The bones of this 1908 Glen Park home had been compromised by years and years of awkward remodels. The front door led directly to the private bedroom level, while the public gathering spaces were one-level down, with the main staircase nearly dropping you into the existing kitchen. Potentially spectacular views of an existing mature redwood tree and broad city views beyond were entirely ignored and inaccessible. We first unraveled the knot of the plan with a new split-level entryway and connecting stair. We then opened up the rear of the home to the views, using the huge backyard conifer as design inspiration for a perforated steel guardrail connecting the new interior and exterior space seamlessly. A lower expansion connects the home to the yard and alleyway garage entry. The Pinales House is indicative of the scale of remodel many young families can consider; a scale at which strategic design choices are key to discovering the unrealized potential of the home and site.

Mountain style backyard stamped concrete and rectangular pool house photo in Houston

Black and White master bathroom with forest green vanity cabinets. Even though this bathroom is layered with a lot of details it is truly a tasteful art statement.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master gray tile, white tile and porcelain tile marble floor and white floor bathroom remodel in Orange County

Dining room - coastal medium tone wood floor dining room idea in New York with no fireplace

Tricia Shay Photography
Country white two-story wood exterior home idea in Milwaukee with a shingle roof

Garrison Collection French Connection Oak Provence// Von Fitz Design - Los Angeles, CA
Inspiration for a scandinavian light wood floor kitchen pantry remodel in Los Angeles with open cabinets and white cabinets

The Cabinet Connection
Inspiration for a small timeless l-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Ottawa with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, white appliances and no island

Kitchen/dining room combo - large transitional light wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo idea in Other with white walls

Photo by Cindy Apple
Powder room - small victorian wallpaper powder room idea in Seattle with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, green walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white countertops and a freestanding vanity

Example of a classic home bar design in Orange County

Benny Chan and Eric Staudenmeier
Inspiration for a contemporary staircase remodel in Los Angeles

Large cottage open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room photo in San Francisco with yellow walls

Rather than starting with an outcome in mind, this 1,400 square foot residence began from a polemic place - exploring shared conviction regarding the concentrated power of living with a smaller footprint. From the gabled silhouette to passive ventilation, the home captures the nostalgia for the past with the sustainable practices of the future. While the exterior materials contrast a calm, minimal palette with the sleek lines of the gabled silhouette, the interior spaces embody a playful, artistic spirit. From the hand painted De Gournay wallpaper in the master bath to the rugged texture of the over-grouted limestone and Portuguese cobblestones, the home is an experience that encapsulates the unexpected and the timeless.

Inspiration for a mediterranean dining room remodel in San Francisco

What began as a renovation project morphed into a new house, driven by the natural beauty of the site. The new structures are perfectly aligned with the coastline, and take full advantage of the views of ocean, islands, and shoals. The location is within walking distance of town and its amenities, yet miles away in the privacy it affords. The house is nestled on a nicely wooded lot, giving the residence screening from the street, with an open meadow leading to the ocean on the rear of the lot. The design concept was driven by the serenity of the site, enhanced by textures of trees, plantings, sand and shoreline. The newly constructed house sits quietly in a location advantageously positioned to take full advantage of natural light and solar orientations. The visual calm is enhanced by the natural material: stone, wood, and metal throughout the home. The main structures are comprised of traditional New England forms, with modern connectors serving to unify the structures. Each building is equally suited for single floor living, if that future needs is ever necessary. Unique too is an underground connection between main house and an outbuilding. With their flowing connections, no room is isolated or ignored; instead each reflects a different level of privacy and social interaction. Just as there are layers to the exterior in beach, field, forest and oceans, the inside has a layered approach. Textures in wood, stone, and neutral colors combine with the warmth of linens, wools, and metals. Personality and character of the interiors and its furnishings are tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Rooms are arranged and organized in an intersection of public and private spaces. The quiet palette within reflects the nature outside, enhanced with artwork and accessories.

This simple contemporary style home from Addison's Wonderland features Aalto Collection balusters in the Satin Black finish from House of Forgings. Photographs from Addison's Wonderland: http://addisonswonderland.com/staircase-balusters-heaven/

When our clients receive a drastic design change complete with new furnishings, many times there is an accessory, painting, or a special piece of furniture that they would love to see incorporated into their new design. These treasured pieces tend to serve as a jumping point in our designs; colors are pulled from a painting and used to tie a color scheme together, or, as in this case, their mid-century wood pieces anchors the new furniture selections and balances the re-design of this newly remodeled transitional great room which feature the CR Laine Atticus Sofa, CR Laine Masquerade Ottomans, and CR Laine Holly Swivel Chairs. See all of the Before and After pics and read more about this project here: http://www.designconnectioninc.com/first-floor-remodel-a-design-connection-inc-featured-project/

After the devastating Tubbs fire, Craig reimagined this Calistoga property into a wine country retreat for the owners' family as well as corporate/wellness guests. He approached the design by studying the natural elements of the site including trees, views and light, the vernacular design of the area and the clients’ personality. Craig designed a barn and the house – made up of a one-story and a two-story building – connected by a stunning 20-foot steel and glass breezeway. Expansive doors and windows create seamless indoor/outdoor flow and numerous patios and the pool area provide comfortable outdoor spaces. The modern and warm interior is bright, luxurious and comfortable.