As Brooklyn continues to reach upward, its newest denizens demand an aesthetic which marries the past with the present. For the latest buildings, rooftop spaces are not an after-thought but are carefully engineered and planned early in the design phase, often long before there is a semblance of a space to survey. The primary challenge with common spaces for residential buildings is to provide some level of individual privacy while developing an overall spatial design which will also foster social interaction between users. In order to achieve this balance, smaller conversational spaces which are defined through the rigid face of the wood-clad planters and accented by hearty plantings and provide a diverse mix of seating types from long benches attached to the face of the planters to moveable chairs and tables allowing for maximum flexibility. The smaller conversational spaces take advantage of the views from the outside edges of the roof while the larger common spaces are defined by plant-softened wood fences. The materials of the space borrow from the buildings context, reclaiming many of the materials which permeated Brooklyn’s industrial heritage. Concrete, steel, aluminum and various fabrics are some of the elements which help to unite the past with the present. Transferring the feel of the sidewalk planting bed to the rooftop is achieved through the raw steel-edged green-roof garden areas which help define the spaces.

VPC’s featured Custom Home Project of the Month for March is the spectacular Mountain Modern Lodge. With six bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths, this custom built 11,200 square foot timber frame residence exemplifies breathtaking mountain luxury. The home borrows inspiration from its surroundings with smooth, thoughtful exteriors that harmonize with nature and create the ultimate getaway. A deck constructed with Brazilian hardwood runs the entire length of the house. Other exterior design elements include both copper and Douglas Fir beams, stone, standing seam metal roofing, and custom wire hand railing. Upon entry, visitors are introduced to an impressively sized great room ornamented with tall, shiplap ceilings and a patina copper cantilever fireplace. The open floor plan includes Kolbe windows that welcome the sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The great room also includes access to the vast kitchen and dining area that features cabinets adorned with valances as well as double-swinging pantry doors. The kitchen countertops exhibit beautifully crafted granite with double waterfall edges and continuous grains. VPC’s Modern Mountain Lodge is the very essence of sophistication and relaxation. Each step of this contemporary design was created in collaboration with the homeowners. VPC Builders could not be more pleased with the results of this custom-built residence.

As Brooklyn continues to reach upward, its newest denizens demand an aesthetic which marries the past with the present. For the latest buildings, rooftop spaces are not an after-thought but are carefully engineered and planned early in the design phase, often long before there is a semblance of a space to survey. The primary challenge with common spaces for residential buildings is to provide some level of individual privacy while developing an overall spatial design which will also foster social interaction between users. In order to achieve this balance, smaller conversational spaces which are defined through the rigid face of the wood-clad planters and accented by hearty plantings and provide a diverse mix of seating types from long benches attached to the face of the planters to moveable chairs and tables allowing for maximum flexibility. The smaller conversational spaces take advantage of the views from the outside edges of the roof while the larger common spaces are defined by plant-softened wood fences. The materials of the space borrow from the buildings context, reclaiming many of the materials which permeated Brooklyn’s industrial heritage. Concrete, steel, aluminum and various fabrics are some of the elements which help to unite the past with the present. Transferring the feel of the sidewalk planting bed to the rooftop is achieved through the raw steel-edged green-roof garden areas which help define the spaces.

“Cheers!” to a bar built for elegant entertaining. Located at the end of the family room, the style borrows elements from the adjacent kitchen: doors and drawers with a narrow solid trim around the perimeters; black paint; and brass accents. But here the black and brass are amped up to create a dramatic, moody vibe. All the solid doors are black, and the countertop and backsplash are a white-veined black quartz called “African Street Laurent”. Instead of mere touches of brass like the kitchen, here the glass-front wall cabinets have wide brushed brass frames. All cabinets have handsome rift-cut white oak interiors, which help break up the wide expanse of black. Glass cabinets include LED strips on the sides as well as upper puck lights to highlight barware and serving pieces. More brass is found on the cabinets’ handles, which pop against their black backgrounds. Even the matte black faucet gets an accent of brass. The inclusion of two tall pantry cabinets with rollouts serves double duty: the one closest to the kitchen provides additional pantry storage; the tall cabinet on the left contains liquor bottles and wine. Ample base cabinetry holds bar accessories, hors d’oeuvres plates and cocktail napkins. Photography by Stefan Radtke.

The utility room was in between the LR and the kitchen, so we moved it in order to connect the two spaces. We put the utility room where the laundry room used to be and created a new laundry room off a new hallway that leads to the master bedroom. The space for this was created by borrowing space from the XL dining area. We carved out space for the formal living room to accommodate a larger kitchen. The rest of the space became modest-sized offices with French doors to allow light from the house's front into the kitchen. The living room now transitioned into the kitchen with a new bar and sitting area. We also transformed the full bath and hallway, which became a half-bath and mudroom for this single couple. The master bathroom was redesigned to receive a private toilet room and tiled shower. The stairs were reoriented to highlight an open railing and small foyer with a pretty armchair. The client’s existing stylish furnishings were incorporated into the colorful, bold design. Each space had personality and unique charm. The aqua kitchen’s focal point is the Kohler cast-iron vintage-inspired sink. The enlarged windows in the living room and sink allow the homeowners to enjoy the natural surroundings. Builder Partner – Parsetich Custom Homes Photographer - Sarah Shields --- Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/this-is-my-happy-place/

Now that the man of the house is retired and spends more time in his Ladue, MO home office, he noticed the need for an updated bathroom, a better-organized closet, and he really wanted to open the shutters and let the light in, but he needed to protect the artwork from sun damage. It was time to refresh. After relocating the entry between the office and closet to gain more space in the bathroom, the original wood floors were uncovered and refinished. A seagrass cloth wallpaper (also used in the bathroom) gives the office a dignified, masculine air. Built-in shelving provides storage and display, making the office clutter-free and casually professional. The replacement windows have low-e glass to block UV rays, and louvered double-hung shutters further control lighting. Now that the sun can shine in, there’s relaxing views to the backyard. The reconfigured closet with floor to ceiling wood cabinetry leads to a luxurious bathroom. Marble flooring (with radiant heat) extends up the walk-in shower walls (with a shampoo cubby) and bench seating. The maple vanity with granite countertop has a string of LED lighting tucked into the base to serve as the ultimate nightlight, a trick borrowed from his favorite hotel. Toby Weiss for Mosby Building Arts

The homeowner expressed a desire to open up a mostly enclosed kitchen with narrow entry that did not fully take advantage of the beautiful exterior views of the property. The owner, as someone who loves to cook, also desired to improve the functionality and take design inspiration from countryside kitchens in England. We opened the kitchen to the beautiful gardens and pool on the surrounding wooded lot. In addition to ample prep and storage space, the full Miele cooking package including a combi-steam oven and an extra-large farm sink all work together to make cooking and entertaining as efficient as it is fun. By borrowing some floor space from an adjoining over-sized powder room, we were able to create a spacious entrance featuring a bench, coat storage and a hutch with many drawers for hats and gloves as well as open shelving for display. We maximized extra space in the design by adding a custom built-in wet bar with walnut accents and open shelving that is perfect for entertaining guests. Along with the large bank of new doors and windows, we achieved a simple yet detailed kitchen and island with a subdued palette accented with splashes of vivid color and gleaming English brass fixtures taking full advantages of beautiful views and natural light.

This project consisted of a master bathroom renovation and an addition of an en-suite bath where we borrowed room from the mud room to make space for the bathroom. The master bath was made up of Signature cabinets in Pioneer door style with 3” stile and rail in a Smoke finish. The master bathroom vanity top is Caesarstone White Attica quartz. The tile included DalTile FM96 Equation Grey 12”x24” ceramic tile on the shower wall surround and in the niche back, Eleganza Manor Pebble 6”x36” on the bathroom floor and Maniscalco Botany Bay Pebbles on shower stall floor. MSI Harbor Gray subway tile was laid vertically as an accent band. The en-suite bathroom includes a Fabuwood vanity cabinet in Allure Galaxy door style in Nickel finish with a Caesarstone vanity top in White Attica. We installed Daltile Rittenhouse Square Arctic White 3”x6” ceramic tile on the shower walls with Cobblestone grout and installed a Dream Line Prism Neo Angle shower enclosure with clear glass and brushed nickel trim. The en-suite bathroom floor is DalTile AM36 Wanderlust 12”x24” ceramic tile with Cobblestone grout.

This beautiful property is located in the hills above of Montecito with 360 degree of views onto the Channel Islands and the surrounding mountains. Inspired by the Japanese landscape design principal of the borrowed landscape the gardens on this property serves as a kind of picture frame from which to view the natural beauty of its surroundings. This 15-year-old costume-built home was crafted with all the style and workmanship ship found in Villa or Château in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, the garden design was not as well thought out as the house was. Most of this property receives baking sun, drying winds and is in an extremely high fire danger area. Do to these factors many of the plants on the property were unsuitable for their location. The original planting scheme was also lifeless and colorless. Poor landscape maintenance had left many of the plants on the property sick and dying. We came in to revive this landscape, breathing new life into it. Creating a drought tolerant and fire wise landscape was of utmost importance to these clients. Staying true to the more formal landscape styles found in Southern Europe we also want to create an opportunity to design seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings. We did that by incorporating a lot of California native plants. This vast property also contains an avocado orchard and a vineyard. By adding California native plants the property is inviting in native birds and insects that help keep pollinate the orchard and vineyard and keep pest problems at bay. Because these clients enjoy harvesting from their land we added elements of edible landscaping to this project. We filled pottery and planter beds with fruit trees, culinary and medicinal herbs as well as flowers that can be used in cut flower arrangements. Lastly, we went through carefully pruning diseased plants, treating pest problems an improving the soil. Now the landscape is not only more beautiful it is more protected against fire, is more water wise and integrate into its surrounds with a wholistic approach.

The utility room was in between the LR and the kitchen, so we moved it in order to connect the two spaces. We put the utility room where the laundry room used to be and created a new laundry room off a new hallway that leads to the master bedroom. The space for this was created by borrowing space from the XL dining area. We carved out space for the formal living room to accommodate a larger kitchen. The rest of the space became modest-sized offices with French doors to allow light from the house's front into the kitchen. The living room now transitioned into the kitchen with a new bar and sitting area. We also transformed the full bath and hallway, which became a half-bath and mudroom for this single couple. The master bathroom was redesigned to receive a private toilet room and tiled shower. The stairs were reoriented to highlight an open railing and small foyer with a pretty armchair. The client’s existing stylish furnishings were incorporated into the colorful, bold design. Each space had personality and unique charm. The aqua kitchen’s focal point is the Kohler cast-iron vintage-inspired sink. The enlarged windows in the living room and sink allow the homeowners to enjoy the natural surroundings. Builder Partner – Parsetich Custom Homes Photographer - Sarah Shields --- Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/this-is-my-happy-place/

When these Canton, MA homeowners desired to upgrade their childrens’ bathroom, they were referred to Renovisions who were grateful to accept the task. The clients were unhappy with the existing cramped floor plan, lack of storage, old and drafty windows, outdated fixtures and overall lackluster aesthetic. Renovisions designed the new room to not only meet the client’s goals, but exceeded them abundantly. Mobility in the space was limited due to the door swing into the room. Renovisions recommended replacing the currenmt door with a pocket door in an arch-top beaded design to match the nearby bedroom doors, while also upgrading the hallway linen closet with new shelving and same styled door. Renovisions also increased the layout by borrowing space from the adjacent dining room. There is now more room for the handsome, quartered-mahogany wall-hung vanity with linen tower. Since the homeowners requested a contemporary look, the design team focused on choosing more modern products including a soaking tub, minimalistic square designed shower heads, tub filler, single lever faucet and a large rectangular sink. The white quartz countertop with wide veining and waterfall edge, along with the striking larger format subway tile finished with square edge chrome profiles contribute to the clean aethetic and modern appeal. From the sleek porcelain plank floor tile, new double-mulled Marvin casement windows and recessed lighting that provides just the right amount of light, the end result: a one-of-a-kind bathroom, a unique and modern ‘Revitalized Room’.

Anthony Moreno - Tree Falls Photography
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in New York

The utility room was in between the LR and the kitchen, so we moved it in order to connect the two spaces. We put the utility room where the laundry room used to be and created a new laundry room off a new hallway that leads to the master bedroom. The space for this was created by borrowing space from the XL dining area. We carved out space for the formal living room to accommodate a larger kitchen. The rest of the space became modest-sized offices with French doors to allow light from the house's front into the kitchen. The living room now transitioned into the kitchen with a new bar and sitting area. We also transformed the full bath and hallway, which became a half-bath and mudroom for this single couple. The master bathroom was redesigned to receive a private toilet room and tiled shower. The stairs were reoriented to highlight an open railing and small foyer with a pretty armchair. The client’s existing stylish furnishings were incorporated into the colorful, bold design. Each space had personality and unique charm. The aqua kitchen’s focal point is the Kohler cast-iron vintage-inspired sink. The enlarged windows in the living room and sink allow the homeowners to enjoy the natural surroundings. Builder Partner – Parsetich Custom Homes Photographer - Sarah Shields --- Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/this-is-my-happy-place/

The utility room was in between the LR and the kitchen, so we moved it in order to connect the two spaces. We put the utility room where the laundry room used to be and created a new laundry room off a new hallway that leads to the master bedroom. The space for this was created by borrowing space from the XL dining area. We carved out space for the formal living room to accommodate a larger kitchen. The rest of the space became modest-sized offices with French doors to allow light from the house's front into the kitchen. The living room now transitioned into the kitchen with a new bar and sitting area. We also transformed the full bath and hallway, which became a half-bath and mudroom for this single couple. The master bathroom was redesigned to receive a private toilet room and tiled shower. The stairs were reoriented to highlight an open railing and small foyer with a pretty armchair. The client’s existing stylish furnishings were incorporated into the colorful, bold design. Each space had personality and unique charm. The aqua kitchen’s focal point is the Kohler cast-iron vintage-inspired sink. The enlarged windows in the living room and sink allow the homeowners to enjoy the natural surroundings. Builder Partner – Parsetich Custom Homes Photographer - Sarah Shields --- Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/this-is-my-happy-place/

The utility room was in between the LR and the kitchen, so we moved it in order to connect the two spaces. We put the utility room where the laundry room used to be and created a new laundry room off a new hallway that leads to the master bedroom. The space for this was created by borrowing space from the XL dining area. We carved out space for the formal living room to accommodate a larger kitchen. The rest of the space became modest-sized offices with French doors to allow light from the house's front into the kitchen. The living room now transitioned into the kitchen with a new bar and sitting area. We also transformed the full bath and hallway, which became a half-bath and mudroom for this single couple. The master bathroom was redesigned to receive a private toilet room and tiled shower. The stairs were reoriented to highlight an open railing and small foyer with a pretty armchair. The client’s existing stylish furnishings were incorporated into the colorful, bold design. Each space had personality and unique charm. The aqua kitchen’s focal point is the Kohler cast-iron vintage-inspired sink. The enlarged windows in the living room and sink allow the homeowners to enjoy the natural surroundings. Builder Partner – Parsetich Custom Homes Photographer - Sarah Shields --- Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/this-is-my-happy-place/

The existing master bath was cramped and uninspiring with a single vanity and small shower stall. By borrowing some space from an adjacent hall bath and by creatively rearranging the cabinetry and fixtures, we were able to create an open, fresh, bright bathroom with large tile shower and dual master vanities. The frameless shower enclosure, recessed tile niches, built-in corner bench, marble counters and polished chrome hardware transforms the new bath into a bright, fresh, spa like space. Full overlay, flat panel cabinetry with a crisp white finish coordinate beautifully with the traditional hex tile floor with contrasting grey grout. Polished chrome faucets, wall sconces and cabinet hardware provide just the right amount sparkle and shimmer. Pale green gray wall are soothing and relaxing. Custom bathroom designs by Kimberly Kerl of Kustom Home Design in Greer, South Carolina. Photos by Kimberly Kerl, Greenville county.

Photo credit Jane Beiles Located on a beautiful property with a legacy of architectural and landscape innovation, this guest house was originally designed by the offices of Eliot Noyes and Alan Goldberg. Due to its age and expanded use as an in-law dwelling for extended stays, the 1200 sf structure required a renovation and small addition. While one objective was to make the structure function independently of the main house with its own access road, garage, and entrance, another objective was to knit the guest house into the architectural fabric of the property. New window openings deliberately frame landscape and architectural elements on the site, while exterior finishes borrow from that of the main house (cedar, zinc, field stone) bringing unity to the family compound. Inside, the use of lighter materials gives the simple, efficient spaces airiness. A challenge was to find an interior design vocabulary which is both simple and clean, but not cold or uninteresting. A combination of rough slate, white washed oak, and high gloss lacquer cabinets provide interest and texture, but with their minimal detailing create a sense of calm.

VPC’s featured Custom Home Project of the Month for March is the spectacular Mountain Modern Lodge. With six bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths, this custom built 11,200 square foot timber frame residence exemplifies breathtaking mountain luxury. The home borrows inspiration from its surroundings with smooth, thoughtful exteriors that harmonize with nature and create the ultimate getaway. A deck constructed with Brazilian hardwood runs the entire length of the house. Other exterior design elements include both copper and Douglas Fir beams, stone, standing seam metal roofing, and custom wire hand railing. Upon entry, visitors are introduced to an impressively sized great room ornamented with tall, shiplap ceilings and a patina copper cantilever fireplace. The open floor plan includes Kolbe windows that welcome the sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The great room also includes access to the vast kitchen and dining area that features cabinets adorned with valances as well as double-swinging pantry doors. The kitchen countertops exhibit beautifully crafted granite with double waterfall edges and continuous grains. VPC’s Modern Mountain Lodge is the very essence of sophistication and relaxation. Each step of this contemporary design was created in collaboration with the homeowners. VPC Builders could not be more pleased with the results of this custom-built residence.

This project consisted of a master bathroom renovation and an addition of an en-suite bath where we borrowed room from the mud room to make space for the bathroom. The master bath was made up of Signature cabinets in Pioneer door style with 3” stile and rail in a Smoke finish. The master bathroom vanity top is Caesarstone White Attica quartz. The tile included DalTile FM96 Equation Grey 12”x24” ceramic tile on the shower wall surround and in the niche back, Eleganza Manor Pebble 6”x36” on the bathroom floor and Maniscalco Botany Bay Pebbles on shower stall floor. MSI Harbor Gray subway tile was laid vertically as an accent band. The en-suite bathroom includes a Fabuwood vanity cabinet in Allure Galaxy door style in Nickel finish with a Caesarstone vanity top in White Attica. We installed Daltile Rittenhouse Square Arctic White 3”x6” ceramic tile on the shower walls with Cobblestone grout and installed a Dream Line Prism Neo Angle shower enclosure with clear glass and brushed nickel trim. The en-suite bathroom floor is DalTile AM36 Wanderlust 12”x24” ceramic tile with Cobblestone grout.