Search results for "Actively engaging" in Home Design Ideas

Our socially engaged, active client transplanted from the East Coast found a charming older home in Minneapolis that provided a home base in a new city. While the home had its charm, the dark interior didn’t provide the uplifting respite she desired. With a busy travel schedule and calendar full of after-hours social events, she was looking for a space to unwind at the end of a long day. She wanted to maximize her time at home, and a place to host friends pre-gala. We transformed an extra bedroom into a happy-hour type lounge with upholstered chairs and bar cart along with her Grandmother’s vanity and privacy screen for the ultimate pre-gala experience. In the kitchen, we replaced the dark cabinetry with open painted shelves to lighten the space and provide convenient access to her glassware, adding sparkle to the room. And perhaps most importantly, her bedroom is now a quiet, peaceful refuge with luxurious details that wrap her in warmth and relaxation.
----
Project designed by Minneapolis interior design studio LiLu Interiors. They serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area including Wayzata, Edina, and Rochester, and they travel to the far-flung destinations that their upscale clientele own second homes in.
----
For more about LiLu Interiors, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/
----
To learn more about this project, click here:
https://www.liluinteriors.com/blog/portfolio-items/deco-boutique-kitchen/

The sunroom addition doubles up as a bright and open home office workspace. The adjacent pressure treated deck space helps extend the outdoor living experience to beyond the home office or addition itself.
The large number of windows helps make the most of the bright natural light coming in, but also provides a great view of the backyard, without compromising on the backyard views. Gives a bright, airy, warm space in the winters as well as summers, to spend time in and engage in different activities without compromise.

Our socially engaged, active client transplanted from the East Coast found a charming older home in Minneapolis that provided a home base in a new city. While the home had its charm, the dark interior didn’t provide the uplifting respite she desired. With a busy travel schedule and calendar full of after-hours social events, she was looking for a space to unwind at the end of a long day. She wanted to maximize her time at home, and a place to host friends pre-gala. We transformed an extra bedroom into a happy-hour type lounge with upholstered chairs and bar cart along with her Grandmother’s vanity and privacy screen for the ultimate pre-gala experience. In the kitchen, we replaced the dark cabinetry with open painted shelves to lighten the space and provide convenient access to her glassware, adding sparkle to the room. And perhaps most importantly, her bedroom is now a quiet, peaceful refuge with luxurious details that wrap her in warmth and relaxation.
----
Project designed by Minneapolis interior design studio LiLu Interiors. They serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area including Wayzata, Edina, and Rochester, and they travel to the far-flung destinations that their upscale clientele own second homes in.
----
For more about LiLu Interiors, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/
----
To learn more about this project, click here:
https://www.liluinteriors.com/blog/portfolio-items/deco-boutique-kitchen/
Find the right local pro for your project

The Home
Nestled in Jackson Ranch, Thurston House welcomes you to experience the solace and comfort of this warm and peaceful home.
As you step past the barnwood accented exterior, you enter a refined rustic interior with a barnwood wall and century-old beams
gracing the great room. Durable, luxury, vinyl, tile flooring leads you further in, past a front office with ample sunlight. Relax as you gaze upon the Front Range, through the pines, from the great room - while a wood-burning fire crackles nearby. Continue into the spacious kitchen, complete with custom cabinets and more amazing views. An expansive walk-in pantry gives way to an oversized garage, a builder and hobbyist’s dream space. Steps away from the kitchen, the master bedroom envelops you, providing those awe-inspiring views, while balancing privacy in the pines.
Whether you seek to entertain or to escape, the downstairs of Thurston House delivers. The stairs open to a lounge, complete with a
wood-burning fireplace and abundant screen space, while a wet bar is tucked away for close conversation. Additional bedrooms offer
comfort and privacy for overnight guests. A home gym leads to the privacy of your backyard among the pines, with mountain views to
motivate you.
The Builder
Custom Design Builders (CDB) provides a relational partnership aimed at building the home that exists in your mind. Founder and president, Ben Woody, draws on the practical creativity of his nearly 30 years of construction experience, along with the safety consciousness he acquired as a firefighter. Ben is skillful at building according to your desires, incorporating a thoughtful design that balances safety and functionality in a dynamic process. CDB relies on the expertise acquired from years of building partnerships with the most reliable tradesmen in the area. Our team of partners consistently delivers the highest quality products and services, which has helped drive our exponential growth via word-of-mouth referrals.
As a family-owned and operated business, CDB understands relationships. Engaging in a partnership with CDB is to take on an active role in designing and defining your project, while relying on the comfort and security that can only come from decades of experience.
The Interior Design
Thurston House brings a feeling of warmth, comfort and hospitality. Modern accents elevate your living experience by highlighting the character of century-old, hand-hewn beams and barnwood. A luxurious freestanding bathtub and Euro-style shower in the master bathroom encourage you to relax and recharge in your own spa-like retreat. Energy efficient HVAC and water systems, appliances and windows minimize your footprint. Durable flooring offers stability and longevity, and hand trowel-finished drywall with reclaimed wood accents provide a warm background for your life. The open floor plan lends itself to entertaining, and the views of the Front Range through the pines are enticing. These same spaces also feel private and individual. Whether training in the home gym for your next marathon, building your dream canoe in the garage, or relaxing while you listen to the crackle of a fire in your fireplace accented by those hand-hewn beams, Thurston House is a stunning place to call home.

This project converted a builder design with entry level finishes into an elegant entertaining space that fit the needs of an active family. Off white Omega painted cabinets with a timeless recessed panel door design set the tone for a transitional setting. Lennon granite was used to partner the cabinets with the grey tones in the large format tile splash and the warmth of the oak flooring. A window was removed from the cooking wall to simplify the space and organize the work triangle in a way that guests would know where to sit and multiple cooks could operate without a congested setting. The sink was placed on the large island to allow the cook to be able to engage with the family room and whoever sits at the stools. Products include Thermador / Viking / Wolf appliances, Omega Dynasty Lorring - Magnolia Cabinets, Amerock hardware, and American Hardwood Flooring - red oak flooring.

The Home
Nestled in Jackson Ranch, Thurston House welcomes you to experience the solace and comfort of this warm and peaceful home.
As you step past the barnwood accented exterior, you enter a refined rustic interior with a barnwood wall and century-old beams
gracing the great room. Durable, luxury, vinyl, tile flooring leads you further in, past a front office with ample sunlight. Relax as you gaze upon the Front Range, through the pines, from the great room - while a wood-burning fire crackles nearby. Continue into the spacious kitchen, complete with custom cabinets and more amazing views. An expansive walk-in pantry gives way to an oversized garage, a builder and hobbyist’s dream space. Steps away from the kitchen, the master bedroom envelops you, providing those awe-inspiring views, while balancing privacy in the pines.
Whether you seek to entertain or to escape, the downstairs of Thurston House delivers. The stairs open to a lounge, complete with a
wood-burning fireplace and abundant screen space, while a wet bar is tucked away for close conversation. Additional bedrooms offer
comfort and privacy for overnight guests. A home gym leads to the privacy of your backyard among the pines, with mountain views to
motivate you.
The Builder
Custom Design Builders (CDB) provides a relational partnership aimed at building the home that exists in your mind. Founder and president, Ben Woody, draws on the practical creativity of his nearly 30 years of construction experience, along with the safety consciousness he acquired as a firefighter. Ben is skillful at building according to your desires, incorporating a thoughtful design that balances safety and functionality in a dynamic process. CDB relies on the expertise acquired from years of building partnerships with the most reliable tradesmen in the area. Our team of partners consistently delivers the highest quality products and services, which has helped drive our exponential growth via word-of-mouth referrals.
As a family-owned and operated business, CDB understands relationships. Engaging in a partnership with CDB is to take on an active role in designing and defining your project, while relying on the comfort and security that can only come from decades of experience.
The Interior Design
Thurston House brings a feeling of warmth, comfort and hospitality. Modern accents elevate your living experience by highlighting the character of century-old, hand-hewn beams and barnwood. A luxurious freestanding bathtub and Euro-style shower in the master bathroom encourage you to relax and recharge in your own spa-like retreat. Energy efficient HVAC and water systems, appliances and windows minimize your footprint. Durable flooring offers stability and longevity, and hand trowel-finished drywall with reclaimed wood accents provide a warm background for your life. The open floor plan lends itself to entertaining, and the views of the Front Range through the pines are enticing. These same spaces also feel private and individual. Whether training in the home gym for your next marathon, building your dream canoe in the garage, or relaxing while you listen to the crackle of a fire in your fireplace accented by those hand-hewn beams, Thurston House is a stunning place to call home.

In this refined yet playful home for a family of six, every room invites connection, creativity, and daily living, with thoughtfully integrated spaces for building, gathering, and everyday living.
A playful children’s space defined by bold color and imaginative detail. A vibrant table and chairs sit against whimsical, graphic wallpaper, creating an engaging setting for creativity, learning, and everyday play.

This project involved the construction of a large circular deck at a confidential federal headquarters, designed to enhance employee wellness and outdoor engagement. The deck functions as a relaxing park-like space where employees can step outside, walk, and enjoy a break in a natural setting.
A second large circular walking deck was also constructed to encourage movement throughout the workday, providing a functional and inviting space for daily activity. Together, these outdoor elements support well-being while maintaining discretion and simplicity appropriate for a federal facility.

The Home
Nestled in Jackson Ranch, Thurston House welcomes you to experience the solace and comfort of this warm and peaceful home.
As you step past the barnwood accented exterior, you enter a refined rustic interior with a barnwood wall and century-old beams
gracing the great room. Durable, luxury, vinyl, tile flooring leads you further in, past a front office with ample sunlight. Relax as you gaze upon the Front Range, through the pines, from the great room - while a wood-burning fire crackles nearby. Continue into the spacious kitchen, complete with custom cabinets and more amazing views. An expansive walk-in pantry gives way to an oversized garage, a builder and hobbyist’s dream space. Steps away from the kitchen, the master bedroom envelops you, providing those awe-inspiring views, while balancing privacy in the pines.
Whether you seek to entertain or to escape, the downstairs of Thurston House delivers. The stairs open to a lounge, complete with a
wood-burning fireplace and abundant screen space, while a wet bar is tucked away for close conversation. Additional bedrooms offer
comfort and privacy for overnight guests. A home gym leads to the privacy of your backyard among the pines, with mountain views to
motivate you.
The Builder
Custom Design Builders (CDB) provides a relational partnership aimed at building the home that exists in your mind. Founder and president, Ben Woody, draws on the practical creativity of his nearly 30 years of construction experience, along with the safety consciousness he acquired as a firefighter. Ben is skillful at building according to your desires, incorporating a thoughtful design that balances safety and functionality in a dynamic process. CDB relies on the expertise acquired from years of building partnerships with the most reliable tradesmen in the area. Our team of partners consistently delivers the highest quality products and services, which has helped drive our exponential growth via word-of-mouth referrals.
As a family-owned and operated business, CDB understands relationships. Engaging in a partnership with CDB is to take on an active role in designing and defining your project, while relying on the comfort and security that can only come from decades of experience.
The Interior Design
Thurston House brings a feeling of warmth, comfort and hospitality. Modern accents elevate your living experience by highlighting the character of century-old, hand-hewn beams and barnwood. A luxurious freestanding bathtub and Euro-style shower in the master bathroom encourage you to relax and recharge in your own spa-like retreat. Energy efficient HVAC and water systems, appliances and windows minimize your footprint. Durable flooring offers stability and longevity, and hand trowel-finished drywall with reclaimed wood accents provide a warm background for your life. The open floor plan lends itself to entertaining, and the views of the Front Range through the pines are enticing. These same spaces also feel private and individual. Whether training in the home gym for your next marathon, building your dream canoe in the garage, or relaxing while you listen to the crackle of a fire in your fireplace accented by those hand-hewn beams, Thurston House is a stunning place to call home.

The Home
Nestled in Jackson Ranch, Thurston House welcomes you to experience the solace and comfort of this warm and peaceful home.
As you step past the barnwood accented exterior, you enter a refined rustic interior with a barnwood wall and century-old beams
gracing the great room. Durable, luxury, vinyl, tile flooring leads you further in, past a front office with ample sunlight. Relax as you gaze upon the Front Range, through the pines, from the great room - while a wood-burning fire crackles nearby. Continue into the spacious kitchen, complete with custom cabinets and more amazing views. An expansive walk-in pantry gives way to an oversized garage, a builder and hobbyist’s dream space. Steps away from the kitchen, the master bedroom envelops you, providing those awe-inspiring views, while balancing privacy in the pines.
Whether you seek to entertain or to escape, the downstairs of Thurston House delivers. The stairs open to a lounge, complete with a
wood-burning fireplace and abundant screen space, while a wet bar is tucked away for close conversation. Additional bedrooms offer
comfort and privacy for overnight guests. A home gym leads to the privacy of your backyard among the pines, with mountain views to
motivate you.
The Builder
Custom Design Builders (CDB) provides a relational partnership aimed at building the home that exists in your mind. Founder and president, Ben Woody, draws on the practical creativity of his nearly 30 years of construction experience, along with the safety consciousness he acquired as a firefighter. Ben is skillful at building according to your desires, incorporating a thoughtful design that balances safety and functionality in a dynamic process. CDB relies on the expertise acquired from years of building partnerships with the most reliable tradesmen in the area. Our team of partners consistently delivers the highest quality products and services, which has helped drive our exponential growth via word-of-mouth referrals.
As a family-owned and operated business, CDB understands relationships. Engaging in a partnership with CDB is to take on an active role in designing and defining your project, while relying on the comfort and security that can only come from decades of experience.
The Interior Design
Thurston House brings a feeling of warmth, comfort and hospitality. Modern accents elevate your living experience by highlighting the character of century-old, hand-hewn beams and barnwood. A luxurious freestanding bathtub and Euro-style shower in the master bathroom encourage you to relax and recharge in your own spa-like retreat. Energy efficient HVAC and water systems, appliances and windows minimize your footprint. Durable flooring offers stability and longevity, and hand trowel-finished drywall with reclaimed wood accents provide a warm background for your life. The open floor plan lends itself to entertaining, and the views of the Front Range through the pines are enticing. These same spaces also feel private and individual. Whether training in the home gym for your next marathon, building your dream canoe in the garage, or relaxing while you listen to the crackle of a fire in your fireplace accented by those hand-hewn beams, Thurston House is a stunning place to call home.

The Home
Nestled in Jackson Ranch, Thurston House welcomes you to experience the solace and comfort of this warm and peaceful home.
As you step past the barnwood accented exterior, you enter a refined rustic interior with a barnwood wall and century-old beams
gracing the great room. Durable, luxury, vinyl, tile flooring leads you further in, past a front office with ample sunlight. Relax as you gaze upon the Front Range, through the pines, from the great room - while a wood-burning fire crackles nearby. Continue into the spacious kitchen, complete with custom cabinets and more amazing views. An expansive walk-in pantry gives way to an oversized garage, a builder and hobbyist’s dream space. Steps away from the kitchen, the master bedroom envelops you, providing those awe-inspiring views, while balancing privacy in the pines.
Whether you seek to entertain or to escape, the downstairs of Thurston House delivers. The stairs open to a lounge, complete with a
wood-burning fireplace and abundant screen space, while a wet bar is tucked away for close conversation. Additional bedrooms offer
comfort and privacy for overnight guests. A home gym leads to the privacy of your backyard among the pines, with mountain views to
motivate you.
The Builder
Custom Design Builders (CDB) provides a relational partnership aimed at building the home that exists in your mind. Founder and president, Ben Woody, draws on the practical creativity of his nearly 30 years of construction experience, along with the safety consciousness he acquired as a firefighter. Ben is skillful at building according to your desires, incorporating a thoughtful design that balances safety and functionality in a dynamic process. CDB relies on the expertise acquired from years of building partnerships with the most reliable tradesmen in the area. Our team of partners consistently delivers the highest quality products and services, which has helped drive our exponential growth via word-of-mouth referrals.
As a family-owned and operated business, CDB understands relationships. Engaging in a partnership with CDB is to take on an active role in designing and defining your project, while relying on the comfort and security that can only come from decades of experience.
The Interior Design
Thurston House brings a feeling of warmth, comfort and hospitality. Modern accents elevate your living experience by highlighting the character of century-old, hand-hewn beams and barnwood. A luxurious freestanding bathtub and Euro-style shower in the master bathroom encourage you to relax and recharge in your own spa-like retreat. Energy efficient HVAC and water systems, appliances and windows minimize your footprint. Durable flooring offers stability and longevity, and hand trowel-finished drywall with reclaimed wood accents provide a warm background for your life. The open floor plan lends itself to entertaining, and the views of the Front Range through the pines are enticing. These same spaces also feel private and individual. Whether training in the home gym for your next marathon, building your dream canoe in the garage, or relaxing while you listen to the crackle of a fire in your fireplace accented by those hand-hewn beams, Thurston House is a stunning place to call home.

Serving as a winter retreat for a family of world travelers, a thoughtfully composed program of calm, comforting spaces imbuing casual elegance is presented effortlessly in the landscape. Oriented around a central grand oak and its adjacent loblolly pine, the home wraps around them, celebrating the engagement of nature while maintaining privacy from neighboring homes. Working within height restrictions intended to keep massing as low to the ground as possible, we moved the ground plane up and the expression down to present an appearance of a home that lives low. Calculated plays on scale and proportion intentionally have different effects from different vantage points, ensuring the viewer perceives the architecture as humanly scaled from each important introduction to the home. Ascending a landscape stair that winds around the central oak and extends into the entry vitrine sitting at base flood, the entry foyer operates at two scales as limestone stairs matching the exterior ascend between walls passing portals that reveal limited views of activity within.
2022 Design + Service Awards Jury Citation for Residential New Construction, AIA Charleston

This home remodel for a young family with toddlers focused on creating a modern, open-concept design with a neutral color palette. The interior features a spacious layout for easy movement, ample natural light, and sleek, minimalist finishes. Outside, we designed a safe, engaging space with a play area, garden, and comfortable seating, all tailored to support an active family lifestyle. Safety and functionality were prioritized with child-proofing, eco-friendly materials, and smart storage solutions, creating a beautiful, family-friendly environment that grows with the family.

This home remodel for a young family with toddlers focused on creating a modern, open-concept design with a neutral color palette. The interior features a spacious layout for easy movement, ample natural light, and sleek, minimalist finishes. Outside, we designed a safe, engaging space with a play area, garden, and comfortable seating, all tailored to support an active family lifestyle. Safety and functionality were prioritized with child-proofing, eco-friendly materials, and smart storage solutions, creating a beautiful, family-friendly environment that grows with the family.

Here's what our client had to say about this project which is taken from our review page:
All Square has completed Phase 1 of an expected 3 phase whole house renovation of our lake home, and we are beyond thrilled with the results. We were demanding clients – my husband is an engineer by education and a program manager by profession, so he is very detailed, exacting and demanding. We solicited bids from 3 other general contractors before engaging All Square, but Micah Purvis won our confidence that he and his team could make our dream a reality. Micah is a master communicator, clear, detailed and pro-active in his approach to problems.
We were very happy with all the All Square employees who worked on our job – Daniel and Austin were great and a pleasure to have around – but most especially Justin Solomon, truly a jack of all trades. If there is something Justin can’t do or a skill he doesn’t possess, we aren’t aware of it. Justin was as reliable as the sun, here first thing every morning, troubleshooting problems, dealing with all the sub-contractors and making invaluable structural and design suggestions that made the finished product all the better. I honestly miss having Justin around and our dogs miss him too!
It is obvious that All Square has worked hard to identify and nurture relationships with quality tradesmen and a few of them really stand out for their superior work – Mike (stonemason), Jeremiah Cook (painter) and Michael Stewart (electrician).
When we are ready to begin Phase 2 of the renovation, there is no doubt that we will call Micah and All Square to do the work. We are so happy with our renovation and grateful that we made the right decision to entrust our forever home to All Square.

Avid entertainers who often host dinner parties and family events, want to go beyond simply having a functional and entertaining kitchen. The clients wish to give it a striking presence that encourages guests to gather and converse with one another. In consideration of this, the designer chose a warm neutral colour palette with darker tones to create an inviting and engaging environment.
The stainless-steel hood and upper cabinetry on the expanse of one wall highlights the activity within
the area and calls people to come together and cook. This detail becomes a bold accent within the space as the stainless steel is carried down onto the first set of drawers and on the appliances. The use of this industrial finish entices visitors to enter the kitchen.

All wrapped up with our projects over here in Sausalito. Another great collaboration with @apartment46 and her stellar eye for bringing various components together in harmony.
The barn door was a special challenge; our client wanted to be able to lock the door that leads to the master bedroom upstairs. We used a pocket door lock by cavilock- the CL400, which uses a magnetically activated catch and plunger system for the lock. You can hear it in the video. Such a satisfying “click”. I built the jamb for the barn door to slide into, and for the lock to engage with. Sort of a unique setup for a barn door.
@gregdlaird built the door, the shelves, and the lower cabinet. The shelves have L.E.D. Strip lights mounted in a housing, routed into the bottom of each shelf, flush. They operate by a dimmer switch on right alcove wall.
The bronze screens in the doors are the same we used on a previous project. I think they really complement the walnut on these cabinets.
Finally, I built the mantle from 16/4 solid black walnut. Our client made a very special and sentimental request for 3 stars to be inlaid into the mantle top. It was a chance for me to do a little finer bit of woodworking that seems more rare these days in our work. We chose Osage Orange for the wood inlay. In time, the bright yellow color of that wood will richen to a beautiful amber color. It was a real joy to do such a special, personal bit of work for a great client.

With a young child who is still very active and curious about exploring the world, the couple wanted a room that engaged his senses. To do so, Clifton opted for a slide-and-bed combination set from Lifetime, which allows the child to enjoy the thrills of a playground, but at the safety of his home. Peek below the bed and you will find a space-saving storage unit, which trains the child to organize his books ad toys. Lamitak covering is also used for the wardrobes, especially with the child likely to spend a lot of time playing in his room.

Our clients engaged Morpurgo Architects to create an area for social gatherings and a kitchen for gourmet cooking. The exterior river rock wall became a signature element in the expanded two-story space. The kitchen is furnished with professional-quality equipment; its two islands, one of which is clad in white Carrara marble, are used for family baking activities.
Above the kitchen area, a vaulted loft connected to the master bedroom provides space for sewing and crafts projects. The music room/library was designed to accommodate this talented family.
The addition to the Dutch Colonial stone house echoes the original profiles and details and is seamlessly integrated with the existing architecture.

The sunroom addition doubles up as a bright and open home office workspace. The adjacent pressure treated deck space helps extend the outdoor living experience to beyond the home office or addition itself.
The large number of windows helps make the most of the bright natural light coming in, but also provides a great view of the backyard, without compromising on the backyard views. Gives a bright, airy, warm space in the winters as well as summers, to spend time in and engage in different activities without compromise.
13