Jim Bartsch

© Sam Van Fleet Photography

This elegant expression of a modern Colorado style home combines a rustic regional exterior with a refined contemporary interior. The client's private art collection is embraced by a combination of modern steel trusses, stonework and traditional timber beams. Generous expanses of glass allow for view corridors of the mountains to the west, open space wetlands towards the south and the adjacent horse pasture on the east. Builder: Cadre General Contractors http://www.cadregc.com Photograph: Ron Ruscio Photography http://ronrusciophotography.com/

Already partially enclosed by an ipe fence and concrete wall, our client had a vision of an outdoor courtyard for entertaining on warm summer evenings since the space would be shaded by the house in the afternoon. He imagined the space with a water feature, lighting and paving surrounded by plants. With our marching orders in place, we drew up a schematic plan quickly and met to review two options for the space. These options quickly coalesced and combined into a single vision for the space. A thick, 60” tall concrete wall would enclose the opening to the street – creating privacy and security, and making a bold statement. We knew the gate had to be interesting enough to stand up to the large concrete walls on either side, so we designed and had custom fabricated by Dennis Schleder (www.dennisschleder.com) a beautiful, visually dynamic metal gate. The gate has become the icing on the cake, all 300 pounds of it! Other touches include drought tolerant planting, bluestone paving with pebble accents, crushed granite paving, LED accent lighting, and outdoor furniture. Both existing trees were retained and are thriving with their new soil. The garden was installed in December and our client is extremely happy with the results – so are we! Photo credits, Coreen Schmidt

Metal & Glass Kitchen Backsplash: Eden Mosaic Tile Modern Random Mix Steel - Glass II - EMT_118S-MIX-SM. This ultra modern interlocking tile is comprised of various sizes of silver and light black stainless steel and white glass pieces. There are two types of brush patterns on the stainless steel, the first being a straight snow matte linear brush pattern, and the second being a circular brushed pattern. The different steel brush patterns appear to give the stainless steel a different color because of the way the light reflects off the tile, when in fact both are a regular stainless steel color. The result is a visually stunning array of colors and textures which will surely make your wall pop. Use this steel and glass mixed mosaic on kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, fireplaces and even accent walls. The tiles in this sheet are mounted on a nylon mesh which allows for an easy installation.

Kiel's woodworking talents are in full effect in the kitchen. Rather than incorporate pre-fabricated cabinets into the newly rebuilt space, he decided to build them himself, affording the home the custom work that it so deserves. "It didn't make sense to put in the same fiberboard cabinetry that was there before", he confesses. Part of the plan called for open shelving up top to show off Chelsea's colorful plate collection. "One of the perks of being married to a wood worker", Chelsea jokes, "is having an entire kitchen worth of cabinets for the cost of wood and paint!" The couple outfitted the antique sink with a modern spray fixture from IKEA. The enameled cast iron sink was not only a steal at $25, but it is certainly made to last. "Often we buy older pieces which have been around for 50+ years because we know that if they have survived this long they will likely survive another 50", she says. Backsplash Tile, Hamilton Parker Photo: Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2014 Houzz

The reclaimed steel of the planters was left to rust, giving the landscape a warm texture.

Photographer Werner Segarra Phoenix, Arizona

For this door we combined both flush steel sections and long panel windows. In doing so we achieved a fully customized design that would compliment any Mid-Century style home.

Clean lines and warm tones abound in this deliciously modern kitchen with hardworking stainless-steel appliances. Ivory walls and ceilings are trimmed with honey stained alder, a color seen again in the cabinetry. Off-white quartz countertops cap the perimeter cabinets and climb the backsplash creating a seamless look. An extra thick countertop of the same material covers the island and waterfalls to the floor on one end. The other end of the island features a raised bar supported by bronze hairpin legs. A set of Danish modern bar stools with green vinyl seats conveniently pull up to the counter. The island is punctuated by inset drawers which are clad in a durable laminate. The depth of the stained oak flooring serves to ground the space.

Photography by Rob Karosis of Rollingsford, NH

This elegant expression of a modern Colorado style home combines a rustic regional exterior with a refined contemporary interior. The client's private art collection is embraced by a combination of modern steel trusses, stonework and traditional timber beams. Generous expanses of glass allow for view corridors of the mountains to the west, open space wetlands towards the south and the adjacent horse pasture on the east. Builder: Cadre General Contractors http://www.cadregc.com Photograph: Ron Ruscio Photography http://ronrusciophotography.com/