A desire for a more modern and zen-like environment in a historical, turn of the century stone and stucco house was the drive and challenge for this sophisticated Siemasko + Verbridge Interiors project. Along with a fresh color palette, new furniture is woven with antiques, books, and artwork to enliven the space. Carefully selected finishes enhance the openness of the glass pool structure, without competing with the grand ocean views. Thoughtfully designed cabinetry and family friendly furnishings, including a kitchenette, billiard area, and home theater, were designed for both kids and adults.

Eric Roth Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless dark wood floor home office remodel in Boston with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

We undertook a full house renovation of a historic stone mansion that serves as home to DC based diplomats. One of the most immediate challenges was addressing a particularly problematic bathroom located in a guest wing of the house. The miniscule bathroom had such steeply pitched ceilings that showering was nearly impossible and it was difficult to move around without risk of bumping your head. Our solution was to relocate the bathroom to an adjacent sitting room that had 8’ ceilings and was flooded with natural light. At twice the size of the old bathroom, the new location had ample space to create a true second master bathroom complete with soaking tub, walk-in shower and 5’ vanity. We used the same classic marble finishes throughout which provides continuity and maintains the elegant and timeless look befitting this historic mansion. The old bathroom was removed entirely and replaced with a cozy reading nook ready to welcome the most discerning of houseguests.

Kady Dunlap
Example of a transitional home design design in Austin

The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography

These custom made French Garage Doors are stunning with their hand-forged decorative iron hardware and swift window iron scrolling. Crafted out of solid mahogany overlay material, these garage doors are actually modern in every way without sacrificing the Old European World Charm typical of the French Mediterranean region. Encasing the garage door openings to match the custom garage doors was an automatic must and the results speak for themselves. Dynamic Garage Door, has created innovative modern design that resembles the beauty of old world architecture while offering modern day convenience such as automatic activating devices that operate our sectional garage doors. While there are many semi-custom manufacturers out there few specialize in the true customization and architectural retrofitting that Dynamic Garage Door actually does. We thrive on the challenge of recreating history and offering our clients state-of-the-art custom garage doors that resemble the majestic beauty of historical European Architecture. What do you think of these custom French Garage Doors on this Mediterranean home? Leave your comments below or if you have any questions on a custom garage door and gate project please call our custom design center today! Custom Design Center: (855) 343-3667

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard landscaping in Minneapolis.

AquaTerra Outdoors was hired to bring life to the outdoors of the new home. When it came time to design the space we were challenged with the tight space of the backyard. We worked through the concepts and we were able to incorporate a new pool with spa, custom water feature wall, Ipe wood deck, outdoor kitchen, custom steel and Ipe wood shade arbor and fire pit. We also designed and installed all the landscaping including the custom steel planter. Photography: Wade Griffith

Ania Omski-Talwar Location: Danville, CA, USA The house was built in 1963 and is reinforced cinder block construction, unusual for California, which makes any renovation work trickier. The kitchen we replaced featured all maple cabinets and floors and pale pink countertops. With the remodel we didn’t change the layout, or any window/door openings. The cabinets may read as white, but they are actually cream with an antique glaze on a flat panel door. All countertops and backsplash are granite. The original copper hood was replaced by a custom one in zinc. Dark brick veneer fireplace is now covered in white limestone. The homeowners do a lot of entertaining, so even though the overall layout didn’t change, I knew just what needed to be done to improve function. The husband loves to cook and is beyond happy with his 6-burner stove. https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90234951/list/zinc-range-hood-and-a-limestone-fireplace-create-a-timeless-look davidduncanlivingston.com

This very creative customer challenged us with some great design ideas, and we love challenges! This custom closet included two pullout shoe towers, full length mirrored doors on touch latches with pullout drawers and shelving behind, bench seats flanking the entrance with large drawers in them, a pullout shelf, crown and base moulding, and all the shelving and hanging space she could ever want!

Subway shaped tile installed in a vertical pattern adds a more modern feel. Tile in soothing spa colors envelop the shower. A cantilevered quartz bench in the shower rests beneath over sized niches providing ample storage.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional dark wood floor dining room remodel in New Orleans with white walls

The microwave was moved from above the range to a shelf, making room for the modern stainless steel hood above the stove.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped kitchen remodel with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The unique opportunity and challenge for the Joshua Tree project was to enable the architecture to prioritize views. Set in the valley between Mummy and Camelback mountains, two iconic landforms located in Paradise Valley, Arizona, this lot “has it all” regarding views. The challenge was answered with what we refer to as the desert pavilion. This highly penetrated piece of architecture carefully maintains a one-room deep composition. This allows each space to leverage the majestic mountain views. The material palette is executed in a panelized massing composition. The home, spawned from mid-century modern DNA, opens seamlessly to exterior living spaces providing for the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living. Project Details: Architecture: Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ // C.P. Drewett, AIA, NCARB // www.drewettworks.com Builder: Bedbrock Developers, Paradise Valley, AZ // http://www.bedbrock.com Interior Designer: Est Est, Scottsdale, AZ // http://www.estestinc.com Photographer: Michael Duerinckx, Phoenix, AZ // www.inckx.com

It has been dubbed the "Scullery Area" and is part Butler's Pantry/Part Wet Par/Part Coffee station. It provides a second sink and dishwasher for clean up after larger family events and the pocket doors and lift doors provide storage at counter level and a way to hide the various countertop appliances that are necessary but not always the most glamorous. The coffee and tea station holds everything you need with easy access to the family room and refrigerator. It promotes a welcoming help yourself as well as self-sufficiency among family, friends and guests.

Located near the base of Scottsdale landmark Pinnacle Peak, the Desert Prairie is surrounded by distant peaks as well as boulder conservation easements. This 30,710 square foot site was unique in terrain and shape and was in close proximity to adjacent properties. These unique challenges initiated a truly unique piece of architecture. Planning of this residence was very complex as it weaved among the boulders. The owners were agnostic regarding style, yet wanted a warm palate with clean lines. The arrival point of the design journey was a desert interpretation of a prairie-styled home. The materials meet the surrounding desert with great harmony. Copper, undulating limestone, and Madre Perla quartzite all blend into a low-slung and highly protected home. Located in Estancia Golf Club, the 5,325 square foot (conditioned) residence has been featured in Luxe Interiors + Design’s September/October 2018 issue. Additionally, the home has received numerous design awards. Desert Prairie // Project Details Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Argue Custom Homes Interior Design: Lindsey Schultz Design Interior Furnishings: Ownby Design Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Photography: Werner Segarra

Example of a minimalist galley concrete floor and gray floor utility room design in Portland with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, wood countertops and a concealed washer/dryer

Inspiration for a large modern backyard tile and custom-shaped lap hot tub remodel in Las Vegas

Example of a mid-sized classic freestanding desk medium tone wood floor and yellow floor home office design with gray walls