Conceived more similar to a loft type space rather than a traditional single family home, the homeowner was seeking to challenge a normal arrangement of rooms in favor of spaces that are dynamic in all 3 dimensions, interact with the yard, and capture the movement of light and air. As an artist that explores the beauty of natural objects and scenes, she tasked us with creating a building that was not precious - one that explores the essence of its raw building materials and is not afraid of expressing them as finished. We designed opportunities for kinetic fixtures, many built by the homeowner, to allow flexibility and movement. The result is a building that compliments the casual artistic lifestyle of the occupant as part home, part work space, part gallery. The spaces are interactive, contemplative, and fun. More details to come. credits: design: Matthew O. Daby - m.o.daby design construction: Cellar Ridge Construction structural engineer: Darla Wall - Willamette Building Solutions photography: Erin Riddle - KLIK Concepts

Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Photo by Philip Liang Photography.

Example of an urban l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen design in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops, flat-panel cabinets and distressed cabinets

Example of a zen living room design in Boston with beige walls

Leah Welch Photography
Alcove shower - mid-sized transitional 3/4 beige tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile alcove shower idea in Other with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink and granite countertops

Tessa Neustadt
Inspiration for a coastal home design remodel in New York

Living room - large rustic open concept living room idea in Boise

Large transitional galley brown floor and dark wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Milwaukee with an undermount sink, medium tone wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, shaker cabinets and green backsplash

Learn seed starting basics and get a jump start on growing the flower garden of your dreams. In this striking guide you will find everything you need to grow, harvest, and arrange stunning seasonal blooms. With equal parts instruction and inspiration, Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden welcomes you into Erin Benzakein’s abundant, bloom-filled world, and is a feast for every flower lover’s eyes and soul. Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden. Written by Erin Benzakein with Julie Chai. Photos by Michèle M. Waite. Published by Chronicle Books.

This home remodel is a celebration of curves and light. Starting from humble beginnings as a basic builder ranch style house, the design challenge was maximizing natural light throughout and providing the unique contemporary style the client’s craved. The Entry offers a spectacular first impression and sets the tone with a large skylight and an illuminated curved wall covered in a wavy pattern Porcelanosa tile. The chic entertaining kitchen was designed to celebrate a public lifestyle and plenty of entertaining. Celebrating height with a robust amount of interior architectural details, this dynamic kitchen still gives one that cozy feeling of home sweet home. The large “L” shaped island accommodates 7 for seating. Large pendants over the kitchen table and sink provide additional task lighting and whimsy. The Dekton “puzzle” countertop connection was designed to aid the transition between the two color countertops and is one of the homeowner’s favorite details. The built-in bistro table provides additional seating and flows easily into the Living Room. A curved wall in the Living Room showcases a contemporary linear fireplace and tv which is tucked away in a niche. Placing the fireplace and furniture arrangement at an angle allowed for more natural walkway areas that communicated with the exterior doors and the kitchen working areas. The dining room’s open plan is perfect for small groups and expands easily for larger events. Raising the ceiling created visual interest and bringing the pop of teal from the Kitchen cabinets ties the space together. A built-in buffet provides ample storage and display. The Sitting Room (also called the Piano room for its previous life as such) is adjacent to the Kitchen and allows for easy conversation between chef and guests. It captures the homeowner’s chic sense of style and joie de vivre.

Photo: Angela Flournoy © 2013 Houzz
Eclectic galley eat-in kitchen photo in Dallas with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Great room looking into kitchen and dining room
Living room - mid-sized craftsman open concept living room idea in Seattle with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Basic plant arrangement in early stages.
Inspiration for a small contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun front yard gravel garden path in Sacramento.

Home office - transitional freestanding desk medium tone wood floor home office idea in San Francisco with gray walls

A modern Moroccan Sunroom embraces the traditional patterns and materials of Moroccan living with a modern twist.
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic home design remodel in San Francisco

Inspiration for a contemporary freestanding desk dark wood floor study room remodel in New York

The challenge was to bring drama and interest to a very basic yard on a flat lot with no natural focal points. The result is this Party ready deck. Multi leveled and multi functioning, this attractive arrangement for outdoor living meets all of the needs of the homeowner. The design Allows guests to spread out into comfortable uncongested groupings as it cascades down to the yard providing seamless transitions from the interior of the home to the lawn. It also provides intimate spaces for a family dinner on a nice summer evening. The amazing kitchen is a focal point for aesthetics as well as sustenance. The thermal bluestone used as the floor of the kitchen gives a defined sense of space and ties in beautifully with the stone and Granite of the kitchen. The incorporated bar gives guests a place to watch the chef perform in this exceptionally equipped kitchen.

Our Atlanta studio renovated this traditional home with new furniture, accessories, art, and window treatments, so it flaunts a light, fresh look while maintaining its traditional charm. The fully renovated kitchen and breakfast area exude style and functionality, while the formal dining showcases elegant curves and ornate statement lighting. The family room and formal sitting room are perfect for spending time with loved ones and entertaining, and the powder room juxtaposes dark cabinets with Damask wallpaper and sleek lighting. The lush, calming master suite provides a perfect oasis for unwinding and rejuvenating. --- Project designed by Atlanta interior design firm, VRA Interiors. They serve the entire Atlanta metropolitan area including Buckhead, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Cobb County, and North Fulton County. For more about VRA Interior Design, see here: https://www.vrainteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.vrainteriors.com/portfolio/traditional-atlanta-home-renovation/

Courtney Olander
Exterior home idea in Seattle