Yavapai Cabin sits in the middle of a steep mountain in an Arizona conifer forest. A clearing on the slope was made by the owner, with a vision to create a cabin immersed within the tree canopies. Upward Architecture approached the project with two design options, exploring different ways to bring filtered light into the living spaces. Both options propose a plan with a central kitchen and living space, with sleeping suites on either side. A simple shed roof opens up to the commanding views of this Yavapai County forest, from all rooms.

Majestic triplex home in circa 1858 townhouse. This iconic 25’ mansion features a striking limestone façade on Hudson Street, 3,153 sq ft of living space, 2 outdoor spaces including an amazing bi-level roof deck with partial NYC & water views & on-site parking. Made-to-order kitchen showcases antique terracotta tile imported from France, custom cabinetry, granite counters, Viking range, Miele dishwasher, SubZero refrigeration, wine chiller and breakfast nook. Off of the kitchen is one of 2 terraces featuring handcrafted copper planters, ample dining space, access to backyard and parking. Commanding living room with 11’ ceilings showcases original fireplace mantle and intricate dental & crown moldings. A formal dining area with hand blown glass lighting and powder room complete the first level. Up the grand staircase lies the master bedroom retreat featuring walk-in closet/nursery, parquet floors, 10’ ceilings and a soothing master bath; magnificently appointed with onyx tile, custom marble vanity, Swarovski crystal lighting and an oversized walk-in spa shower. The third bedroom doubles as an office with coffered ceiling, abundance of built in storage and access to the top floor. Media room replete with projection screen, wet bar, wiring for full surround sound and access to the 2- tier terrace with low maintenance Trex deck surface, eastern exposure and city views. Two zone central air conditioning, new hot water heater and washer/dryer. Control4 technology for sound system & lighting. Half the yard is deeded to this singular home. Parking from Court St. entrance & additional basement storage.

Texas Monthly Magazine's Star Home, built by Silverton Custom Homes. This home was also part of the 2014 Austin HBA Parade of Homes and was voted the people's choice & awarded best in show along with best; architectural, interior & innovative design, best kitchen & best unique green feature. This Hill Country Contemporary Home has a classic and timeless design with a fresh & updated point of view. From the moment you step into this home you will get swept away by the stunning vistas, endless hilltops and the winding river disappearing off into the distance, enjoyed in all its splendor from the commanding living area that defines "great room" with a massive clear story ceiling and exposed trusses. The simply gorgeous kitchen serves as the central hub and flows right into the large dining area with a sloped wood ceiling, creating just enough distinction. The home has a unique surprise that will allow it to stay beautiful even during large gourmet dinner parties. This multi-functional "prep-kitchen" features a full working kitchen on one side, a large "craft island" in the middle and a section dedicated to cleaning on the other side. This home is perfect for hosting any gathering.

The Home The Branson’s covered porch, with its sturdy tapered columns, decorative pediment gables and large picturesque window-scape, invites you to enjoy a refreshing approach to a two-story bungalow-style home. Upon entering, The Branson features a bright and open study with a double-door closure. Moving through the foyer into the adjoined, naturally-lit great room, the well-equipped café-style kitchen and flexible dining area instantly inspires the “Live, Laugh, Love” trifecta of family togetherness. In the kitchen, the oversized eat-in island commands attention while leading your eye up to the nine-foot ceilings, around to the cozy contemporary gas fireplace and along the durable plank flooring. Up the centrally located stairwell, guests will find the “family hub” with three large secondary bedrooms, an ample sized bonus room tucked into the corner of the second level for some recreation or relaxation, and a restful primary suite complete with walk-in spa shower, walk-in closet and separate water closet all adjoined to a spacious master bedroom. In the basement, there is prime space for added bedrooms, full bathroom and an “anything” room. The Builder As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that is unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life. The Interior Design With bright white walls as a jumping off point, accent colors of gray blue, blush and plum add in something for everyone. Dark woods ground the design and pops of metallic gold add interest and flair. Cozy soft goods and bedding soften the space making it approachable and welcoming for the whole family to grow into and enjoy together for many years.

Retaining all the character of a 1923 whimsical while expanding to meet the needs of an active family of five. This classic and timeless transformation strikes a beautiful balance between the charm of the existing home and the opportunities to realize something custom. First, we reclaimed the attached one-car garage for a much-needed command central kitchen - organized in zones for cooking, dining, gathering, scheduling, homework and entertaining. With a devotion to design, a stunning, custom, nickel Ann Morris pot rack was chosen as a focal point, appliances were concealed with painted, raised-panel cabinetry and finishes like white quartzite countertops, white fireclay sinks and dark stained floors added just the right amount of light and color. Outside the bustle of the family space, the previous kitchen became a butler’s pantry and richly-paneled library for reading, relaxing and enjoying cigars. The addition of a mud room, family room, and a wonderful space we lovingly call “The Jewel Room” for its heightened luxurious detail, completed the perfect remodel – opening up new space for the busy children, while providing comfortable respites for their happy parents.

Ellen Harasimowicz Photography
Eat-in kitchen - large country u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Boston with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and two islands

This kitchen is the soul of the home—an artful blend of beauty, warmth, and workhorse practicality. Designed with intention, it had to solve for a tricky layout, with three doorways and plenty of household traffic, all while creating a central gathering space our clients would love for years to come. We began by reimagining the flow, carving out generous stations for prep, cooking, and casual gathering. A large center island—complete with seating and hidden ovens—acts as the kitchen’s command post. On the range wall, Fireclay’s Perian Star tile brings a jolt of joy and movement, playing perfectly against the stunning brass hood from CopperHoods. Layered lighting, rich materials, and tonal contrasts keep the space feeling grounded yet special. Tedd Wood custom cabinetry is rendered in both soft Pumice and Sherwin-Williams Rock Garden—a pairing that balances earthy calm with playful personality. Cambria Inverness Gold quartz countertops pull it all together with subtle shimmer and warmth. It’s a kitchen designed to feel vibrant and lived in, with details that elevate the everyday—like appliance garages, open shelving for cookbooks, and Brizo fixtures that deliver beauty in every function. Finishing touches like Restoration Hardware lighting and Cedar & Moss sconces help define each moment within this layered, luminous space.

The Home The Branson’s covered porch, with its sturdy tapered columns, decorative pediment gables and large picturesque window-scape, invites you to enjoy a refreshing approach to a two-story bungalow-style home. Upon entering, The Branson features a bright and open study with a double-door closure. Moving through the foyer into the adjoined, naturally-lit great room, the well-equipped café-style kitchen and flexible dining area instantly inspires the “Live, Laugh, Love” trifecta of family togetherness. In the kitchen, the oversized eat-in island commands attention while leading your eye up to the nine-foot ceilings, around to the cozy contemporary gas fireplace and along the durable plank flooring. Up the centrally located stairwell, guests will find the “family hub” with three large secondary bedrooms, an ample sized bonus room tucked into the corner of the second level for some recreation or relaxation, and a restful primary suite complete with walk-in spa shower, walk-in closet and separate water closet all adjoined to a spacious master bedroom. In the basement, there is prime space for added bedrooms, full bathroom and an “anything” room. The Builder As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that is unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life. The Interior Design With bright white walls as a jumping off point, accent colors of gray blue, blush and plum add in something for everyone. Dark woods ground the design and pops of metallic gold add interest and flair. Cozy soft goods and bedding soften the space making it approachable and welcoming for the whole family to grow into and enjoy together for many years.

This traditional chef’s kitchen was designed for two homeowners who love to cook for family and friends. It features ivory full overlay cabinets with a dark brown glaze, striking Titanium Black granite countertops and niche, and a white natural stone subway tile backsplash. There are three built-in shelves for cookbooks. A "Command Central" upper kitchen cabinet has corkboard on the back of the cabinet door and a quad outlet to neatly file and store incoming mail and family papers. A soffit with 5 MR16 recessed lights hangs over a bar height countertop with two barstools and a built-in beverage refrigerator.

This stunning kitchen transformation proves that warm, earthy tones can be just as striking as classic white — and far more personal. The result is a sophisticated, chef-caliber space that feels layered, collected, and completely livable, with a color story rooted in nature and elevated by thoughtful material choices throughout. The perimeter cabinetry is finished in a rich warm greige — that perfect blend of gray and beige that feels both current and timeless — running floor to ceiling with generous crown molding detail and brushed brass bar pulls that catch the light beautifully. The custom range hood, painted to match and finished with elegant curved molding, anchors the cooking wall and creates an architectural focal point that draws the eye immediately upon entering the room. The central island makes a bold and confident design statement in a contrasting sage green, a color choice that bridges the warm cabinetry and cool marble-look quartz countertops with unexpected harmony. The island countertop — a striking Calacatta-style quartz with dramatic gold veining — extends across all perimeter surfaces, tying the entire kitchen together under one cohesive material story. A large white farmhouse apron-front sink sits within the island, paired with a brushed champagne bronze gooseneck faucet and matching pot filler above the range — hardware details that elevate the space from beautiful to truly bespoke. The backsplash deserves its own moment: a full-field installation of a tone-on-tone marble mosaic tile in soft white, warm gray, and hints of gold runs wall to wall and floor to ceiling behind the range — a shimmering, textural surface that catches the light throughout the day and gives the kitchen an almost jewel-box quality up close. Three oversized sage green dome pendant lights with brass interiors and gold rods hang above the island, echoing the island color and creating a perfectly coordinated, designer-curated look. The professional-grade Wolf dual-fuel range with signature red knobs commands the cooking wall — a statement appliance that signals serious culinary intent while adding a pop of bold color that energizes the otherwise soft palette. Panel-ready refrigerator cabinetry seamlessly integrates the appliance wall into the overall design, maintaining the clean, furniture-like quality of the custom cabinetry throughout. The remodel extends into the adjacent family room, where a full fireplace surround tiled in the same marble mosaic as the kitchen backsplash creates a cohesive design thread between the two spaces. A warm wood mantel, linen drapery, and a mix of cognac leather and cream upholstery complete a sitting area that feels like a natural, harmonious extension of the kitchen beyond.

Texas Monthly Magazine's Star Home, built by Silverton Custom Homes. This home was also part of the 2014 Austin HBA Parade of Homes and was voted the people's choice & awarded best in show along with best; architectural, interior & innovative design, best kitchen & best unique green feature. This Hill Country Contemporary Home has a classic and timeless design with a fresh & updated point of view. From the moment you step into this home you will get swept away by the stunning vistas, endless hilltops and the winding river disappearing off into the distance, enjoyed in all its splendor from the commanding living area that defines "great room" with a massive clear story ceiling and exposed trusses. The simply gorgeous kitchen serves as the central hub and flows right into the large dining area with a sloped wood ceiling, creating just enough distinction. The home has a unique surprise that will allow it to stay beautiful even during large gourmet dinner parties. This multi-functional "prep-kitchen" features a full working kitchen on one side, a large "craft island" in the middle and a section dedicated to cleaning on the other side. This home is perfect for hosting any gathering.

Indulge in the epitome of modern elegance with our captivating bar, dining nook, and kitchen ensemble, where sophisticated design meets unparalleled functionality. At the heart of the space stands our exquisite bar, boasting white oak cabinets adorned with built-in custom wine racks, offering a tasteful blend of luxury and practicality. The front white oak-paneled fridge drawers add a touch of refinement, while glass upper cabinets with integrated lighting showcase your prized glassware collection in an ambiance of understated sophistication. Moving seamlessly into the kitchen, a vision of pristine white welcomes you, accented by the warmth of white oak cabinets that exude timeless charm. A spacious island commands attention, providing both a central hub for culinary creativity and a gathering place for cherished moments shared with loved ones. Adjacent to the kitchen, our charming dining nook beckons with its inviting white oak built-ins, offering the perfect setting for intimate meals and lively conversations. Here, every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to create a harmonious blend of comfort and style, ensuring every dining experience is infused with a sense of warmth and hospitality. Step into a realm of refined luxury and effortless sophistication with our captivating bar, dining nook, and kitchen design—a testament to the artistry of modern living.

From builder standard to designer upgrade. A recent project of ours in Harrison NY had us taking an adequate builder designed kitchen to something much more special. The original layout led to traffic jams while entertaining and valuable storage was lost due to the fact that the cabinets did not go to the ceiling. The new design moves the refrigerator out of the traffic pattern that often lead to gridlock in previous years as well as providing ample storage for trays and baking sheets in the slim pantry. Grillwork doors allow for airflow from the air-conditioning vents, while still allowing for cabinets to the ceiling. A professional grade range replaces the old smaller model, with a heavy-duty hood to assure complete ventilation no matter what the cook creates. The microwave moves farther down the work triangle to assure that the heating of a cup of coffee or bag of popcorn need never interfere with the chef again. Equally of value is the island mini-frig not just to chill the occasional bottle of wine, but to keep the kids sodas out the main refrigerator. And then there is the desk/ command central area. The formerly blank wall where no piece of furniture seemed to fit, because of the radiator, has become an efficient home office. With room for two people to work, grown-ups can search Food Network for recipes while the kids do their homework – problem area solved!

This island has two pieces. The freestanding granite-topped gathering table is 40" x 40" x 37" high, and the rolling work cart is 24" x 24" x 34" high. I wanted a flexible island that we could sit at comfortably and also use as counter space for big baking projects. I also wanted a lower work surface available for chopping, mixing, and kids to work in the kitchen. A two-piece island means we can roll the work cart around to suit the way we are using the kitchen at any particular time. If we need more floor space, we push the cart all the way under the table. If we need seating space for four or more people, we pull the cart completely out. The streamlined design is sized to fit the space available without impeding traffic flow, yet substantial enough to feel anchored in the midst of all the crossing traffic patterns and doorways. Photos by G. A. Elam

Texas Monthly Magazine's Star Home, built by Silverton Custom Homes. This home was also part of the 2014 Austin HBA Parade of Homes and was voted the people's choice & awarded best in show along with best; architectural, interior & innovative design, best kitchen & best unique green feature. This Hill Country Contemporary Home has a classic and timeless design with a fresh & updated point of view. From the moment you step into this home you will get swept away by the stunning vistas, endless hilltops and the winding river disappearing off into the distance, enjoyed in all its splendor from the commanding living area that defines "great room" with a massive clear story ceiling and exposed trusses. The simply gorgeous kitchen serves as the central hub and flows right into the large dining area with a sloped wood ceiling, creating just enough distinction. The home has a unique surprise that will allow it to stay beautiful even during large gourmet dinner parties. This multi-functional "prep-kitchen" features a full working kitchen on one side, a large "craft island" in the middle and a section dedicated to cleaning on the other side. This home is perfect for hosting any gathering.

Inspiration for a porch remodel in Other

Majestic triplex home in circa 1858 townhouse. This iconic 25’ mansion features a striking limestone façade on Hudson Street, 3,153 sq ft of living space, 2 outdoor spaces including an amazing bi-level roof deck with partial NYC & water views & on-site parking. Made-to-order kitchen showcases antique terracotta tile imported from France, custom cabinetry, granite counters, Viking range, Miele dishwasher, SubZero refrigeration, wine chiller and breakfast nook. Off of the kitchen is one of 2 terraces featuring handcrafted copper planters, ample dining space, access to backyard and parking. Commanding living room with 11’ ceilings showcases original fireplace mantle and intricate dental & crown moldings. A formal dining area with hand blown glass lighting and powder room complete the first level. Up the grand staircase lies the master bedroom retreat featuring walk-in closet/nursery, parquet floors, 10’ ceilings and a soothing master bath; magnificently appointed with onyx tile, custom marble vanity, Swarovski crystal lighting and an oversized walk-in spa shower. The third bedroom doubles as an office with coffered ceiling, abundance of built in storage and access to the top floor. Media room replete with projection screen, wet bar, wiring for full surround sound and access to the 2- tier terrace with low maintenance Trex deck surface, eastern exposure and city views. Two zone central air conditioning, new hot water heater and washer/dryer. Control4 technology for sound system & lighting. Half the yard is deeded to this singular home. Parking from Court St. entrance & additional basement storage.

Texas Monthly Magazine's Star Home, built by Silverton Custom Homes. This home was also part of the 2014 Austin HBA Parade of Homes and was voted the people's choice & awarded best in show along with best; architectural, interior & innovative design, best kitchen & best unique green feature. This Hill Country Contemporary Home has a classic and timeless design with a fresh & updated point of view. From the moment you step into this home you will get swept away by the stunning vistas, endless hilltops and the winding river disappearing off into the distance, enjoyed in all its splendor from the commanding living area that defines "great room" with a massive clear story ceiling and exposed trusses. The simply gorgeous kitchen serves as the central hub and flows right into the large dining area with a sloped wood ceiling, creating just enough distinction. The home has a unique surprise that will allow it to stay beautiful even during large gourmet dinner parties. This multi-functional "prep-kitchen" features a full working kitchen on one side, a large "craft island" in the middle and a section dedicated to cleaning on the other side. This home is perfect for hosting any gathering.

The Home The Branson’s covered porch, with its sturdy tapered columns, decorative pediment gables and large picturesque window-scape, invites you to enjoy a refreshing approach to a two-story bungalow-style home. Upon entering, The Branson features a bright and open study with a double-door closure. Moving through the foyer into the adjoined, naturally-lit great room, the well-equipped café-style kitchen and flexible dining area instantly inspires the “Live, Laugh, Love” trifecta of family togetherness. In the kitchen, the oversized eat-in island commands attention while leading your eye up to the nine-foot ceilings, around to the cozy contemporary gas fireplace and along the durable plank flooring. Up the centrally located stairwell, guests will find the “family hub” with three large secondary bedrooms, an ample sized bonus room tucked into the corner of the second level for some recreation or relaxation, and a restful primary suite complete with walk-in spa shower, walk-in closet and separate water closet all adjoined to a spacious master bedroom. In the basement, there is prime space for added bedrooms, full bathroom and an “anything” room. The Builder As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that is unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life. The Interior Design With bright white walls as a jumping off point, accent colors of gray blue, blush and plum add in something for everyone. Dark woods ground the design and pops of metallic gold add interest and flair. Cozy soft goods and bedding soften the space making it approachable and welcoming for the whole family to grow into and enjoy together for many years.