The design of this remodel of a small two-level residence in Noe Valley reflects the owner's passion for Japanese architecture. Having decided to completely gut the interior partitions, we devised a better-arranged floor plan with traditional Japanese features, including a sunken floor pit for dining and a vocabulary of natural wood trim and casework. Vertical grain Douglas Fir takes the place of Hinoki wood traditionally used in Japan. Natural wood flooring, soft green granite and green glass backsplashes in the kitchen further develop the desired Zen aesthetic. A wall to wall window above the sunken bath/shower creates a connection to the outdoors. Privacy is provided through the use of switchable glass, which goes from opaque to clear with a flick of a switch. We used in-floor heating to eliminate the noise associated with forced-air systems.

'Soar' by Benjamin Moore back painted glass backsplash
Example of a mid-sized trendy open concept kitchen design in Other with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

The Back Bay House is comprised of two main structures, a nocturnal wing and a daytime wing, joined by a glass gallery space. The daytime wing maintains an informal living arrangement that includes the dining space placed in an intimate alcove, a large country kitchen and relaxing seating area which opens to a classic covered porch and on to the water’s edge. The nocturnal wing houses three bedrooms. The master at the water side enjoys views and sounds of the wildlife and the shore while the two subordinate bedrooms soak in views of the garden and neighboring meadow. To bookend the scale and mass of the house, a whimsical tower was included to the nocturnal wing. The tower accommodates flex space for a bunk room, office or studio space. Materials and detailing of this house are based on a classic cottage vernacular language found in these sorts of buildings constructed in pre-war north america and harken back to a simpler time and scale. Eastern white cedar shingles, white painted trim and moulding collectively add a layer of texture and richness not found in today’s lexicon of detail. The house is 1,628 sf plus a 228 sf tower and a detached, two car garage which employs massing, detail and scale to allow the main house to read as dominant but not overbearing. Designed by BC&J Architecture.

With sweeping views of the Willamette river and Mt. Hood, this Atwater Place condo was designed with a balance of minimalism and livability in mind. A complete kitchen remodel brought a dark interior kitchen to the light and a full furnishings package welcomed Los Angeles transplants home to their new modern and bright residence. Our clients, a retired camera operator for both feature films and television and a producer/production manager on numerous television series including Weeds and The Middle, relocated from their traditionally-styled LA bungalow to Portland in the Summer of 2014. The couple sought a design departure from their long-term California residence and a fresh start for their new life in the South Waterfront. With only two pieces of sentimental furniture and a handful of artwork included in the plan, we set out to create a comfortable and clean-lined furnishings package complimenting the broad southeast views. Organically shaped upholstery pieces juxtaposed with angular steel and wood tables create a soft balance in the open floor plan. Several custom pieces, including a dining table designed by our studio and a custom hand-blown glass chandelier crafted by Scott Schiesel with Lightlite compliment timeless pieces from Knoll, Herman Miller, and B&B Italia. The kitchen is designed to reflect light and create brilliance in a space that is otherwise naturally dark. A material balance of stainless steel, back painted glass, quartz composite, lacquer, and mirror all play their part in creating a vibrant cooking environment. We collectively decided to forgo the traditional island pendant for a linear commercial fixture that provides tremendous light to the prep surface and creates an unexpected architectural element. The mirrored prep island creates the illusion of open space while concealing casework and wine storage on the working side of the kitchen. It is worth noting that this project was designed and installed almost entirely while our clients were still living in LA and wrapping up professional obligations and selling their home. This afforded us the tremendous opportunity to send our clients to showrooms not available in Portland to view key pieces before final specification. Textiles and finish samples were approved via mail and communication took place over e-mail, telephone, and an occasional office visit. This unique process lead to a successful result and a beautifully balanced living environment. Josh Partee Photography

Rustic/Modern Master Bath. Etched Shower with a Texas Desert Scene. The Countertops are back painted glass.
Mid-sized southwest master beige tile and travertine tile porcelain tile and brown floor corner shower photo in Houston with furniture-like cabinets, black cabinets, gray walls, a vessel sink, glass countertops and a hinged shower door

This contemporary beach style kitchen has a white glass subway tile as a backsplash.
Inspiration for a coastal u-shaped open concept kitchen remodel in Jacksonville with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, turquoise cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

41 West Coastal Retreat Series reveals creative, fresh ideas, for a new look to define the casual beach lifestyle of Naples. More than a dozen custom variations and sizes are available to be built on your lot. From this spacious 3,000 square foot, 3 bedroom model, to larger 4 and 5 bedroom versions ranging from 3,500 - 10,000 square feet, including guest house options.

A growing family, a rambling Georgian estate. The question: how to imbue tradition with a fresh spirit? The charge was to maintain the idea of old school charm without the interior feeling just… old. An illustration could be found in picture molding (which we added, then painted to disappear into the walls) or a modern plaster sculpture teetering upon an old barrister bookcase. Charm, with a wink. Photography by John Bessler

Ryann Ford
Inspiration for a large transitional dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Austin with white cabinets, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, shaker cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, black countertops and an island

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

Design by Joanna Hartman | Project Management by Jim Venable | Photo by Paul Finkel This space features knotty alder cabinets from Amazonia Cabinets; backpainted glass with outlet by Anchor Ventana; New White Oak floors stained to match existing by Big D's Hardwood Floors; paint, Kelly-Moore Pure White 7005 SW; Kraus undermount sink from Ferguson Enterprises; oak IKEA butcher block counter; Sergei Sputnik Ceiling Lamp; Frigidaire appliances; 3cm Calacutta gold marble on the cooktop, surround, and sink counter; and paintings by Sarah Lantz and Court Lurie.

We all crave a space where we can switch off from the world at the end of the day. Bedrooms should therefore be a restful haven. Textures are the ideal way to give the bedroom a restful feel. Wallcovering can create a background to give your sleep space a peaceful feel. Knitted fabrics on the bed and textures in the curtains bring a small dose of pretty pattern into the space. To be really relaxed in your bedroom, you need soft surfaces to sit, walk and sleep on. Layering the space with sumptuous textures that are arranged neatly and a simple colour palette will keep the room feeling calm and harmonious. The wallpaper print is called Heavenly Drapes and it does create a backdrop that is restful, yet inspirational. The curtain fabric adds texture, while the colour blends into the wall. The wardrobe sliding doors are back painted glass. The colour is the same as the walls, but the glass adds depth and a different level of gloss.

Classic vintage inspired design with marble counter tops. Dark tone cabinets and glass top dining table.
Inspiration for a large timeless l-shaped ceramic tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige backsplash, an island, marble countertops, a double-bowl sink, porcelain backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Lema sliding glass wardrobe systems. They can be designed to your specifications. Shown here in glass.
Example of a mid-sized minimalist gender-neutral dark wood floor and brown floor reach-in closet design in New York with glass-front cabinets and white cabinets

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Other with white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets and stone tile backsplash

This contemporary beach style kitchen has a white glass subway tile as a backsplash.
Example of a beach style u-shaped open concept kitchen design in Jacksonville with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, turquoise cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

The kitchen and dining area in the open plan have modern touches and ample room for cooking and guests. Natural stone and marble countertops mix with painted cabinets, stainless appliances and modern classic furniture pieces. Photo by Whit Preston.

Photography by Richard Mandelkorn
Kitchen/dining room combo - traditional medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo idea in Boston with white walls

Huge transitional home design photo in Miami