A light-filled stairwell featuring clean architectural lines, open circulation, and expansive windows that bring natural light deep into the home. The simple material palette and minimal detailing emphasize volume, flow, and modern spatial design.

Louisa, San Clemente Coastal Modern Architecture The brief for this modern coastal home was to create a place where the clients and their children and their families could gather to enjoy all the beauty of living in Southern California. Maximizing the lot was key to unlocking the potential of this property so the decision was made to excavate the entire property to allow natural light and ventilation to circulate through the lower level of the home. A courtyard with a green wall and olive tree act as the lung for the building as the coastal breeze brings fresh air in and circulates out the old through the courtyard. The concept for the home was to be living on a deck, so the large expanse of glass doors fold away to allow a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoors and feeling of being out on the deck is felt on the interior. A huge cantilevered beam in the roof allows for corner to completely disappear as the home looks to a beautiful ocean view and Dana Point harbor in the distance. All of the spaces throughout the home have a connection to the outdoors and this creates a light, bright and healthy environment. Passive design principles were employed to ensure the building is as energy efficient as possible. Solar panels keep the building off the grid and and deep overhangs help in reducing the solar heat gains of the building. Ultimately this home has become a place that the families can all enjoy together as the grand kids create those memories of spending time at the beach. Images and Video by Aandid Media.

16,000SF entry plaza master plan with snow melt and 45kW of solar PV.
Huge elegant exterior home photo in Denver

Seat bench for luggage and guest arrival. Secondary entry to main lobby.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless courtyard concrete paver patio remodel in Denver with no cover

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views. The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private. Reimagining the Urban Envelope The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression. Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views. At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides. Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors. Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow. Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways. A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space. A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls. Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere. Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas. Kitchen as Architectural Furniture The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich. Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash. Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface. A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette. Dining With a Living Backdrop Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset. A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience. Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation. The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop. The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space. Bathing Above the City In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops. The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials. Entertaining Above the Park Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art. Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline. Cinema and Retreat The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing. Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above. Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth. Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth. The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human. A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living. It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky. What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

The corridor combines warm timber wall panels with translucent glass partitions. Linear ceiling lighting emphasizes the length and geometry of the circulation space. The restrained material palette creates a calm transition between public and private areas. Textured surfaces add depth without disrupting the minimalist character of the architecture. The carefully framed perspective makes circulation an integral part of the overall interior concept. Visit the full project: https://conde.pl/portfolio/projekt-wnetrz-biurowych-siedziby-firmy-airoptic/

A striking entry is highlighted by a custom designed mirror and JMFranck like console. Above sit two WOKA sconces that light up the area. To the right is a royal blue velvet art chair and accent pillow in Clarence House fabric. The hallway features custom designed rugs and a shagreen sculpture pedestal. The architecturally carved ceiling paves the way for a flowing circulation

We are delighted to have completed the radical transformation of a tired detached property in South Croydon. When they appointed Granit, our clients were living in the property which had previously been divided into a number of flats. The historic sub-division had resulted in an extremely poor use of space with redundant staircases, kitchens and bathrooms throughout. Our clients sought to reconfigure the property back into a single dwelling for his growing family. Our client had an eye for design and was keen to balance contemporary design whilst maintaining as much of the character of the original house. Maximising natural light, space and establishing a visual and physical connection were also key drivers for the design. Owing to the size of the property, it became apparent that reconfiguration rather than extension provided the solution to meet the brief. A metal clad ‘intervention’ was introduced to the rear facade. This created a strong horizontal element creating a visual balance with the vertical nature of the three storey gable. The metal cladding specified echoed the colour of the red brick string courses tying old with new. Slender frame sliding doors provide access and views of the large garden. The central circulation space was transformed by the introduction of a double height glazed slot wrapping up the rear facade and onto the roof. This allows daylight to permeate into the heart of the otherwise dark deep floor plan. The staircase was reconfigured into a series of landings looking down over the main void space below and out towards the tree canopies at the rear of the garden. The introduction of double pocket doors throughout the ground floor creates a series of interconnected spaces and the whitewashed Larch flooring flows seamlessly from room to room. A bold palette of colours and materials lends character and texture throughout the property. The end result is a spacious yet cosy environment for the family to inhabit for years to come.

The existing kitchen did not allow good circulation between the family room and kitchen. The pass-through window to the family room was made into a wider walk-through opening to allow easy entry into the kitchen and circulation around the new island. Gourmet cooking is important to the client, along with safety and aesthetics. An induction cooktop was selected for a clean look and safe operation while a wall oven was built into the cabinet below to allow east transfer of pans into the oven for finishing.

Upper Hallway – Refined Transition Space | Second Floor Addition, Toronto This upper hallway was designed as a clean, intentional transition space within the second floor addition, connecting bedrooms, the bathroom, and shared living areas while maintaining a sense of openness and flow. Rather than feeling purely functional, the hallway was proportioned to feel calm, bright, and cohesive with the rest of the upper level. Natural light, simple lines, and a restrained material palette allow the hallway to visually extend the surrounding rooms, avoiding the boxed-in feel common in older second-storey layouts. The circulation supports easy movement while reinforcing privacy and separation between sleeping areas and shared spaces. As part of the complete home transformation, this hallway reflects Cedarstone Group Inc.’s focus on thoughtful planning and livability, where even transitional spaces are carefully designed to enhance how the home functions day to day.

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views. The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private. Reimagining the Urban Envelope The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression. Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views. At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides. Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors. Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow. Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways. A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space. A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls. Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere. Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas. Kitchen as Architectural Furniture The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich. Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash. Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface. A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette. Dining With a Living Backdrop Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset. A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience. Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation. The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop. The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space. Bathing Above the City In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops. The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials. Entertaining Above the Park Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art. Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline. Cinema and Retreat The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing. Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above. Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth. Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth. The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human. A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living. It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky. What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

This Playa Del Rey, CA. design / build project began after our client had a terrible flood ruin her kitchen. In truth, she had been unhappy with her galley kitchen prior to the flood. She felt it was dark and deep with poor air conditioning circulating through it. She enjoys entertaining and hosting dinner parties and felt that this was the perfect opportunity to reimagine her galley kitchen into a space that would reflect her lifestyle. Since this is a condominium, we decided the best way to open up the floorplan was to wrap the counter around the wall into the dining area and make the peninsula the same height as the work surface. The result is an open kitchen with extensive counter space. Keeping it light and bright was important but she also wanted some texture and color too. The stacked stone backsplash has slivers of glass that reflect the light. Her vineyard palette was tied into the backsplash and accented by the painted walls. The floating glass shelves are highlighted with LED lights on a dimmer switch. We were able to space plan to incorporate her wine rack into the peninsula. We reconfigured the HVAC vent so more air circulated into the far end of the kitchen and added a ceiling fan. This project also included replacing the carpet and 12X12 beige tile with some “wood look” porcelain tile throughout the first floor. Since the powder room was receiving new flooring our client decided to add the powder room project which included giving it a deep plum paint job and a new chocolate cherry vanity. The white quartz counter and crystal hardware balance the dark hues in the wall and vanity.

HISTORIC DISTRICT OF KALORAMA, A THREE-STORY BRICK CITY HOME IS RENOVATED AND ADDED TO. A DARK CONSERVATORY FORM IS ADDED CONTINUOUSLY ALONG THE BACK OF THE HOUSE SOLVING CIRCULATION ISSUES AND ADDING SPACE FOR A BREAKFAST ROOM. THE ADDITION REFERENCES CONSERVATORIES DESIGNED DURING THE TIME, THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE ORIGINAL HISTORIC HOME AND THE NEW CONTRASTING ADDITION IS CLEAR. THE UPPER LANDING OF THE MAIN STAIRWAY WAS CHANGED TO WINDERS. THE BENEFIT OF WHICH PURCHASES ENOUGH RISE TO ALLOW CIRCULATION BELOW THE WINDERS ALLOWING ACCESS AND VIEW TO THE BACK GARDENS. INFORMAL KITCHEN, FAMILY AND BREAKFAST WERE OPENED UP TO ADDRESS MODERN LIVING, THE PARENTHESIS OF THE ORIGINAL ROOMS WAS LEFT CLEARLY DEFINED. BRICK WALLS ARE ALSO ADDED TO THE FRONT ACT AS A BASE ON THE FRONT.

This residential landscape concept explores how a steep backyard could become a connected sequence of outdoor rooms without removing the character of the existing terrain. The proposed layout includes an upper cedar dining pavilion, broad stone circulation steps, a secluded woodland lounge and a planted rain garden conceived to organize surface runoff. Ferns, grasses and multi-stem trees provide privacy, seasonal texture and a natural transition to the surrounding landscape. The design focuses on safer circulation, usable outdoor space and year-round visual interest. Concept design and AI-assisted visualization by LANDYUO. The images represent an unbuilt design study, not a completed project. Final grading and drainage require site-specific professional review.

Conversion of screen porch to interior dining space, including a new roof and complete reorganization of interior circulation space.
Example of a minimalist house exterior design in Milwaukee with a shed roof

The Setup Situated between the front kitchen and the home’s primary living spaces, this bar was originally conceived as a modest bistro-style nook – a place to sit, watch TV, and enjoy a drink. As the design process evolved, both the homeowners and the design team recognized an opportunity to let the bar become something more: a visually compelling focal point that anchors circulation through the home while offering a distinct moment of hospitality. Set within an arched recess and framed by a partial glass wall, the bar is visible from much of the public area of the home. Its location places it directly along the natural path between the kitchen, dining room, and family room, making it both highly accessible and impossible to ignore. From the outset, the goal was to ensure the bar felt intentional and complete – not an afterthought – while still complementing the adjacent kitchens rather than competing with them. Design objectives: Create a fully functional wet bar with refrigeration, ice, sink, waste storage, and liquor storage Allow the bar to feel visually distinct while remaining cohesive with the surrounding spaces Introduce color and character in a controlled, intentional way Design the bar as a focal point within a highly visible circulation zone Balance everyday usability with refined, layered design details Design challenges to be solved: Fitting a complete wet bar – including refrigeration, ice, sink, storage, and waste — into a base cabinetry run measuring under eight feet wide Determining which appliances and storage functions were essential once upper cabinetry was eliminated Providing adequate task lighting while also highlighting bottles and glassware on open shelving Introducing texture and visual interest within the arched recess without overdesigning a compact space Giving the bar a distinct identity that complements – but does not compete with – the adjacent kitchens Design solutions: Designing fully custom base cabinetry that prioritized core bar functions and used every inch efficiently, including split cabinetry and compact waste storage Selecting a drawer-style refrigeration unit that combines refrigeration and freezer capabilities, allowing ice storage without sacrificing valuable width Layering lighting with integrated LED strip lighting above and below the shelves, paired with decorative articulating fixtures to support both display and task lighting Using a chevron-patterned natural stone tile backsplash to introduce movement, texture, and subtle color variation while keeping surrounding surfaces intentionally restrained Specifying metal cabinetry in a soft blue tone with integrated brass framing to establish a distinctive visual identity that harmonizes with the home’s broader palette A Space That Works on Its Own — and Within the Whole Though compact in size, the bar carries significant visual and functional weight within the home. It stands confidently on its own as a richly detailed, fully functional destination, while also flowing naturally into the adjacent kitchens and living spaces. The result is a bar that feels purposeful rather than ornamental – a space designed to be used daily, noticed often, and appreciated over time.

This Playa Del Rey, CA. design / build project began after our client had a terrible flood ruin her kitchen. In truth, she had been unhappy with her galley kitchen prior to the flood. She felt it was dark and deep with poor air conditioning circulating through it. She enjoys entertaining and hosting dinner parties and felt that this was the perfect opportunity to reimagine her galley kitchen into a space that would reflect her lifestyle. Since this is a condominium, we decided the best way to open up the floorplan was to wrap the counter around the wall into the dining area and make the peninsula the same height as the work surface. The result is an open kitchen with extensive counter space. Keeping it light and bright was important but she also wanted some texture and color too. The stacked stone backsplash has slivers of glass that reflect the light. Her vineyard palette was tied into the backsplash and accented by the painted walls. The floating glass shelves are highlighted with LED lights on a dimmer switch. We were able to space plan to incorporate her wine rack into the peninsula. We reconfigured the HVAC vent so more air circulated into the far end of the kitchen and added a ceiling fan. This project also included replacing the carpet and 12X12 beige tile with some “wood look” porcelain tile throughout the first floor. Since the powder room was receiving new flooring our client decided to add the powder room project which included giving it a deep plum paint job and a new chocolate cherry vanity. The white quartz counter and crystal hardware balance the dark hues in the wall and vanity.

USI Design & Remodeling reimagined the home's interior architecture, transforming a collection of compartmentalized rooms into a cohesive environment designed for modern living, entertaining, and daily comfort. The project encompassed the kitchen, family room, dining room, lounge, office, primary bathroom, and supporting circulation spaces, creating a unified experience that feels both expansive and intentional. At the heart of the renovation is a completely reconfigured kitchen and gathering space designed around functionality, hospitality, and visual connection. Architectural barriers were removed to improve sightlines and circulation, allowing the kitchen, dining, and family spaces to function as a single integrated living environment. Adjacent to the kitchen, the former pantry, laundry, and service corridor were reimagined as a hybrid scullery and utility suite, creating a highly functional support space that discreetly accommodates food preparation, storage, organization, and household operations without compromising the elegance of the primary living areas.

This Playa Del Rey, CA. design / build project began after our client had a terrible flood ruin her kitchen. In truth, she had been unhappy with her galley kitchen prior to the flood. She felt it was dark and deep with poor air conditioning circulating through it. She enjoys entertaining and hosting dinner parties and felt that this was the perfect opportunity to reimagine her galley kitchen into a space that would reflect her lifestyle. Since this is a condominium, we decided the best way to open up the floorplan was to wrap the counter around the wall into the dining area and make the peninsula the same height as the work surface. The result is an open kitchen with extensive counter space. Keeping it light and bright was important but she also wanted some texture and color too. The stacked stone backsplash has slivers of glass that reflect the light. Her vineyard palette was tied into the backsplash and accented by the painted walls. The floating glass shelves are highlighted with LED lights on a dimmer switch. We were able to space plan to incorporate her wine rack into the peninsula. We reconfigured the HVAC vent so more air circulated into the far end of the kitchen and added a ceiling fan. This project also included replacing the carpet and 12X12 beige tile with some “wood look” porcelain tile throughout the first floor. Since the powder room was receiving new flooring our client decided to add the powder room project which included giving it a deep plum paint job and a new chocolate cherry vanity. The white quartz counter and crystal hardware balance the dark hues in the wall and vanity.