The Owens Model has a distinctive wrap-around and deep porch. Design by James Wentling, Built by Cunnane Group

Taking full advantage of its spectacular setting on a sandy beach along the Great Lakes shoreline, this 70’s masterpiece was meticulously transformed into a bachelor’s space full of technology and light. Floor-to-ceiling windows encase the modern floor plan and illuminate the luster of the dark bamboo flooring and zebra wood cabinetry throughout. The great room commands particular attention, with a fireplace focal wall of marble placed on the diagonal and all-white furniture, making it aesthetically pleasing from every perspective. The master suite includes a custom-designed king-size bed and mirrored wall, an all-marble bathroom with a 12-head performance shower, and a full walk-in closet fit for a king

Architect: Brandon Architects Inc. Contractor/Interior Designer: Patterson Construction, Newport Beach, CA. Photos by: Jeri Keogel

Photography by VHT

Holly Marder © 2012 Houzz

construction - Great Lakes builders photography - Christopher barrett-Hedrich blessing; Bruce Van Inwegen

Historic bath remodel in West Chester, PA. Photo by John Welsh.

Winner of 2011 Boston Perspective on Design Award "Best Object Design" for custom elm chandelier.

In the renovation and addition to this home in Falls Church VA, exterior hard-scapes and garden spaces surround the house while the spaces within the home are made larger and are opened up to the forestall views surrounding the home. When walking on the pathway one crosses the many thresholds along the exterior that help to separate and create new intimate garden spaces. Steel, concrete, and wood come together in this intricate walkway system comprised of slatted screen fences, a guiding pergola overhead, and a hard-scaped pathway. The changes in grade, volume, and materiality allow for a dynamic walkway that runs both to the new entry and continues to the rear patio where it then terminates at the patio access of the home. The master bedroom is extruded out over the lower level into the rear of the house and opened up with tall windows all along two sides. A more formal entry space is added at the front with full height glass bringing in lots of light to make for an elegant entry space. Partitions are removed from the interior to create one large space which integrates the new kitchen, living room , and dining room. Full height glass along the rear of the house opens up the views to the rear and brightens up the entire space. A new garage volume is added and bridged together with the existing home creating a new powder room, mudroom, and storage.

(c) steve keating photography Wolf Creek View Cabin sits in a lightly treed meadow, surrounded by foothills and mountains in Eastern Washington. The 1,800 square foot home is designed as two interlocking “L’s”. A covered patio is located at the intersection of one “L,” offering a protected place to sit while enjoying sweeping views of the valley. A lighter screening “L” creates a courtyard that provides shelter from seasonal winds and an intimate space with privacy from neighboring houses. The building mass is kept low in order to minimize the visual impact of the cabin on the valley floor. The roof line and walls extend into the landscape and abstract the mountain profiles beyond. Weathering steel siding blends with the natural vegetation and provides a low maintenance exterior. We believe this project is successful in its peaceful integration with the landscape and offers an innovative solution in form and aesthetics for cabin architecture.

A fresh take on a time-tested favorite can be risky, but the Carlton Shores design is an example of a risk worth taking. This sprawling cottage harkens back to the Arts & Crafts revival, while still managing to exude contemporary appeal. The home sits on the property like a great hunting lodge with its use of exposed wood trim and brackets. A striking array of windows gives the exterior an inviting look, as if to defy the elements and welcome nature right in. Simplicity rules the interior of the home, leaving the dramatic decorating to the outside views. A creative use of natural materials, such as wood and marble, compliment the flora-and-fauna focus of the home’s aesthetic. Every wall is dominated by glass. Windows of every shape and size allow residents to take in their surroundings, while creating a spacious, open atmosphere. The curving wooden staircase with its high ceilings gives the impression you are climbing into the trees. A soaring two-story vaulted ceiling covers the indoor pool area, which includes a kitchenette and sitting room. Glass doors open out to a vanishing pool and sundeck. All of this has been designed with the stunning lake vistas in mind. A beautiful deck and boardwalk lead from the house down to the shore, giving homeowners beach access.

This Gambrel style residence has been completely upgraded to satisfy todays’ standards while restoring and reinforcing the original 1885 design. It began as a Summer Cottage accessible by train from Boston, and is now a year round residence. The essence of the structure was maintained, while enhancing every detail. The breadth of craftsmanship is evident throughout the home resulting in a comfortable and embellished aesthetic. Photo Credit: Brian Vanden Brink

Photographer: Shelly Harrison The entry door was custom made for this project by LePage Millwork.