Completed in 2010 for a well-regarded mosaic artist client, this provocative 2,500 sq. ft. private residence in Eastville, Virginia re-defines outdoor living. In designing the project, GRADE responded to two disparate conditions of the site: the expansive views of Chesapeake Bay and the mystic wooded area on which it resided. The objective was to reconcile the client's need for a studio in which to design and create while not rendering the space hermetic and closed off to its surroundings. GRADE brought nature's elements indoors, establishing a foundation of earthy textures including natural mahogany wood and a curved zinc rooftop, complemented by imported materials such as Italian marble. Through thoughtful design, the house became an apparatus for filtering the views of the water, with the curved roof allowing the scale of the beachside room to expand the closer one's proximity to the bay.

Hickory and laminate cabinets by Neil Kelly Cabinets, quartz countertops, custom made glass counter, slate and cedar backsplash, slate flooring -Fabienne Photography

Pale green kitchen with high transom windows bring a good deal of sunlight into the room. Rion Rizzo, Creative Sources Photography

Photo Credit: Chris O'Donohue

Perfectly romantic and elegant, the Tanzania line adorns any setting with their graceful lines and vibrant color. Dimensions: Measurement per Piece: - 4"w x 18"l Glass on the Side - 2"w x 18"l Color: Amber, Gold, Green Apple, Lava, Leopard, Midnight, Milk, Option to customize colors available Metal Canopy Finish: Antique Bronze, Dark Brown, Polished Silver, Matte Silver, Polished Black, Matte Black, Polished White, Matte White Canopy: Round, Square, Rectangular, Custom Bulbs: MR16- 30/50 Watt Max. or LED MR16 5/6 Watt Accessories: Canopies are included in the price for eight or more pendants, as well as an electric transformer and 5 ft of wire per pendant. Custom lengths are available for a small additional charge. Details: Depending on your preference, individual pendants can hang level at the same height, or be staggered.

Nice mid-century modern renovation by Cablik Enterprises in Atlanta.

Given a challenging lot configuration and topography, along with privacy issues, we had to get creative in designing this home. The home is divided into four basic living zones: private owner’s suite, informal living area, kids area upstairs, and a flexible guest entertaining area. The entry is unique in that it takes you directly through to the outdoor living area, and also provides separation of the owners’ private suite from the rest of the home. There are no formal living or dining areas; instead the breakfast and family rooms were enlarged to entertain more comfortably in an informal manner. One great feature of the detached casita is that it has a lower activity area, which helps the house connect to the property below. This contemporary haven in Barton Creek is a beautiful example of a chic and elegant design that creates a very practical and informal space for living.

Photo by Ema Peter

Lots of glass and plenty of sliders to open the space to the great outdoors. Wood burning fireplace to heat up the chilly mornings is a perfect aesthetic accent to this comfortable space.

Spencer Stalloni