The owners requested that their home harmonize with the spirit of the surrounding Colorado mountain setting and enhance their outdoor recreational lifestyle - while reflecting their contemporary architectural tastes. The site was burdened with a myriad of strict design criteria enforced by the neighborhood covenants and architectural review board. Creating a distinct design challenge, the covenants included a narrow interpretation of a “mountain style” home which established predetermined roof pitches, glazing percentages and material palettes - at direct odds with the client‘s vision of a flat-roofed, glass, “contemporary” home. Our solution finds inspiration and opportunities within the site covenant’s strict definitions. It promotes and celebrates the client’s outdoor lifestyle and resolves the definition of a contemporary “mountain style” home by reducing the architecture to its most basic vernacular forms and relying upon local materials. The home utilizes a simple base, middle and top that echoes the surrounding mountains and vegetation. The massing takes its cues from the prevalent lodgepole pine trees that grow at the mountain’s high altitudes. These pine trees have a distinct growth pattern, highlighted by a single vertical trunk and a peaked, densely foliated growth zone above a sparse base. This growth pattern is referenced by placing the wood-clad body of the home at the second story above an open base composed of wood posts and glass. A simple peaked roof rests lightly atop the home - visually floating above a triangular glass transom. The home itself is neatly inserted amongst an existing grove of lodgepole pines and oriented to take advantage of panoramic views of the adjacent meadow and Continental Divide beyond. The main functions of the house are arranged into public and private areas and this division is made apparent on the home’s exterior. Two large roof forms, clad in pre-patinated zinc, are separated by a sheltering central deck - which signals the main entry to the home. At this connection, the roof deck is opened to allow a cluster of aspen trees to grow – further reinforcing nature as an integral part of arrival. Outdoor living spaces are provided on all levels of the house and are positioned to take advantage of sunrise and sunset moments. The distinction between interior and exterior space is blurred via the use of large expanses of glass. The dry stacked stone base and natural cedar cladding both reappear within the home’s interior spaces. This home offers a unique solution to the client’s requests while satisfying the design requirements of the neighborhood covenants. The house provides a variety of indoor and outdoor living spaces that can be utilized in all seasons. Most importantly, the house takes its cues directly from its natural surroundings and local building traditions to become a prototype solution for the “modern mountain house”. Overview Ranch Creek Ranch Winter Park, Colorado Completion Date October, 2007 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

dog/boot wash station and shelving storage as you walk into this mudroom
Large cottage brick floor and multicolored floor bathroom photo in Philadelphia with white walls and a gray front door

Interior Design by Beth Wangman, i4design
Country master dark wood floor bedroom photo in Chicago with blue walls, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace

By swapping out the old handrails and railings, this minimal transformation makes the stairwell appear more polished and up-to-date. Railings were changed to Stainless steel horizontal rods, and wall mount handrails substituted for stainless steel tubing.

Example of a transitional light wood floor kitchen design in Chicago with marble countertops, an island and green cabinets

This country house was previously owned by Halle Berry and sits on a private lake north of Montreal. The kitchen was dated and a part of a large two storey extension which included a master bedroom and ensuite, two guest bedrooms, office, and gym. The goal for the kitchen was to create a dramatic and urban space in a rural setting. Photo : Drew Hadley

Dining Alcove. The chandelier by Circa Lighting
Example of a mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining room combo design in Miami with beige walls

One-Story White Farmhouse and Barn. Photography by Clicked By Lara.
Inspiration for a large cottage beige one-story stone house exterior remodel in Austin with a metal roof

This creative transitional space was transformed from a very dated layout that did not function well for our homeowners - who enjoy cooking for both their family and friends. They found themselves cooking on a 30" by 36" tiny island in an area that had much more potential. A completely new floor plan was in order. An unnecessary hallway was removed to create additional space and a new traffic pattern. New doorways were created for access from the garage and to the laundry. Just a couple of highlights in this all Thermador appliance professional kitchen are the 10 ft island with two dishwashers (also note the heated tile area on the functional side of the island), double floor to ceiling pull-out pantries flanking the refrigerator, stylish soffited area at the range complete with burnished steel, niches and shelving for storage. Contemporary organic pendants add another unique texture to this beautiful, welcoming, one of a kind kitchen! Photos by David Cobb Photography.

Updated and refreshed kitchen to give new life to a dated space. Thoughtful changes to the island greatly improved function and access.
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Phoenix

Landmark Photography
Mid-sized beach style l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, shaker cabinets and marble countertops

Our clients had grown weary of the dated finishes in their single family home. They wanted a kitchen and adjoining family room where they could prepare meals and enjoy family time in style and comfort. A series of strategic, but relatively simple changes enabled us to transform their space into a gorgeous space they now love to show off to family and friends.

The bedrooms had dated linens and appeared dark and old. By changing bedding and accessories, the space is transformed to a light and modern look.
Huge elegant master carpeted bedroom photo in Houston with beige walls and no fireplace

The bedrooms had dated linens and appeared dark and old. By changing bedding and accessories, the space is transformed to a light and modern look.

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Design: Charlie & Co. Design | Interiors: Lucy Interior Design | Photography: Susan Gilmore
Trendy blue tile medium tone wood floor powder room photo in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and a vessel sink

A dated 1960's fireplace with pony walls and poor access, was remodeled. Unfortunately the location of the fireplace and chimney could not be changed and we were limited also by the location of the window. The entire wall was tiled with ledger stone, a reclaimed log makes up the live edge of the mantle. Niches were built to provide some balance.

A dated 1960's fireplace with pony walls and poor access, was remodeled. Unfortunately the location of the fireplace and chimney could not be changed and we were limited also by the location of the window. The entire wall was tiled with ledger stone, a reclaimed log makes up the live edge of the mantle. Niches were built to provide some balance.

Snowberry Lane Photography
Freestanding bathtub - large coastal master green tile and mosaic tile porcelain tile and gray floor freestanding bathtub idea in Seattle with gray cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, a vessel sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

The pink and white softens the black, creating a cozy backdrop for baby to grow in. The canopy around the window acts as a reading nook when she is older, and, at a later date, a desk or bench can be placed at the window.