Christopher Lee

Photo by Kelly M. Shea

This 1902 San Antonio home was beautiful both inside and out, except for the kitchen, which was dark and dated. The original kitchen layout consisted of a breakfast room and a small kitchen separated by a wall. There was also a very small screened in porch off of the kitchen. The homeowners dreamed of a light and bright new kitchen and that would accommodate a 48" gas range, built in refrigerator, an island and a walk in pantry. At first, it seemed almost impossible, but with a little imagination, we were able to give them every item on their wish list. We took down the wall separating the breakfast and kitchen areas, recessed the new Subzero refrigerator under the stairs, and turned the tiny screened porch into a walk in pantry with a gorgeous blue and white tile floor. The french doors in the breakfast area were replaced with a single transom door to mirror the door to the pantry. The new transoms make quite a statement on either side of the 48" Wolf range set against a marble tile wall. A lovely banquette area was created where the old breakfast table once was and is now graced by a lovely beaded chandelier. Pillows in shades of blue and white and a custom walnut table complete the cozy nook. The soapstone island with a walnut butcher block seating area adds warmth and character to the space. The navy barstools with chrome nailhead trim echo the design of the transoms and repeat the navy and chrome detailing on the custom range hood. A 42" Shaws farmhouse sink completes the kitchen work triangle. Off of the kitchen, the small hallway to the dining room got a facelift, as well. We added a decorative china cabinet and mirrored doors to the homeowner's storage closet to provide light and character to the passageway. After the project was completed, the homeowners told us that "this kitchen was the one that our historic house was always meant to have." There is no greater reward for what we do than that.

This dining room has a dramatic design, with black brick and a vaulted, wood plank ceiling.

LED strips uplight the ceiling from the exposed I-beams, while direct lighting is provided from pendant mounted multiple headed adjustable accent lights. Studio B Architects, Aspen, CO. Photo by Raul Garcia Key Words: Lighting, Modern Lighting, Lighting Designer, Lighting Design, Design, Lighting, ibeams, ibeam, indoor pool, living room lighting, beam lighting, modern pendant lighting, modern pendants, contemporary living room, modern living room, modern living room, contemporary living room, modern living room, modern living room, modern living room, modern living room, contemporary living room, contemporary living room

Existing mature pine trees canopy this outdoor living space. The homeowners had envisioned a space to relax with their large family and entertain by cooking and dining, cocktails or just a quiet time alone around the firepit. The large outdoor kitchen island and bar has more than ample storage space, cooking and prep areas, and dimmable pendant task lighting. The island, the dining area and the casual firepit lounge are all within conversation areas of each other. The overhead pergola creates just enough of a canopy to define the main focal point; the natural stone and Dekton finished outdoor island.

The large living-dining room lacked a focal point and storage. To compensate for this we designed a built-in that functioned as a buffet, china and display. The built-in is the true focal point of the space. A family painting, flanked by sconces and shelving for collectables, makes the space personal.

Michael Alan Kaskel

Lincoln Barbour

Photo by Tara Bussema © 2013 Houzz Cork flooring: Dorado by Celestial Cork; wall color: Waterby, Vista Paint; sofa: Vintage Gondola Style sofa, possibly by Adrian Pearsall, Xcape; coffee Table: Vintage Acclaim table in Walnut, Lane Furniture Company, Craigslist; rocking chair: Vintage 1960s Kofod Larsen for Selig of Denmark, Xcape; floor lamp: 1950s teak floor lamp, possibly Paul McCobb, Inretrospect; bar stools: 1960s Erik Buck for O.D. Mobler Denmark, Xcape

Builder: The Verdi Company www.verdicompany.com

This lovely home sits in one of the most pristine and preserved places in the country - Palmetto Bluff, in Bluffton, SC. The natural beauty and richness of this area create an exceptional place to call home or to visit. The house lies along the river and fits in perfectly with its surroundings. 4,000 square feet - four bedrooms, four and one-half baths All photos taken by Rachael Boling Photography

Roof Blinds