At 19 Irving Avenue, the rear exterior, pool, and patio come together as a masterclass in Joseph Eichler’s vision of total design—where structure, landscape, and daily life are seamlessly intertwined. 7 From the rear elevation, the home reveals its full architectural intent. Long horizontal lines stretch outward, softened by expansive walls of glass that dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior. The patio extends naturally from the home, not as an addition, but as a continuation—blurring where the house ends and the landscape begins. At the center of this composition, the pool anchors the space with its distinctive geometric form. It reflects the home’s angular language, creating a visual dialogue between water and structure that feels both deliberate and effortless. Light dances across its surface throughout the day, casting subtle reflections back onto the glass and surrounding planes. The patio itself is understated yet highly intentional. Open, breathable, and free of excess, it invites gathering without ever feeling crowded. It’s a space designed for movement—for stepping out from the living areas, for quiet mornings, for evenings that extend naturally outdoors. The flow is intuitive, guided by sightlines rather than walls. What makes this rear exterior so compelling is its sense of balance. Nothing competes; everything works together. In this space, Eichler distilled a philosophy that would define his legacy—that modern living isn’t confined to the interior, but expanded through a seamless connection to the outdoors.

On site with one of the nicest actors/handyman of Extreme Makeover. For more pictures visit www.theomniagroup.com When Ken Dewey called and asked us if we would be interested in working with Dewey Homes for their Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in Philadelphia, we said yes without knowing what we were getting into. It turned out to be one of the greatest experiences of our lives. Unfamiliar with the show, we listened one morning to the concept, heard the family’s compelling story, identified the site characteristics and were sketching by noon. Late that night, we rejoined the Dewey team with floor plans after an intense design and drawing effort back at our office. In the ensuing days, we worked with scores of people - suppliers and sub-contractors led by the incredible Dewey team – under extraordinary pressure to help bring the vision to hard reality. The spirit, teamwork and results in this preparation stage were rewarding enough but paled in comparison to the intensity of “the build.” Someone from OMNIA was on-site 24 hours a day to facilitate the construction of this prototype. And the whole OMNIA team took the 1 am to 7 am shift on a cold, rainy Sunday morning to hammer and saw and carry and sweep. To see so many people, from all walks of life, singularly and selflessly focused on one worthy goal was a unique experience that we will remember forever. To see five months of work compressed into less than five days was truly awesome. To see the inexhaustible Ken and John Dewey lead such a gargantuan effort was inspirational. And to see the look of astonishment and delight on the faces of the Py family was unforgettable and heart-wrenching. It was truly a pleasure and an honor to be part of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in Philadelphia

Set in Montana's tranquil Shields River Valley, the Shilo Ranch Compound is a collection of structures that were specifically built on a relatively smaller scale, to maximize efficiency. The main house has two bedrooms, a living area, dining and kitchen, bath and adjacent greenhouse, while two guest homes within the compound can sleep a total of 12 friends and family. There's also a common gathering hall, for dinners, games, and time together. The overall feel here is of sophisticated simplicity, with plaster walls, concrete and wood floors, and weathered boards for exteriors. The placement of each building was considered closely when envisioning how people would move through the property, based on anticipated needs and interests. Sustainability and consumption was also taken into consideration, as evidenced by the photovoltaic panels on roof of the garage, and the capability to shut down any of the compound's buildings when not in use.

Granite seat top and niche shelves: Azul Platino Shower Door Handle: 8” Crescent CSH8x8CH, polished chrome Shower Wall tile: Emser Vogue White Ceramic tile, plain/smooth, gloss finish Shower Deco stripe tile: Strata Glass Mosaic, Platinum color Shower mosaic and wall tile grout/caulk: #381 Bright White CBP Prism Shower Edging: Schluter Jolly, 3/8” bright white Shower Floor tile: Happy Floors, line Interior, color Dust Shower Floor tile grout / caulk: 27 Silver by Mapei Ultracolor Bathroom Floor Tile: Olimpia color Clay, color body porcelain Bathroom Floor Tile Grout / Caulk: 27 Silver Prism by Mapei Shower trim and valve: Delta DT17T261H2O Compel shower faucet trim, chrome finish, with Delta DR10000UNBX valve Robe hooks: Moen CSIYB5103CH Voss Countertops: Azul Platino granite Bathroom Floor Tile: Olimpia color Clay, color body porcelain Bathroom Floor Tile Grout / Caulk: 27 Silver Prism by Mapei Cabinets: Executive brand, Park Ave. door style (2-1/4” cope and stick door style with a Shaker outside edge), 5-pc drawer front, bright white painted maple, soft-close doors and drawers Cabinet hardware: Jeffrey Alexander #847-96PC, chrome finish pulls Vanity lights: George Kovacs KP5044077L “Tube” 1 bulb LED wall sconce, Etched opal glass shade, polished chrome finish Vanity faucets: Fortis F8921100PC San Marco faucets, 1.5gpm, one-hole installation, polished chrome finish Vanity sinks: Kohler K2881-0 Verticyl undermount sinks, white finish Vanity Mirrors: Custom, with polished chrome mounting clips Towel Ring: Moen CSIYB5186CH Voss Bathtub and drain: Barclay SP-BATSN66FWH Lucinda bathtub, white, with B5599LTCP tub drain Tub faucet and valve: Pfister PRT61MFC Whirlpool freestanding faucet trim, polished chrome finish, with P0X6250R valve Toilet Paper Holder: Moen CSIYB5108CH Voss

"You only do this once in a lifetime.” That’s what this homeowner told our team about their historic brownstone renovation in downtown Jersey City, and we took it to heart. This project was more than just a renovation; it was also an act of great creativity and care. After all, when you do something once in a lifetime, you want to do it right. We were fortunate to work with a homeowner with a clear, precise vision. Prior to hiring us, the homeowner partnered with an architect to design the space. As such, we handled the project management and practical implementation of the plans. (We also ensured that the work met the requirements of the Jersey City Historic Preservation Board.) This extensive remodel included demolition and rebuilding of a one-story addition in preparation for the installation of a new, modern kitchen. After replacing the original load-bearing brick wall with a steel header, we also leveled the floors and added new engineered hardwood flooring with hydronic radiant underfloor heating for chilly winter days. A completely redone lighting and electrical plan included LED recessed light fixtures, recessed speakers, and motorized transom windows … perfect for letting in some fresh air to compliment the gorgeous natural light streaming in from the skylights. The finished space juxtaposes sleek, ultramodern European appliances, finishes, cabinetry, and fixtures with original, historic woodwork. We completed a new, modern powder room installation and also installed historic door casings, baseboard mouldings, and plaster mouldings. The homeowner was thrilled with the end result, celebrating every carefully-chosen detail. Together, we admired the different light fixtures, the custom kitchen cabinetry, and how the built-in hall closet left just enough space to preserve the historic mouldings beside it. Moments like those make all the hard work worthwhile. Do you have a compelling vision for your space? Then contact Houseplay today; we’ll help to take your idea from concept to finished product. Photo credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

No greater compliment of a material is possible than when stone is selected for a historic property renovation within a home rich in tradition and with a celebrated past. This new feature stair addition to a private residence in Toronto, Canada, has an equally compelling story to tell. Originally envisioned as a wall-supported, cantilevered stone stair, the owner boldly accepted a unique solution for their showpiece element. The 19-tread stair would be designed with 550 lb. solid stone treads, and fully liberated from traditional supports and the adjacent rubble wall. To say, “it would float” is not an exaggeration. The stair would be designed as a monolithic beam spanning 16.5 feet, 10 feet high and 41 inches wide. Aesthetically bold, with a reduced tone from pure black, the basalt stone was the perfect contrast for the white modern interior of the home. The 3-1/2" tension cables played the most important role by resisting the large bending moment generated by the stone load and stair geometry. Fabrication required precise coordination and care to ensure perfect alignment of the interlocking key, and the corresponding cable holes. The fabrication challenge was achieving the highest level of accuracy in notching, coring, and replicating each tread identically. Expert precision and skill were key to nesting each tread in sequence and simultaneously with the strands. Meticulous alignment and exacting tolerance assured the true performance and aesthetics were delivered. Hydraulic post-tensioning pulled each cable to 120 kiloNewtons or 27,000 lbs, infusing strength and structural integrity. Removing the temporary support and testing was the last critical step—it was the first time the stone stair would be self-supporting. The “floating” stair is an ultimate achievement and example of innovation, material strength, fabrication quality, installation precision, and expert coordination. A perfect final chapter to a historical journey and modern ode to stone as structure.

Our clients wanted their home to be host to charity functions, community events, and their family and friends, as well as a showcase for their eclectic and colorful art collection featuring works by local Oakland artists. Oh, and when they moved in, they did the work to register the house as an Oakland Historical Landmark. The fact that the couple was looking to upgrade their living room in the Hollywood Regency style (which is known for bold colors, shiny metallics, luxe fabrics, and an eye to mixing opulence with comfort while holding true to the glamor of 1930s Hollywood) made this project all the more inspiring and fun for me and my team. John recalls, “We wanted a place that was glamorous, and compelling, so that people who visit would be excited and inspired by it!” Our mission was to bring the very grand living room with its high ceilings and leaded glass bay windows to the next level for the family (including grown children Tom and Mandela) and their guests — ranging in number from 6 to 60 or more, on any given day or night. The Hollywood Regency aesthetic was a perfect canvas for mixing and matching with the couple’s significant and hyper-local pop art collection, including pieces by famed Oakland artists Mel Ramos and K-Dub. Kim and John’s personal views and aesthetics, together with their vibrant art collection, called for a bold design that is more funky and eclectic overall than many owners of historic homes like this tend to prefer. I mean, don’t get me wrong; many of our clients like to do something a little daring, and often they opt for elements of glam. However, John and Kim agreeing to our specification of a pair of peacock blue sofas — that is no small commitment to audacious color! Another furnishing element I love from this project is the custom-designed birds-eye-maple and antique glass inset bar — on wheels, which allows flexibility: a bartender can serve a large party from behind it or it can be turned around for use as self-service for a more intimate gathering. My team and I couldn’t be more proud to have created a design that inspires and supports this family so that they may continue to make significant contributions to their causes and community.

No greater compliment of a material is possible than when stone is selected for a historic property renovation within a home rich in tradition and with a celebrated past. This new feature stair addition to a private residence in Toronto, Canada, has an equally compelling story to tell. Originally envisioned as a wall-supported, cantilevered stone stair, the owner boldly accepted a unique solution for their showpiece element. The 19-tread stair would be designed with 550 lb. solid stone treads, and fully liberated from traditional supports and the adjacent rubble wall. To say, “it would float” is not an exaggeration. The stair would be designed as a monolithic beam spanning 16.5 feet, 10 feet high and 41 inches wide. Aesthetically bold, with a reduced tone from pure black, the basalt stone was the perfect contrast for the white modern interior of the home. The 3-1/2" tension cables played the most important role by resisting the large bending moment generated by the stone load and stair geometry. Fabrication required precise coordination and care to ensure perfect alignment of the interlocking key, and the corresponding cable holes. The fabrication challenge was achieving the highest level of accuracy in notching, coring, and replicating each tread identically. Expert precision and skill were key to nesting each tread in sequence and simultaneously with the strands. Meticulous alignment and exacting tolerance assured the true performance and aesthetics were delivered. Hydraulic post-tensioning pulled each cable to 120 kiloNewtons or 27,000 lbs, infusing strength and structural integrity. Removing the temporary support and testing was the last critical step—it was the first time the stone stair would be self-supporting. The “floating” stair is an ultimate achievement and example of innovation, material strength, fabrication quality, installation precision, and expert coordination. A perfect final chapter to a historical journey and modern ode to stone as structure.

No greater compliment of a material is possible than when stone is selected for a historic property renovation within a home rich in tradition and with a celebrated past. This new feature stair addition to a private residence in Toronto, Canada, has an equally compelling story to tell. Originally envisioned as a wall-supported, cantilevered stone stair, the owner boldly accepted a unique solution for their showpiece element. The 19-tread stair would be designed with 550 lb. solid stone treads, and fully liberated from traditional supports and the adjacent rubble wall. To say, “it would float” is not an exaggeration. The stair would be designed as a monolithic beam spanning 16.5 feet, 10 feet high and 41 inches wide. Aesthetically bold, with a reduced tone from pure black, the basalt stone was the perfect contrast for the white modern interior of the home. The 3-1/2" tension cables played the most important role by resisting the large bending moment generated by the stone load and stair geometry. Fabrication required precise coordination and care to ensure perfect alignment of the interlocking key, and the corresponding cable holes. The fabrication challenge was achieving the highest level of accuracy in notching, coring, and replicating each tread identically. Expert precision and skill were key to nesting each tread in sequence and simultaneously with the strands. Meticulous alignment and exacting tolerance assured the true performance and aesthetics were delivered. Hydraulic post-tensioning pulled each cable to 120 kiloNewtons or 27,000 lbs, infusing strength and structural integrity. Removing the temporary support and testing was the last critical step—it was the first time the stone stair would be self-supporting. The “floating” stair is an ultimate achievement and example of innovation, material strength, fabrication quality, installation precision, and expert coordination. A perfect final chapter to a historical journey and modern ode to stone as structure.

No greater compliment of a material is possible than when stone is selected for a historic property renovation within a home rich in tradition and with a celebrated past. This new feature stair addition to a private residence in Toronto, Canada, has an equally compelling story to tell. Originally envisioned as a wall-supported, cantilevered stone stair, the owner boldly accepted a unique solution for their showpiece element. The 19-tread stair would be designed with 550 lb. solid stone treads, and fully liberated from traditional supports and the adjacent rubble wall. To say, “it would float” is not an exaggeration. The stair would be designed as a monolithic beam spanning 16.5 feet, 10 feet high and 41 inches wide. Aesthetically bold, with a reduced tone from pure black, the basalt stone was the perfect contrast for the white modern interior of the home. The 3-1/2" tension cables played the most important role by resisting the large bending moment generated by the stone load and stair geometry. Fabrication required precise coordination and care to ensure perfect alignment of the interlocking key, and the corresponding cable holes. The fabrication challenge was achieving the highest level of accuracy in notching, coring, and replicating each tread identically. Expert precision and skill were key to nesting each tread in sequence and simultaneously with the strands. Meticulous alignment and exacting tolerance assured the true performance and aesthetics were delivered. Hydraulic post-tensioning pulled each cable to 120 kiloNewtons or 27,000 lbs, infusing strength and structural integrity. Removing the temporary support and testing was the last critical step—it was the first time the stone stair would be self-supporting. The “floating” stair is an ultimate achievement and example of innovation, material strength, fabrication quality, installation precision, and expert coordination. A perfect final chapter to a historical journey and modern ode to stone as structure.

Troy Theis
Kitchen - craftsman kitchen idea in Minneapolis

Our clients wanted their home to be host to charity functions, community events, and their family and friends, as well as a showcase for their eclectic and colorful art collection featuring works by local Oakland artists. Oh, and when they moved in, they did the work to register the house as an Oakland Historical Landmark. The fact that the couple was looking to upgrade their living room in the Hollywood Regency style (which is known for bold colors, shiny metallics, luxe fabrics, and an eye to mixing opulence with comfort while holding true to the glamor of 1930s Hollywood) made this project all the more inspiring and fun for me and my team. John recalls, “We wanted a place that was glamorous, and compelling, so that people who visit would be excited and inspired by it!” Our mission was to bring the very grand living room with its high ceilings and leaded glass bay windows to the next level for the family (including grown children Tom and Mandela) and their guests — ranging in number from 6 to 60 or more, on any given day or night. The Hollywood Regency aesthetic was a perfect canvas for mixing and matching with the couple’s significant and hyper-local pop art collection, including pieces by famed Oakland artists Mel Ramos and K-Dub. Kim and John’s personal views and aesthetics, together with their vibrant art collection, called for a bold design that is more funky and eclectic overall than many owners of historic homes like this tend to prefer. I mean, don’t get me wrong; many of our clients like to do something a little daring, and often they opt for elements of glam. However, John and Kim agreeing to our specification of a pair of peacock blue sofas — that is no small commitment to audacious color! Another furnishing element I love from this project is the custom-designed birds-eye-maple and antique glass inset bar — on wheels, which allows flexibility: a bartender can serve a large party from behind it or it can be turned around for use as self-service for a more intimate gathering. My team and I couldn’t be more proud to have created a design that inspires and supports this family so that they may continue to make significant contributions to their causes and community.

Leader Online, a UK-based company, approached us to support the launch of Nosa, a new sanitary ware brand targeting the British market.
 With competition in the sector increasing, they required a cohesive set of visuals for their numerous products to establish a consistent visual language across e-commerce platforms, catalogs, and promotional materials. 
 It was a complete brand creation from scratch, and we pulled it off. Key tasks: - Develop a cohesive visual brand identity for Nosa - Produce over 2,000 high-quality 3D visualizations 
within five months - Optimize workflows for high efficiency and a unified
visual standard Our approach: To efficiently manage high production volumes and accelerate feedback, we implemented an optimized workflow system. This transformed our render production into an assembly line, drastically cutting individual product processing time while upholding top image quality. Nosa's unique marble, with its distinct veins and inclusions, was central to their brand. Since no existing textures matched, we requested physical samples. 

Upon receiving the stone, we set up an improvised photo studio, capturing every detail. Our goal was 
not just to replicate the marble in 3D, but to preserve 
its raw, organic beauty.

We applied the same meticulous process to metal materials for accurate shade representation. Nosa prioritized authenticity, ensuring buyers saw the true material, not an over-polished version. Result: Nosa's market entry surpassed all expectations.

Fueled by its compelling visual identity, the brand achieved strong initial sales and is now rapidly expanding its product range, cementing its presence. 

We are proud to continue our partnership with Nosa
to this day.

No greater compliment of a material is possible than when stone is selected for a historic property renovation within a home rich in tradition and with a celebrated past. This new feature stair addition to a private residence in Toronto, Canada, has an equally compelling story to tell. Originally envisioned as a wall-supported, cantilevered stone stair, the owner boldly accepted a unique solution for their showpiece element. The 19-tread stair would be designed with 550 lb. solid stone treads, and fully liberated from traditional supports and the adjacent rubble wall. To say, “it would float” is not an exaggeration. The stair would be designed as a monolithic beam spanning 16.5 feet, 10 feet high and 41 inches wide. Aesthetically bold, with a reduced tone from pure black, the basalt stone was the perfect contrast for the white modern interior of the home. The 3-1/2" tension cables played the most important role by resisting the large bending moment generated by the stone load and stair geometry. Fabrication required precise coordination and care to ensure perfect alignment of the interlocking key, and the corresponding cable holes. The fabrication challenge was achieving the highest level of accuracy in notching, coring, and replicating each tread identically. Expert precision and skill were key to nesting each tread in sequence and simultaneously with the strands. Meticulous alignment and exacting tolerance assured the true performance and aesthetics were delivered. Hydraulic post-tensioning pulled each cable to 120 kiloNewtons or 27,000 lbs, infusing strength and structural integrity. Removing the temporary support and testing was the last critical step—it was the first time the stone stair would be self-supporting. The “floating” stair is an ultimate achievement and example of innovation, material strength, fabrication quality, installation precision, and expert coordination. A perfect final chapter to a historical journey and modern ode to stone as structure.

Leader Online, a UK-based company, approached us to support the launch of Nosa, a new sanitary ware brand targeting the British market.
 With competition in the sector increasing, they required a cohesive set of visuals for their numerous products to establish a consistent visual language across e-commerce platforms, catalogs, and promotional materials. 
 It was a complete brand creation from scratch, and we pulled it off. Key tasks: - Develop a cohesive visual brand identity for Nosa - Produce over 2,000 high-quality 3D visualizations 
within five months - Optimize workflows for high efficiency and a unified
visual standard Our approach: To efficiently manage high production volumes and accelerate feedback, we implemented an optimized workflow system. This transformed our render production into an assembly line, drastically cutting individual product processing time while upholding top image quality. Nosa's unique marble, with its distinct veins and inclusions, was central to their brand. Since no existing textures matched, we requested physical samples. 

Upon receiving the stone, we set up an improvised photo studio, capturing every detail. Our goal was 
not just to replicate the marble in 3D, but to preserve 
its raw, organic beauty.

We applied the same meticulous process to metal materials for accurate shade representation. Nosa prioritized authenticity, ensuring buyers saw the true material, not an over-polished version. Result: Nosa's market entry surpassed all expectations.

Fueled by its compelling visual identity, the brand achieved strong initial sales and is now rapidly expanding its product range, cementing its presence. 

We are proud to continue our partnership with Nosa
to this day.

Leader Online, a UK-based company, approached us to support the launch of Nosa, a new sanitary ware brand targeting the British market.
 With competition in the sector increasing, they required a cohesive set of visuals for their numerous products to establish a consistent visual language across e-commerce platforms, catalogs, and promotional materials. 
 It was a complete brand creation from scratch, and we pulled it off. Key tasks: - Develop a cohesive visual brand identity for Nosa - Produce over 2,000 high-quality 3D visualizations 
within five months - Optimize workflows for high efficiency and a unified
visual standard Our approach: To efficiently manage high production volumes and accelerate feedback, we implemented an optimized workflow system. This transformed our render production into an assembly line, drastically cutting individual product processing time while upholding top image quality. Nosa's unique marble, with its distinct veins and inclusions, was central to their brand. Since no existing textures matched, we requested physical samples. 

Upon receiving the stone, we set up an improvised photo studio, capturing every detail. Our goal was 
not just to replicate the marble in 3D, but to preserve 
its raw, organic beauty.

We applied the same meticulous process to metal materials for accurate shade representation. Nosa prioritized authenticity, ensuring buyers saw the true material, not an over-polished version. Result: Nosa's market entry surpassed all expectations.

Fueled by its compelling visual identity, the brand achieved strong initial sales and is now rapidly expanding its product range, cementing its presence. 

We are proud to continue our partnership with Nosa
to this day.

Example of a minimalist bedroom design in Philadelphia

Meredith Heuer
Enclosed dining room - mid-sized eclectic enclosed dining room idea in New York with multicolored walls

Granite seat top and niche shelves: Azul Platino Shower Door Handle: 8” Crescent CSH8x8CH, polished chrome Shower Wall tile: Emser Vogue White Ceramic tile, plain/smooth, gloss finish Shower Deco stripe tile: Strata Glass Mosaic, Platinum color Shower mosaic and wall tile grout/caulk: #381 Bright White CBP Prism Shower Edging: Schluter Jolly, 3/8” bright white Shower Floor tile: Happy Floors, line Interior, color Dust Shower Floor tile grout / caulk: 27 Silver by Mapei Ultracolor Bathroom Floor Tile: Olimpia color Clay, color body porcelain Bathroom Floor Tile Grout / Caulk: 27 Silver Prism by Mapei Shower trim and valve: Delta DT17T261H2O Compel shower faucet trim, chrome finish, with Delta DR10000UNBX valve Robe hooks: Moen CSIYB5103CH Voss Countertops: Azul Platino granite Bathroom Floor Tile: Olimpia color Clay, color body porcelain Bathroom Floor Tile Grout / Caulk: 27 Silver Prism by Mapei Cabinets: Executive brand, Park Ave. door style (2-1/4” cope and stick door style with a Shaker outside edge), 5-pc drawer front, bright white painted maple, soft-close doors and drawers Cabinet hardware: Jeffrey Alexander #847-96PC, chrome finish pulls Vanity lights: George Kovacs KP5044077L “Tube” 1 bulb LED wall sconce, Etched opal glass shade, polished chrome finish Vanity faucets: Fortis F8921100PC San Marco faucets, 1.5gpm, one-hole installation, polished chrome finish Vanity sinks: Kohler K2881-0 Verticyl undermount sinks, white finish Vanity Mirrors: Custom, with polished chrome mounting clips Towel Ring: Moen CSIYB5186CH Voss Bathtub and drain: Barclay SP-BATSN66FWH Lucinda bathtub, white, with B5599LTCP tub drain Tub faucet and valve: Pfister PRT61MFC Whirlpool freestanding faucet trim, polished chrome finish, with P0X6250R valve Toilet Paper Holder: Moen CSIYB5108CH Voss