The spiral staircase angles provided the inspiration for the colorful 1/2" felt. It was laser cut in angles and with cutouts for a playful sound deadening installation on the upper level of the living area.

AFTER photo. This project consisted of lightening the colour of the hardie and brightening the trim! The house was already beautiful to start with, but this update was totally worth it and made for super happy clients! Invest in your high-end hardie board for the long haul. Our coating boosts protection & fade durability to keep your siding looking its best. Hardie Board is incredibly durable and is one of the most expensive types of siding. While it requires very little maintenance, it is porous and can still absorb water. The best way to maintain your investment and prevent replacement is to waterproof your hardie board with a high-performance paint for siding. Give us a call to book your free in-home consultaiton! (604) 260-4525

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views. The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private. Reimagining the Urban Envelope The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression. Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views. At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides. Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors. Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow. Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways. A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space. A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls. Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere. Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas. Kitchen as Architectural Furniture The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich. Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash. Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface. A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette. Dining With a Living Backdrop Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset. A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience. Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation. The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop. The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space. Bathing Above the City In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops. The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials. Entertaining Above the Park Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art. Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline. Cinema and Retreat The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing. Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above. Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth. Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth. The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human. A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living. It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky. What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

A complete transformation from white walls and a blank slate, these homeowners wanted an inviting space to entertain. Designer Tip: We didn't want a rug underneath the table but the echo was significant in this boxy shape. By adding window treatments and wall covering on all walls, the sound is now absorbed making for a more intimate setting while dining.

We designed this home theater starting with a 7.2.1 Dolby Atomos speaker setup with two extra-large bean bags, and 4 motorized recliners on the new platform/riser design. The rear wall and side wall has curtains to absorb sound in lieu of the prosceniums 1” thick acoustical wall treatments. We also created a ceiling feature that includes wood beams and a medium toned paint from Sherwin Williams (SW 7033).

Extensive renovation to kitchen in 20 year old house facing the Marsh on Savannah's Wylly Island. Kitchen was pushed two feet into adjacent family room in order to expand the Island. We also absorbed an adjacent pool closet to add the hutch cabinet. A small existing window was enlarged into sliding doors matching those elsewhere. Layout by Matthew Hallett, Interior design by Kelly Waters of Ellsworth-Hallett. Cabinets by Medallion Cabinetry, counters are seagrass limestone, floors are porcelain 'travertine'. Refrigerator is subzero with custom cabinet panels. We recessed the HVAC return in the toe kick of the hutch. Painting by Daniel E. Smith. Photos by Amy Greene of Creative Images & Marketing

We were approached with a request to design the furnishings for an existing ‘finished’ apartment. The intention was to move in relatively fast, and the property already had an existing marble floor, kitchen and bathrooms which had to be kept. The property also boasted a fantastic 270 degree view, seen from most of the apartment. The clients had a very important role in the completion of the project. They were very involved during the design process and through various decoration choices. The final design was kept as a rigid guideline when faced with picking out all the different elements. Once clear of all previous furniture, the space felt cold and bare; so we immediately felt the need for warmth, and raw, natural elements and textures to complement the cold marble floor while visually tying in the design of the whole apartment together. Since the existing kitchen had a touch of dark walnut stain, we felt this material was one we should add to the palette of materials to contest the stark materials. A raw cement finish was another material we felt would add an interesting contrast and could be used in a variety of ways, from cabinets to walls and ceilings, to tie up the design of various areas of the apartment. To warm up the living/dining area, keeping the existing marble floor but visually creating zones within the large living/dining area without hindering the flow, a dark timber custom-made soffit, continuous with a floor-to-ceiling drinks cabinet zones the dining area, giving it a degree of much-needed warmth. The various windows with a stupendous 270 degree view needed to be visually tied together. This was done by introducing a continuous sheer [drape] which also doubled up as a sound-absorbing material along 2 of the 4 walls of the space. A very large sofa was required to fill up the space correctly, also required for the size of the young family. Services were integrated within the units and soffits, while a customized design in the corner between the kitchen and the living room took into consideration the viewpoints from the main areas to create a pantry without hindering the flow or views. A strategically placed floor-to-ceiling mirror doubles up the space and extends the view to the inner parts of the apartment. The daughter’s bedroom was a small challenge in itself, and a fun task, where we wanted to achieve the perception of a cozy niche with its own enclosed reading nook [for reading fairy tales], behind see-through curtains and a custom-ordered wall print sporting the girl’s favorite colors. The sons’ bedroom had double the requirements in terms of space needed: more wardrobe, more homework desk space, a tv/play station area… “We combined a raised platform area between the boys’ beds to become an area with cushions where the kids can lay down and play, and face a hidden screen behind the homework desk’s sliding back panel for their play station”. The color of the homework desk was chosen in relation to the boys’ ages. A more masculine material palette was chosen for this room, in contrast to the light pastel palette of the girl’s bedroom. Again, this colour can easily be changed over time for a more mature look. PROJECT DATA: St. Paul’s Bay, Malta DESIGN TEAM: Perit Rebecca Zammit, Perit Daniel Scerri, Elyse Tonna OTHER CREDITS: Photography: Tonio Lombardi Styling : TKS

Futuro Futuro 36-Inch Amalfi Wall Range Hood – Modern Italian Design with Powerful Ventilation The Futuro Futuro 36-Inch Amalfi Wall Range Hood combines contemporary Italian design, premium materials, and advanced ventilation technology to create a statement piece for modern kitchens. Featuring a sleek cubist-inspired design, this luxury wall-mounted range hood delivers both exceptional performance and timeless style. Premium Italian Craftsmanship and Durable Stainless Steel Construction Designed and handcrafted in Italy, the Amalfi Series is built with high-quality AISI 304 stainless steel, a material known for its outstanding resistance to rust, corrosion, and everyday wear. This durable construction ensures long-lasting performance while maintaining its elegant appearance for years to come. The Amalfi’s refined geometric design adds a sophisticated modern touch to any kitchen while providing the reliability expected from premium Italian craftsmanship. Powerful and Quiet 940 CFM Ventilation System The Futuro Futuro Amalfi Wall Range Hood features a high-performance 940 CFM internal Whisper tangential blower designed to efficiently remove smoke, grease, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen. Despite its powerful airflow, the hood operates quietly thanks to an advanced multi-layer sound-absorbing system. This innovative technology helps reduce operating noise, allowing you to enjoy a cleaner, fresher kitchen environment without unnecessary distractions. Advanced Perimeter Suction Filtration Technology The Amalfi Series uses a perimeter suction filtration system that creates an air curtain around your cooktop. This design improves capture efficiency by directing smoke, grease, and odors toward the edges of the hood for more effective filtration. The hidden metal mesh grease filters maintain the hood’s clean, minimalist appearance while providing reliable grease collection. The filters are easy to remove and dishwasher safe for convenient maintenance. Smart Controls and Energy-Efficient LED Lighting The illuminated electronic control panel makes operating the Amalfi Wall Range Hood simple and intuitive. With the push of a button, you can adjust ventilation settings and access built-in features. A convenient filter-cleaning reminder helps ensure your hood continues performing at its best. Two energy-efficient LED lights provide bright, focused illumination over your cooktop while enhancing visibility during food preparation. Why Choose the Futuro Futuro Amalfi 36-Inch Wall Range Hood? 36-inch modern wall-mounted range hood design Premium Italian craftsmanship Durable AISI 304 stainless steel construction Powerful 940 CFM internal blower Quiet operation with advanced sound absorption technology Perimeter suction filtration system for improved smoke and odor capture Dishwasher-safe metal mesh grease filters Energy-efficient LED cooktop lighting Sleek cubist design for contemporary kitchens What makes the Futuro Futuro Amalfi range hood different? The Amalfi stands out with its combination of Italian craftsmanship, premium stainless steel construction, powerful ventilation, quiet operation, and modern architectural design. How powerful is the Amalfi 36-Inch range hood? This model features a 940 CFM internal blower designed to handle heavy cooking, smoke, grease, and odors effectively. Is the Amalfi range hood easy to maintain? Yes. The removable metal mesh grease filters are dishwasher safe, and the electronic controls include a cleaning reminder for easier upkeep. What kitchen styles work best with the Amalfi Wall Range Hood? Its sleek cubist design complements contemporary, modern, minimalist, and luxury kitchen designs.

Elegance and harmony make this natural stone a precious ally for designers. Any environment can absorb and make its own its innate sophistication and allow it to emerge in the lines of the furnishing. Like a very elegant gown, nature skilfully interwove these two "non" colours, black and white, in order to put visual lyrics into sophisticated verses. The appearance becomes the foreground element, the mirror of a soul that preserves unaltered the grace of times past, combining it with the modern taste, which is seen in the cleanness of the lines. A medley that nature, the driving force of the Antolini company, once created with surprising authenticity.

A luxurious en suite bath was created within this classic 1925 Portland bungalow by reconfiguring the second story’s original small bedrooms and tiny half bath. In this welcoming new urban boho space, eclectic finishes mingle harmoniously, integrated through subtle repetition of shapes and materials. A furniture-style vanity sets the tone for this luxurious space, introducing materials, colors, shapes, and textures that repeat throughout. Individual walnut hexagons join to create distinctive vanity doors, offset beautifully by horizontal-grain drawers. Topping the cabinetry is a simple concrete countertop with integral sinks. An expansive framed mirror above enlarges and brightens the room. Within the mirror, sconces float, their globes a nod to the hexagons below. Champagne bronze fixtures reflect the warm walnut glow. Nestled into the back corner, a stunning shower features waterjet tiles in a double herringbone pattern, each precisely cut and laid to maintain design integrity at every surface transition. Teak floor tiles and a pebbled niche hint at the classic spa experience. Across from the shower, a large hexagonal window provides a treetop view from the free-standing tub below. The gentle oval of the tub and the beaded chandelier above provide a pleasing contrast to the strong lines surrounding it, as do the softly-shaded pebbles in the full-length niche. Shiplap wainscotting wraps the room, creating an illusion of height in the compact space. Subtle flooring and soft green walls create an understated backdrop for the bold mix of materials, unifying them into a serene oasis. Asking a century-old home to accommodate a modern luxury bath is a tall order. Asbestos-laden plaster and flooring had to be abated. The subfloor had to be leveled and reinforced to increase strength and prevent deflection. Water lines and multiple electrical circuits had to be brought across and up without disturbing a beautifully-paneled ceiling, something we accomplished by firring out stair walls to hide the chases. Our client had visions of a leafy view from her tub, but the new layout eliminated existing windows. Placing a new window was complicated by deep eaves and flat soffits. By pushing the header into the roofline, however, we were able to accommodate a picture window. The flat soffit was replaced by an inverse hip lined with stained tongue and groove cedar, tying it to the bathroom finishes. Bringing materials up a narrow staircase became truly challenging when it was time to install the big items. However, strategic removal of drywall around the landing got the job done. Our attention to detail is showcased in the shower tile, where precise cuts were required at surface transitions to maintain the integrity of a complex double herringbone lay. The project was delivered on time. Savvy layout choices minimized spending on structural changes. Because we were dealing with dormer space, head height was an issue. Raising the ceiling would have been complex and expensive so our design accommodated the constraints – tub on the low outside wall, shower on the full-height interior wall. The vanity spanned the spread, accommodating our petite client on the exterior side and her taller husband on the interior side. An under-eave closet was closed off to create room for both a freestanding tub and a separate shower. Rather than building replacement storage elsewhere, we simply added a new door into the closet from the primary bedroom. This was made possible by absorbing the short hallway separating the existing bed and bathroom into the primary bedroom. This new layout also created an en suite relationship between the primary bedroom and the new bath. We saved additional dollars by selecting a furniture-style vanity rather than using custom cabinetry, and the countertop with integral sinks provided a cost savings over a more traditional quartz countertop with undermount sinks. Affordable shower tiles allowed us to put more money into a dynamic tile layout. The project was delivered within budget.

Amazing Kitchen and Bathroom Transformation! -------------HIGHLIGHTS ---------- *Extreme heat resistance – Perfect for countertops! Don’t worry about melting your porcelain slab if you need to put down a hot pan straight from the stove. It’s a great surface material for performing all of your temperature-based tasks without having to be concerned with wear or tear. *Stain-free–it’s almost impossible to stain porcelain. Whereas with marble or quartzite, you risk nasty stains every time you spill dark liquids or food items on it. Even just a touch can cause permanent damage. But the same cannot be said for porcelain, which can be cleaned in a jiffy and will not absorb or resorb stainable substances. *Will, not scratch or wear – It’s super difficult to cause any scratches or chips on a porcelain surface. Unless it were to be rammed by a bulldozer, it can’t be hurt. Anything from dropping a kitchen knife to resting heavy bricks upon it will not cause it to crack or wear down. It’s invincible compared to the caution you must exercise when dealing with a marble surface. -------REMODEL SPECS:-------- *Cabinet Style: Affinity European Frameless: Already a popular concept in Europe-these extralarge-format porcelain slabs are fairly new to the US market, *Wood Species- Paint Grade Finish /White Dove, *Cabinet Box- 3/4" Plywood, *Hinges-Fully Concealed Cup-Hinge, Six-Way Adjustable, Self-Closing, Integrated Soft-Close, *Drawer Guides/Full-Extension Under-Mount, Self-Closing, Soft-Close With Under Cabinet Led, *Strip Lighting (under the cabinetry), *Porcelain Slabs Hyper White (countertop and island), *Porcelain Slabs Calcatta Hyper White (backsplash)

This lovely landscape sports a poured in place concrete slab patio with drought tolerant sedum plants between the slabs. This sedum mix is sold in sheets then cut to fit but it’s actually grown for green-roof application. It works perfectly in this hot environment too as it is extremely drought tolerant and can go a month without water. Because the water runoff is absorbed between the slabs the patio drainage works perfectly and there are no need for drains.The swimming pool is of the fiberglass variety. Though the initial investment is greater than that of vinyl pools the ROI is greater over a 10 year period. Fiberglass pools retains more heat as the pool shell is all one piece and they don’t ever require a new liner.. This fiberglass pool has cool built-in benching and steps. And there is even a swim jet built into one side great for those cardio blasting swims. The pool interior colour is grey though it shows a soft blue/grey when water is added due to the reflection of the sky and other surroundings. The pool coping is natural stone with rock face edge. The steel arbour was custom made. Metal (steel) was chosen for it’s slim strength as wood placed here would have been too chunky. The best rooms (indoors or our) have a subtle layering of textural elements. To me this landscape needed a structure here to define the “rooms” It will look even better in a few years when the vines reach the top and the Miscanthus on either side reaches its 7′ height!The 12′ x 16′ pavilion is also made of steel and houses an alfresco dining table and sofa set. The pavilions built in cupola makes the warm breezes comfortably pass through with no need for a fan. It’s also sunken 2′ from the pool/patio height and nestled nicely in the corner. I must also mention the large slim planters with “Red Shades” Canna lily within. They are the perfect boldness/balance!Step through the arbor and a linear pond with “floating” natural stone step is revealed! Two smooth flow scuppers are responsible for the quiet waterfalls either side. A wood deck overhangs the pond adding softness to the setting. A modern retaining wall with natural stone cap runs the full width of the pond and pool adding interest and dimension. In the covered outdoor living area this wall is the perfect seat wall - adding lots of extra party seating! The lesson to be learned here is that good design can be applied to any space. This backyard is only 50′ x 45′ and look what can be achieved! Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

This three bedroom duplex apartment is uniquely located at the corner of Gramercy Park. The project involved the renovation of one apartment and expansion into the unit above. The one bedroom apartment upstairs was converted into a Master Suite, while the original Master Bedroom was absorbed into the living room, creating a larger entertainment space to accommodate a piano and a custom bar with a cantilevered counter. A new staircase connecting the existing apartment with the Master Suite is tucked away to maximize open social area. The dark wood floors were continued through the stair to suggest that this had always been part of the original design. Upstairs, the new Master Bedroom faces south overlooking the park with integrated millwork on either side of the fireplace. A built-in bed floats off the floor and adjacent wall. Her closet used space flanking the fireplace for built-in shoe storage, providing a functional yet colorful display when lit. Cove lighting, stretched fabric and frosted glass were employed to provide a warm glow for the spaces when not illuminated by the abundant daylight on both levels. Project by Richard Meier & Partners, Architects LLP

Deck photo in Other

The fluted paneling on the walls is also acoustically absorbing, and helps hid the black TV. The acoustic dampening of the wall paneling enhances fun for the kids but also some quiet time for Mom. Chill time for all accomplished. Whatever the time spent, the space lends itself to physical and mental calm. When you leave you feel recharged and ready to be back in the light-in bright rooms with other people

We can't say enough how window treatments can transform a space. Customizing to the room's unique elements is important to maximize your room's full potential. In this dining room, we draw attention to the ceiling structure and wood beam design by custom making the treatments on an angle. Rotating the square medallions also reiterates the angled ceiling so that the eye naturally rests on the architectural details. The adjacent Living Room continues the timeless pattern with floor to ceiling treatments, drawing attention to the ceiling height and crown molding details. Not only do these treatments help to absorb sound (making for a more intimate setting), they also navigate the eye to the home's character and view while acting as a stunning focal. Megan Kranz

Complementing the Home This homeowner approached the experts at Braen Supply to help him select materials for his newly constructed home. The style and design of the house was already completed, therefore, the selected materials needed to complement the features of the home. The homeowner’s one request was to find a patio stone that would emulate a bluestone; however, it would not absorb as much heat as bluestone, allowing swimmers to comfortably move from the pool to the patio without having to worry about shoes. Working With the Experts The experts at Braen Supply were able to find the perfect material to meet the homeowner’s needs and then used that to find materials for the façade, fireplace and outdoor kitchen, while still maintaining a concise look throughout the home. The materials that were selected gave the home a unique, yet classic look.

cooks love it because of its inherent elasticity, which give it cushion and make it a natural shock absorber. This makes cork infinitely more comfortable to stand on than wood, tile, or stone

Moss Garden: A Living Carpet of Tranquility A moss garden is a serene, low-maintenance landscape feature that evokes a profound sense of calm and natural beauty. Composed of vibrant, velvety mosses that thrive in shaded, humid environments, these gardens offer a soft, carpet-like groundcover that replaces traditional lawns or gravel with rich, green texture. At Westland Design, our moss gardens are thoughtfully integrated into the overall landscape to enhance a feeling of timelessness and stillness. Whether nestled beneath the canopy of trees, edging a stone pathway, or surrounding a tranquil water feature, moss brings subtle movement and color to quiet corners of the garden. Key qualities of a moss garden include: Evergreen softness: Moss provides lush, year-round greenery that requires no mowing or fertilizing. Quiet beauty: It absorbs sound, contributing to a peaceful, contemplative environment. Natural elegance: Ideal for Japanese-style gardens or woodland settings, moss complements stone, water, and wood elements with organic harmony. A moss garden is more than a design choice—it’s an invitation to slow down, observe closely, and appreciate nature’s quiet elegance.