Zero Cottage is an investigation of compact, sustainable urban development and a contemporary approach to living and working. The cottage is composed of a 712 sq. ft. living space set over a 430 sq. ft workshop. It pairs with an existing building to complete a mixed-use compound that also includes a two-bedroom flat, studio apartment and storefront. Image by Matthew Millman.

Completed in 2015, this project incorporates a Scandinavian vibe to enhance the modern architecture and farmhouse details. The vision was to create a balanced and consistent design to reflect clean lines and subtle rustic details, which creates a calm sanctuary. The whole home is not based on a design aesthetic, but rather how someone wants to feel in a space, specifically the feeling of being cozy, calm, and clean. This home is an interpretation of modern design without focusing on one specific genre; it boasts a midcentury master bedroom, stark and minimal bathrooms, an office that doubles as a music den, and modern open concept on the first floor. It’s the winner of the 2017 design award from the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and has been on the Tribeza Home Tour; in addition to being published in numerous magazines such as on the cover of Austin Home as well as Dwell Magazine, the cover of Seasonal Living Magazine, Tribeza, Rue Daily, HGTV, Hunker Home, and other international publications. Featured on Dwell! https://www.dwell.com/article/sustainability-is-the-centerpiece-of-this-new-austin-development-071e1a55

Ben Benschneider
Example of a trendy white tile and mosaic tile alcove bathtub design in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets and light wood cabinets

Inspiration for a rustic brown one-story wood gable roof remodel in Seattle

Situated on a triangular corner site, the Buena Vista Residence is a well proportioned home that responds to the scale of the neighborhood context. The building’s modern aesthetic is immediately apparent in the two wood-clad volumes connected by a tall glass atrium all sitting atop a concrete plinth. The variegated tone and grain of the redwood siding, reclaimed from nearby Hanger One at Moffett Field, achieves an ideal balance between the home’s clean, structured lines and the urban foliage surrounding the site. A concrete and steel exterior staircase provides a bold yet inviting approach to the home’s second floor entrance. Image by Sharon Risedorph.

Photo © Bruce Damonte
Example of a mid-century modern formal medium tone wood floor living room design in San Francisco with white walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

A research scientist with an eye for detail approached Studio VARA with a modest vision to transform a 1908 Noe Valley cottage – with a history of subpar alterations – into a cohesive modern dwelling; to provide an enclosed garage in a neighborhood with tough parking; and to create an organized space for a sprawling collection of wine. The grand stair separates public spaces to the south and private spaces to the north. The new garage is incorporated into the “public” massing, with guest suites both above and below. To the north, the open living area at the heart of the home bleeds out through the folding window wall to the east-facing deck beyond, where one can bask in the panoramic views of the City and East Bay, or contemplate the juxtaposition of urban and natural in the garden below. Image by Bruce Damonte.

Traditional exterior home idea in St Louis

Founders, Melinda Joy Miller (author of the Shamanic Gardening: Timeless Techniques for the Modern Sustainable Garden) and Kim Colwell, her daughter and interior designer collaborated on this special garden project. See press for 5 page spread in Pasadena Magazine and interviews with the partners. Each gardening project utilizes their background as feng shui masters, as well as Kim's background as an interior designer. The special sauce in our projects are Melinda Joy's extensive and comprehensive approach to gardening which includes her being a medicine woman, cultural anthropologist, and expert in permaculture, sustainable gardening, and herbology.

Founders, Melinda Joy Miller (author of the Shamanic Gardening: Timeless Techniques for the Modern Sustainable Garden) and Kim Colwell, her daughter and interior designer collaborated on this special garden project. See press for 5 page spread in Pasadena Magazine and interviews with the partners. Each gardening project utilizes their background as feng shui masters, as well as Kim's background as an interior designer. The special sauce in our projects are Melinda Joy's extensive and comprehensive approach to gardening which includes her being a medicine woman, cultural anthropologist, and expert in permaculture, sustainable gardening, and herbology.

Our clients dreamed of a timeless and classy master bathroom reminiscent of a high-end hotel or resort. They felt their existing bathroom was too large and outdated. We helped them create a space that was efficient and classic with neutral colors to provide a clean look that won’t go out of style. Fun facts: - The toilet opens automatically when you approach it, is self-cleaning, and has a seat warmer. - The floors are heated. - We created a 4” ledge around their sink for more space to store toiletries.

Founders, Melinda Joy Miller (author of the Shamanic Gardening: Timeless Techniques for the Modern Sustainable Garden) and Kim Colwell, her daughter and interior designer collaborated on this special garden project. See press for 5 page spread in Pasadena Magazine and interviews with the partners. Each gardening project utilizes their background as feng shui masters, as well as Kim's background as an interior designer. The special sauce in our projects are Melinda Joy's extensive and comprehensive approach to gardening which includes her being a medicine woman, cultural anthropologist, and expert in permaculture, sustainable gardening, and herbology.

Our design approach married accessibility to sophistication in a modern aesthetic – there’s nothing “institutional” about this intentionally designed bathroom. Floor tile: Porcelain, Archea Bianco Matte 24x36 Shower tile: Porcelain, Themar Bianco Lasa Matte 12x24 Shower accent tile: Porcelain, Myth Wave Gray Matte Cabinet style: Simple Shaker Cabinetry paint color: Swiss Coffee Satin Hardware: Shower, Crosswater Leyden Satin Nickel, Faucets, Handgrohe Metropol Classic Brushed Nickel Mirrors: RH Dillon, Traditional Pivot Mirror; West Elm Floating Round Mirror Toilets: Kohler Santa Rosa Sinks: Toto Undercounter Lavatory Sink Countertop: Silestone, Eternal Calcutta Gold, Suede

2018 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Concrete Paver - Residential (size more than 3,000 sf) Contractor: Heath Landscaping Producer: Eagle Bay Hardscapes The client wanted everything to flow well, so rather than using sand to fill the gaps between the pavers and the natural stone, each paver was ground to fit perfectly. The result is a seamless transition between natural elements and pavers. The quality-over-quantity approach helps show that craftsmanship is extremely important. It sets this project apart and shows the client that a certain level of care is ensured. This project was completed using Chatham Natural, Chatham XL, BrikStone and EssexStone. The homeowner owns and frequently uses a lot of heavy equipment, so the foundation of the paver system was given much attention. There are 8-12 inches of base, focused on durability. This outdoor area was EssexStone in the Bull Run color. The homeowners have plans for an outdoor kitchen made entirely of natural stone, so this project has been completed in phases. The custom-shaping of the pavers made the installation process tedious.

2018 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Concrete Paver - Residential (size more than 3,000 sf) Contractor: Heath Landscaping Producer: Eagle Bay Hardscapes The client wanted everything to flow well, so rather than using sand to fill the gaps between the pavers and the natural stone, each paver was ground to fit perfectly. The result is a seamless transition between natural elements and pavers. The quality-over-quantity approach helps show that craftsmanship is extremely important. It sets this project apart and shows the client that a certain level of care is ensured. This project was completed using Chatham Natural, Chatham XL, BrikStone and EssexStone. The homeowner owns and frequently uses a lot of heavy equipment, so the foundation of the paver system was given much attention. There are 8-12 inches of base, focused on durability. This outdoor area was EssexStone in the Bull Run color. The homeowners have plans for an outdoor kitchen made entirely of natural stone, so this project has been completed in phases. The custom-shaping of the pavers made the installation process tedious.

This home was designed with a clean, modern aesthetic that imposes a commanding view of its expansive riverside lot. The wide-span, open wing design provides a feeling of open movement and flow throughout the home. Interior design elements are tightly edited to their most elemental form. Simple yet daring lines simultaneously convey a sense of energy and tranquility. Super-matte, zero sheen finishes are punctuated by brightly polished stainless steel and are further contrasted by thoughtful use of natural textures and materials. The judges said “this home would be like living in a sculpture. It’s sleek and luxurious at the same time.” The award for Best In Show goes to RG Designs Inc. and K2 Design Group Designers: Richard Guzman with Jenny Provost From: Bonita Springs, Florida

Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in New York

Design Consultant Jeff Doubét is the author of Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is now available. Please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com for more info. Jeff Doubét specializes in Santa Barbara style home and landscape designs. To learn more info about the variety of custom design services I offer, please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA.