The update of this 2,200 square foot Upper East Side residence, transformed the former home and art studio of Laurent de Brunhoff of Babar fame, into a comfortable family residence for a young couple and their three children. The addition of a bedroom, laundry room and the conversion of studio and library spaces into communal family space are central to the architectural renovation. The interior design includes an Alvar Aalto-esque column cover, concealing existing utilities and nodding to the apartment’s storied history, with its resemblance to an elephant’s ear. New coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, doors, interior fixtures and furnishings respond to the needs and taste of a modern family while preserving the historical elegance of the 1912 building.

An established family with two growing children, the Meirs, wanted to design spaces that could give their children more independence within their home. Triforce, in collaboration with C9Design Inc., was commissioned to reimagine and transform their entire home. A significant part of the renovation was the conversion of the attic space above the garage into a stunning independent apartment for their son. This new space was meticulously designed to include a custom three-piece bathroom and a walk-in closet, providing their son with a perfect balance of comfort and autonomy. Meanwhile, their daughter was given a separate bedroom, complete with an ensuite bathroom and a private living area. This gave her a personal space tailored to her needs, fostering her independence while still maintaining the warmth and comfort of home. In addition, a comprehensive basement renovation was undertaken. This included the addition of a stylish wet bar, a custom built-in fireplace wall, a bathroom, an office, and an extra bedroom. The basement became an entertainment hub, perfect for family gatherings and social events. The crowning jewel of the renovation was the transformation of their family room into a spectacular great room with vaulted ceilings, injecting a sense of grandeur and openness into the home. The Meir family were thrilled with the outcome. Their home had been transformed into a magazine-worthy showpiece, but more importantly, it had been thoughtfully redesigned to cater to their evolving family needs, providing a space of comfort, independence, and style.

Initially designed as a bachelor's Sonoma weekend getaway, The Fan House features glass and steel garage-style doors that take advantage of the verdant 40-acre hilltop property. With the addition of a wife and children, the secondary residence's interiors needed to change. Ann Lowengart Interiors created a family-friendly environment while adhering to the homeowner's preference for streamlined silhouettes. In the open living-dining room, a neutral color palette and contemporary furnishings showcase the modern architecture and stunning views. A separate guest house provides a respite for visiting urban dwellers.

This house was a very small mid-century bungalow with previous additions that resulted in a large but chaotic layout. The owners wanted to convert the house to a super-efficient, and charming Craftsman-style, 6 bedroom home for their large family and work at home. We achieved the space needs by moving a few walls for a more efficient, organized layout, setting up spaces for overlapping uses, and making a small upstairs addition. Every bit of square footage was optimized to meet the goals of the project without making the house huge or adding unnecessary cost. Much thought was given to the entry sequence near the front door. A large flow-through mudroom with storage for each family member, and adjacent laundry, make it easy for children to be taught to keep their things organized and to contribute to household chores. A mail station and central home admin area at the mudroom help keep clutter down at other areas and minimize home management tasks. A garage door near the kitchen gives quick access to bulk items. The existing house had too much view to the street from the living room through large corner windows, and too little entry transition, to the extent that the family did not feel comfortable using the living room much without shades drawn. We raised the window sills and brought the new windows in from the corner of the house, allowing plenty of light while protecting privacy and a sense of enclosure in the living room. We enlarged the front porch to create a more graceful transition from the public to private space. We located the front door so that the circulation from entry into the house would allow for furnishing the living room with a sitting circle that is not intruded upon by people walking through the room. Sight lines through the living spaces were an important consideration in the design. The owners wanted discreet spaces for living room, kitchen, dining and family room, but also wanted the living spaces to feel connected and to be able to easily watch their children. Being able to see the children playing in the yard while getting things done inside the house was also important. While largely working with the existing structure, we opened walls and rearranged the use of spaces to make a series of connected living spaces with long views through them. The character of the remodeled house is a contemporary Craftsman with classic materials and cool, consistent colors. A few arches echo through the house to frame spaces and soften the feeling of the rooms. Photography: Kurt Manley https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/bungalow-expansion/

These medical doctors desired a contemporary home that considered both their young children’s needs as well as their own. The kids had to have space to play and be, well, kids, and the adults required some tranquil details that could serve as a counterweight to their high-impact careers. The crawl space was adapted into a playroom, and the deck and communal outdoor space is the perfect area to host big family get-togethers. However, the private oasis garden off the master bedroom, as well as a large soaker tub and spa-like shower in the master ensuite, could help any hard-working person unwind. Additional Instagram-worthy details include the open vaulted living area, contemporary kitchen with a large island and built-in appliances, open metal and wood staircase, and customized closets and storage. This family also loves the great outdoors. They enjoy skiing, surfing, and everything in between. Good thing their new home, with its stunning views of the ocean and mountains, serve as a daily reminder that nature is just a stone’s throw away. That said, there is still no place quite like home to retreat to after a supreme day in the sun or in the snow.

These medical doctors desired a contemporary home that considered both their young children’s needs as well as their own. The kids had to have space to play and be, well, kids, and the adults required some tranquil details that could serve as a counterweight to their high-impact careers. The crawl space was adapted into a playroom, and the deck and communal outdoor space is the perfect area to host big family get-togethers. However, the private oasis garden off the master bedroom, as well as a large soaker tub and spa-like shower in the master ensuite, could help any hard-working person unwind. Additional Instagram-worthy details include the open vaulted living area, contemporary kitchen with a large island and built-in appliances, open metal and wood staircase, and customized closets and storage. This family also loves the great outdoors. They enjoy skiing, surfing, and everything in between. Good thing their new home, with its stunning views of the ocean and mountains, serve as a daily reminder that nature is just a stone’s throw away. That said, there is still no place quite like home to retreat to after a supreme day in the sun or in the snow.

Photography: Konstrukt Photo
1960s home design photo in San Francisco

The kitchen layout remained intact, while appliances, fixtures, hardware, countertops and backsplashes were upgraded . All three bathrooms in the house were also renovated, original hardwood floors were refinished and carpet and tile flooring throughout replaced. Additionally, the dated built-in brick fireplace on the ground floor game room was redesigned. The new fireplace design would now directly tie in with the modern farmhouse style of the exterior, complete with the addition of a large wooden mantle. DTSH Interiors formulated a plan for six rooms; the living room, dining room, master bedroom, two children's bedrooms and ground floor game room, with the inclusion of the complete fireplace re-design. The interior also received major upgrades during the whole-house renovation. All of the walls and ceilings were resurfaced, the windows, doors and all interior trim was re-done. The end result was a giant leap forward for this family; in design, style and functionality. The home felt completely new and refreshed, and once fully furnished, all elements of the renovation came together seamlessly and seemed to make all of the renovations shine. During the "big reveal" moment, the day the family finally returned home for their summer away, it was difficult for me to decide who was more excited, the adults or the kids! The home owners kept saying, with a look of delighted disbelief "I can't believe this is our house!" As a designer, I absolutely loved this project, because it shows the potential of an average, older Pittsburgh area home, and how it can become a well designed and updated space. It was rewarding to be part of a project which resulted in creating an elegant and serene living space the family loves coming home to everyday, while the exterior of the home became a standout gem in the neighborhood.

The update of this 2,200 square foot Upper East Side residence, transformed the former home and art studio of Laurent de Brunhoff of Babar fame, into a comfortable family residence for a young couple and their three children. The addition of a bedroom, laundry room and the conversion of studio and library spaces into communal family space are central to the architectural renovation. The interior design includes an Alvar Aalto-esque column cover, concealing existing utilities and nodding to the apartment’s storied history, with its resemblance to an elephant’s ear. New coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, doors, interior fixtures and furnishings respond to the needs and taste of a modern family while preserving the historical elegance of the 1912 building.

The update of this 2,200 square foot Upper East Side residence, transformed the former home and art studio of Laurent de Brunhoff of Babar fame, into a comfortable family residence for a young couple and their three children. The addition of a bedroom, laundry room and the conversion of studio and library spaces into communal family space are central to the architectural renovation. The interior design includes an Alvar Aalto-esque column cover, concealing existing utilities and nodding to the apartment’s storied history, with its resemblance to an elephant’s ear. New coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, doors, interior fixtures and furnishings respond to the needs and taste of a modern family while preserving the historical elegance of the 1912 building.

When my clients recently purchased this home, this room in the basement was a playroom for the previous owner's children. Marc works from home frequently and needed a functional, organized, and quiet space to work. In addition, he and his wife, Michele wanted to be able to store a collection of photo albums. The project had a few challenges, including the height of the window, a door that swings into the room, and a water valve access panel that needed to be moved. Marc took care of the water valve acces, and we did the rest. File storage, office supply storage, adjustable shelves, adequate counter space, crown moulding, and raised panel doors and drawers, make this room both stylish and functional. Photographs by Libbie Martin

When my clients recently purchased this home, this room in the basement was a playroom for the previous owner's children. Marc works from home frequently and needed a functional, organized, and quiet space to work. In addition, he and his wife, Michele wanted to be able to store a collection of photo albums. The project had a few challenges, including the height of the window, a door that swings into the room, and a water valve access panel that needed to be moved. Marc took care of the water valve acces, and we did the rest. File storage, office supply storage, adjustable shelves, adequate counter space, crown moulding, and raised panel doors and drawers, make this room both stylish and functional. Photographs by Libbie Martin

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath. Joe Nowak

This New England home has the essence of a traditional home, yet offers a modern appeal. The home renovation and addition involved moving the kitchen to the addition, leaving the resulting space to become a formal dining and living area. The extension over the garage created an expansive open space on the first floor. The large, cleverly designed space seamlessly integrates the kitchen, a family room, and an eating area. A substantial center island made of soapstone slabs has ample space to accommodate prepping for dinner on one side, and the kids doing their homework on the other. The pull-out drawers at the end contain extra refrigerator and freezer space. Additionally, the glass backsplash tile offers a refreshing luminescence to the area. A custom designed informal dining table fills the space adjacent to the center island. Paint colors in keeping with the overall color scheme were given to the children. Their resulting artwork sits above the family computers. Chalkboard paint covers the wall opposite the kitchen area creating a drawing wall for the kids. Around the corner from this, a reclaimed door from the grandmother's home hangs in the opening to the pantry. Details such as these provide a sense of family and history to the central hub of the home. Builder: Anderson Contracting Service Interior Designer: Kristina Crestin Photographer: Jamie Salomon

This modern prairie-style home blends traditional aesthetics with contemporary geometric shapes, offering a perfect retreat for a single-family. With a spacious entertainment floor plan, it features a screened front porch and a monolithic slab base. The open-plan kitchen seamlessly connects to the living and dining areas, extending to an outdoor convention space with seating and a fireplace. Downstairs, there's a guest bed with a terrace, ideal for elderly parents or children. Upstairs, the master bedroom boasts a luxurious bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, and balcony. Additional amenities include three-car garages, multiple bathrooms, a family living space, den room, powder room, and laundry area. The box gable roof adds to its charm, making this modern house design both functional and visually appealing.

The update of this 2,200 square foot Upper East Side residence, transformed the former home and art studio of Laurent de Brunhoff of Babar fame, into a comfortable family residence for a young couple and their three children. The addition of a bedroom, laundry room and the conversion of studio and library spaces into communal family space are central to the architectural renovation. The interior design includes an Alvar Aalto-esque column cover, concealing existing utilities and nodding to the apartment’s storied history, with its resemblance to an elephant’s ear. New coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, doors, interior fixtures and furnishings respond to the needs and taste of a modern family while preserving the historical elegance of the 1912 building.

The update of this 2,200 square foot Upper East Side residence, transformed the former home and art studio of Laurent de Brunhoff of Babar fame, into a comfortable family residence for a young couple and their three children. The addition of a bedroom, laundry room and the conversion of studio and library spaces into communal family space are central to the architectural renovation. The interior design includes an Alvar Aalto-esque column cover, concealing existing utilities and nodding to the apartment’s storied history, with its resemblance to an elephant’s ear. New coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, doors, interior fixtures and furnishings respond to the needs and taste of a modern family while preserving the historical elegance of the 1912 building.

These medical doctors desired a contemporary home that considered both their young children’s needs as well as their own. The kids had to have space to play and be, well, kids, and the adults required some tranquil details that could serve as a counterweight to their high-impact careers. The crawl space was adapted into a playroom, and the deck and communal outdoor space is the perfect area to host big family get-togethers. However, the private oasis garden off the master bedroom, as well as a large soaker tub and spa-like shower in the master ensuite, could help any hard-working person unwind. Additional Instagram-worthy details include the open vaulted living area, contemporary kitchen with a large island and built-in appliances, open metal and wood staircase, and customized closets and storage. This family also loves the great outdoors. They enjoy skiing, surfing, and everything in between. Good thing their new home, with its stunning views of the ocean and mountains, serve as a daily reminder that nature is just a stone’s throw away. That said, there is still no place quite like home to retreat to after a supreme day in the sun or in the snow.

These medical doctors desired a contemporary home that considered both their young children’s needs as well as their own. The kids had to have space to play and be, well, kids, and the adults required some tranquil details that could serve as a counterweight to their high-impact careers. The crawl space was adapted into a playroom, and the deck and communal outdoor space is the perfect area to host big family get-togethers. However, the private oasis garden off the master bedroom, as well as a large soaker tub and spa-like shower in the master ensuite, could help any hard-working person unwind. Additional Instagram-worthy details include the open vaulted living area, contemporary kitchen with a large island and built-in appliances, open metal and wood staircase, and customized closets and storage. This family also loves the great outdoors. They enjoy skiing, surfing, and everything in between. Good thing their new home, with its stunning views of the ocean and mountains, serve as a daily reminder that nature is just a stone’s throw away. That said, there is still no place quite like home to retreat to after a supreme day in the sun or in the snow.