Photo: Shelley Zatsky Photography © 2015 Houzz
Example of an eclectic kids' room design in Boston

This second-story addition to an already 'picture perfect' Naples home presented many challenges. The main tension between adding the many 'must haves' the client wanted on their second floor, but at the same time not overwhelming the first floor. Working with David Benner of Safety Harbor Builders was key in the design and construction process – keeping the critical aesthetic elements in check. The owners were very 'detail oriented' and actively involved throughout the process. The result was adding 924 sq ft to the 1,600 sq ft home, with the addition of a large Bonus/Game Room, Guest Suite, 1-1/2 Baths and Laundry. But most importantly — the second floor is in complete harmony with the first, it looks as it was always meant to be that way. ©Energy Smart Home Plans, Safety Harbor Builders, Glenn Hettinger Photography

Based on extensive interviews with our clients, our challenges were to create an environment that was an artistic mix of traditional and clean lines. They wanted it dramatic and sophisticated. They also wanted each piece to be special and unique, as well as artsy. Because our clients were young and have an active son, they wanted their home to be comfortable and practical, as well as beautiful. The clients wanted a sophisticated and up-to-date look. They loved brown, turquoise and orange. The other challenge we faced, was to give each room its own identity while maintaining a consistent flow throughout the home. Each space shared a similar color palette and uniqueness, while the furnishings, draperies, and accessories provided individuality to each room. We incorporated comfortable and stylish furniture with artistic accents in pillows, throws, artwork and accessories. Each piece was selected to not only be unique, but to create a beautiful and sophisticated environment. We hunted the markets for all the perfect accessories and artwork that are the jewelry in this artistic living area. Some of the selections included clean moldings, walnut floors and a backsplash with mosaic glass tile. In the living room we went with a cleaner look, but used some traditional accents such as the embroidered casement fabric and the paisley fabric on the chair and pillows. A traditional bow front chest with a crackled turquoise lacquer was used in the foyer.

The challenge of this project was to design a cohesive architectural facade and a highly functional, secure, and beautiful landscape for a vibrant family with two children and a dog. The design needed to elevate the character of the two-story house while transforming the sloping outdoor terrain into an active, multi-level garden

With a challenging room shape and awkward recesses, the concept of the kitchen design was shaped for ergonomic space between the island, hob, and fridge walls, allowing ease of activity zones.

Based on extensive interviews with our clients, our challenges were to create an environment that was an artistic mix of traditional and clean lines. They wanted it dramatic and sophisticated. They also wanted each piece to be special and unique, as well as artsy. Because our clients were young and have an active son, they wanted their home to be comfortable and practical, as well as beautiful. The clients wanted a sophisticated and up-to-date look. They loved brown, turquoise and orange. The other challenge we faced, was to give each room its own identity while maintaining a consistent flow throughout the home. Each space shared a similar color palette and uniqueness, while the furnishings, draperies, and accessories provided individuality to each room. We incorporated comfortable and stylish furniture with artistic accents in pillows, throws, artwork and accessories. Each piece was selected to not only be unique, but to create a beautiful and sophisticated environment. We hunted the markets for all the perfect accessories and artwork that are the jewelry in this artistic living area. Some of the selections included clean moldings, walnut floors and a backsplash with mosaic glass tile. In the living room we went with a cleaner look, but used some traditional accents such as the embroidered casement fabric and the paisley fabric on the chair and pillows. A traditional bow front chest with a crackled turquoise lacquer was used in the foyer.

The challenge of this project was to design a cohesive architectural facade and a highly functional, secure, and beautiful landscape for a vibrant family with two children and a dog. The design needed to elevate the character of the two-story house while transforming the sloping outdoor terrain into an active, multi-level garden

The challenge of this project was to design a cohesive architectural facade and a highly functional, secure, and beautiful landscape for a vibrant family with two children and a dog. The design needed to elevate the character of the two-story house while transforming the sloping outdoor terrain into an active, multi-level garden

This Second Empire Victorian, was built with a unique, modern, open floor plan for an active young family. The challenge was to design a Transitional Victorian home, honoring the past and creating its own future story. A variety of windows, such as lancet arched, basket arched, round, and the twin half round infused whimsy and authenticity as a nod to the period. Dark blue shingles on the Mansard roof, characteristic of Second Empire Victorians, contrast the white exterior, while the quarter wrap around porch pays homage to the former home. Architect: T.J. Costello - Hierarchy Architecture + Design Photographer: Amanda Kirkpatrick

The challenge of this project was to design a cohesive architectural facade and a highly functional, secure, and beautiful landscape for a vibrant family with two children and a dog. The design needed to elevate the character of the two-story house while transforming the sloping outdoor terrain into an active, multi-level garden

Clerestory windows to bring in added light and save on wall space. Overall - single level modern home on golf course with peak-aboo mtn views. The design was an open concept with multiple sitting options. Kitchen is the hub of activity so adding an extra sitting area allows the chef to move freely while still engaging with guests in an open environment. The direction from the owner was to have lots of light and clear views of the mountains and golf course. She also wanted lots of wall space for art which was important to her. It's easy to put lots of windows in, but how do you decide which walls get windows and which get art? Regarding the lot: There’s a golf bunker near the lot so the challenge was to get up high enough, still be a single level home. We designed the home to step up from the garage to achieve views. Greg Welch Construction: http://gregwelchconstruction.com/ Interiors finishes: Legum Design: https://www.legumdesign.com/ Photo credit: Cheryl McIntosh of www.greatthingsaredone.com

Based on extensive interviews with our clients, our challenges were to create an environment that was an artistic mix of traditional and clean lines. They wanted it dramatic and sophisticated. They also wanted each piece to be special and unique, as well as artsy. Because our clients were young and have an active son, they wanted their home to be comfortable and practical, as well as beautiful. The clients wanted a sophisticated and up-to-date look. They loved brown, turquoise and orange. The other challenge we faced, was to give each room its own identity while maintaining a consistent flow throughout the home. Each space shared a similar color palette and uniqueness, while the furnishings, draperies, and accessories provided individuality to each room. We incorporated comfortable and stylish furniture with artistic accents in pillows, throws, artwork and accessories. Each piece was selected to not only be unique, but to create a beautiful and sophisticated environment. We hunted the markets for all the perfect accessories and artwork that are the jewelry in this artistic living area. Some of the selections included clean moldings, walnut floors and a backsplash with mosaic glass tile. In the living room we went with a cleaner look, but used some traditional accents such as the embroidered casement fabric and the paisley fabric on the chair and pillows. A traditional bow front chest with a crackled turquoise lacquer was used in the foyer.

Conceived more similar to a loft type space rather than a traditional single family home, the homeowner was seeking to challenge a normal arrangement of rooms in favor of spaces that are dynamic in all 3 dimensions, interact with the yard, and capture the movement of light and air. As an artist that explores the beauty of natural objects and scenes, she tasked us with creating a building that was not precious - one that explores the essence of its raw building materials and is not afraid of expressing them as finished. We designed opportunities for kinetic fixtures, many built by the homeowner, to allow flexibility and movement. The result is a building that compliments the casual artistic lifestyle of the occupant as part home, part work space, part gallery. The spaces are interactive, contemplative, and fun. More details to come. credits: design: Matthew O. Daby - m.o.daby design construction: Cellar Ridge Construction structural engineer: Darla Wall - Willamette Building Solutions photography: Erin Riddle - KLIK Concepts

When we first met with the home owners they told us that they would be going out of town for 10 days with their 3 children and they would be happy if we could finish this project within 10 days plus getting it dust free and clean before they get back. The challenge was on! 2 bathrooms, 2000 sqft of tile, a complete dining room addition, and a garage renovation! we were able to successfully complete the project just in time. The kids got so excited coming home to a new house with lots of extra room for activities, Mission complete! This is an after picture of the living room and additional dining room. check out the new LED lights as well. This room received a major face lift!

When we first met with the home owners they told us that they would be going out of town for 10 days with their 3 children and they would be happy if we could finish this project within 10 days plus getting it dust free and clean before they get back. The challenge was on! 2 bathrooms, 2000 sqft of tile, a complete dining room addition, and a garage renovation! we were able to successfully complete the project just in time. The kids got so excited coming home to a new house with lots of extra room for activities, Mission complete! This is an after picture of the living room and additional dining room. check out the new LED lights as well. This room received a major face lift!

Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four. The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area. Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove. Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen. The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher. We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash. The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall. We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

When we first met with the home owners they told us that they would be going out of town for 10 days with their 3 children and they would be happy if we could finish this project within 10 days plus getting it dust free and clean before they get back. The challenge was on! 2 bathrooms, 2000 sqft of tile, a complete dining room addition, and a garage renovation! we were able to successfully complete the project just in time. The kids got so excited coming home to a new house with lots of extra room for activities, Mission complete! This is an after picture of the living room and additional dining room. check out the new LED lights as well. This room received a major face lift!

When we first met with the home owners they told us that they would be going out of town for 10 days with their 3 children and they would be happy if we could finish this project within 10 days plus getting it dust free and clean before they get back. The challenge was on! 2 bathrooms, 2000 sqft of tile, a complete dining room addition, and a garage renovation! we were able to successfully complete the project just in time. The kids got so excited coming home to a new house with lots of extra room for activities, Mission complete! This is a before picture.

In renovating this 40-year-old North Palm Beach home, the goal was to breathe new life into the older, somewhat formal home and turn it into the perfect space for a young family. The challenge, however, was reimagining the 6,000 square foot residence without creating an imbalance between old and new. To restore the historical accuracy of the Georgian colonial, certain elements such as the scale and detailing of the front gable, as well as window and door proportions, were carefully reworked. Polished Venetian plaster and mahogany doors were selected as a nod to the grandeur of the Georgian revival aesthetic, while the playful, colorful interiors epitomize the active family who lives there. Located on a beautifully landscaped acre lot in an ocean-front golf course community, the home has been thoughtfully reimagined for today’s modern lifestyle.