Marvin windows provide uncompromised views and a transparent barrier from the rugged terrain. Summer Cottage Massachusetts Architect: Lian Eoyang Firm: VIF STUDIO

This partially wooded, acre and a half lot in West Dundee presented many challenges. The clients began working with a Landscape Architect in the early spring, but after not getting the innovative ideas they were seeking, the home builder and Architect suggested the client contact our landscape design/build firm. We immediately hit it off with the charismatic clients. They had a tall order for us: complete the design and implement the construction within a three month period. For many projects this would be a reasonable time frame. However construction delays and the coordination of multiple trades left a very short window to complete the work. Beyond the tight time frame the site required specific care in preserving the many mature surrounding trees, as well as addressing a vast grade change. Over fifteen feet of grade change occurs from one end of this woodland property to the other. All of these constraints proved to be an enormous challenge as we worked to include and coordinate the following elements: the drive layout, a dramatic front entry, various gardens, landscape lighting, irrigation, and a plan for a backyard pool and entertainment space that already had been started without a clear plan. Fortunately, the client loved our design ideas and attention to detail and we were able to mobilize and begin construction. With the seamless coordination between our firm and the builder we implemented all the elements of this grand project. In total eight different crews and five separate trades worked together to complete the landscape. The completed project resulted in a rewarding experience for our firm, the builder and architect, as well as the client. Together we were able to create and construct a perfect oasis for the client that suited the beautiful property and the architecture of this dream home.

Living room - cottage living room idea in Minneapolis

In the primary bath, all of the original features had been removed, except for the low sloped MCM ceiling that was prominently interrupted by a rectangular AC soffit that was added on later. We relocated the AC ducting to vent through the floor instead, and once again revealed the bath’s iconic low sloped triangular ceiling. Then, we began re-creating the new MCM space from the floor up. We widened the original primary bath by 2’ to accommodate an enclosed toilet room, at the request of the homeowners. This was quite a feat, as it required structural engineering to relocate one vertical steel column that interfered with the new toilet room layout. The new 14’ tall steel column, which supported part of the steel roof trusses, had to be extended through the home’s bathroom floor and into a cave underground secured by a concrete pier. Oh, did I mention that this home has a cave under part of it? Haha—when I say that this home was a challenge to remodel, I do mean it was a CHALLENGE.

Who wouldn't fall in love with the Water Street building, and the elegant industrial vibe? The light that floods in through the floor-to-ceiling windows makes this a perfect spot to entertain and host friends from California or adult kids who visit. The location can't be beat--these clients ride their bikes to meet friends for lunch or a tour through the Hirschhorn. We knocked down a wall to open the kitchen, and added modern furnishings punctuated by splashes of deep orangey-red. High contrast and lots of rich textures can be found throughout this urban loft. Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Secluded and intimate on warm summer or nippy winter days.
Home design - french country home design idea in Cleveland

Example of a 1950s living room design in Indianapolis

Sherri Johnson
Example of a farmhouse home design design in Los Angeles

Tuscan home design photo in San Diego

This was a complete gut and remodel. There was a divider wall removed, increase in the island size and changed the direction it was running in the space. This was an older some so we had challenges with uneven and inconsistent wall heights. Wanting to use full height cabinets made this a challenge, but having the crown painted the same color as the cabinets and a taller band board, help hide this issue. A gray glazed island with a single chandelier adds some contrast from the perimeter cabinets. The cabinet hardware is a darker pewter finish. I used a multi color hand molded brick tile from Seneca Tile, for the back splash. No picture frame over the 48" Thermador range. Only the texture of the tile.

Example of a 1960s white floor enclosed dining room design in Austin with white walls

**Project Overview** This new construction home built next to a serene lake features a gorgeous, large-scale kitchen that also connects to a bar, home office, breakfast room and great room. The homeowners sought the warmth of traditional styling, updated for today. In addition, they wanted to incorporate unexpected touches that would add personality. Strategic use of furniture details combined with clean lines brings the traditional style forward, making the kitchen feel fresh, new and timeless. **What Makes This Project Unique?* Three finishes, including vintage white paint, stained cherry and textured painted gray oak cabinetry, work together beautifully to create a varied, unique space. Above the wall cabinets, glass cabinets with X mullions add interest and decorative storage. Single ovens are tucked in cabinets under a window, and a warming drawer under one perfectly matches the cabinet drawer under the other. Matching furniture-style armoires flank the wall ovens, housing the freezer and a pantry in one and custom designed large scale appliance garage with retractable doors in the other. Other furniture touches can be found on the sink cabinet and range top cabinet that help complete the look. The variety of colors and textures of the stained and painted cabinetry, custom dark finish copper hood, wood ceiling beams, glass cabinets, wood floors and sleek backsplash bring the whole look together. **Design Challenges* Even though the space is large, we were challenged by having to work around the two doorways, two windows and many traffic patterns that run through the kitchen. Wall space for large appliances was quickly in short supply. Because we were involved early in the project, we were able to work with the architect to expanded the kitchen footprint in order to make the layout work and get appliance placement just right. We had other architectural elements to work with that we wanted to compliment the kitchen design but also dictated what we could do with the cabinetry. The wall cabinet height was determined based on the beams in the space. The oven wall with furniture armoires was designed around the window with the lake view. The height of the oven cabinets was determined by the window. We were able to use these obstacles and challenges to design creatively and make this kitchen one of a kind. Photo by MIke Kaskel

A kitchen traditional for today. This beautiful, bright kitchen is nestled within a colonial style home located in Manchester, NH. Created to blend the traditional style of the home with the contemporary entertaining style of the home’s newest owners, transforming the kitchen into a functional cooking and entertaining space did not come without a few challenges. The dated kitchen lacked counter, storage and pantry space. As with many older homes, there were sloping floors, chimney chases, and a lack of wall space. Rising to the challenge, I created three unique designs, each one designed to manage these challenges while offering the homeowners their choice of WOW factors. Indeed, the final design includes plenty of necessary counter space, amazing deep drawer storage, and wonderful pantry space. To make cooking easier and far more efficient, I accessorized with complements of oil pullouts, tray dividers, dual waste pull outs, and utensil dividers. The layout is also perfect for two cooking at the same time, and the additional counter seating makes this island the hot spot for all gatherings. To keep the “HOT” out of the hotspot however, guests remain comfortable with the pop up down draft installed alongside the 6 burner range efficiently drawing in that heat. Additionally, the raised bar behind the range top not only covers the down draft when in its raised position, but shields guests from any cooking splatter. 
AND, it’s the perfect bar height for leaning on or standing around those trays of yummy appetizers set upon it during a party! The final transformation of space into the perfect entertaining spot is the bar. The kitchen is open to the dining room so placing a small bar between the two spaces creates an easy bridge for guests to grab a drink without crossing the entire kitchen to the fridge. Lighting from the bar’s mullion wall cabinet softly cascades into the kitchen/seating area, illuminating the homeowner’s fine crystal wine and champagne glasses as it reflects the warmth and style of the new kitchen. Next to the bar is the creative addition of an oversized but streamlined chalk board where the signature drink of the night can be whimsically showcased restaurant style. Or, if they choose, guests may leave a note… White painted cabinets wrap around the perimeter of the kitchen while grey glazed cabinets ground the island. A traditional raised panel door and drawer style suit the home perfectly. Both are topped with polished black pearl granite countertops. The stainless steel double ovens, refrigerator, and dishwasher coordinate beautifully with the grey glazed island and rustic iron cabinet hardware. Large windows on two walls open to scenic views and let in lots of natural light. Smokey glass pendants and recessed lighting strategically light work stations while artfully illuminating the entire kitchen. Day and night, this now organized, streamlined kitchen embraces the home with a sense of light and warmth; an inviting space perfect for cooking or enjoying time with friends and family. Photography by Scott Sherman

Inspiration for a small transitional porcelain tile, beige floor and wallpaper powder room remodel in Dallas with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, a two-piece toilet, multicolored walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Example of a small minimalist master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, gray floor, single-sink and wallpaper bathroom design in Dallas with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, white countertops, a niche and a built-in vanity

Designer, builder, and homeowner: Tim Franklin loves everything about his home. As for what he plans to do with his barn next? "Share it with others," he says. Adrienne DeRosa Photography

The 70th Street project started as an empty and non-functional attic space. We designed a completely new master suite, including a new bathroom, walk-in closet, bedroom and nursery for our clients. The space had many challenges because of its sloped and low ceilings. We embraced those challenges and used the ceiling slopes to our advantage to make the attic feel more spacious overall, as well as more functional for our clients. Photography: Mike Duryea

Photo by Hylah Hedgepeth Interior design by Abby Guild
Example of a mountain style home design design in Los Angeles

Wing Wong/Memories TTL
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic kids' multicolored tile and ceramic tile mosaic tile floor double shower remodel in New York with an integrated sink, furniture-like cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet and white walls