Search results for "Actively engaging" in Home Design Ideas

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

The sunroom addition doubles up as a bright and open home office workspace. 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.
The sunroom is accompanied by an adjacent deck, shown in other pictures. Check them out.

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
Find the right local pro for your project

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.

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.

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.

There are not many things better than a room full of your favourite people. As you gather you smell dinner cooking in the kitchen and music playing in the background, as joyful conversation and laughter fill the room. I feel so grateful that we are inching our way back to these days. How about you?
The project I’m sharing with you today has beautiful moments like these at its heart. Spaces that invite people in, foster connection, and make everyday living so simple that it’s impossible not to enjoy...
Meet our Delightful Clients:
The family behind this 1950s North Vancouver home transformation enjoy entertaining friends just as much as cosying up to watch a movie together. A professional couple (I'll call them Jon and Anna) with two elementary school-aged sons, Anna and Jon approached us with the task of furnishing the main floor living spaces and the basement of their family home.
Anna is a busy lawyer who is now working almost full time from home, and Jon works in the film industry. With full careers, two active boys, and a love of gathering, they craved a home that could support their everyday lifestyle.
Design and Lifestyle Goals:
Our central goal for this project was simple: to uncover the hidden potential in their home and create a family-friendly space that functioned well and flowed seamlessly.
On the main floor, our clients tasked us with creating an area for the family to relax and entertain, along with crafting a work and play space for the boys. They also dreamed of a more functional and bright basement, which they envisioned as a dual purpose family room and home office for Anna.
Reveal: Comfortable and Welcoming Entryway & Living Room:
Imagine you are coming home, and you walk through a bright, sunny front door like this one. You are met by this entryway of calming earth and sea tones, paired with warm, natural wood flooring. You feel instantly welcomed and eager to venture further inside... The same is now true for our clients!
The simple details in their entryway are thoughtfully arranged with clean lines and colourful art as the focal point, achieving a timeless and friendly aesthetic. Dried wheat brings movement into the space and plays up the beauty of nature, while the vibrant yet warm colours and textures evoke feelings of comfort and homecoming.
The entry flows seamlessly into this connected living area, which is adorned with ample seating strategically arranged to host and accommodate joyful conversations. With the fireplace and wood mantel as the focal point, these natural elements and hues warm up the room to make it feel beautifully lived-in (not like an untouchable museum).
Another colourful work of art graces the space above Jon’s and Anna’s sofa, and we used decorative pillows and a throw blanket to tempt those colours into the rest of the room. A simply styled coffee table keeps the space feeling open and engaged. Reading material, anyone?
Just beyond this living area, you get a glimpse of the second space our clients requested on their main floor...
A Collected Space for Children to Work + Play:
When Jon and Anna realised that their formal dining area wasn’t being used to its full potential, they imagined creating a work and play space for their boys instead. We came up with a plan to create a shared desk area with plentiful storage.
This timeless natural wood desk was the perfect way to maximise surface area and give the boys plenty of space to do homework during the school year, or spend time crafting or building LEGOs during the summers. The drawers provide storage for all the wonderful items that fuel their productivity or creativity. Or both.
I also love how the white floating shelves display a collection of nostalgic toys, providing just the right amount of childhood endearment to this sophisticated and functional space. This workspace now has endless possibilities for the boys, and it helps Jon and Anna keep their minds and spaces clear, too. Which brings us to...
Basement Family Room & Home Office:
In general, we knew we had to maximise surface area in this ‘50s home, and this was especially true for our clients’ basement. I’m happy to say that we designed an effortlessly comfortable space that focuses on family and makes it simple to settle in and work… or leave the workday behind.
Welcome to this dual-function office and family room. Toward the back of the room, we strategically positioned Anna’s wraparound desk facing out into the room and gave her a wallpaper-and-art backdrop for stunning Zoom calls (she has already received glowing compliments). There is plenty of storage for easy organization including a space to store the family’s shared printer near the door… so they don’t have to interrupt “Mom” to get to it.
Anna also wanted the freedom to be able to relax in this space with her family and turn her back on the work day — quite literally! The sofa is perfectly positioned backing onto the desk allowing her to do just that.
We relocated an existing mustard yellow chair and used pops of the same colour to integrate it into the overall scheme. The wood armrests on this modular sectional provide surfaces for snacks and drinks where there was no room for an end table. The walnut finish carries the theme of natural comfort from the upstairs spaces down into the family room.
The view from the sectional is less business and more pleasure, featuring cosy seating and throw pillows in cheerful colours and patterns.
The highlight of this space? A wallpapered accent wall where we were able to achieve the high-end feel of custom built-in shelving with a simple IKEA hack. The shelves and cabinetry around the television offer plenty of much needed storage space to house family games and movies at a budget price point.
This fun room is the perfect balance of work and play, accommodating and supporting our clients’ daily family adventures.
What Our Clients Had to Say...
Our clients could not be happier with their warm yet functional new rooms. With thoughtful consideration and a plan of action, we were able to transform two areas of their home into spaces that function well and feel good. In fact, they had this to say:
“Lori and her team were everything we were looking for: great listeners, wonderfully creative and highly professional. We couldn't be happier with our interior makeover.” — Clients
That is why we do what we do. If you're ready to start your redesign project, we would love to help. Reach out to us here, and let's get to know more about each other.

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.

Kitchen materials: Quartz slab countertop
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

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.

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.

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.

A beautiful match for the granite countertops, the split face stone backsplash, in combination with the ambient cabinet underlighting, creates dynamic, engaging shadows that truly activate the space.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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