This vacation home was created for an avid saltwater fisherman and his family. As a coastal property, care was taken to capture breezes and views, encouraging inhabitants to slow down and soak in the ambiance. At the same time, the building is designed to withstand storms and the corrosive effects of salt air. Awareness of natural elements, including being kind to other inhabitants of the property, is evident in selections like turtle friendly exterior specialty LED lighting. Careful compositions of color, material, opacity, and transparency create an exterior that is disciplined but playful. The building is layered in planes that accentuate shadow, forming a graceful backdrop to the palm trees, pool, and ocean beyond. The local coral stone used on the exterior is also seen inside, thus reinforcing a sense of place. Pops of saturated color balance the soothing palette of materials, art, and furnishings, never distracting from the breathtaking setting. High light from clerestories washes across interior surfaces and opens up views to the sky. The luminous volumes are easy-going and simple, but contain a few surprises. In the primary bath, the architect and client created a unique pattern of custom handmade tile.

This vacation home was created for an avid saltwater fisherman and his family. As a coastal property, care was taken to capture breezes and views, encouraging inhabitants to slow down and soak in the ambiance. At the same time, the building is designed to withstand storms and the corrosive effects of salt air. Awareness of natural elements, including being kind to other inhabitants of the property, is evident in selections like turtle friendly exterior specialty LED lighting. Careful compositions of color, material, opacity, and transparency create an exterior that is disciplined but playful. The building is layered in planes that accentuate shadow, forming a graceful backdrop to the palm trees, pool, and ocean beyond. The local coral stone used on the exterior is also seen inside, thus reinforcing a sense of place. Pops of saturated color balance the soothing palette of materials, art, and furnishings, never distracting from the breathtaking setting. High light from clerestories washes across interior surfaces and opens up views to the sky. The luminous volumes are easy-going and simple, but contain a few surprises. In the primary bath, the architect and client created a unique pattern of custom handmade tile.

Our clients were a couple about to retire, who wanted to stay in their family home where they raised their children. They knew their kitchen was not working to its full potential but were unsure how to make the best changes or where to start. It was important their new kitchen yielded the feeling of a fresh, new environment that offered timeless longevity but didn’t break the bank. Knowing that the kitchen now needed the space to accommodate two people regularly, we reconfigured it to suit our clients’ lifestyle change. We increased counter space significantly for preparation and presentation, making it intrinsically more functional but also yielding a greater sense of luxury. Storage was increased and planned around our understanding of their cooking and entertaining style, and how they move through the space. Our clients were comfortable and very much aware of their own sense of style – simplicity was the driving force behind their aesthetic. We removed all unnecessary embellishments and used a classic, neutral palette while introducing texture with rich walnut touches. Knowing their penchant for entertaining, we included integrated lighting to allow easy control of ambiance. This project was a joy to work on!

This vacation home was created for an avid saltwater fisherman and his family. As a coastal property, care was taken to capture breezes and views, encouraging inhabitants to slow down and soak in the ambiance. At the same time, the building is designed to withstand storms and the corrosive effects of salt air. Awareness of natural elements, including being kind to other inhabitants of the property, is evident in selections like turtle friendly exterior specialty LED lighting. Careful compositions of color, material, opacity, and transparency create an exterior that is disciplined but playful. The building is layered in planes that accentuate shadow, forming a graceful backdrop to the palm trees, pool, and ocean beyond. The local coral stone used on the exterior is also seen inside, thus reinforcing a sense of place. Pops of saturated color balance the soothing palette of materials, art, and furnishings, never distracting from the breathtaking setting. High light from clerestories washes across interior surfaces and opens up views to the sky. The luminous volumes are easy-going and simple, but contain a few surprises. In the primary bath, the architect and client created a unique pattern of custom handmade tile.

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Orange County

"Transitional" -- what exactly does this term mean? Especially, when describing interior design. Transitional style design, usually means that you have characteristics of both modern and traditional in your space. You kind of fall in that even middle ground between both styles. For this dining room, our client was just that. However, she wasn't aware of it. She was trying to pair multiple traditional elements together, but it left her feeling unhappy. The space was feeling dark, filled with heavy furniture and nothing was popping or even uplifting. She knew she liked to mix patterns and textures, but was also unsure of how to achieve that. As I looked around her home, I realized that their art collection definitely leaned more on the modern and colorful side of the spectrum. This was a big indicator to me, she wasn't fully traditional at all, she was more transitional! That was my que, and we got to work and this is the result. Native House Photography

Our clients were a couple about to retire, who wanted to stay in their family home where they raised their children. They knew their kitchen was not working to its full potential but were unsure how to make the best changes or where to start. It was important their new kitchen yielded the feeling of a fresh, new environment that offered timeless longevity but didn’t break the bank. Knowing that the kitchen now needed the space to accommodate two people regularly, we reconfigured it to suit our clients’ lifestyle change. We increased counter space significantly for preparation and presentation, making it intrinsically more functional but also yielding a greater sense of luxury. Storage was increased and planned around our understanding of their cooking and entertaining style, and how they move through the space. Our clients were comfortable and very much aware of their own sense of style – simplicity was the driving force behind their aesthetic. We removed all unnecessary embellishments and used a classic, neutral palette while introducing texture with rich walnut touches. Knowing their penchant for entertaining, we included integrated lighting to allow easy control of ambiance. This project was a joy to work on!

A yoga shed can be any size you would like. This example shows off one of our 12x10 sheds, but really any size would work well. We would recommend any size greater than 10'x10'. Depends on if you want to use it to store other items as well.

Minimalist patio photo in San Francisco

Photo: Susan J. Tweit. shot at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, in an Ozark deciduous woods. The flowers in the foreground are native Tall woodland phlox (Phlox divarcata) and cultivated Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum X superbum).

This residence was a complete gut renovation of a 4-story row house in Park Slope, and included a new rear extension and penthouse addition. The owners wished to create a warm, family home using a modern language that would act as a clean canvas to feature rich textiles and items from their world travels. As with most Brooklyn row houses, the existing house suffered from a lack of natural light and connection to exterior spaces, an issue that Principal Brendan Coburn is acutely aware of from his experience re-imagining historic structures in the New York area. The resulting architecture is designed around moments featuring natural light and views to the exterior, of both the private garden and the sky, throughout the house, and a stripped-down language of detailing and finishes allows for the concept of the modern-natural to shine. Upon entering the home, the kitchen and dining space draw you in with views beyond through the large glazed opening at the rear of the house. An extension was built to allow for a large sunken living room that provides a family gathering space connected to the kitchen and dining room, but remains distinctly separate, with a strong visual connection to the rear garden. The open sculptural stair tower was designed to function like that of a traditional row house stair, but with a smaller footprint. By extending it up past the original roof level into the new penthouse, the stair becomes an atmospheric shaft for the spaces surrounding the core. All types of weather – sunshine, rain, lightning, can be sensed throughout the home through this unifying vertical environment. The stair space also strives to foster family communication, making open living spaces visible between floors. At the upper-most level, a free-form bench sits suspended over the stair, just by the new roof deck, which provides at-ease entertaining. Oak was used throughout the home as a unifying material element. As one travels upwards within the house, the oak finishes are bleached to further degrees as a nod to how light enters the home. The owners worked with CWB to add their own personality to the project. The meter of a white oak and blackened steel stair screen was designed by the family to read “I love you” in Morse Code, and tile was selected throughout to reference places that hold special significance to the family. To support the owners’ comfort, the architectural design engages passive house technologies to reduce energy use, while increasing air quality within the home – a strategy which aims to respect the environment while providing a refuge from the harsh elements of urban living. This project was published by Wendy Goodman as her Space of the Week, part of New York Magazine’s Design Hunting on The Cut. Photography by Kevin Kunstadt

Solar Luminance – Semi-Custom Daylight Light Fixture Model#: DLF-114 The Solar Luminance DLF-114, is a classic transitional pendant, designed to assist the home owner, retail location and/or office location, the ability to benefit from Natural Daylight available with Tubular Skylight systems, while also reflecting your custom interior design and décor theme and needs. Natural Daylight provides incredible mental and physical health and wellness benefits that help the human body and mind maintain a sense of time, absorb natural vitamins, and work with the human eye to perceive color and definition in clarity and contrast to increase visual awareness. Our hope is that your friends, colleagues and guests will be “Inspired & Design” in a way that is both elegant and considerate of the impact we have on the earth and its resources. The DLF-114 is a Semi-Custom Fixture. Full Custom Versions and Options are available for price quote. Please feel free to contact a Solar Luminance Design Assistant for Full Custom Options. Image by Solar Luminance

The Rosebury Farm project by Squared Architects is a thoughtfully planned residential development located on the edge of suburban London, designed to balance contemporary living with a strong sensitivity to its rural surroundings. Set within a green belt context, the scheme consists of a collection of individually designed homes that follow a self-build or custom-build approach, allowing for variation while maintaining a cohesive architectural identity. The design emphasizes integration with the landscape, using staggered building forms and carefully arranged massing to reduce visual impact and preserve key views across the site. Natural materials and a restrained palette help the homes blend into their environment, while features such as green walls and planted areas reinforce the connection between architecture and nature. Internally, the houses are designed with flexible, open-plan layouts that support modern living, prioritizing natural light and spatial fluidity. Sustainability is a core principle throughout the project, with energy-efficient strategies and environmentally responsive design choices embedded from the outset. Overall, Rosebury Farm represents a contemporary yet context-sensitive housing model, combining architectural quality, environmental awareness, and a community-oriented approach to residential development.

Step into the serene beauty of Scandinavian design with this captivating living room by ReadyDesign Interior Design. This Scandinavian-inspired space embodies a perfect blend of minimalist simplicity and cozy warmth, creating a truly inviting atmosphere. The focal point of the room is a comfortable seating arrangement that invites you to relax and unwind. Soft, neutral tones dominate the color palette, creating a calming ambiance and allowing natural light to fill the space, enhancing the airy feel. This Scandinavian living room showcases meticulous attention to detail. From carefully chosen furniture pieces to thoughtfully curated decor items, every element adds to the overall aesthetic appeal. The clean lines and sleek finishes reflect the minimalist aspect of Scandinavian design, while the abundance of textures, such as the plush rugs and cozy blankets, infuse the space with warmth and comfort. Natural elements play a significant role in this design, with touches of wood and greenery bringing a sense of nature indoors. The carefully placed plants and natural materials add a refreshing and organic touch to the space, creating a harmonious connection to the outside world. ReadyDesign Interior Design has masterfully created a Scandinavian living room that effortlessly balances simplicity, functionality, and style. It’s a space that not only showcases the beauty of Scandinavian design but also offers a tranquil retreat where you can unwind and find peace. Limitations: The photo you see above is an interior concept. Each time the project is created individually for your interior. Because your room may have a different size, and different location of walls, windows, and doors, you are aware that the final design may differ from the one shown above. At the same time, the climate and style of the interior as well as furniture and equipment will be preserved to the maximum extent, but it will never be 100% of what you see above. Read the details of the range of individual packages to choose the one that suits your needs.

Angela Auclair
Example of a small minimalist living room design in Montreal

Bryan Chavez Photography River City Custom Homes - RounTrey - 2015 Homearama Farmhouse with a Modern Vibe Gold Winner - Master Suite Aware of the financial investment clients put into their homes, I combine my business and design expertise while working with each client to understand their taste, enhance their style and create spaces they will enjoy for years to come. It’s been said that I have a “good” eye. I won’t discount that statement and I’d add I have an affinity to people, places and things that tell a story. My clients benefit from my passion and ability to turn their homes into finely curated spaces through the use of beautiful textiles, amazing lighting and furniture pieces that are as timeless as they are wonderfully unique. I enjoy the creative process and work with people who are building their dream homes, remodeling existing homes or desire a fresh take on a well lived-in space. I see the client–designer relationship as a partnership with a desire to deliver an end result that exceeds my client’s expectations. I approach each project with professionalism, unparalleled excitement and a commitment for designing homes that are as livable as they are beautiful.

The Rosebury Farm project by Squared Architects is a thoughtfully planned residential development located on the edge of suburban London, designed to balance contemporary living with a strong sensitivity to its rural surroundings. Set within a green belt context, the scheme consists of a collection of individually designed homes that follow a self-build or custom-build approach, allowing for variation while maintaining a cohesive architectural identity. The design emphasizes integration with the landscape, using staggered building forms and carefully arranged massing to reduce visual impact and preserve key views across the site. Natural materials and a restrained palette help the homes blend into their environment, while features such as green walls and planted areas reinforce the connection between architecture and nature. Internally, the houses are designed with flexible, open-plan layouts that support modern living, prioritizing natural light and spatial fluidity. Sustainability is a core principle throughout the project, with energy-efficient strategies and environmentally responsive design choices embedded from the outset. Overall, Rosebury Farm represents a contemporary yet context-sensitive housing model, combining architectural quality, environmental awareness, and a community-oriented approach to residential development.

The Rosebury Farm project by Squared Architects is a thoughtfully planned residential development located on the edge of suburban London, designed to balance contemporary living with a strong sensitivity to its rural surroundings. Set within a green belt context, the scheme consists of a collection of individually designed homes that follow a self-build or custom-build approach, allowing for variation while maintaining a cohesive architectural identity. The design emphasizes integration with the landscape, using staggered building forms and carefully arranged massing to reduce visual impact and preserve key views across the site. Natural materials and a restrained palette help the homes blend into their environment, while features such as green walls and planted areas reinforce the connection between architecture and nature. Internally, the houses are designed with flexible, open-plan layouts that support modern living, prioritizing natural light and spatial fluidity. Sustainability is a core principle throughout the project, with energy-efficient strategies and environmentally responsive design choices embedded from the outset. Overall, Rosebury Farm represents a contemporary yet context-sensitive housing model, combining architectural quality, environmental awareness, and a community-oriented approach to residential development.

2010 NATIONAL NARI REGIONAL AWARD WINNER Project Scope The owners of this 7,000 square foot colonial in Oakton, Virginia, were seeking a multi-level Mediterranean-style indoor/outdoor living space off the back of their home. They turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes for a design solution that would include a stone patio, a second-story deck, a screened-in porch and linking staircases. While the structure was designed primarily for family dining and entertaining, it also had to accommodate periodic social gatherings of one hundred guests or more. To meet these needs, the project would include a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, several serving counters with permanent refrigeration, and well-delineated socializing and dining zones. The existing home’s setting offered several impressive assets the new outdoor living area was designed to exploit. The sprawling acreage features old stand trees, wooded paths and a private lake. Beautifully landscaped, it unfolds as an idyllic panorama that naturally draws people to the outdoors. Challenges Since the rear elevation was situated on a slope that drops away from the house, the Michael Nash team had to raise the grade two feet within in a 2,000 square foot area extending out from the back of the house. Infrastructure plans also called for a sophisticated drainage system that had to accommodate a whole series of water “runoff” considerations to be integrated into the decking itself. Excavation included constructing retaining walls to bolster the elevated grade—which also had to support a concrete slab, the primary foundation for the entire complex. Solutions The ground level decking consists of a 2,000 square foot flagstone patio level with the home’s lower level doors. There is a decorative water fountain mid-patio—an ornate collectible acquired in Florida. Food preparation is concentrated within a specially designed semi-circular wall that creates an “outdoor kitchen” equipped with a 60” Viking barbecue grill, a prep sink, a warming drawer, refrigerator and appropriate storage. There is a granite surfaced dining counter with seating for eight. Wrought iron railing and approximately 20 decorative columns (some encasing steel vertical supports) are incorporated into the design scheme. Many of the columns house accent lights. The top level—supported by horizontal steel beams– is a 2,500 square foot deck constructed entirely of Trex decking. The open air decking is, again, directly accessible from rooms on the second level of the house including the kitchen, sunroom and family room. The platform’s most prominent feature is a U-shaped “kitchenette” with cedar shake shingle roofing. Like its counterpart one level below, the facility is equipped with grill, refrigerator and stainless steel cabinetry. One portion of the deck has been allocated for a 16’ x 16’ octagonal screened-in porch crowned by a pair of 2’ x 4’ skylights. The porch can be accessed from the home’s conservatory via a set of French doors. With its mosaic tile flooring, stained cedar panel ceiling and honed granite counters, the interior is elegant and calming. Hand-painted stenciling and a wall-mounted water feature provide distinctive detailing. Finally, the design introduced elements to highlight and reinforce an awareness of the lovely bucolic setting. Fountains and water features combined with textured surfaces and mosaic tiling and backsplashes to present a villa-like ambiance well-suited to the Virginia countryside.