Built in 1768 for a Revolutionary War sea captain, this home’s storybook charm and history were preserved in 1991 when North Shore Boston interior designer Pat Finn-Marten’s brothers, Finn Brothers Construction were planning a subdivision in Beverly Farms, MA. At that time, the house stood right where they needed to build a road for their cul-de-sac development. So, they moved it up the hill about 300 feet. When Pat stopped by to see how things were progressing with the development she saw it as the perfect future home for her and Martens. They were married in a nearby church and had the wedding reception at their house. Over a period of time, Pat took on the task, which was really a labor of love, renovating the house and fitting it with modern day amenities including a gut renovation and new kitchen. Finn-Martens is a master interior designer at blending the old with the new and the home portrays unique details that give it a fresh, modern appeal while acknowledging its history and grace.

A fresh interesting trend on pastel which emerge recently in interior design scene was originally rised during peak Hollywood era in the 60s and overdose in the 80s. However, it only recent where some our client in Malaysia, like the one in Tasek Nova acknowledge this theme in their new home. Curated by Yenny, the focal point of the house is the kitchen, where our designer Kai Shi applies pastel color palette in pale blue and pink, becoming the main feature of this interior.

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgement as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design. Landscape Architect Design Workshop, Aspen, CO Architect Poss Architecture, Aspen, CO Landscape Contractor Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO Stone Supplier/Installer Gallegos Corporation, Wolcott, CO Stone Quarry Arkins Park Stone, Loveland, CO Within walled boundaries, Woody Creek Garden embraces its high alpine environment through explorations of stone and water that serve as unifying elements of form in the design of the various outdoor spaces. Through striking and distinctively detailed stonework, water is portrayed in its various states and forms – atmospheric mist, single rivulets, cascades, and still pools. Two courtyards interlink the residence allowing each room to enjoy the visual landscape. In the entrance courtyard, the sound from a carved 24”x 24” cut-granite fountain reverberates throughout the walled space. Placed for gathering and quiet contemplation, a pin-wheel arrangement of sculptural, granite slabs provide a honed surface for sitting while providing year-round interest. Each stone was individually specified with intentionally spaced core fractures, utilizing the extraction method to serve as sculpted details. Large sandstone pavers, set in sand and cut in an irregular, but geometric fashion bring a sense of modernity to the space. Throughout the property, stone detailing seek to heighten one’s experience of the landscape and views. Upon the home’s entry, an 18” rectilinear cut in the freestanding stone wall frames a distant peak, creating a singular reference to the outside world in this encased space. Emerging from the center of an organically-shaped carved sandstone slab, water is carried along a narrow 2” runnel sandstone cap, disappearing into the framed horizon. This glimpse to the west is the only opening in the tightly enclosed courtyard. From its opposite aspect, the feature creates a welcoming gesture at the home’s front entrance. The slender rivulet of water trickles from the sandstone slab above onto a honed granite plane, set within a sandstone terrace In contrast, a second promontory courtyard commands a strong presence over its alpine setting, leaving the steeply sloping site undisturbed. A 12’x 40’ reflecting pool – a thin sheet of water over honed black granite – captures the form and silence of the everchanging natural environment on its taut surface. Along its edge, water flows over a ½” radius edge, disappearing into a recirculating slot. Commissioned by Italian artist Bruno Romeda, a bronze sculpture rests upon an elevated granite plinth. Along its western edge, designers crafted a two-tiered, infinity edge detail. In the first vertical drop, water flows between the pool and perimeter stone walls, landing onto an intermediate bench, while the second drop introduces a chamfered edge, allowing water to embrace the vertical relief without splashing. Sandstone terraces provide continuous access to the various landscape features of the garden. At the base of the battered perimeter walls, a sandstone path leads to a fire pit, encircled by lichen-covered boulders. Along the courtyard’s eastern perimeter, water appears to emerge from the hillside, fracturing and falling against the irregular vertical stone wall, melting in a curtain-like formation behind the spa. The colors, distinctive detailing and striking stonework were selected based on their appropriateness to the context. From above, a rectilinear pool lies behind the wall, silently mirroring the sky above and offering no ostensible connection to the structure or to its source.

Internationally Acknowledged Interior Designers & Decorators
Mid-sized trendy guest light wood floor and beige floor bedroom photo in Atlanta with white walls and no fireplace

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a homeowner in possession of a leaking roof must be in want of repairs. And though it makes for a fun Jane Austen allusion, an unreliable roof is a serious problem. Water can cause a great deal of damage in a short time, so this homeowner wisely called us in to help. The roof of this custom-designed home was leaking in myriad locations, so our team removed the existing roof decks to access and repair the exterior trouble spots. The new deck was constructed atop a Bison pedestal system; in fact, we custom-designed the deck in panels that can be lifted for seasonal roof sweeping and simpler maintenance. The various roof decks were rebuilt with both reclaimed decking and new ipe decking. Our team also removed several faulty parapet walls and replaced them with a mixture of stainless steel cables and ipe railings. Finally, we took steps to prevent future drainage problems by applying a sealcoat to the exterior stucco and creating a copper drip-edge too. Leaking roofs are no laughing matter, but thanks to Houseplay, this story — like Austen’s Pride and Prejudice — had a happy ending. Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

WOODLAND, WILD FEEL BALANCES CONTEMPORARY LINES FOR HOME OFFICE VIEWS AND IMMERSIVE ALL YEAR ROUND INTEREST
Photo of a modern landscaping in London.

The term “forever home” is often used to describe a house that portends to meet all of one’s current and future needs. Attaining such a residence often entails moving from one’s current home, leaving behind years of memories. We had the satisfaction of collaborating with a client to make their existing home into their forever home with smart adaptations that will allow them to age in place…in the house and neighborhood they love. The site is challenging in that the front of the home is perched atop a steep incline, and the home is primarily entered via a more accessible alley in the back. Thus, the home has two “fronts.” The existing low-slung ranch/bungalow had suited this couple for many years. However, newly retired with more free time, the couple sought to create a more gracious home to enjoy entertaining indoors and out, hosting guests for extended stays, and exploring their artistic sides in a proper studio space. A successful project would be a home filled with natural light that allowed them to age in place. A “happy house.” Inspiration for the design was found in the owners’ love of 1920s Arts & Crafts bungalows and bright colors. The existing home provided design cues, such as a porch with stucco columns and shallow arches that had been concealed by a previous renovation. Building upon that, we proposed to reconfigure the roof into a cross-gable to maximize interior space on the second floor while increasing the home’s contextuality with neighboring ones. A new primary bedroom suite with bathroom, his and hers closets, and a dressing room for the lady of the house were created. To maximizing versatility, the dressing room can also be utilized as a guest room. The balance of the second floor includes a hall bathroom and large office, gallery walls to display artwork, storage areas, and even some private meditation spaces with doors hidden behind bookcases. A first-floor addition expanded the casual dining room into the rear garden and created a new art studio. To imbue the middle of the house with light, skylights were introduced over the existing stair; new screened stairwells, inspired by the work of Louis Sullivan, filter the natural light. Acknowledging practical issues of aging in place, all openings were designed to allow easy passage by a wheelchair, and bathroom accommodations include grab bars and roll-in showers. Additionally, a small first floor bathroom was expanded and, along with an adjacent bedroom, will allow for single floor living if necessary. Exterior detailing was again influenced by the Arts & Crafts tradition: deep overhangs, brackets, and tapered columns. New cedar shingles were installed, the original porch restored, and the low arch motif was re-introduced into the design. A new garden of native plantings with an outdoor room anchors the house in the landscape. While one never truly know what the future holds, creating their “forever home” gives the inhabitants peace of mind that they can live in this place that brings them joy and gives them comfort now and, in the days, to come.

Internationally Acknowledged Interior Designers & Decorators
Inspiration for a modern bathroom remodel in Atlanta

Example of a transitional home design design in Providence

Installed a new Unilock Camelot walkway and granite lamp post. I also want to acknowledge the replacement precast steps that the home owner had installed with real stone veneer. Nice job Flagg-Palmer Precast. Your steps pair well with the walk.

Internationally Acknowledged Interior Designers & Decorators
Bathroom - modern bathroom idea in Atlanta

Hi Lindsay, I’m excited to share my vision for your office space. My goal was to create a moody, trendy, and classy space that aligns with your style and needs. The color palette in this design features a neutral base as the foundation, with black walls and accents of brown, cream, rust, and gold for depth and character. Key furniture pieces include the burlwood desk with a chunky base to help hide cords, and a modern black bookcase chosen for it’s style and functionality. Lighting will balance ambiance and practicality, with funky brass wall sconces and a small shelf lamp on the bookcase. To complete the look, I’ve selected chairs that are funky and modern and that can be shopped in person, as well as a gallery wall of portraits per your request. The layout and thoughtfully chosen furniture pieces ensure clear flow and maximized functionality in your small office space. I also wanted to acknowledge your comments about possibly adding decorative molding. Yes, peel and stick molding does exist however, will all the other pieces you requested, you can see that the room filled up fast and it doesn’t feel like anything is lacking. However, if you still want to see what molding will look like, I’d be happy to add that for you in the revision process!

Saturday May 16, 10:30am to 12:00pm | Saratoga Blackwell Hillside Garden by Rebecca Dye and Hank Helbush of Design Focus International Register: https://tclf.org/event/garden-dialogues-northern-california-2015 Each detail of this spectacular Saratoga landscape was considered with its hillside site in mind, from the size of the pool to the choice of antique stone masonry. Working closely with the owner, the landscape architects created a series of intimate garden spaces on three terraces. At the top of the site, entertainment is the name of the game where a bocce ball court and a fire pit take advantage of the site’s commanding views of the Santa Clara Valley. Below the house, a jewel-like pool captures the eye, with its intricate glass-tile and bronze water jets. At its end, a seating area and fireplace are shaded by an arbor covered with climbing roses, adding both fragrance and hue. Visitors descend a series of terraced stone stairs set into the hillside, punctuated by raised beds of strawberries, lavender, artichokes, and citrus. A formal parterre flower garden on the terrace is replanted periodically with colorful blooms in acknowledgment of the changing seasons. Photos by Lauren Devon

Internationally Acknowledged Interior Designers & Decorators
Mid-sized trendy single-wall light wood floor and gray floor seated home bar photo in Atlanta with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, black cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash and glass tile backsplash

The massive legs on this island provide a feeling of strength that acknowledges the size of this room those that join it. Every part was hand stained and distressed by experienced custom wood craftsmen at Banner's Cabinets, including the bead-board backing in the open display section.

Internationally Acknowledged Interior Designers & Decorators
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Atlanta with beige walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

There is special goodness woven into our Bali Rope Hammock, because purchasing it helps those in need. It's been handwoven by artisans living in rural Thailand, creating jobs to support their families. When you buy one, you help lift people out of poverty. Each hammock is also signed by the artisan who created it, as an acknowledgment of their craftsmanship and pride. The soft, beautifully colored hand-dyed cotton sets an island mood for your garden or yard. Comes packed inside a tote, with a "Hammocks 101Z" brochure of hanging instructions. Hammock should be taken in when it rains. Can hold up to 400 lbs. Stand sold separately.

September, Date and Time TBD | Saratoga Blackwell Hillside Garden by Rebecca Dye and Hank Helbush of Design Focus International Each detail of this spectacular Saratoga landscape was considered with its hillside site in mind, from the size of the pool to the choice of antique stone masonry. Working closely with the owner, the landscape architects created a series of intimate garden spaces on three terraces. At the top of the site, entertainment is the name of the game where a bocce ball court and a fire pit take advantage of the site’s commanding views of the Santa Clara Valley. Below the house, a jewel-like pool captures the eye, with its intricate glass-tile and bronze water jets. At its end, a seating area and fireplace are shaded by an arbor covered with climbing roses, adding both fragrance and hue. Visitors descend a series of terraced stone stairs set into the hillside, punctuated by raised beds of strawberries, lavender, artichokes, and citrus. A formal parterre flower garden on the terrace is replanted periodically with colorful blooms in acknowledgment of the changing seasons. Photo by Lauren Devon

Internationally Acknowledged Interior Designers & Decorators
Inspiration for a large eclectic guest carpeted and gray floor bedroom remodel in Atlanta with pink walls and no fireplace