Designed by Angie Barwin of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Woodbridge VA in collaboration with Potomac Home Improvements, this primary bathroom features Green Forest Cabinetry in the Sierra door style in a White finish. The vanity countertops are MSI Q Smoked Pearl. The bathroom includes Italgraniti Lux Calacatta Mont Blanc field tiles, Islandstone Waveline Breeze Matte glass accent tiles and Islandstone Sliced Pebble Grey shower floor and under tub accent tiles. “The client was a joy to work with, full of energy and excitement for this project. He was looking for a spa-like feel in his Primary Bathroom. He had definitive ideas about what he did not want which helped steer me in the right direction,” said Angie. “We expanded the shower, added a freestanding tub in lieu of the existing garden tub, and brightened up the bath with white cabinetry, a light vanity top and a frameless, custom shower door. Removing the large tub deck and surround enabled the space to feel open and grand as well.” “The bathroom project exceeded all my expectations. Everyone performing the work was professional and the design of the new bathroom is fantastic. Well worth the effort and the costs were reasonable,” said the client. Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, just south of Beverly Hills, this two story (with basement) contemporary gem boasts large ipe eaves and other wood details, warming the interior and exterior design. The rear indoor-outdoor flow is perfection. An exceptional entertaining oasis in the middle of the city. Photo by Lynn Abesera

Arabesque glass tile surround

Transitional Design Condo Update in San Francisco, California Pacific Heights Neighborhood The owners of this condo in Pacific Heights wanted to update their 60’s style kitchen and bathrooms yet strike a balance between ultra modern and conservative. To achieve this, we combined clean modern lines and contemporary fittings with warm natural stone and rich woods. In the kitchen, a distinctive effect is achieved by using quarter sawn cherry veneer on the shaker style cabinet doors with parallel grain run horizontally. Beautiful brown granite and custom stain compliment the oak floors we selected to provide continuity with the rest of the house. The master bath features a vanity designed with a wrap-over counter of thick granite, wenge wood veneers, Venetian plaster and a carefully coordinated variety of glass and stone tiles. In the guest bath a similar material palette is enlivened by inclusion of a wall hung toilet and an art niche.

Kim Sargent

solid wood slab vanity for powder room with flitch-cut edge and vessel sink

Photo by Tad Davis Photography

The master ensuite features custom teak cabinetry for a spa-like feel. Brushed gold plumbing fixtures from Kohler help to complete this elegant space.

A Beacon of Light Steve Lazar grew up by the ocean and, as an avid surfer and a craftsman, he has always been inspired by seaside architecture. His latest home, The Lifeguard Tower, features an expansive living area and kitchen, four bedrooms, three full baths and a powder room in Hermosa Beach. The architecture is comprised of three trapezoidal structures, one atop the other. From the base, the residence narrows as it reaches the “look-out” tower room that gives way to a picturesque, 1,600-square-foot grass-covered entertainment and dining deck facing the ocean. At night, the tower glows like a beacon of light, as it is beautifully illuminated through multiple windows that surround the structure. Our Green Approach The Lifeguard Tower is also an experience in green living, as it incorporates the weatherworn reclaimed wood of a 100-year-old barn. Lazar has sheathed the house in such a way that it can breathe and endure the elements. The home also utilizes a sophisticated water filtration system and features on-demand radiant heating and air. Dual-glazed windows, coated with a shaded reflective film, will reflect the heat of the sun, keeping the residence cool year-round. These windows, coupled with the unusual 36-inch-long eaves custom designed by Lazar, create more shade than what is typically found in ordinary construction. Beachside Living at its Best Lazar has creatively and methodically managed to appeal to both traditional and contemporary architecture buffs with the Lifeguard Tower. It is a romantic gesture to the past and a simultaneous whimsical nod to contemporary California beachside living. Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar of design + build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Joel Silva.

Ron Schwane, Photography

An elegant powder room with subtle grays and gold accents.

Bernard Andre