Located six feet from the sand, this residence seeks to reframe the contextual reference of its inhabitants in order to mitigate its highly trafficked location and create a private beach retreat. In parallel to its unobstructed ocean view, the design carves out infinite pockets of nature within the architecture. From the dining room’s bamboo garden to the expansive skylight above the stairwell, moments of serenity have been carefully composed throughout the home in order to make each frame as infinite as the horizon line of the Pacific Ocean.

Inspiration for a modern bathroom remodel in Toronto

Example of a transitional master beige tile brown floor and single-sink bathroom design in Other with light wood cabinets, a bidet, beige walls, an undermount sink, white countertops and a niche

A young family with a wooded, triangular lot in Ipswich, Massachusetts wanted to take on a highly creative, organic, and unrushed process in designing their new home. The parents of three boys had contemporary ideas for living, including phasing the construction of different structures over time as the kids grew so they could maximize the options for use on their land. They hoped to build a net zero energy home that would be cozy on the very coldest days of winter, using cost-efficient methods of home building. The house needed to be sited to minimize impact on the land and trees, and it was critical to respect a conservation easement on the south border of the lot. Finally, the design would be contemporary in form and feel, but it would also need to fit into a classic New England context, both in terms of materials used and durability. We were asked to honor the notions of “surprise and delight,” and that inspired everything we designed for the family. The highly unique home consists of a three-story form, composed mostly of bedrooms and baths on the top two floors and a cross axis of shared living spaces on the first level. This axis extends out to an oversized covered porch, open to the south and west. The porch connects to a two-story garage with flex space above, used as a guest house, play room, and yoga studio depending on the day. A floor-to-ceiling ribbon of glass wraps the south and west walls of the lower level, bringing in an abundance of natural light and linking the entire open plan to the yard beyond. The master suite takes up the entire top floor, and includes an outdoor deck with a shower. The middle floor has extra height to accommodate a variety of multi-level play scenarios in the kids’ rooms. Many of the materials used in this house are made from recycled or environmentally friendly content, or they come from local sources. The high performance home has triple glazed windows and all materials, adhesives, and sealants are low toxicity and safe for growing kids. Photographer credit: Irvin Serrano

The kitchen is the focal point of the home. A central gathering place with plenty of space to move around. The island is has dark gray cabinetry with a marble countertop and undercounted seating. The surrounding cabinets are white with a gray quartz countertop. The backsplash is composed of vertically stacked tiles capped with white oak open shelving. Interior Design by Amy Terranova.

Example of a small danish l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen design in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Dan Levin - Photo Credit Coty Sidnam - SPG Architects
Deck - contemporary deck idea in New York with a roof extension

Example of a minimalist hallway design in Toronto

A 1980's townhouse located in the Fitler Square neighborhood of Philadelphia was in need of an upgrade. The project that resulted included substantial interior renovation to the four-story townhome overlooking the Schuylkill River. The Owners desired a fresh interpretation of their existing space, more suited for entertaining and uncluttered modern living. This led to a reinvention of the modern master suite and a refocusing of architectural elements and materials throughout the home. Originally comprised of a divided master bedroom, bathroom and office, the fourth floor was entirely redesigned to create a contemporary, open-plan master suite. The bedroom, now located in the center of the floor plan, is composed with custom built-in furniture and includes a glass terrarium and a wet bar. It is flanked by a dressing room on one side and a luxurious bathroom on the other, all open to one another both visually and by circulation. The bathroom includes a free-standing tub, glass shower, custom wood vanity, eco-conscious fireplace, and an outdoor terrace. The open plan allows for great breadth and a wealth of natural light, atypical of townhouse living. The main entertaining floor houses the kitchen, dining area and living room. A sculptural ceiling defines the open dining area, while a long, low concrete hearth connects the new modern fireplace with the concrete stair treads leading up. The bright, neutral color palette of the walls and finishes contrasts against the blackened wood floors. Sleek but comfortable furnishing, dramatic recessed lighting, and a full-home speaker system complete the entertaining space. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography

Example of a mid-sized classic u-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen design in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, cement tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

The bar is composed of stainless base cabinets and custom scaled iron shelving for liquor and glassware. The iron piece above the bar boasts form and function, providing glass storage and lighting. The riveted stainless steel bar front and stainless steel foot rail accent the space with a nod to aviation (the owner is a pilot) in this Aspen mountain home.

The bar is composed of stainless base cabinets and custom scaled iron shelving for liquor and glassware. The iron piece above the bar boasts form and function, providing glass storage and lighting. The riveted stainless steel bar front and stainless steel foot rail accent the space with a nod to aviation (the owner is a pilot) in this Aspen mountain home.

Large beach style blue two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Grand Rapids with a shingle roof

Contemporary living room at the Hamptons.
Example of a trendy living room design in New York

Inspiration for a transitional bathroom remodel in Austin

Transitional medium tone wood floor living room photo in Los Angeles with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

THE SETUP Located in a luxury high rise in Chicago’s Gold Coast Neighborhood, the condo’s existing primary bath was “fine,” but a bit underwhelming. It was a sea of beige, with very little personality or drama. The client is very well traveled, and wanted the space to feel luxe and glamorous, like a bath in a fine European hotel. Design objectives: - Add loads of beautiful high end finishes - Create drama and contrast - Create luxe showering and bathing experiences - Improve storage for toiletries and essentials THE REMODEL Design challenges: - Unable to reconfigure layout due to location in the high rise - Seek out unique, dramatic tile materials - Introduce “BLING” - Find glamorous lighting Design solutions: - Keep existing layout, with change from built in to free-standing tub - Gorgeous Calacatta gold marble was our inspiration - Ornate Art deco marble mosaic to be the focal point, with satin gold accents to create shimmer - Glass and crystal light fixtures add the needed sparkle THE RENEWED SPACE After the remodel began, our client’s vision for her bath took a turn that was inspired by a trip to Paris. Initially, the plan was a modest design to allocate resources for her kitchen’s marble slabs… but then she had a vision while admiring the marble bathroom of her Parisian hotel. She was determined to infuse her bathroom with the same sense of luxury. They went back to the drawing board and started over with all-marble. Her new stunning bath space radiates glamour and sophistication. The “bling” flows to her bedroom where we matched the gorgeous custom wall treatment that mimics grasscloth on an accent wall. With its marble landscape, shimmering tile and walls, the primary bath’s ambiance creates a swanky hotel feel that our client adores and considers her sanctuary.

Inspiration for a contemporary brown tile powder room remodel in Phoenix with a vessel sink and brown walls

Powder room - large contemporary multicolored floor and ceramic tile powder room idea in New York with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, multicolored walls, white countertops, a two-piece toilet, a drop-in sink and solid surface countertops