THE PROBLEM Our client adores their traditional layout and their traditional design style. But there were a few things that could be improved including flow and functionality in the kitchen - not to mention the cabinets, counters and appliances that had seen better days. The family room was used heavily for movie viewing, but it did not have a great set-up for the TV and was seriously lacking in the audio department. Their garage entry had become the primary way into the home for the homeowners, however it did not offer the welcoming feeling they wanted to have after a long day. THE SOLUTION To create better flow, we shifted the entry from the mud hall down a bit which gave us the space to add another run of cabinetry and relocate the fridge. We closed up the former dining room wall and converted it into a new office space as both homeowners work from home. Due to the shift in the entry from the mud hall, we also were able to then center the island to where it should be in the room creating some much needed balance. Because we were not creating an open floor plan and removing walls and such, there was more budget for high ticket finishes. One of which was a 11’ custom walnut countertop for the island which became the anchoring design element for the kitchen along with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances.

Extraordinary corner home at Garden Street Lofts, a former coconut warehouse, now a boutique collection of Hoboken’s chicest residences. Designed for the modern family with 2,002 square feet of living space, Loft #201 offers 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, fabulous open floor plan and original architectural elements including 12 foot ceilings, original concrete beams and fluted columns. The sleek Italian Valcucine kitchen features a SubZero refrigerator, integrated Miele dishwasher, Wolf 6-burner range with fully vented hood, Viking wine cooler and tempered glass counters. The sumptuous master suite has a walk in closet and spa bath with imported Zen soaking tub, separate rain shower, linen closet, Duravit double sink, heated glass towel rack and Lightolier sconces. Other unique features include bamboo floors with concrete subfloors, Quiet Rock insulation for soundproofing, full home audio/visual system, Hunter Douglas blinds - motorized in living area and master bedroom, closets professionally outfitted by Closets By Design and 2 full size LG washers and dryers. 1425 Garden Street features LEED GOLD certification, planted green roof with resident’s area featuring stunning NYC and Hudson River views, filtered fresh air system, private storage, and bicycle storage room. Absolutely ideal location, bordered on the western side by the Garden Street Mews pedestrian area, parks, shopping, waterfront and all transportation. NYC bus at door and only 3 blocks to ferry.

4,440 SF two story home in Brentwood, CA. This home features an attached two-car garage, 5 Bedrooms, 5 Baths, Upstairs Laundry Room, Office, Covered Balconies and Deck, Sitting Room, Living Room, Dining Room, Family Room, Kitchen, Study, Downstairs Guest Room, Foyer, Morning Room, Covered Loggia, Mud Room. Features warm copper gutters and downspouts as well as copper standing seam roofs that grace the main entry and side yard lower roofing elements to complement the cranberry red front door. An ample sun deck off the master provides a view of the large grassy back yard. The interior features include an Elan Smart House system integrated with surround sound audio system at the Great Room, and speakers throughout the interior and exterior of the home. The well out-fitted Gym and a dark wood paneled home Office provide private spaces for the adults. A large Playroom with wainscot height chalk-board walls creates a fun place for the kids to play. Photos by: Latham Architectural

Extraordinary corner home at Garden Street Lofts, a former coconut warehouse, now a boutique collection of Hoboken’s chicest residences. Designed for the modern family with 2,002 square feet of living space, Loft #201 offers 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, fabulous open floor plan and original architectural elements including 12 foot ceilings, original concrete beams and fluted columns. The sleek Italian Valcucine kitchen features a SubZero refrigerator, integrated Miele dishwasher, Wolf 6-burner range with fully vented hood, Viking wine cooler and tempered glass counters. The sumptuous master suite has a walk in closet and spa bath with imported Zen soaking tub, separate rain shower, linen closet, Duravit double sink, heated glass towel rack and Lightolier sconces. Other unique features include bamboo floors with concrete subfloors, Quiet Rock insulation for soundproofing, full home audio/visual system, Hunter Douglas blinds - motorized in living area and master bedroom, closets professionally outfitted by Closets By Design and 2 full size LG washers and dryers. 1425 Garden Street features LEED GOLD certification, planted green roof with resident’s area featuring stunning NYC and Hudson River views, filtered fresh air system, private storage, and bicycle storage room. Absolutely ideal location, bordered on the western side by the Garden Street Mews pedestrian area, parks, shopping, waterfront and all transportation. NYC bus at door and only 3 blocks to ferry.

4,440 SF two story home in Brentwood, CA. This home features an attached two-car garage, 5 Bedrooms, 5 Baths, Upstairs Laundry Room, Office, Covered Balconies and Deck, Sitting Room, Living Room, Dining Room, Family Room, Kitchen, Study, Downstairs Guest Room, Foyer, Morning Room, Covered Loggia, Mud Room. Features warm copper gutters and downspouts as well as copper standing seam roofs that grace the main entry and side yard lower roofing elements to complement the cranberry red front door. An ample sun deck off the master provides a view of the large grassy back yard. The interior features include an Elan Smart House system integrated with surround sound audio system at the Great Room, and speakers throughout the interior and exterior of the home. The well out-fitted Gym and a dark wood paneled home Office provide private spaces for the adults. A large Playroom with wainscot height chalk-board walls creates a fun place for the kids to play. Photos by: Latham Architectural

Extraordinary corner home at Garden Street Lofts, a former coconut warehouse, now a boutique collection of Hoboken’s chicest residences. Designed for the modern family with 2,002 square feet of living space, Loft #201 offers 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, fabulous open floor plan and original architectural elements including 12 foot ceilings, original concrete beams and fluted columns. The sleek Italian Valcucine kitchen features a SubZero refrigerator, integrated Miele dishwasher, Wolf 6-burner range with fully vented hood, Viking wine cooler and tempered glass counters. The sumptuous master suite has a walk in closet and spa bath with imported Zen soaking tub, separate rain shower, linen closet, Duravit double sink, heated glass towel rack and Lightolier sconces. Other unique features include bamboo floors with concrete subfloors, Quiet Rock insulation for soundproofing, full home audio/visual system, Hunter Douglas blinds - motorized in living area and master bedroom, closets professionally outfitted by Closets By Design and 2 full size LG washers and dryers. 1425 Garden Street features LEED GOLD certification, planted green roof with resident’s area featuring stunning NYC and Hudson River views, filtered fresh air system, private storage, and bicycle storage room. Absolutely ideal location, bordered on the western side by the Garden Street Mews pedestrian area, parks, shopping, waterfront and all transportation. NYC bus at door and only 3 blocks to ferry.

Extraordinary corner home at Garden Street Lofts, a former coconut warehouse, now a boutique collection of Hoboken’s chicest residences. Designed for the modern family with 2,002 square feet of living space, Loft #201 offers 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, fabulous open floor plan and original architectural elements including 12 foot ceilings, original concrete beams and fluted columns. The sleek Italian Valcucine kitchen features a SubZero refrigerator, integrated Miele dishwasher, Wolf 6-burner range with fully vented hood, Viking wine cooler and tempered glass counters. The sumptuous master suite has a walk in closet and spa bath with imported Zen soaking tub, separate rain shower, linen closet, Duravit double sink, heated glass towel rack and Lightolier sconces. Other unique features include bamboo floors with concrete subfloors, Quiet Rock insulation for soundproofing, full home audio/visual system, Hunter Douglas blinds - motorized in living area and master bedroom, closets professionally outfitted by Closets By Design and 2 full size LG washers and dryers. 1425 Garden Street features LEED GOLD certification, planted green roof with resident’s area featuring stunning NYC and Hudson River views, filtered fresh air system, private storage, and bicycle storage room. Absolutely ideal location, bordered on the western side by the Garden Street Mews pedestrian area, parks, shopping, waterfront and all transportation. NYC bus at door and only 3 blocks to ferry.

Extraordinary corner home at Garden Street Lofts, a former coconut warehouse, now a boutique collection of Hoboken’s chicest residences. Designed for the modern family with 2,002 square feet of living space, Loft #201 offers 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, fabulous open floor plan and original architectural elements including 12 foot ceilings, original concrete beams and fluted columns. The sleek Italian Valcucine kitchen features a SubZero refrigerator, integrated Miele dishwasher, Wolf 6-burner range with fully vented hood, Viking wine cooler and tempered glass counters. The sumptuous master suite has a walk in closet and spa bath with imported Zen soaking tub, separate rain shower, linen closet, Duravit double sink, heated glass towel rack and Lightolier sconces. Other unique features include bamboo floors with concrete subfloors, Quiet Rock insulation for soundproofing, full home audio/visual system, Hunter Douglas blinds - motorized in living area and master bedroom, closets professionally outfitted by Closets By Design and 2 full size LG washers and dryers. 1425 Garden Street features LEED GOLD certification, planted green roof with resident’s area featuring stunning NYC and Hudson River views, filtered fresh air system, private storage, and bicycle storage room. Absolutely ideal location, bordered on the western side by the Garden Street Mews pedestrian area, parks, shopping, waterfront and all transportation. NYC bus at door and only 3 blocks to ferry.

4,440 SF two story home in Brentwood, CA. This home features an attached two-car garage, 5 Bedrooms, 5 Baths, Upstairs Laundry Room, Office, Covered Balconies and Deck, Sitting Room, Living Room, Dining Room, Family Room, Kitchen, Study, Downstairs Guest Room, Foyer, Morning Room, Covered Loggia, Mud Room. Features warm copper gutters and downspouts as well as copper standing seam roofs that grace the main entry and side yard lower roofing elements to complement the cranberry red front door. An ample sun deck off the master provides a view of the large grassy back yard. The interior features include an Elan Smart House system integrated with surround sound audio system at the Great Room, and speakers throughout the interior and exterior of the home. The well out-fitted Gym and a dark wood paneled home Office provide private spaces for the adults. A large Playroom with wainscot height chalk-board walls creates a fun place for the kids to play. Photos by: Latham Architectural

Extraordinary corner home at Garden Street Lofts, a former coconut warehouse, now a boutique collection of Hoboken’s chicest residences. Designed for the modern family with 2,002 square feet of living space, Loft #201 offers 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, fabulous open floor plan and original architectural elements including 12 foot ceilings, original concrete beams and fluted columns. The sleek Italian Valcucine kitchen features a SubZero refrigerator, integrated Miele dishwasher, Wolf 6-burner range with fully vented hood, Viking wine cooler and tempered glass counters. The sumptuous master suite has a walk in closet and spa bath with imported Zen soaking tub, separate rain shower, linen closet, Duravit double sink, heated glass towel rack and Lightolier sconces. Other unique features include bamboo floors with concrete subfloors, Quiet Rock insulation for soundproofing, full home audio/visual system, Hunter Douglas blinds - motorized in living area and master bedroom, closets professionally outfitted by Closets By Design and 2 full size LG washers and dryers. 1425 Garden Street features LEED GOLD certification, planted green roof with resident’s area featuring stunning NYC and Hudson River views, filtered fresh air system, private storage, and bicycle storage room. Absolutely ideal location, bordered on the western side by the Garden Street Mews pedestrian area, parks, shopping, waterfront and all transportation. NYC bus at door and only 3 blocks to ferry.

Extraordinary corner home at Garden Street Lofts, a former coconut warehouse, now a boutique collection of Hoboken’s chicest residences. Designed for the modern family with 2,002 square feet of living space, Loft #201 offers 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, fabulous open floor plan and original architectural elements including 12 foot ceilings, original concrete beams and fluted columns. The sleek Italian Valcucine kitchen features a SubZero refrigerator, integrated Miele dishwasher, Wolf 6-burner range with fully vented hood, Viking wine cooler and tempered glass counters. The sumptuous master suite has a walk in closet and spa bath with imported Zen soaking tub, separate rain shower, linen closet, Duravit double sink, heated glass towel rack and Lightolier sconces. Other unique features include bamboo floors with concrete subfloors, Quiet Rock insulation for soundproofing, full home audio/visual system, Hunter Douglas blinds - motorized in living area and master bedroom, closets professionally outfitted by Closets By Design and 2 full size LG washers and dryers. 1425 Garden Street features LEED GOLD certification, planted green roof with resident’s area featuring stunning NYC and Hudson River views, filtered fresh air system, private storage, and bicycle storage room. Absolutely ideal location, bordered on the western side by the Garden Street Mews pedestrian area, parks, shopping, waterfront and all transportation. NYC bus at door and only 3 blocks to ferry.

Extraordinary corner home at Garden Street Lofts, a former coconut warehouse, now a boutique collection of Hoboken’s chicest residences. Designed for the modern family with 2,002 square feet of living space, Loft #201 offers 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, fabulous open floor plan and original architectural elements including 12 foot ceilings, original concrete beams and fluted columns. The sleek Italian Valcucine kitchen features a SubZero refrigerator, integrated Miele dishwasher, Wolf 6-burner range with fully vented hood, Viking wine cooler and tempered glass counters. The sumptuous master suite has a walk in closet and spa bath with imported Zen soaking tub, separate rain shower, linen closet, Duravit double sink, heated glass towel rack and Lightolier sconces. Other unique features include bamboo floors with concrete subfloors, Quiet Rock insulation for soundproofing, full home audio/visual system, Hunter Douglas blinds - motorized in living area and master bedroom, closets professionally outfitted by Closets By Design and 2 full size LG washers and dryers. 1425 Garden Street features LEED GOLD certification, planted green roof with resident’s area featuring stunning NYC and Hudson River views, filtered fresh air system, private storage, and bicycle storage room. Absolutely ideal location, bordered on the western side by the Garden Street Mews pedestrian area, parks, shopping, waterfront and all transportation. NYC bus at door and only 3 blocks to ferry.

These clients spent the majority of their time outside and entertained frequently, but their existing patio space didn't allow for larger gatherings. We added nearly 500 square feet to the already 225 square feet existing to create this expansive outdoor living room. The outdoor fireplace is see-thru and can fully convert to wood burning should the clients desire. Beyond the fireplace is a spa built in on two sides with a composite deck, LED step lighting, and outdoor rated TV, and additional counter space. The outdoor grilling area mimics the interior of the clients home with a kitchen island and space for dining. Heaters were added in ceiling and mounted to walls to create additional heat sources. To capture the best lighting, our clients enhanced their space with lighting in the overhangs, underneath the benches adjacent the fireplace, and recessed cans throughout. Audio/Visual details include an outdoor rated TV by the spa, Sonos surround sound in the main sitting area, the grilling area, and another landscape zone by the spa. The lighting and audio/visual in this project is also fully automated. To bring their existing area and new area together for ultimate entertaining, the clients remodeled their exterior breakfast room wall by removing three windows and adding an accordion door with a custom retractable screen to keep bugs out of the home. For landscape, the existing sod was removed and synthetic turf installed around the entirety of the backyard area along with a small putting green. Selections: Flooring - 2cm porcelain paver Kitchen/island: Fascia is ipe. Counters are 3cm quartzite Dry Bar: Fascia is stacked stone panels. Counter is 3cm granite. Ceiling: Painted tongue and groove pine with decorative stained cedar beams. Additional Paint: Exterior beams painted accent color (do not match existing house colors) Roof: Slate Tile Benches: Tile back, stone (bullnose edge) seat and cap

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

Patio - patio idea in DC Metro

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

4,440 SF two story home in Brentwood, CA. This home features an attached two-car garage, 5 Bedrooms, 5 Baths, Upstairs Laundry Room, Office, Covered Balconies and Deck, Sitting Room, Living Room, Dining Room, Family Room, Kitchen, Study, Downstairs Guest Room, Foyer, Morning Room, Covered Loggia, Mud Room. Features warm copper gutters and downspouts as well as copper standing seam roofs that grace the main entry and side yard lower roofing elements to complement the cranberry red front door. An ample sun deck off the master provides a view of the large grassy back yard. The interior features include an Elan Smart House system integrated with surround sound audio system at the Great Room, and speakers throughout the interior and exterior of the home. The well out-fitted Gym and a dark wood paneled home Office provide private spaces for the adults. A large Playroom with wainscot height chalk-board walls creates a fun place for the kids to play. Photos by: Latham Architectural

Introducing a quaint and elegant countryside farmhouse, where rustic allure meets modern sophistication. Step into a world of charm with locally milled white oak floors and vaulted ceilings, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. The exposed rafters and skylights infuse the space with natural light, illuminating its simple yet delightful beauty. Indulge in the comfort of the master bath and closet, complete with heated floors and a luxurious freestanding soaker tub, offering a relaxing escape at the end of each day. This charming farmhouse has thought of everything for your convenience and pleasure. Enjoy the rejuvenating experience of an infrared sauna, the practicality of a scullery kitchen, and the care and consideration for your four-legged friends with a custom-built dog wash. Embrace sustainable living with solar panels and a backup battery system, ensuring you are always prepared and environmentally conscious. Modern technology is thoughtfully integrated into the home, with whole home smart lighting and audio systems for seamless control and a touch of modernity. Designed by the visionary team at ID.ology Interiors & Design and furnished by Atelier Maison & Co., this farmhouse radiates timeless elegance, making it a sanctuary where classic elements blend effortlessly with contemporary comforts. Welcome to your picturesque farmhouse haven - a place where comfort, style, and sustainability unite in perfect harmony to create an enchanting retreat.

Example of a trendy living room design in Kansas City