IMPRESSION — Acrylic, Latex, Metallic and Tempera Paints / Paper Mache, Sand and Modeling Paste / Clear Gloss Glaze / Acrylic, India and Iridescent Inks on Canvas. 48” x 60” E-Mail For Quote Photo by SWK Digital Imagery.

Inspiration for a timeless home design remodel in Orange County

Old architecture combined with new fresh contemporary art and upholstery, Patti Allen created a great space for her long time friend’s second home. She brought fresh contemporary furniture coupled with current edgy colors to call this Asheville retreat their home. Her clients wanted to work around their love for art and special pieces they have acquired. The rooms had a great feel because of all the light coming into the room that naturally spotlighted their art to make it the focal point. They also had a lot of natural textures with the brick walls so they brought in several pieces of metal to compliment the industrial feel. The tufted sofa gave comfort and clean lines. The Vanguard chairs gave another option for upholstery in the room but keeping it in a smaller scale to fit in the room with the other pieces. The pops of yellow and turquoise highlighted the clients desire for color. They used Elite barstools with stainless steel metal that gave simplicity to show off their beautiful granite. The dining room table was by Stanley furniture and she used Century upholstered chairs to compliment the living room. The art deco chair is by Dwell Studios. The Stanton geometric rug helped ground your eye and give definition to the seating areas. The Master bedroom was by Precedent and the fabric flowed nicely with the wall coverings by Lee Jofa. The nightstands were by Vanguard and she spotlighted fuchsia with the chaise. The guest room had a wall that worked great with the American Leather sleeper sofa against the brick wall. Their art went great with it. This was a fun project for Patti because she truly enjoys working with lighter pallets, textured fabric and clean architectural lines with pops of color.

LS Interior Design Group | Selections & Finishes | Furnishings & Accessories | Sitting Area | TV Room | Master Suit | Lower Cabinets | Organization | Storage Solutions | Furnishings can be acquired through LS Interior Design Group

Each Valhalla piece is made from reclaimed teak that showcases natural imperfections in the timber – such as knots, coarse ridges and other rustic features. If left uncovered, the gray finish will gradually fade away. Once the finish fades, exposing unfinished teak to the elements, the furniture will begin to acquire the beautiful gray patina that is typical of untreated teak.

This expansive kitchen began it's journey with white wash cabinets, and straight line upper cabinets. Five of the upper cabinets were changed out to custom builds with taller and deeper replacements to match the existing style. We put glass panel doors on three of the uppers to create an area for the owner to showcase their nice pieces at the breakfast nook area. We then refinished the entire kitchen cabinets to a creamy off white. We changed out the corian island top to black granite and applied a stone veneer to the base walls of the island to give the kitchen a dramatic new look. New light fixtures, laminate flooring and wall color brought the kitchen to life with warmth and a cozy feel. Both fireplaces in the home got a makeover with stone veneer to match what was used at the kitchen island. We created a mantle with MDF molding at the family room over the existing drywall popout to give dimension and interest to the fireplace. A fresh coat of paint finished off the new look at both locations. Photgraphy Stacey Ranieri

This remodeling project acquired a new face and interpretation of the spaces by liberating the floor plan. Walls were removed to allow natural light to come into the space. This old split level home was transformed from the inside to the outside.

susan teare photography
Farmhouse home design photo in Burlington

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

I designed the open storage cabinet as a nod to the old fashioned general store display shelves. Here the chef has all the needs at arms length without encumbrances. The contrasting finish of the unit gives the feeling of a acquired piece.

The existing kitchen in this turn-of-the-century (c. 1901) home in Newton, MA was in dire need of updating when the owners acquired it for their family of four. They wanted to both enlarge it and open it up to an existing adjacent dining space that they planned to transform into a family sitting area. In the spirit of the home’s original classical columns and detailing, we introduced short Doric columns on half-walls to shape a new opening between the former dining space, now family room, and the kitchen. The white inset kitchen-cabinetry and white marble counter were chosen for both their vintage appeal and clean, contemporary palette. To further improve function a half-bath was tucked in off the family room and a 12’ x 12’ mud room was added to the back of the kitchen. Katie Hutchison Studio collaborated with designer Tara Albright Robinson of Newton, Mass. (tara282@gmail.com) on this project. Cabinetry by Kingswood Kitchens of Danbury, Conn. photo by Katie Hutchison

Eagerly awaiting retirement, a New England-based client acquired a property in a former office building in central Lisbon. Artfully refurbished by Frederico Valsassina Arquitectos, the façade is composed of geometric strata of medium-gray panels alternating with weathered vertical staves. Our studio’s brief was to furnish and equip the interior of the vacation home to converse with the architecture, so family and friends visiting Lisbon would stay in an elegant, private setting, filled with locally-made and designer items. Upon entering, a small shelf and mirror function as a welcome valet. The corridor opens to a cozy living room with lambent afternoon light let in by large sliding doors. Just outside, the balcony sports a café table and chairs set for an aperitivo. An enveloping sofa, produced in Portugal, and an organic recliner, create an intimate lounge area facing a classic, modular media cabinet. An artisan-made wool ottoman adds a beat of color; the lights speak in plump opaline glass and thin black metal rods. The glass top of the dining table fades into the space, leaving its sculptural, marine blue base; in a play of textures, the upholstery of the dining chairs coordinates elegantly with the smoked glass. Tile, oak, and stainless steel come together in a custom kitchen island, with additional counter space and convenient storage. As the interior is replete with oiled oak in the floors, baseboards, doors, and cabinetry, matching wood furniture warms the bedrooms. The vertical spindles of the beds recall the pattern of the exterior façade. Laptop work is accommodated by a small console desk with a chair clothed in burgundy. Acorn-shaped pendants, inviting bed linens and rugs, and undulating curtains, all in the warm white of the walls, form a nest for relaxation.

Beautiful character cherry cabinets with a merlot stain from Holiday Kitchens Cabinetry becomes the focal point in this lovely lake home. Atop the cabinets, Cambria's simple elegance is showcased with their Fairbourne tops in matte. The many amenities in these cabinets include pull out garbage, pull out utility rack, and an appliance garage. An entry closet was also utilized and reworked to be a spacious pantry. Kohler makes an appearance with the sink and Delta shines with it's matte black finished touchless faucet. The rest of the hardware matches this matte black finish, while Karndean's Opus vinyl tile in Weathered Elm contrasts the dark cherry of the cabinets. The backsplash & valances were acquired and installed by the homeowner. We just adore how he took leftover wood from the rest of the project to frame out his valances.

Whether you are building a new home or remodeling one, DesBuild Construction is your best bet for a job well done. With years of making folks happy in the DC Metro area we have acquired a long list of well satisfied clients.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

Whether you are building a new home or remodeling one, DesBuild Construction is your best bet for a job well done. With years of making folks happy in the DC Metro area we have acquired a long list of well satisfied clients.

The Home A family heirloom full of warm memories passed down for generations to come greets you after opening the beautiful knotty alder front door. The rear staircase and separate back entrance allows for multi-generations to share this home. The Eagles Nest is a place for all to land. The five bedroom, four bath mountain modern plan offers several areas for relaxing and entertaining. Upon entering, you are welcomed by the warmth of the beams, hickory floors and inviting fireplace. The overall environment gently whispers, “come in, sit down and relax”. The back staircase off the kitchen leads you to a private oasis. The lower level is designed to serve two purposes. It can be a separate living quarter because of its private entrance, or an extension of the house for entertaining. The open floor plan maximizes square footage for all to enjoy and partake, or for one to find their own quiet space. The Builder We build your dreams is the heartfelt motto of Murphy’s Custom Homes, and that’s because we take great pride in crafting homes that reflect the individuality of the people who live in them. With more than 35 years of experience and passion, Murphy’s Custom Homes personally crafts clients’ dream homes by combining their ideas with our expert design team, experience, the environmental elements of the land, quality construction techniques and state-of-the-art products. We are committed to our clients’ satisfaction during every step of the homebuilding process — from the development of ideas and acquiring land — until the final celebration of walking through the front door and seeing those dreams fulfilled. View a full gallery of our work at murphyscustomhomes.com or call 719-488-8818. The Interior Design Inspired by nature’s palette and a touch of modern, the Eagles Nest is a calm haven of earth tones and casual elegance. The interior is an inviting blend of subtle neutrals and pops of color, combined with metals, textures, and fine finishes, creating a transitional rustic design. Entertain guests in the large downstairs rec room with a glass of wine at the built-in bar, or take on an opponent with a game of foosball. The homeowners joined forces with Caprice King at Upstage Furniture Consignments to paint the pallet of the home. Caprice King staged the home with additional furnishings and accessories, lending the home a designer’s touch while utilizing her spatial expertise and attention to detail.

Photography by Grey Crawford
Inspiration for a rustic bedroom remodel in San Francisco

With a vision of a establishing a working farm and finding a bucolic locale for hosting their extended family, a retiring couple acquired 400 acres of gently rolling hills along the Duck River, approximately fifty miles from downtown Nashville. From there, they assembled a talented team of design professionals to reimagine the existing, historic 1800s farmhouse that sat on the property. Completed less than two years ago, the 9,000 sq.ft. home's elegant simplicity offered this family a timeless pastoral retreat - precisely what the owners had in mind. Take the tour with Huseby Homes, LLC on Houzz. http://ow.ly/9Ilj30lYe1J Featured Lighting: http://ow.ly/Zw7c30lYe4y | http://ow.ly/omJ930lYe5k | http://ow.ly/fXhr30lYe6g | http://ow.ly/qmMa30lYe7m