Fire Magic Diamond Echelon series 660 Grill RCS icemaker, 2 wine fridges and RCS storage doors and drawers 42” Heat Glo Dakota fireplace insert Cedar T&G ceiling clear coated with rope lighting Powder coated posts and granite table frame: Slate Gray Tile Selections: Accent Wall: Glass tile (Carisma Oceano Stick Glass Mosaic) Dark Tile: Prisma Griss Light Tile: Tessuto Linen Beige White Flooring: Light Ivory Travertine 3cm granite: Light: Santa Cecilia Dark: Midnight Grey Kitchen Appliances: 30" Fire Magic Diamond Series Echelon 660 2 - RCS wine fridges RCS storage doors and drawers Fire Place: 36" Dakota heat glo insert TK Images

Light Ivory split face travertine with Antico Onyx 6x6 travertine
Large elegant backyard stone and rectangular lap pool fountain photo in Dallas

This Minnesota Artisan Tour showcase home features three exceptional natural stone fireplaces. A custom blend of ORIJIN STONE's Alder™ Split Face Limestone is paired with custom Indiana Limestone for the oversized hearths. Minnetrista, MN residence. MASONRY: SJB Masonry + Concrete BUILDER: Denali Custom Homes, Inc. PHOTOGRAPHY: Landmark Photography

Custom, floating walnut shelving and lower cabinets/book shelves work for display, hiding video equipment and dog toys, too! Thibaut aqua blue grasscloth sets it all off in a very soothing way. Photo by: Melodie Hayes

Patrick O'Loughlin, Content Craftsmen
Double shower - traditional 3/4 white tile and ceramic tile mosaic tile floor double shower idea in Minneapolis with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, blue walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

My clients had outgrown their builder’s basic home and had plenty of room to expand on their 10 acres. Working with a local architect and a talented contractor, we designed an addition to create 3 new bedrooms, a bathroom scaled for all 3 girls, a playroom and a master retreat including 3 fireplaces, sauna, steam shower, office or “creative room”, and large bedroom with folding glass wall to capitalize on their view. The master suite, gym, pool and tennis courts are still under construction, but the girls’ suite and living room space are complete and dust free. Each child’s room was designed around their preference of color scheme and each girl has a unique feature that makes their room truly their own. The oldest daughter has a secret passage hidden behind what looks like built in cabinetry. The youngest daughter wanted to “swing”, so we outfitted her with a hanging bed set in front of a custom mural created by a Spanish artist. The middle daughter is an elite gymnast, so we added monkey bars so she can cruise her room in style. The girls’ bathroom suite has 3 identical “stations” with abundant storage. Cabinetry in black walnut and peacock blue and white quartz counters with white marble backsplash are durable and beautiful. Two shower stalls, designed with a colorful and intricate tile design, prevent bathroom wait times and a custom wall mural brings a little of the outdoors in. Photos by Mike Martin www.martinvisualtours.com

Jim Bartsch
Example of a trendy master beige tile and travertine tile travertine floor drop-in bathtub design in Denver with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops and beige walls

Geometric Travertine pool with raised square spa, raised planters, raised beam fire wall with sheer descents, negative edge with catch basin, Paramount PV3 infloor cleaning system, and travertine paver decking in Versailles Pattern. Material finishes include 2x4 splitface travertine in light, 3cm bull nosed travertine coping in light walnut, 1x1 Mosaic marble waterline tiles in Crema Marfil, Wet Edge Primera Stone polished pebble interior in Blue Pacific Coast, Travertine Pavers in Versailles Pattern and color Aske Kale.

Jeff Rumans
Example of a large trendy master beige tile and stone tile porcelain tile and brown floor bathroom design in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, beige walls, an integrated sink and quartz countertops

Huggy Bear Quaker style door in Cherry with Nutmeg stain. Island is Cherry with Slate stain. Backsplash is split-face travertine. Custom paneled hood. Cambria Cardiff Cream countertops. Wolf gas range.

Island style master black tile and slate tile slate floor bathroom photo in Miami with yellow walls