Holly Hill's site landscaping consists of all native plants
Design ideas for a large modern drought-tolerant side yard walkway in Atlanta.

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

The owners of this 100+ year old home wanted a new master bathroom that had all of the modern features available today. From quartz counters to heated floors, we outfitted the room with features that maximized their enjoyment of the space. Michael Jacob Photography

Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in Vancouver

This brownstone renovation was a full gut project in every sense of the word. On top of installing new floors, a kitchen and bath renovation, and all the typical restoration and refinishing involved in a brownstone built in 1899, we also completely updated the exterior, constructed a balcony that was not originally there, and converted the space from a single-family home into an an owner’s triplex. A newly separated studio rental on the garden level offers the opportunity for supplemental income, an uncommon and welcome addition to a New York brownstone. A TRANSITIONAL GEM The result is a two-family brownstone that perfectly combines classic townhouse living with today’s modern needs, including SmartHome technology that we installed to control Bluetooth speakers, Nest thermostats, and the security system. The overall aesthetic goal was to pay homage to the historical periods the brownstone has lived through in a cohesive way that is the hallmark of modern transitional style. In the kitchen, white Shaker-style cabinetry, a subway tile backsplash, and marble rather than quartz countertops bring a classically upscale sensibility. To modernize the space further, we opened up the back wall to create floor-to-ceiling windows that are also doors, opening up into the newly built balcony. TIMELY TOUCHES This brownstone renovation included many quintessential elements, such as millwork like the ceiling medallions. We restored some and custom built others, perfectly recreating their original appearance. The heated master bathroom is now serene, with a walk-in shower featuring a subtly modern linear drain. A herringbone Carrera marble tiled floor and marble slab sink complete the scene. In the powder room, we embraced a contemporary look by pairing dark hexagonal floors with light chevron tiles, accented with dramatic navy blue wallpaper. With its clear-cut 1920s-style, we selected the wall sconce to reference one of the brownstone’s earlier eras. DESIGN DETAILS Natural oak herringbone floors we installed throughout the entire home bring a modern yet warm touch. We restored the wood-burning marble fireplace, which is fully functioning. An elegant staircase with a custom-crafted black wooden banister and white balusters winds up and down alongside a real brick interior wall that we restored and refinished. In this brownstone renovation, we were also able to create ceiling height, an unexpected yet aesthetically pleasing side benefit. When working on the joists and beams to level out the floors (a common issue in pre-war renovations) we added ceiling height in the main parlor floor by taking the second floor and raising the ceiling an entire foot. The end result is a main floor with stunning 9-foot ceilings. SOME HIGHLIGHTS - Solid natural oak herringbone floors throughout - A fully restored, refinished, and functioning wood burning fireplace with a marble mantle - Complete exterior renovation of the facade, cornices, windows, mouldings, and even the ironwork, including the railings leading up to the stoop and those facing the street - A brand new central air and heating system with uniquely modern vents – look above the couch in the living room with the fuzzy rug and large painting Considering a brownstone renovation? Contact us today! We specialize in brownstone renovations in New York as well as all pre-war apartments. When you work with a design-and-build firm like Gallery to renovate your brownstone, you get the full range of our expertise in working with all the finest details and pre-war architectural elements of these classic New York spaces. We also handle every step of the process, from filing permits and organizing schedules to sourcing custom pieces and building entirely new rooms (or even balconies). Call us for a free initial consultation when you’re ready.

Loretta Berardinelli
Example of a huge minimalist master brown tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile bathroom design in Boston with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops and gray walls

This organic modern master bathroom is truly a sanctuary. Heated clay tile floors feel luxurious underfoot and the large soaking tub is an oasis for busy parents. The unique vanity is a custom piece sourced by the interior designer. The continuation of the large format porcelain tile from the kitchen and the use of walnut on the linen cabinets from Grabill Cabinets, bring in the natural textures central to organic modern interior design. Interior Design: Sarah Sherman Samuel; Architect: J. Visser Design; Builder: Insignia Homes; Linen Cabinet: Grabill Cabinetry; Photo: Nicole Franzen

Heating System Replacement in Hammond, IN

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Inspiration for a modern patio remodel in San Diego

Archadeck of Central SC designed and built this deluxe outdoor living space that includes a custom sunroom and an elevated Trex composite deck with white vinyl railing. Trex was the inventor of wood-alternative composite decking. Choosing Trex for this lakeside deck helped us achieve the low-maintenance, high-performance backyard retreat these homeowners had in mind. The spacious and airy sunroom is accessible from two separate deck entrances. The vaulted design and large gable-end windows ensure the room is bathed in natural light. The interior of the sunroom boasts a ceramic tile floor, sliding windows and a Mitsubishi mini-split ductless heating & AC unit. This system provides zoned comfort solutions for year-round comfort and is up to 40% more efficient than traditional HVAC systems.

Bouteloua curtipendula / sideoats grass New York Botanical Garden Photo: Kristine Paulus, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-2.0 Generic

Archadeck of Central SC designed and built this deluxe outdoor living space that includes a custom sunroom and an elevated Trex composite deck with white vinyl railing. Trex was the inventor of wood-alternative composite decking. Choosing Trex for this lakeside deck helped us achieve the low-maintenance, high-performance backyard retreat these homeowners had in mind. The spacious and airy sunroom is accessible from two separate deck entrances. The vaulted design and large gable-end windows ensure the room is bathed in natural light. The interior of the sunroom boasts a ceramic tile floor, sliding windows and a Mitsubishi mini-split ductless heating & AC unit. This system provides zoned comfort solutions for year-round comfort and is up to 40% more efficient than traditional HVAC systems.

The project was to gut renovate a white brick vintage 1950’s typical cookie cutter apartment. The spaces have north and south views over looking the famed Dakota Apartments with vistas of Central Park. The living room and dining area have two exposures providing good daylight and the best views. Although the ceiling heights are eight foot a two inch drop was constructed in order to run electrical wiring for flush mounted lights. The two inch ceiling drop also enable the design to create soffits that define room shapes. A large Sultanabad rug covers the living floor, a sofa from Holly Hunt, a custom designed table, a vintage Eames chair and ottoman, a glass and polished chrome side table from Brueton Furniture along with the client’s antique furniture compliment the rooms’ modern style. The dining table and chairs are antique Chippendale and the Thailand silver decorated chest with an early 19th century American weather vane add style to the space and comfortable dining seating. West Side Apartment Overlooking Central Park and the Dakota The project was to gut renovate a white brick vintage 1950’s typical cookie cutter apartment. The spaces have north and south views over looking the famed Dakota Apartments with vistas of Central Park. The living room has two exposures providing good daylight and the best views. Figured maple mill work conceals the heating and air conditioning units as well as providing extra seating & storage i.e. ski storage underneath the picture window seat. The north windows have bottom up shades and are layered with sheer white curtains. A large Sultanabad rug covers the living floor, a sofa from Holly Hunt, a custom designed table, a vintage Eames chair and ottoman, a glass and polished chrome side table from Brueton Furniture along with the client’s antique furniture compliment the rooms’ modern style. Ashod Kassabian