Our introduction to the Tahoe site was in late winter, on a clear sunny day with filtered light and long shadows through snow-laden fir and pine bows. It made a strong impression, stored for future consideration but the impetus for the design came soon after the spring snow melt. A powerful sense of horizontal layering of vegetation and various stages of decomposing downed timber on the two-acre site, juxtaposed with pine and fir trees and the dense canopy of the surrounding forest. The site is located near the historic 1960 Olympic Nordic track, situated on the edge of wetlands and seasonal streams. The homeowners were previous clients and dreamt of having a retreat in the Sierras away from their home base in Berkeley, CA. Among skiers, bike riders, hikers, and boaters, they found the ideal central location for their home base near Lake Tahoe. The home is organized as a series of linked spaces, each providing a unique sensory experience and connection to different parts of the site, both vertically and horizontally. The design includes extensive use of glass to create a true indoor/outdoor connection and maximize natural light. At the center of the site are two large fir trees, which the building respectfully wraps around in an L shape to create a focal point in the landscaped courtyard. A refined, context-driven palette of natural materials including cedar, oak, fir, and steel is used to harmoniously blend in among the surroundings. The construction includes advanced details such as thermally broken steel beams supporting layered roof planes engineered to hold snow rather than shed it. Designed to resist significant load, we exposed the steel structure as a recurring element in the interior spaces. The resulting columns and support beams contribute to the familiar design aspects of each room and provide a better understanding of how the building was constructed. The second floor features cantilevered volumes that reach out into the nearby evergreen limbs, likening the experience to being in a tree house. The house incorporates features such as radiant heating, solar panels, and operable windows for passive cooling. Fire safety measures include the use of naturally fire-resistant materials, a Class A roof construction, sprinklers, and drought-tolerant landscaping beyond the defensible space.

A typical post-1906 Noe Valley house is simultaneously restored, expanded and redesigned to keep what works and rethink what doesn’t. The front façade, is scraped and painted a crisp monochrome white—it worked. The new asymmetrical gabled rear addition takes the place of a windowless dead end box that didn’t. A “Great kitchen”, open yet formally defined living and dining rooms, a generous master suite, and kid’s rooms with nooks and crannies, all make for a newly designed house that straddles old and new. Structural Engineer: Gregory Paul Wallace SE General Contractor: Cardea Building Co. Interior Design: Ken Fulk Photographer: Open Homes Photography

RB Gallup
Cottage white one-story exterior home photo in Other with a shingle roof

Located at the crossroads of Ngo Quyen and Trang Tien street, International Center owns a prime spot in the heart of Hanoi's central business district, surrounded by the city's iconic cultural heritages, such as, Sword Lake, Hanoi Opera House, Metropole Hotel, and Trang Tien Plaza. Consisting 8-stories of office space and two basements for parking, International Center underwent a facade and interior renovation to bring it to a full Grade A standard and blend well with the older buildings in the area. The project's overall design, by D&P Associates, takes its inspiration from the area's heritage look and seeks a modern-classic style in which the past aligns harmoniously with the present. Aiming to respect its historical values, we preserved the original building's familiar French colonial structure. However, instead of being arranged separately, the existing windows were combined into 3-window columns, spread symmetrically on both facades to bring a sense of elegance to the building. We also used simple decorative molding and the combination of white and bronze colors to give a soft, yet luxurious look with classical architectural accents for the project. To strike a balance between past and present, we implemented modern and high-class materials wherever possible. An extensive use of bronze steel imported from Taiwan and genuine 2-layer Schuco glass imported from Germany for the cladding, helped to make a striking facade while minimizing solar and noise gain. Another statement of our exterior design is the canopies which are located at the main entrance of both facades. Extending 3 meters from the building’s face, they’re reminiscent of a pair of wings that float above the entrance hall providing a sense of lightness, and soften the building’s monolithic appearance. For the interior, the emphasis was on the reception hall, which is considered as the building's face. Our ultimate goal was to create a seamless fusion of interior and exterior architecture and a profound visual effect for its visitors. We achieved this by covering the entire ceiling and walls of the 3-meter long lobby with luxurious bronze steel to make a strong impression for passersby. In contrast, the combination of white walls, high-grade marble floors, reception desk, and black and white paintings of the old Hanoi provides an elegant monochrome look for the main hall. This style was also applied to the corridors and other public areas. For the restrooms, we introduced green for the doors and skirtings combined with white walls and marble floors. The green is inspired by the distinctive green wooden doors of the Metropole hotel - a symbol of the French colonial architectural style. Overall, with the nostalgia trend blooming in Asian culture, D&P Associates's design team aimed to express past local cultural values in a contemporary manner for the new International Center office building.

Located at the crossroads of Ngo Quyen and Trang Tien street, International Center owns a prime spot in the heart of Hanoi's central business district, surrounded by the city's iconic cultural heritages, such as, Sword Lake, Hanoi Opera House, Metropole Hotel, and Trang Tien Plaza. Consisting 8-stories of office space and two basements for parking, International Center underwent a facade and interior renovation to bring it to a full Grade A standard and blend well with the older buildings in the area. The project's overall design, by D&P Associates, takes its inspiration from the area's heritage look and seeks a modern-classic style in which the past aligns harmoniously with the present. Aiming to respect its historical values, we preserved the original building's familiar French colonial structure. However, instead of being arranged separately, the existing windows were combined into 3-window columns, spread symmetrically on both facades to bring a sense of elegance to the building. We also used simple decorative molding and the combination of white and bronze colors to give a soft, yet luxurious look with classical architectural accents for the project. To strike a balance between past and present, we implemented modern and high-class materials wherever possible. An extensive use of bronze steel imported from Taiwan and genuine 2-layer Schuco glass imported from Germany for the cladding, helped to make a striking facade while minimizing solar and noise gain. Another statement of our exterior design is the canopies which are located at the main entrance of both facades. Extending 3 meters from the building’s face, they’re reminiscent of a pair of wings that float above the entrance hall providing a sense of lightness, and soften the building’s monolithic appearance. For the interior, the emphasis was on the reception hall, which is considered as the building's face. Our ultimate goal was to create a seamless fusion of interior and exterior architecture and a profound visual effect for its visitors. We achieved this by covering the entire ceiling and walls of the 3-meter long lobby with luxurious bronze steel to make a strong impression for passersby. In contrast, the combination of white walls, high-grade marble floors, reception desk, and black and white paintings of the old Hanoi provides an elegant monochrome look for the main hall. This style was also applied to the corridors and other public areas. For the restrooms, we introduced green for the doors and skirtings combined with white walls and marble floors. The green is inspired by the distinctive green wooden doors of the Metropole hotel - a symbol of the French colonial architectural style. Overall, with the nostalgia trend blooming in Asian culture, D&P Associates's design team aimed to express past local cultural values in a contemporary manner for the new International Center office building.

Located at the crossroads of Ngo Quyen and Trang Tien street, International Center owns a prime spot in the heart of Hanoi's central business district, surrounded by the city's iconic cultural heritages, such as, Sword Lake, Hanoi Opera House, Metropole Hotel, and Trang Tien Plaza. Consisting 8-stories of office space and two basements for parking, International Center underwent a facade and interior renovation to bring it to a full Grade A standard and blend well with the older buildings in the area. The project's overall design, by D&P Associates, takes its inspiration from the area's heritage look and seeks a modern-classic style in which the past aligns harmoniously with the present. Aiming to respect its historical values, we preserved the original building's familiar French colonial structure. However, instead of being arranged separately, the existing windows were combined into 3-window columns, spread symmetrically on both facades to bring a sense of elegance to the building. We also used simple decorative molding and the combination of white and bronze colors to give a soft, yet luxurious look with classical architectural accents for the project. To strike a balance between past and present, we implemented modern and high-class materials wherever possible. An extensive use of bronze steel imported from Taiwan and genuine 2-layer Schuco glass imported from Germany for the cladding, helped to make a striking facade while minimizing solar and noise gain. Another statement of our exterior design is the canopies which are located at the main entrance of both facades. Extending 3 meters from the building’s face, they’re reminiscent of a pair of wings that float above the entrance hall providing a sense of lightness, and soften the building’s monolithic appearance. For the interior, the emphasis was on the reception hall, which is considered as the building's face. Our ultimate goal was to create a seamless fusion of interior and exterior architecture and a profound visual effect for its visitors. We achieved this by covering the entire ceiling and walls of the 3-meter long lobby with luxurious bronze steel to make a strong impression for passersby. In contrast, the combination of white walls, high-grade marble floors, reception desk, and black and white paintings of the old Hanoi provides an elegant monochrome look for the main hall. This style was also applied to the corridors and other public areas. For the restrooms, we introduced green for the doors and skirtings combined with white walls and marble floors. The green is inspired by the distinctive green wooden doors of the Metropole hotel - a symbol of the French colonial architectural style. Overall, with the nostalgia trend blooming in Asian culture, D&P Associates's design team aimed to express past local cultural values in a contemporary manner for the new International Center office building.

www.wrightbuild.com
Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in New York with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Photo credit: Charles-Ryan Barber Architect: Nadav Rokach Interior Design: Eliana Rokach Staging: Carolyn Greco at Meredith Baer Contractor: Building Solutions and Design, Inc.

This impressive detached building is located in the heart of the bustling Dundas West strip, and presents a unique opportunity for creative live + work space. Designed by Kohn Shnier Architects, the building was completed in 2008 and has been owner-occupied ever since. Modern steel and concrete construction enable clear spans throughout, and the virtual elimination of bulkheads. The main floor features a dynamic retail space, that connects to a lower level with high ceilings – perfect as a workshop, atelier or as an extension of the retail. Upstairs, a spacious loft-like apartment is spread over 2 floors. The mainfloor includes a decadent chef’s kitchen finished in Corian, with a large eat-at island. The combined living & dining rooms connect with a large south-facing terrace with exceptional natural light and neighbourhood views. Upstairs, the master bathroom features abundant built-in closets, together with a generous ensuite bathroom. A second open space is presently used as a studio, but is easily converted to a closed 2nd bedroom. Parking is provided at the rear of the building, and the rooftop functions as a green roof. The finest materials have been used in this very special building, from anodized aluminium windows paired with black manganese brick, to high quality appliances and dual furnaces to provide adequate heating and fire separation between the retail and residential units. Photo by Tom Arban

Open concept kitchen - mid-sized traditional l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Burlington with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

LOFT | Luxury Industrial Loft Makeover Downtown LA | FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD INC A gorgeous and glamorous 687 sf Loft Apartment in the Heart of Downtown Los Angeles, CA. Small Spaces...BIG IMPACT is the theme this year: A wide open space and infinite possibilities. The Challenge: Only 3 weeks to design, resource, ship, install, stage and photograph a Downtown LA studio loft for the October 2014 issue of @dwellmagazine and the 2014 @dwellondesign home tour! So #Grateful and #honored to partner with the wonderful folks at #MetLofts and #DwellMagazine for the incredible design project! Photography by Riley Jamison #interiordesign #loftliving #StudioLoftLiving #smallspacesBIGideas #loft #DTLA AS SEEN IN Dwell Magazine LA Design Magazine

A custom designed and built floating staircase with stainless steel railings and custom bamboo stair treads. This custom home was designed and built by Meadowlark Design+Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Photography by Dana Hoff Photography

Inspiration for a transitional bathroom remodel in Nashville

In addition to the covered porch itself, exquisite design details made this renovation all that more impressive—from the new copper and asphalt roof to the Hardiplank, clapboard, and cedar shake shingles, rustic outdoor lighting and the beautiful, panel-style front door. Alicia Gbur Photography

French Country home built by Parkinson Building Group in the Waterview subdivision and featured on the cover of the Fall/Winter 2014 issue of Country French Magazine

When this family approached Gayler Design Build, they had a unique, octagon-shaped room that lacked flow and modern amenities. The home initially was constructed from three small houses that were "joined" together to create this unusual shape. It was important for the family to keep the open floor plan but add more functional space, to include new cabinetry and a large center island. In order to build the open floor plan, Gayler Design Build had to design around a central post and refinish the octagon concrete flooring, which was cut to reconfigure items in space and access sewer lines, etc.

Here in Florida, we’re blessed with great weather year-round. So it’s no surprise that outdoor entertaining areas are an extremely popular way to enhance outdoor living. When our clients requested an update to their existing outdoor kitchen while they were away on vacation, we were ready to hit the ground running. While their beautiful 2-story home on a golf course had a pool and covered lanai area, the existing outdoor kitchen just didn’t function well for their needs. Mainly, they craved additional counter space and more seating. And, as avid football fans, with a son playing on a renown Division 1 college team, they also wanted a large screen TV to watch games. After all, what better way to share game day excitement than at a barbecue with family and friends? A Bigger, Better Kitchen Layout Our brilliant design team came up with a much larger, u-shaped outdoor kitchen layout for increased functionality. The extra base cabinets provided plenty of storage as well as a foundation for additional countertop space. Adjacent to the sink, we added a 24” outdoor refrigerator to keep food and beverages chilled, and the high top bar allowed for more seating around the perimeter. For cooking, our clients selected a much larger Lynx grill and side burner to replace the original grill. While the kitchen was already set up for a grilling area, it required a hood, so we built and installed a custom hood for proper ventilation. Then, we added a large screen TV above the hood for easy viewing. Finishing Touches To softly illuminate the entire space at night, we installed additional recessed light fixtures into the ceiling and under the grill hood. We also tied the Cypress wood ceiling and the crown molding together into the design with a luxurious cabinet stain. Along with these finishing touches, we added a decorative travertine stone backsplash behind the grill and homogenized the front face of the bar for a polished, matching look. Ventilation Challenges With the outdoor kitchen lanai located directly under a second-floor living area, we had expected to tuck away ventilation ductwork between the second-level floor joists and the exterior wall running parallel to the grill hood. However, upon further investigation, we discovered the second floor joist system, in fact, ran perpendicular to the grill hood. In short, we needed a new way to hide the venting without compromising the original design. Our team came up with an inspired solution: Construction of a false wall behind the outdoor kitchen allowed us to run ductwork without creating a visible chase for the vent, thus maintaining a symmetrical look on both sides of the grill and decorative hood. Exceeding Expectations In the end, we didn’t just meet our clients’ needs for a beautiful outdoor kitchen update – we exceeded them. As planned, we completed the new outdoor kitchen while they were out of town. But when our clients returned from vacation, they were so impressed with the results (and the stress-free design/build experience) that they promptly hired us for another extensive remodel – a stunning home addition!

Shown here is CertainTeed's Cedar Impressions Vinyl Shake Siding Shown in Cypress. To get a great view of this product, come into Wimsatt's Showroom! Our showroom is the perfect environment for you to get up-close and personal with the exterior products you view on Houzz.

A rare find in Bloomfield Township is new construction. This gem of a custom home not only featured a modern, open floorplan with great flow, it also had an 1,800 sq. ft. unfinished basement. When the homeowners of this beautiful house approached MainStreet Design Build, they understood the value of renovating the accessible, non-livable space—and recognized its unlimited potential. Their vision for their 1,800 sq. ft. finished basement included a lighter, brighter teen entertainment area—a space large enough for pool, ping pong, shuffle board and darts. It was also important to create an area for food and drink that did not look or feel like a bar. Although the basement was completely unfinished, it presented design challenges due to the angled location of the stairwell and existing plumbing. After 4 months of construction, MainStreet Design Build delivered—in spades! Details of this project include a beautiful modern fireplace wall with Peau de Beton concrete paneled tile surround and an oversized limestone mantel and hearth. Clearly a statement piece, this wall also features a Boulevard 60-inch Contemporary Vent-Free Linear Fireplace with reflective glass liner and crushed glass. Opposite the fireplace wall, is a beautiful custom room divider with bar stool seating that separates the living room space from the gaming area. Effectively blending this room in an open floorplan, MainStreet Design Build used Country Oak Wood Plank Vinyl flooring and painted the walls in a Benjamin Moore eggshell finish. The Kitchenette was designed using Dynasty semi-custom cabinetry, specifically a Renner door style with a Battleship Opaque finish; Top Knobs hardware in a brushed satin nickel finish; and beautiful Caesarstone Symphony Grey Quartz countertops. Tastefully coordinated with the rest of the décor is a modern Filament Chandelier in a bronze finish from Restoration Hardware, hung perfectly above the kitchenette table. A new ½ bath was tucked near the stairwell and designed using the same custom cabinetry and countertops as the kitchenette. It was finished in bold blue/gray paint and topped with Symphony Gray Caesarstone. Beautiful 3×12” Elemental Ice glass subway tile and stainless steel wall shelves adorn the back wall creating the illusion of light. Chrome Shades of Light Double Bullet glass wall sconces project from the wall to shed light on the mirror. Kate Benjamin Photography