One of our absolute favorite Instagram accounts is @maryellenskye. We love the design aesthetic of all her pictures. Her minimalistic approach with a flare of flowers, old charm and of course Nashville was enough for us to know we had to work on a collection with her. Mary Ellen's collection is a complete reflection of her minimalistic yet romantic love for home decor. Her home is inspired by a touch of southern charm with lots of flowers and nude tones. We asked her a few questions to find out what inspired her collection, what she loves and we even got a few tips on how to approach the decorating process.

Dave Slivinski
Large trendy rooftop deck container garden photo in Chicago

Our architecture team was proud to design this traditional, cottage inspired home that is tucked within a developed residential location in St. Louis County. The main levels account for 6097 Sq Ft and an additional 1300 Sq Ft was reserved for the lower level. The homeowner requested a unique design that would provide backyard privacy from the street and an open floor plan in public spaces, but privacy in the master suite. Challenges of this home design included a narrow corner lot build site, building height restrictions and corner lot setback restrictions. The floorplan design was tailored to this corner lot and oriented to take full advantage of southern sun in the rear courtyard and pool terrace area. There are many notable spaces and visual design elements of this custom 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom brick cottage home. A mostly brick exterior with cut stone entry surround and entry terrace gardens helps create a cozy feel even before entering the home. Special spaces like a covered outdoor lanai, private southern terrace and second floor study nook create a pleasurable every-day living environment. For indoor entertainment, a lower level rec room, gallery, bar, lounge, and media room were also planned.

Interior design by others Our architecture team was proud to design this traditional, cottage inspired home that is tucked within a developed residential location in St. Louis County. The main levels account for 6097 Sq Ft and an additional 1300 Sq Ft was reserved for the lower level. The homeowner requested a unique design that would provide backyard privacy from the street and an open floor plan in public spaces, but privacy in the master suite. Challenges of this home design included a narrow corner lot build site, building height restrictions and corner lot setback restrictions. The floorplan design was tailored to this corner lot and oriented to take full advantage of southern sun in the rear courtyard and pool terrace area. There are many notable spaces and visual design elements of this custom 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom brick cottage home. A mostly brick exterior with cut stone entry surround and entry terrace gardens helps create a cozy feel even before entering the home. Special spaces like a covered outdoor lanai, private southern terrace and second floor study nook create a pleasurable every-day living environment. For indoor entertainment, a lower level rec room, gallery, bar, lounge, and media room were also planned.

Our goal for this kitchen remodel was to give our client an updated kitchen while still having it coordinate with the rest of the house. Organization was a big factor, so we took into account many of the homeowners’ items and found a permanent home for them while making them easy to access. The homeowner also wanted a designated coffee area out of the way from the main work area as well as a “drop zone” when entering the kitchen to put all those miscellaneous items that always seem to collect in the kitchen. The cabinetry is frameless construction with the perimeter finished in Benjamin Moore’s Dove White and paired with a leathered black granite and the island was finished in Distressed Charcoal and paired with a lighter colored granite. The client requested a raised bar island design that was a comfortable height to have guests gather around when entertaining in the kitchen. We incorporated X Mullion details throughout the kitchen and added in decorative corbels on the island as well as the dry bar. Lastly, the client wanted to add a touch of “coastal” to her kitchen by picking a fun paint color that made her feel a little closer to the beach. The paint color we decided on is Benjamin Moore’s Beach Glass.

Dining Room in West Trail Drive | Moody Modern Home in Scottsdale, AZ | Room Type: Full home remodel and furnishings | Project Name: West Trail Drive Residence | Key Feature: A moody, modern aesthetic built from the ground up through renovation and furnishings, where every finish, fixture, and piece of furniture was selected to work as a cohesive whole rather than a collection of separate decisions. Challenge: The home had good bones but felt generic. The clients wanted something that reflected a specific point of view, not a safe Scottsdale palette. The risk with moody, dark interiors is that they can feel heavy or disconnected if the layering isn't right. Solution: Living with Lolo led both the remodel and the furnishings, which meant the design intent carried through from the walls and floors all the way to how the room actually lives. Because Lauren holds both an interior design credential and an active Arizona ROC general contractor license, there was no handoff between designer and contractor. That single point of accountability kept the vision intact and the project on track. Materials: Custom cabinetry, natural stone surfaces, designer lighting, curated furniture and textiles sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $150,000 to $400,000 | Timeline: 4 to 8 months.

Living Room in West Trail Drive | Moody Modern Home in Scottsdale, AZ | Room Type: Full home remodel and furnishings | Project Name: West Trail Drive Residence | Key Feature: A moody, modern aesthetic built from the ground up through renovation and furnishings, where every finish, fixture, and piece of furniture was selected to work as a cohesive whole rather than a collection of separate decisions. Challenge: The home had good bones but felt generic. The clients wanted something that reflected a specific point of view, not a safe Scottsdale palette. The risk with moody, dark interiors is that they can feel heavy or disconnected if the layering isn't right. Solution: Living with Lolo led both the remodel and the furnishings, which meant the design intent carried through from the walls and floors all the way to how the room actually lives. Because Lauren holds both an interior design credential and an active Arizona ROC general contractor license, there was no handoff between designer and contractor. That single point of accountability kept the vision intact and the project on track. Materials: Custom cabinetry, natural stone surfaces, designer lighting, curated furniture and textiles sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $150,000 to $400,000 | Timeline: 4 to 8 months.

photography: Paul Grdina
Mid-sized cottage backyard concrete patio photo in Vancouver with a roof extension and a fireplace

My client, who works from home full time in Allentown Pennsylvania, asked us to give her an office space that functions well for a hard working accountant, AND would also be a retreat for her during off work hours. Our solution: Split the room down the middle; half office and half lounge area. We tied the spaces together through color (her obsession with teal and pink). We refaced the fireplace and added a built in bookcase to house her love of books. A very capable desk keeps her organized. We gave her a creative way to display her kids artwork and medals from her triathlon competitions using chicken wire frames. New wall sconces, comfortable furniture, and lots of fun accents bring juicy color in, even on the dreariest of days. What a bright lovely office with lots of storage! Torva Terra Photography

When it comes to choosing tiles and cladding, it’s hard to match the beauty and timelessness of natural stone. As a natural element quarried in the tropical area of Surabaya, the Indonesian Dolomitic Limestone is known for its durability, high density, high resistance to water and to acidic content of rain and soil. Our products are tested and certified to meet the highest quality of architectural specifications. Our Split Face is 6",4" and 12" x random pieces for easier installation. The Width varies from 4" to 24". Perfect for any interior and exterior project. Grade 1, Natural Dolomitic Limestone for Wall use. It is recommended you purchase a minimum of 10% waste to account for design cuts and patterns. Add Long Term Value to your Project, without any need for maintenance.

Interior design by others Our architecture team was proud to design this traditional, cottage inspired home that is tucked within a developed residential location in St. Louis County. The main levels account for 6097 Sq Ft and an additional 1300 Sq Ft was reserved for the lower level. The homeowner requested a unique design that would provide backyard privacy from the street and an open floor plan in public spaces, but privacy in the master suite. Challenges of this home design included a narrow corner lot build site, building height restrictions and corner lot setback restrictions. The floorplan design was tailored to this corner lot and oriented to take full advantage of southern sun in the rear courtyard and pool terrace area. There are many notable spaces and visual design elements of this custom 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom brick cottage home. A mostly brick exterior with cut stone entry surround and entry terrace gardens helps create a cozy feel even before entering the home. Special spaces like a covered outdoor lanai, private southern terrace and second floor study nook create a pleasurable every-day living environment. For indoor entertainment, a lower level rec room, gallery, bar, lounge, and media room were also planned.

Gorgeous master bath finished with Dal-Tile's Fabrique porcelain tile in the color Noir Linen polished. Tile size is 12"x24" installed in a brick joint pattern. The floor boasts underfloor heating on a timed thermostat.

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

When it comes to choosing tiles and cladding, it’s hard to match the beauty and timelessness of natural stone. As a natural element quarried in the tropical area of Surabaya, the Indonesian Dolomitic Limestone is known for its durability, high density, high resistance to water and to acidic content of rain and soil. Our products are tested and certified to meet the highest quality of architectural specifications. Our Split Face is 6",4" and 12" x random pieces for easier installation. The Width varies from 4" to 24". Perfect for any interior and exterior project. Grade 1, Natural Dolomitic Limestone for Wall use. It is recommended you purchase a minimum of 10% waste to account for design cuts and patterns. Add Long Term Value to your Project, without any need for maintenance.

HNA Hardscape Project Award Winner A Slice of Paradise Strongsville, Ohio Rock Bottom Lawn & Landscaping With a resort-like feel, this project incorporates many entertainment features. The homeowner requested an area for hosting large parties without feeling crowded. The separate design elements allow for more intimate gatherings within the overall project. These elements include a partially covered outdoor kitchen/bar, large dining area, covered pavilion and fireplace patio, in-ground swimming pool with accompanying pool deck, and a raised gas fire pit patio bordered by a curved seat wall. The theme of contrast runs throughout the project while unifying each of the features. Light and dark, smooth and textured, linear and sinuous play off each other adding interest and bringing attention to the materials used. The large pavers were chosen to fit the grand scale and style of the project, additionally creating a smooth surface along the pool deck, all while having a minimal joint between pavers. Textured dark grey and brown pavers provide accents and borders throughout the site. Seven feet of elevation change from the threshold of the house to the back side of the pool wall had to be taken into account. Retaining walls and the placement of patios limit the amount of stairs between areas, as requested by the homeowner, while still creating vertical interest in key places such as the fire pit patio. Non-concrete elements such as the palm trees, wooden pergolas and columns combine with the hardscaping to create a truly unique and relaxing slice of paradise.

Italian Wall Unit Velvet Composition 110 by Artigian Mobili, Italy. Velvet is a new line of italian wall units and entertainment centers that creates flexible living areas taking into account you individual needs. Smart furniture capable of performing different functions. An abundance of units gives limitless opportunities to realize any project design and adapt to any space. Color is not a problem anymore - each unit can be ordered in ANY RAL COLOR you want! You can select from our pre-designed compositions or build your own according to your sketches and interior project. Base units are covered with extra clear blue colomba lacquered glass that can be optionally removed, making the wall unit composition cost less. Please contact our office regarding customization of this wall unit composition. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: 18 mm thick wooden particles melamine panels The lacquered structures and fronts are made of REAL POLISH SCRATCH PROOF LACQUERING, which is non toxic and non allergic products. The starting price is for the Wall Unit Composition 110 as shown in the main picture in Bianco (smooth) finish / Blu Colomba Matt Lacquer / Roccia finish / Blue Colomba Gloss Lacquered Glass. Dimensions: Wall Unit: W124" x D14.5"/19.7" x H80"

When it comes to choosing tiles and cladding, it’s hard to match the beauty and timelessness of natural stone. As a natural element quarried in the tropical area of Surabaya, the Indonesian Dolomitic Limestone is known for its durability, high density, high resistance to water and to acidic content of rain and soil. Our products are tested and certified to meet the highest quality of architectural specifications. Our Split Face is 6",4" and 12" x random pieces for easier installation. The Width varies from 4" to 24". Perfect for any interior and exterior project. Grade 1, Natural Dolomitic Limestone for Wall use. It is recommended you purchase a minimum of 10% waste to account for design cuts and patterns. Add Long Term Value to your Project, without any need for maintenance.

Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form.

These elevations are the backbone of a seamless renovation process. Here's why they matter: 1. For Trades: Every inch is accounted for—elevations give electricians, plumbers, tile setters, and millworkers exact placement, height, and alignment details. No guesswork means fewer mistakes, no back-and-forth, and smoother scheduling. 2. For Pricing Accuracy: Clear elevations eliminate the “it depends” from vendor bids. You get real, fixed quotes instead of vague estimates. Every finish, fixture, and feature is detailed upfront for smarter budgeting and better scope control. 3. For the Client Experience: It’s hard to envision a design from words or even moodboards alone. These elevations show your space—exactly how it will feel and function. Clients can confidently sign off on layout, storage, lighting, and flow because they can see it. TL;DR: Want peace of mind and precision at every phase? This is how we build intelligently. And don’t worry—you don’t have to know every detail. We got you.