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

Preliminary architecture renderings were given to Obelisk Home with a challenge. The homeowners needed us to create an unusual but family friendly home, but also a home-based business functioning environment. Working with the architect, modifications were made to incorporate the desired functions for the family. Starting with the exterior, including landscape design, stone, brick and window selections a one-of-a-kind home was created. Every detail of the interior was created with the homeowner and the Obelisk Home design team. Furnishings, art, accessories, and lighting were provided through Obelisk Home. We were challenged to incorporate existing furniture. So the team repurposed, re-finished and worked these items into the new plan. Custom paint colors and upholstery were purposely blended to add cohesion. Custom light fixtures were designed and manufactured for the main living areas giving the entire home a unique and personal feel. Photos by Jeremy Mason McGraw

1960s kitchen photo in San Francisco

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

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW For many, extra time at home during COVID left them wanting more from their homes. Whether you realized the shortcomings of your space or simply wanted to combat boredom, a well-designed and functional home was no longer a want, it became a need. Tina found herself wanting more from her Old Irving Park home and reached out to The Kitchen Studio about adding function to her kitchen to make the most of the available real estate. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than returning home to a bright and happy space you love. And this kitchen wasn’t that for Tina. Dark and dated, with a palette from the past and features that didn’t make the most of the available square footage, this remodel required vision and a fresh approach to the space. Lead designer, Stephanie Cole’s main design goal was better flow, while adding greater functionality with organized storage, accessible open shelving, and an overall sense of cohesion with the adjoining family room. The original kitchen featured a large pizza oven, which was rarely used, yet its footprint limited storage space. The nearby pantry had become a catch-all, lacking the organization needed in the home. The initial plan was to keep the pizza oven, but eventually Tina realized she preferred the design possibilities that came from removing this cumbersome feature, with the goal of adding function throughout the upgraded and elevated space. Eliminating the pantry added square footage and length to the kitchen for greater function and more storage. This redesigned space reflects how she lives and uses her home, as well as her love for entertaining. The kitchen features a classic, clean, and timeless palette. White cabinetry, with brass and bronze finishes, contrasts with rich wood flooring, and lets the large, deep blue island in Woodland’s custom color Harbor – a neutral, yet statement color – draw your eye. The kitchen was the main priority. In addition to updating and elevating this space, Tina wanted to maximize what her home had to offer. From moving the location of the patio door and eliminating a window to removing an existing closet in the mudroom and the cluttered pantry, the kitchen footprint grew. Once the floorplan was set, it was time to bring cohesion to her home, creating connection between the kitchen and surrounding spaces. The color palette carries into the mudroom, where we added beautiful new cabinetry, practical bench seating, and accessible hooks, perfect for guests and everyday living. The nearby bar continues the aesthetic, with stunning Carrara marble subway tile, hints of brass and bronze, and a design that further captures the vibe of the kitchen. Every home has its unique design challenges. But with a fresh perspective and a bit of creativity, there is always a way to give the client exactly what they want [and need]. In this particular kitchen, the existing soffits and high slanted ceilings added a layer of complexity to the lighting layout and upper perimeter cabinets. While a space needs to look good, it also needs to function well. This meant making the most of the height of the room and accounting for the varied ceiling features, while also giving Tina everything she wanted and more. Pendants and task lighting paired with an abundance of natural light amplify the bright aesthetic. The cabinetry layout and design compliments the soffits with subtle profile details that bring everything together. The tile selections add visual interest, drawing the eye to the focal area above the range. Glass-doored cabinets further customize the space and give the illusion of even more height within the room. While her family may be grown and out of the house, Tina was focused on adding function without sacrificing a stunning aesthetic and dreamy finishes that make the kitchen the gathering place of any home. It was time to love her kitchen again, and if you’re wondering what she loves most, it’s the niche with glass door cabinetry and open shelving for display paired with the marble mosaic backsplash over the range and complimenting hood. Each of these features is a stunning point of interest within the kitchen – both brag-worthy additions to a perimeter layout that previously felt limited and lacking. Whether your remodel is the result of special needs in your home or simply the excitement of focusing your energy on creating a fun new aesthetic, we are here for it. We love a good challenge because there is always a way to make a space better – adding function and beauty simultaneously.

This is an example of a rustic landscaping in Portland.

Example of a tuscan dark wood floor dining room design in Dallas with white walls and a standard fireplace

Preliminary architecture renderings were given to Obelisk Home with a challenge. The homeowners needed us to create an unusual but family friendly home, but also a home-based business functioning environment. Working with the architect, modifications were made to incorporate the desired functions for the family. Starting with the exterior, including landscape design, stone, brick and window selections a one-of-a-kind home was created. Every detail of the interior was created with the homeowner and the Obelisk Home design team. Furnishings, art, accessories, and lighting were provided through Obelisk Home. We were challenged to incorporate existing furniture. So the team repurposed, re-finished and worked these items into the new plan. Custom paint colors and upholstery were purposely blended to add cohesion. Custom light fixtures were designed and manufactured for the main living areas giving the entire home a unique and personal feel. Photos by Jeremy Mason McGraw

A modern-meets-vintage farmhouse-style tiny house designed and built by Parlour & Palm in Portland, Oregon. This adorable space may be small, but it is mighty, and includes a kitchen, bathroom, living room, sleeping loft, and outdoor deck. Many of the features - including cabinets, shelves, hardware, lighting, furniture, and outlet covers - are salvaged and recycled.

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

Image Courtesy © Michael Graydon
Inspiration for a coastal backyard concrete patio remodel in Boston with a roof extension

Stephen Long Photography
Elegant backyard patio kitchen photo in Nashville with decking and no cover

MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING KITCHEN. 2019 Westchester Home Design Awards Best Traditional Kitchen. Another 2019 Award Soon to be Announced. Houzz Kitchen of the Week January 2019. Kitchen design and cabinetry – Studio Dearborn. This historic colonial in Edgemont NY was home in the 1930s and 40s to the world famous Walter Winchell, gossip commentator. The home underwent a 2 year gut renovation with an addition and relocation of the kitchen, along with other extensive renovations. Cabinetry by Studio Dearborn/Schrocks of Walnut Creek in Rockport Gray; Bluestar range; custom hood; Quartzmaster engineered quartz countertops; Rejuvenation Pendants; Waterstone faucet; Equipe subway tile; Foundryman hardware. Photos, Adam Kane Macchia.

I was hired by the parents of a soon-to-be teenage girl turning 13 years-old. They wanted to remodel her bedroom from a young girls room to a teenage room. This project was a joy and a dream to work on! I got the opportunity to channel my inner child. I wanted to design a space that she would love to sleep in, entertain, hangout, do homework, and lounge in. The first step was to interview her so that she would feel like she was a part of the process and the decision making. I asked her what was her favorite color, what was her favorite print, her favorite hobbies, if there was anything in her room she wanted to keep, and her style. The second step was to go shopping with her and once that process started she was thrilled. One of the challenges for me was making sure I was able to give her everything she wanted. The other challenge was incorporating her favorite pattern-- zebra print. I decided to bring it into the room in small accent pieces where it was previously the dominant pattern throughout her room. The color palette went from light pink to her favorite color teal with pops of fuchsia. I wanted to make the ceiling a part of the design so I painted it a deep teal and added a beautiful teal glass and crystal chandelier to highlight it. Her room became a private oasis away from her parents where she could escape to. In the end we gave her everything she wanted. Photography by Haigwood Studios

Photography: Julie Soefer
Example of a transitional living room library design in Houston with purple walls

Minimalistic living room has a coffee table with sliding underneath ottoman providing additional seating. Cowhide area rug brings another texture to the room and warmth to this modern room.

Example of a farmhouse medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Walls and ceiling are Sherwin-Williams Mesmerize in high gloss, sofa is Bernhardt, ottomans are Lee Inds.
Example of a small transitional enclosed carpeted family room design in Little Rock with a wall-mounted tv and blue walls

Inspiration for a small transitional open concept living room remodel in Boston