When Cummings Architects first met with the owners of this understated country farmhouse, the building’s layout and design was an incoherent jumble. The original bones of the building were almost unrecognizable. All of the original windows, doors, flooring, and trims – even the country kitchen – had been removed. Mathew and his team began a thorough design discovery process to find the design solution that would enable them to breathe life back into the old farmhouse in a way that acknowledged the building’s venerable history while also providing for a modern living by a growing family. The redesign included the addition of a new eat-in kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, wrap around porch, and stone fireplaces. To begin the transforming restoration, the team designed a generous, twenty-four square foot kitchen addition with custom, farmers-style cabinetry and timber framing. The team walked the homeowners through each detail the cabinetry layout, materials, and finishes. Salvaged materials were used and authentic craftsmanship lent a sense of place and history to the fabric of the space. The new master suite included a cathedral ceiling showcasing beautifully worn salvaged timbers. The team continued with the farm theme, using sliding barn doors to separate the custom-designed master bath and closet. The new second-floor hallway features a bold, red floor while new transoms in each bedroom let in plenty of light. A summer stair, detailed and crafted with authentic details, was added for additional access and charm. Finally, a welcoming farmer’s porch wraps around the side entry, connecting to the rear yard via a gracefully engineered grade. This large outdoor space provides seating for large groups of people to visit and dine next to the beautiful outdoor landscape and the new exterior stone fireplace. Though it had temporarily lost its identity, with the help of the team at Cummings Architects, this lovely farmhouse has regained not only its former charm but also a new life through beautifully integrated modern features designed for today’s family. Photo by Eric Roth

The Big Kids’ Tree House—Kiawah Island Everyone loves a tree house. They sow lofty dreams and spark the imagination. They are sites of physical play and tranquil relaxation. They elevate the mundane to the magical. This “tree house” is a one-of-a kind vacation home and guesthouse located in a maritime forest on Kiawah, a barrier island, in South Carolina. Building setbacks, height restrictions, minimum first floor height and lot coverage were all restricted design parameters that had to be met. The most significant challenge was a 24” live oak whose canopy covers 40% of the lots’ buildable area. The tree was not to be moved. The focus of the design was to nestle the home into its surrounding landscape. The owners’ vision was for a family retreat which the children started referring to the “Big Kids Tree House”. The home and the trees were to be one; capturing spectacular views of the golf course, lagoon, and ocean simultaneously while taking advantage of the beauty and shade the live oak has to offer. The wrap around porch, circular screen porch and outdoor living areas provide a variety of in/outdoor experiences including a breathtaking 270º view. Using western red cedar stained to match the wooded surroundings helps nestle this home into its natural setting. By incorporating all of the second story rooms within the roof structure, the mass of the home was broken up, allowing a bunkroom and workout room above the garage. Separating the parking area allowed the main structure to sit lower and more comfortably on the site and above the flood plain. The house features classic interior trim detailing with v-groove wood ceilings, wainscoting and exposed trusses, which give it a sophisticated cottage feel. Black walnut floors with ivory painted trim unify the homes interior.

Shoot 2 Sell

Our brief was to design, create and install a practical, contemporary family bathroom with some traditional and elegant injections of hotel chic. With a busy working lifestyle, the homeowners wanted a serene space to relax and unwind, and a bathroom that is suitable for use by all the family. We created a hotel style suite with roll top freestanding bath, handmade shaker wall panelling and beautiful encaustic tiles by Ca'Pietra.

This is a recent contemporary bath remodel we have completed. It has a great zen-like feel with a modern twist. Award-Winning Custom Home Builder in Central Houston. We are a design/build company offering clients 3D renderings to see their design before work begins. www.ashwooddesigns.com TK Images

Dressing room/Bathroom

Full bathroom with mirror above vanity.

Kitchens: Epicurean kitchens feature oversize islands White Sky marble Custom Pedini gray oak cabinetry, inspired by traditional rail and stile construction Classic fixtures by Lefroy Brooks Wolf, Subzero, and Miele appliances Master Baths: Empire-style rattan pattern in marble and porcelain Bianco Bello marble walls and countertops Pedini custom vanities with micro-architectural fluting Brushed nickel Lefroy Brooks fixtures Secondary Baths: Hive tile Calacatta marble Bianco Beatriz vein-cut walls and vanity tops Calacatta tiling Pedini custom vanities

And you thought Cambria was just for countertops. Not at all! Look what this homeowner did in their newly remodeled master suite. They were looking for something to give their master bath a fresh, clean look and the mornings a little boost (not coffee!). This Cambria Windermere shower surround, tub deck, and vanity did the trick. It's a favorite spot in their home now. To complement the bathroom, the couple opted for Cambria Hollinsbrook for the master closet countertops.

Mark Gutierrez

Modern grey and black bathroom with storage that works with modern and contemporary design. This bathroom vanity and storage is from the Young Collection. There are more colors and styles available.

Our brief was to design, create and install a practical, contemporary family bathroom with some traditional and elegant injections of hotel chic. With a busy working lifestyle, the homeowners wanted a serene space to relax and unwind, and a bathroom that is suitable for use by all the family. We created a hotel style suite with roll top freestanding bath, handmade shaker wall panelling and beautiful encaustic tiles by Ca'Pietra.