Hidden in this near westside neighborhood of modest midcentury ranches is a multi-acre back yard that feels worlds away from the hustle of the city. These homeowners knew they had a gem, but their cramped and dim interior and lack of outdoor living space kept them from the full enjoyment of it. They said they wanted us to design them a deck and screen porch; we replied, "sure! but don't you want a better connection to that luscious outdoor space from the inside, too?" The whole back of the house was eventually transformed, inside and out. We opened up and united the former kitchen and dining, and took over an extra bedroom for a semi-open tv room that is tucked behind a built-in bar. Light now streams in through windows and doors and skylights that weren't there before. Simple, natural materials tie to the expansive yard and huge trees beyond the deck and also provide a quiet backdrop for the homeowners' colorful boho style and enviable collection of house plants. Contractor: Sharp Designs, Inc. Cabinetry: Richland Cabinetry Photographer: Sarah Shields

With a run-down outbuilding taking up valuable space in their yard, this client saw the perfect opportunity to create the ultimate zen multi-use space. Yoga, meditation, sound bowls and a calm and relaxing vibe this space is now the perfect room to relax, take in the views and get inspired.

Our clients wanted the dramatic look of a pergola for their kitchen with additional coverage for shade and protection from rain, too. A pergola over a specific section sets off that area and defines it as an outdoor room. As you may know, some pergolas provide more shade than others. It all depends on the pergola design. This large two-beam pergola, attached to the house, is designed for shade with purlins that are close together. The pergola also has a translucent cover that filters UV rays, blocks heat, and shields the outdoor kitchen from rain.

The design focus for this North London Victorian terrace home design project was the refurbishment and reconfiguration of the ground floor together with additional space of a new side-return. Orienting and organising the interior architecture to maximise sunlight during the course of the day was one of our primary challenges solved. While the front of the house faces south-southeast with wonderful direct morning light, the rear garden faces northwest, consequently less light for most of the day. ​

Photo: Rachel Loewen © 2019 Houzz

Fiona Arnott Walker

This Art Deco stained glass window was commissioned as part of a renovation of a guest bathroom. The owner wanted an Art Deco or Nouveau design with specific colors as well as having a need for privacy. The textured glass allows privacy as well as allowing light into the room. The overall effect is quite stunning.

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2018 Houzz

Photography by Alex Maguire Photography This house had been re built over the past 12 years. We were asked to redesign the attic to create a new master bedroom with a bathroom and a walk in wardrobe.

The client’s coastal New England roots inspired this Shingle style design for a lakefront lot. With a background in interior design, her ideas strongly influenced the process, presenting both challenge and reward in executing her exact vision. Vintage coastal style grounds a thoroughly modern open floor plan, designed to house a busy family with three active children. A primary focus was the kitchen, and more importantly, the butler’s pantry tucked behind it. Flowing logically from the garage entry and mudroom, and with two access points from the main kitchen, it fulfills the utilitarian functions of storage and prep, leaving the main kitchen free to shine as an integral part of the open living area. An ARDA for Custom Home Design goes to Royal Oaks Design Designer: Kieran Liebl From: Oakdale, Minnesota

Josh Thornton