It started with vision. Then arrived fresh sight, seeing what was absent, seeing what was possible. Followed quickly by desire and creativity and know-how and communication and collaboration. When the Ramsowers first called Exterior Worlds, all they had in mind was an outdoor fountain. About working with the Ramsowers, Jeff Halper, owner of Exterior Worlds says, “The Ramsowers had great vision. While they didn’t know exactly what they wanted, they did push us to create something special for them. I get inspired by my clients who are engaged and focused on design like they were. When you get that kind of inspiration and dialogue, you end up with a project like this one.” For Exterior Worlds, our design process addressed two main features of the original space—the blank surface of the yard surrounded by looming architecture and plain fencing. With the yard, we dug out the center of it to create a one-foot drop in elevation in which to build a sunken pool. At one end, we installed a spa, lining it with a contrasting darker blue glass tile. Pedestals topped with urns anchor the pool and provide a place for spot color. Jets of water emerge from these pedestals. This moving water becomes a shield to block out urban noises and makes the scene lively. (And the children think it’s great fun to play in them.) On the side of the pool, another fountain, an illuminated basin built of limestone, brick and stainless steel, feeds the pool through three slots. The pool is counterbalanced by a large plot of grass. What is inventive about this grassy area is its sub-structure. Before putting down the grass, we installed a French drain using grid pavers that pulls water away, an action that keeps the soil from compacting and the grass from suffocating. The entire sunken area is finished off with a border of ground cover that transitions the eye to the limestone walkway and the retaining wall, where we used the same reclaimed bricks found in architectural features of the house. In the outer border along the fence line, we planted small trees that give the space scale and also hide some unsightly utility infrastructure. Boxwood and limestone gravel were embroidered into a parterre design to underscore the formal shape of the pool. Additionally, we planted a rose garden around the illuminated basin and a color garden for seasonal color at the far end of the yard across from the covered terrace. To address the issue of the house’s prominence, we added a pergola to the main wing of the house. The pergola is made of solid aluminum, chosen for its durability, and painted black. The Ramsowers had used reclaimed ornamental iron around their front yard and so we replicated its pattern in the pergola’s design. “In making this design choice and also by using the reclaimed brick in the pool area, we wanted to honor the architecture of the house,” says Halper. We continued the ornamental pattern by building an aluminum arbor and pool security fence along the covered terrace. The arbor’s supports gently curve out and away from the house. It, plus the pergola, extends the structural aspect of the house into the landscape. At the same time, it softens the hard edges of the house and unifies it with the yard. The softening effect is further enhanced by the wisteria vine that will eventually cover both the arbor and the pergola. From a practical standpoint, the pergola and arbor provide shade, especially when the vine becomes mature, a definite plus for the west-facing main house. This newly-created space is an updated vision for a traditional garden that combines classic lines with the modern sensibility of innovative materials. The family is able to sit in the house or on the covered terrace and look out over the landscaping. To enjoy its pleasing form and practical function. To appreciate its cool, soothing palette, the blues of the water flowing into the greens of the garden with a judicious use of color. And accept its invitation to step out, step down, jump in, enjoy.

We designed and renovated a Mid-Century Modern home into an ADA compliant home with an open floor plan and updated feel. We incorporated many of the homes original details while modernizing them. We converted the existing two car garage into a master suite and walk in closet, designing a master bathroom with an ADA vanity and curb-less shower. We redesigned the existing living room fireplace creating an artistic focal point in the room. The project came with its share of challenges which we were able to creatively solve, resulting in what our homeowners feel is their first and forever home. This beautiful home won three design awards: • Pro Remodeler Design Award – 2019 Platinum Award for Universal/Better Living Design • Chrysalis Award – 2019 Regional Award for Residential Universal Design • Qualified Remodeler Master Design Awards – 2019 Bronze Award for Universal Design

Sun Room. Dining Area of Sunroom -Photographer: Rob Karosis

Colin Perry

Chris Veith

The beauty of a pull-and-replace remodel is that it's like a facelift for your kitchen! This update includes all new maple cabinets with a Nutmeg stained finish, Armstrong, Alterna vinyl flooring with Driftwood grout, a SileStone countertop in Tigris Sand and a Laufen Monte Bellow ceramic tile backsplash in Taupe, with 3" accent pieces for a decorative band. This kitchen overlooks a refreshed breakfast room and connects to the garage via a new mudroom. Photo by Toby Weiss for Mosby Building Arts.

Beth Singer Photography

Kitchen

This small powder room features marble tile and marble mosaics. Hand carved and custom made mirror is complemented by the elegant and luxurious light fixture. We used wall washers to showcase the mosaics of the back wall. Light color vanity creates contrast with dark marble. Fabrication and Tilework: Tiles Unlimited, Matawan, New Jersey. Photo: Peter Rymwid

Corner Alcove in Studio Space. Cathy Schwabe Architecture. Photograph by David Wakely

Rustic at it's finest. A chiseled face vanity contrasts with the thick modern countertop, natural stone vessel sink and basketweave wall tile. Delicate iron and glass sconces provide the perfect glow.

Contractor - Hughes Developments Photographer - Adam Scott

Photographer - Dan Cutrona. We supplied the design layout and cabinetry.

Wood framed herringbone subway tile on wall behind pedestal sink. Marble floor. Photography by Pete Weigley

A powder room focuses on green sustainable design:- A dual flush toilet conserves water. Bamboo flooring is a renewable grass. River pebbles on the wall are a natural material. The sink pedestal is fashioned from salvaged wood from a 200 yr old barn. Staging by Karen Salveson, Miss Conception Design Photography by Peter Fox Photography

This master bathroom is elegant and rich. The materials used are all premium materials yet they are not boastful, creating a true old world quality. The sea-foam colored hand made and glazed wall tiles are meticulously placed to create straight lines despite the abnormal shapes. The Restoration Hardware sconces and orb chandelier both complement and contrast the traditional style of the furniture vanity, Rohl plumbing fixtures and claw foot tub. Design solutions include selecting mosaic hexagonal Calcutta gold floor tile as the perfect complement to the horizontal and linear look of the wall tile. As well, the crown molding is set at the elevation of the shower soffit and top of the window casing (not seen here) to provide a purposeful termination of the tile. Notice the full tiles at the top and bottom of the wall, small details such as this are what really brings the architect's intention to full expression with our projects. Beautifully appointed custom home near Venice Beach, FL. Designed with the south Florida cottage style that is prevalent in Naples. Every part of this home is detailed to show off the work of the craftsmen that created it.

Auda & Coudayre Photography

Collection of porcelain tiles wood effect floor and wall coverings: five colors that reflect the wood grain for a collection of tile effect flooring. Available also for outdoor wood flooring. Material: Porcelain Stoneware Sizes: 6"x24" spessore 9 mm Surface: Natural. Colour: Wood Rovere