This kitchen needed some help and our client's had waited 20 years to make sure their dream became everything they ever wanted! We broke down two walls and relocated the laundry room to make it the new dining room. The massive island helped great a warm and inviting space for entertaining and set the foundation for the main living space.

Sunday, May 31, 10:00 to 11:30am | Beverly Hills Coldwater Canyon Residence by Mark Tessier of Mark Tessier Landscape Architecture The expansive views from this mountaintop property are a defining feature of this residence. With a passion for modern architecture and art, the clients wanted their garden to reflect their aesthetic and honor the California lifestyle. To meet their needs, the firm crafted a series of family-friendly outdoor rooms for living and entertaining. To highlight the architecture, concrete provides a unifying thread to join spaces together and define structure—sometimes solid, in other places becoming eroded walls and gravel walkways. At the entry to this serene garden, a sculptural concrete bridge arches over a Koi pond and water feature. Quiet, meditative pathways lead to gathering spaces shaded by willow trees and guide guests by the pool to floating wood platforms with lounge seating. On a carpet of Ipe wood, open-air dining and entertaining at a custom designed laser-cut tile table is enjoyed under retractable steel shade structures. In the rear garden, the designer provided a place for the clients to socialize by an outdoor fireplace, swim in the pool, relax on floating platforms, and take in the views. Native plants are interspersed with the client’s favored planting palette, a diverse selection of succulents and exotic species. Photos by David Laurdison

This environmentally minded client in Milford Michigan. contacted us to create a rain garden. They were both master gardeners and had a very specific plants that they wanted to utilize in the waterwise location. The area was a small triangle shaped piece of ground between two driveways. We creatd a natural depression in the center of the garden for the rain to accumulate once the rain barrel was to capacity. The soil that we removed was used to fill the small raised planter bed that we constructed. This would keep the water away from the foundation and give the homeowners a spot to add a Green Japanese Maple and Hydrangea who like it a little drier. We then installed natural michigan fieldstone boulders as a transition form the grade level to the rain garden. Black onyx stone was used to frame the entire garden and it works very well with all of the colorful plant material. Landforms Inc.

This project began with over-sized, dated furniture and dark walls, so I knew I wanted to lighten up the spaces to flow with the rest of the house. I started by using my client's existing Asian cabinet from her travels as my source of inspiration. A foundation of a crisp green paint, and layering in lots of textured neutrals and modern accents, this space has been totally transformed.

This area was for music listening and relaxing. Our client was a true audiophile and wanted to immerse himself into a theater environment while keeping the aesthetic of the rest of the space. Our approach was to build an incredible foundation for a dedicated theater using some the world's best speakers and amplifiers; then compliment the home with acoustically treated pictures and audio panels. The outcome was placing audio exactly where is should be for the listener with no reflective sound where it shouldn't be. The experience was incredibly accurate and produced one of the best systems we have heard to date.

This closed off and dark green kitchen was taken down to the studs and the foundation so we could open it up, lay all new flooring, reconfigure the layout, and modernize it. By adding a kitchen island, our client can now entertain while cooing and also be a part of the living room action.

This kitchen needed some help and our client's had waited 20 years to make sure their dream became everything they ever wanted! We broke down two walls and relocated the laundry room to make it the new dining room. The massive island helped great a warm and inviting space for entertaining and set the foundation for the main living space.

Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed. After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site. The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint? The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy. Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.

Sunday, May 31, 10:00 to 11:30am | Beverly Hills Coldwater Canyon Residence by Mark Tessier of Mark Tessier Landscape Architecture The expansive views from this mountaintop property are a defining feature of this residence. With a passion for modern architecture and art, the clients wanted their garden to reflect their aesthetic and honor the California lifestyle. To meet their needs, the firm crafted a series of family-friendly outdoor rooms for living and entertaining. To highlight the architecture, concrete provides a unifying thread to join spaces together and define structure—sometimes solid, in other places becoming eroded walls and gravel walkways. At the entry to this serene garden, a sculptural concrete bridge arches over a Koi pond and water feature. Quiet, meditative pathways lead to gathering spaces shaded by willow trees and guide guests by the pool to floating wood platforms with lounge seating. On a carpet of Ipe wood, open-air dining and entertaining at a custom designed laser-cut tile table is enjoyed under retractable steel shade structures. In the rear garden, the designer provided a place for the clients to socialize by an outdoor fireplace, swim in the pool, relax on floating platforms, and take in the views. Native plants are interspersed with the client’s favored planting palette, a diverse selection of succulents and exotic species. Photos by David Laurdison

This British Colonial theme new residence sits atop the ridgeline on the west end of Sanibel Island overlooking the Gulf. Carefully manicured dune and beach access offer breathtaking views from the main and upper patios of the residence to the beach and the sunset. A lush, tropical entry runs the length of each side property line from the road, along each side of the house, to the CCCL line and provides a dense privacy barrier from the beach access path along the east property line. Tropical bamboo, white bird of paradise, traveler palms, dwarf leaf clusia and relocated native trees and shrubs make up the dense buffer. In the front of the residence a specimen multi-stem Sylvester Date Palm anchors the center drive island while stately royal palms, foxtail palms and multi-stem adonidia palms accent the foundation of the residence. Curved coconut palms march down the driveway to the street. Individual theme gardens were created in the side yards which include a Moon Garden, Fruit Garden, Butterfly Garden, Wetland Garden, Tropical Garden and Bamboo Garden. Architectural garden elements include a Walpole garden gate, arbor and mail box with a custom house name sign attached. As one walks the many different specimen gardens, large concrete garden benches from Curry & Co. offer a place to pause while botanical plant label stakes indicate plant species and origin. A California style espalier wall with confederate jasmine vine softens the back side of the pool wall, which is visible upon the entrance to the garages and espalier on the pool side wall for trellis bougainvillea offer vertical elements to connect the house and the landscape with tropical vegetation and color. This ideal client had a specific idea for their property which we were able to visualize and bring to reality.

Collected Interiors worked with the clients to bring an ocean-inspired color palette and fun textures to their primary bath. With visits to the plumbing showroom and tile warehouse, we were able to select more modern finishes, while keeping a fun feel in the mosaic backsplash. The family room needed a bright, and clean refresh with more modern looking cabinets, cleaner lines and still plenty of storage. Since our clients are focused on utilizing electric energy, they replaced all of their gas fireplaces and appliances with electric, and this fireplace was included. By choosing a colorful mosaic tile and paint, this room is anything but boring and stuffy. Commissioning a one-of-a-kind piece of art from their trip to Australia, we used it as a foundation to guide the rest of their design. The result was a bright and vibrant space, featuring furniture and accessories that perfectly complemented the artwork. As their children grew up and moved out to apartments of their own, our clients found themselves with two empty bedrooms and no furniture. With our Space Lift service, we were able to pull together two new bedroom looks that’s perfect for guests, but still comfortable when their adult children came to visit. We utilized the help of a color analysis expert to narrow down the wall paint by gathering inspiration from previously owned art. From there, we refined the color palettes and carried them into the furnishings and bedding.

This project began with over-sized, dated furniture and dark walls, so I knew I wanted to lighten up the spaces to flow with the rest of the house. I started by using my client's existing Asian cabinet from her travels as my source of inspiration. A foundation of a crisp green paint, and layering in lots of textured neutrals and modern accents, this space has been totally transformed.

Our client bought an older expansive bungalow in Manotick with a stunning waterfront backyard. This beautiful setting became the foundation for our open concept Kitchen and Family Room Design. Besides the usual great functional requirements, the client wanted a ‘Rockstar’ visual kitchen to complement an eclectic collection of Mid-Century Furniture and objects. The reclaimed Northern Wide plank Oak hardwood (colour: Mill creek, collection: Artifax), floor provides a rustic and comfortable grounding to the crisp modernism of the kitchen. The floor is especially practical as the inevitable scratches from the family dog can be easily corrected by the client. The Kitchen features a ‘Bridge’ design of walnut cabinetry surrounding the pro-style fridge and freezer. Other appliances are clustered with demi-tall pantries and form an interesting linear definition that suits the ‘Long’ Room of Kitchen and Family Room. A walnut Eating Bar and walnut interior for the dish pantry complete the triad of walnut in the Kitchen. High gloss white cabinets featuring handle-free design are topped with gray quartz. The stunning Noble Grey light marble backsplash is installed with a Horizontal grain to complement the linear definition. The Family Room features an offset linear fireplace that is balanced with a substantial walnut entertainment unit. The awkward and unmoveable doorway was incorporated into the design to create the effect of a unit that is much larger than it actually is. The walnut wood matches the Kitchen but is installed with a horizontal grain, repeating the character of the kitchen backsplash.

design: Studio TOOP, 2011 location: Amersfoort, NL status: built in 2011, Tuinvreugd in combination with the client photos: Jolanthe Lalkens, 2014 When our clients bought this property the garden was filled with outbuildings that served as storage and cooling when the house once was a milk shop. Their first step was to tear down several of the buildings. The new deck is situated on the former foundation of one of the larger buildings. This space forms the heart of the garden. The benches that nearly surround it offer lots and lots of places to sit, so you can move as the sun and mood suit you. On the far side of the deck is raised bed that functions as a veggie garden. Situated 10 cm lower than the deck fine gravel (Nobre Cal) is used to make paths and seating areas surrounded by organically formed beds full of bright colored flowers. In the loose corner in the back of the garden there is a fire pit surrounded by low brick walls for seating. photos: Jolanthe Lalkens

Sunday, May 31, 10:00 to 11:30am | Beverly Hills Coldwater Canyon Residence by Mark Tessier of Mark Tessier Landscape Architecture The expansive views from this mountaintop property are a defining feature of this residence. With a passion for modern architecture and art, the clients wanted their garden to reflect their aesthetic and honor the California lifestyle. To meet their needs, the firm crafted a series of family-friendly outdoor rooms for living and entertaining. To highlight the architecture, concrete provides a unifying thread to join spaces together and define structure—sometimes solid, in other places becoming eroded walls and gravel walkways. At the entry to this serene garden, a sculptural concrete bridge arches over a Koi pond and water feature. Quiet, meditative pathways lead to gathering spaces shaded by willow trees and guide guests by the pool to floating wood platforms with lounge seating. On a carpet of Ipe wood, open-air dining and entertaining at a custom designed laser-cut tile table is enjoyed under retractable steel shade structures. In the rear garden, the designer provided a place for the clients to socialize by an outdoor fireplace, swim in the pool, relax on floating platforms, and take in the views. Native plants are interspersed with the client’s favored planting palette, a diverse selection of succulents and exotic species. Photos by David Laurdison

Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed. After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site. The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint? The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy. Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.

This project transformed an underutilized space beneath our clients' modern residence into a functional and luxurious lower-level addition featuring a light-filled guest suite and exercise room. A new stairwell, framed by custom steel railings, connects the main floor to the lower level, enhancing visual flow and natural lighting while complementing the home's modern aesthetic. Polished concrete floors with radiant heating provide year-round comfort while the guest suite, with a luxury en suite bathroom including a steam shower, can also function as a home office. Large articulating Nanawall doors open the exercise room to the exterior, including a sauna room, and the built-in beverage station allows for quick refreshments. The project required innovative solutions to address structural constraints and property setbacks, including designing a code-compliant staircase within tight spatial limits, excavating a crawlspace to achieve full-height ceilings, and working around foundation walls to maximize usable space. By blending functionality, style, and attention to detail, this addition exceeded the clients' expectations, providing a cohesive, luxurious, and highly practical enhancement to their home.

This project transformed an underutilized space beneath our clients' modern residence into a functional and luxurious lower-level addition featuring a light-filled guest suite and exercise room. A new stairwell, framed by custom steel railings, connects the main floor to the lower level, enhancing visual flow and natural lighting while complementing the home's modern aesthetic. Polished concrete floors with radiant heating provide year-round comfort while the guest suite, with a luxury en suite bathroom including a steam shower, can also function as a home office. Large articulating Nanawall doors open the exercise room to the exterior, including a sauna room, and the built-in beverage station allows for quick refreshments. The project required innovative solutions to address structural constraints and property setbacks, including designing a code-compliant staircase within tight spatial limits, excavating a crawlspace to achieve full-height ceilings, and working around foundation walls to maximize usable space. By blending functionality, style, and attention to detail, this addition exceeded the clients' expectations, providing a cohesive, luxurious, and highly practical enhancement to their home.

This project transformed an underutilized space beneath our clients' modern residence into a functional and luxurious lower-level addition featuring a light-filled guest suite and exercise room. A new stairwell, framed by custom steel railings, connects the main floor to the lower level, enhancing visual flow and natural lighting while complementing the home's modern aesthetic. Polished concrete floors with radiant heating provide year-round comfort while the guest suite, with a luxury en suite bathroom including a steam shower, can also function as a home office. Large articulating Nanawall doors open the exercise room to the exterior, including a sauna room, and the built-in beverage station allows for quick refreshments. The project required innovative solutions to address structural constraints and property setbacks, including designing a code-compliant staircase within tight spatial limits, excavating a crawlspace to achieve full-height ceilings, and working around foundation walls to maximize usable space. By blending functionality, style, and attention to detail, this addition exceeded the clients' expectations, providing a cohesive, luxurious, and highly practical enhancement to their home.