Design Practice

Boasting views of the Museum of Natural History and Central Park, the Beaux Arts and French Renaissance style building built in 1900 was once home to a luxury hotel. Over the years multiple hotel rooms were combined into the larger apartment residences that exist today. The resulting units, while large in size, lacked the continuity of a single formed space. StudioLAB was presented with the challenge of re-designing the space to fit a modern family’s lifestyle today with the flexibility to adjust as they evolve into their tomorrow. Thus, the existing configuration was completely abandoned with new programmatic elements being relocated in each and every corner of the space. For clients that are big wine connoisseurs, the focal point of entry and circulation lies in a 400 bottle, custom built, blackened steel and glass, temperature controlled wine cabinet. The once enclosed living room was demolished to create one main entertaining space that includes a new dining area and open kitchen. Hafele bi-folding pocket door slides were used in the Living room wall unit to conceal the television, bar and display shelves when not in use. Posing as kitchen cabinetry, a hidden integrated door opens to reveal a guest bedroom with an en suite bathroom. Down the hallway of wide plank ebony stained walnut flooring, a compact powder room was built to house an original Paul Villinski installation of small butterflies cut from recycled aluminum cans, entitled Mistral. Continuing down the hall, and through one of the walnut veneered doors, is the shared kids bedroom where a custom-built bunk bed with integrated storage steps and desk was designed to allow for play space and a reading corner. The kids bathroom across the hall is decorated with custom Lego inspired hand cast concrete tiles and integrated pull-out footstools residing underneath the floating vanity. The master suite features a bio-ethanol fireplace wrapped in blackened steel and integrated into the Tabu veneered built-in. The spacious walk-in closet serves several purposes, which include housing the apartment’s new central HVAC system as well as a sleeping spot for the family’s dog. An integrated URC control system paired with Lutron Radio RA lighting keypads were installed to control the AV, HVAC, lighting and solar shades all by the use of smartphones.

Southwest one-story stucco exterior home photo in Salt Lake City with a metal roof

Photography by Oliver Irwin
Minimalist kitchen photo in Seattle

Builder: Watershed Builders Photoraphy: Michael Blevins An all-white, double vanity master bath in Charlotte with black accent mirrors, undermount sinks, shiplap walls, herringbone porcelain tiles, shaker cabinets and gold hardware.

Trendy blue tile gray floor and double-sink bathroom photo in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, an undermount tub, an undermount sink, white countertops and a floating vanity

Kitchen Designer (Savannah Schmitt) Cabinetry (Eudora Full Access, Homestead Door Style, Iron Finish, Floating Shelves - Heirloom Ash) Photographer (Smiths Do Love) Builder (Vintage Homes)

Small and quaint eating area. Photography by Mike Schwartz.
Dining room - contemporary dining room idea in Chicago

Design: Monica Fairbairn Photo: Daniel Nystedt

Every day is a vacation in this Thousand Oaks Mediterranean-style outdoor living paradise. This transitional space is anchored by a serene pool framed by flagstone and elegant landscaping. The outdoor living space emphasizes the natural beauty of the surrounding area while offering all the advantages and comfort of indoor amenities, including stainless-steel appliances, custom beverage fridge, and a wood-burning fireplace. The dark stain and raised panel detail of the cabinets pair perfectly with the El Dorado stone pulled throughout this design; and the airy combination of chandeliers and natural lighting produce a charming, relaxed environment. Flooring: Kitchen and Pool Areas: Concrete Pool Surround: Flagstone Deck: Fiberon deck material Light Fixtures: Chandelier Stone/Masonry: El Dorado Photographer: Tom Clary

This gray transitional kitchen consists of open shelving, marble counters and flat panel cabinetry. The paneled refrigerator, white subway tile and gray cabinetry helps the compact kitchen have a much larger feel due to the light colors carried throughout the space. Photo credit: Normandy Remodeling

Entryway - mid-sized craftsman porcelain tile and gray floor entryway idea in Chicago with blue walls and a white front door

Shiplap Fireplace
Example of a mid-sized transitional open concept light wood floor, multicolored floor and vaulted ceiling living room design in Atlanta with white walls, a standard fireplace and a shiplap fireplace

Inspiration for a large coastal formal and enclosed dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in New York with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

Enclosed kitchen - large transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen idea in New Orleans with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Family room - contemporary carpeted and beige floor family room idea in New York with blue walls and no fireplace

Example of a mid-sized trendy dark wood floor and brown floor entryway design in Miami with beige walls and a glass front door

Transitional open concept light wood floor family room photo in Austin with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Example of a tuscan dining room design in Los Angeles

Example of a large minimalist l-shaped porcelain tile and beige floor kitchen design in Miami with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, paneled appliances, two islands, white countertops and an undermount sink