This shade arbor, located in The Woodlands, TX north of Houston, spans the entire length of the back yard. It combines a number of elements with custom structures that were constructed to emulate specific aspects of a Zen garden. The homeowner wanted a low-maintenance garden whose beauty could withstand the tough seasonal weather that strikes the area at various times of the year. He also desired a mood-altering aesthetic that would relax the senses and calm the mind. Most importantly, he wanted this meditative environment completely shielded from the outside world so he could find serenity in total privacy. The most unique design element in this entire project is the roof of the shade arbor itself. It features a “negative space” leaf pattern that was designed in a software suite and cut out of the metal with a water jet cutter. Each form in the pattern is loosely suggestive of either a leaf, or a cluster of leaves. These small, negative spaces cut from the metal are the source of the structure’ powerful visual and emotional impact. During the day, sunlight shines down and highlights columns, furniture, plantings, and gravel with a blend of dappling and shade that make you feel like you are sitting under the branches of a tree. At night, the effects are even more brilliant. Skillfully concealed lights mounted on the trusses reflect off the steel in places, while in other places they penetrate the negative spaces, cascading brilliant patterns of ambient light down on vegetation, hardscape, and water alike. The shade arbor shelters two gravel patios that are almost identical in space. The patio closest to the living room features a mini outdoor dining room, replete with tables and chairs. The patio is ornamented with a blend of ornamental grass, a small human figurine sculpture, and mid-level impact ground cover. Gravel was chosen as the preferred hardscape material because of its Zen-like connotations. It is also remarkably soft to walk on, helping to set the mood for a relaxed afternoon in the dappled shade of gently filtered sunlight. The second patio, spaced 15 feet away from the first, resides adjacent to the home at the opposite end of the shade arbor. Like its twin, it is also ornamented with ground cover borders, ornamental grasses, and a large urn identical to the first. Seating here is even more private and contemplative. Instead of a table and chairs, there is a large decorative concrete bench cut in the shape of a giant four-leaf clover. Spanning the distance between these two patios, a bluestone walkway connects the two spaces. Along the way, its borders are punctuated in places by low-level ornamental grasses, a large flowering bush, another sculpture in the form of human faces, and foxtail ferns that spring up from a spread of river rock that punctuates the ends of the walkway. The meditative quality of the shade arbor is reinforced by two special features. The first of these is a disappearing fountain that flows from the top of a large vertical stone embedded like a monolith in the other edges of the river rock. The drains and pumps to this fountain are carefully concealed underneath the covering of smooth stones, and the sound of the water is only barely perceptible, as if it is trying to force you to let go of your thoughts to hear it. A large piece of core-10 steel, which is deliberately intended to rust quickly, rises up like an arced wall from behind the fountain stone. The dark color of the metal helps the casual viewer catch just a glimpse of light reflecting off the slow trickle of water that runs down the side of the stone into the river rock bed. To complete the quiet moment that the shade arbor is intended to invoke, a thick wall of cypress trees rises up on all sides of the yard, completely shutting out the disturbances of the world with a comforting wall of living greenery that comforts the thoughts and emotions.

Cathedral ceilings and seamless cabinetry complement this home’s river view. The low ceilings in this ’70s contemporary were a nagging issue for the 6-foot-8 homeowner. Plus, drab interiors failed to do justice to the home’s Connecticut River view. By raising ceilings and removing non-load-bearing partitions, architect Christopher Arelt was able to create a cathedral-within-a-cathedral structure in the kitchen, dining and living area. Decorative mahogany rafters open the space’s height, introduce a warmer palette and create a welcoming framework for light. The homeowner, a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, wanted to emulate the famed architect’s use of reddish-brown concrete floors, and the result further warmed the interior. “Concrete has a connotation of cold and industrial but can be just the opposite,” explains Arelt. Clunky European hardware was replaced by hidden pivot hinges, and outside cabinet corners were mitered so there is no evidence of a drawer or door from any angle. Photo Credit: Read McKendree Cathedral ceilings and seamless cabinetry complement this kitchen’s river view The low ceilings in this ’70s contemporary were a nagging issue for the 6-foot-8 homeowner. Plus, drab interiors failed to do justice to the home’s Connecticut River view. By raising ceilings and removing non-load-bearing partitions, architect Christopher Arelt was able to create a cathedral-within-a-cathedral structure in the kitchen, dining and living area. Decorative mahogany rafters open the space’s height, introduce a warmer palette and create a welcoming framework for light. The homeowner, a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, wanted to emulate the famed architect’s use of reddish-brown concrete floors, and the result further warmed the interior. “Concrete has a connotation of cold and industrial but can be just the opposite,” explains Arelt. Clunky European hardware was replaced by hidden pivot hinges, and outside cabinet corners were mitered so there is no evidence of a drawer or door from any angle.

We created a nice separation of spaces with this kneewall/bookcase from the kitchen area to the sunken living room space. A sunken Living room might bring a bad connotation to some, but the 12" drop (two 6" steps) just added a nice change of space to the overall composition. Photos by Jay Weiland

Frederick C. Robie House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1908-10), Chicago, IL A masterpiece of the Prairie style and an icon of modern architecture. Courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright. Photographer: Tim Long

Modern interior design ideas with the classic mid-century modern George Nelson Eye Clock available from Stardust. Please click image for product tags. The Eye Clock, designed by George Nelson in 1957, is a striking addition to any room. It is one of a number of Nelson’s designs which re-invents everyday objects and give them a new, high-design profile. As one of the founders of American Modernism, George Nelson produced numerous popular consumer products that gained iconic design status. The Eye Clock has a unique form that will add an artistic flair to any interior. Considered as one of the founders of American Modernism, George Nelson is celebrated for designing most of the 20th century's most iconic Modernist furniture. Born in Hartford, Connecticut in 1908, Nelson graduated from Hartford Public High school before studying architecture at Yale University. Driven towards creating aesthetically beautiful and innovative furniture, Nelson condemned any connotation of applying a set formula towards design. He was famously quoted as blasting, “Design is not science and it never will be." Alongside winning numerous awards for his iconic furniture designs, Nelson published several books and held the role as editor for Industrial Design Magazine. The American left a legendary legacy to a future generation of designers by establishing and organising influential conferences, such as the Aspen Design gatherings. Available from: http://www.stardust.com/nelsoneyeclock.html

Designer: Adam Woodruff www.adamwoodruff.com Image: © 2013 Adam Woodruff + Associates All Rights Reserved
Design ideas for a contemporary landscaping in St Louis.

Cathedral ceilings and seamless cabinetry complement this home’s river view The low ceilings in this ’70s contemporary were a nagging issue for the 6-foot-8 homeowner. Plus, drab interiors failed to do justice to the home’s Connecticut River view. By raising ceilings and removing non-load-bearing partitions, architect Christopher Arelt was able to create a cathedral-within-a-cathedral structure in the kitchen, dining and living area. Decorative mahogany rafters open the space’s height, introduce a warmer palette and create a welcoming framework for light. The homeowner, a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, wanted to emulate the famed architect’s use of reddish-brown concrete floors, and the result further warmed the interior. “Concrete has a connotation of cold and industrial but can be just the opposite,” explains Arelt. Clunky European hardware was replaced by hidden pivot hinges, and outside cabinet corners were mitered so there is no evidence of a drawer or door from any angle. Photo Credit: Read McKendree

Inspiration for a victorian formal living room remodel in San Francisco with blue walls and a standard fireplace

Photo: Adrienne M DeRosa © 2012 Houzz Design: KEA Design
Dining room - industrial dining room idea in Other

Rosa Charlotte Photo by Michelle Longo
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in New York.

This shade arbor, located in The Woodlands, TX north of Houston, spans the entire length of the back yard. It combines a number of elements with custom structures that were constructed to emulate specific aspects of a Zen garden. The homeowner wanted a low-maintenance garden whose beauty could withstand the tough seasonal weather that strikes the area at various times of the year. He also desired a mood-altering aesthetic that would relax the senses and calm the mind. Most importantly, he wanted this meditative environment completely shielded from the outside world so he could find serenity in total privacy. The most unique design element in this entire project is the roof of the shade arbor itself. It features a “negative space” leaf pattern that was designed in a software suite and cut out of the metal with a water jet cutter. Each form in the pattern is loosely suggestive of either a leaf, or a cluster of leaves. These small, negative spaces cut from the metal are the source of the structure’ powerful visual and emotional impact. During the day, sunlight shines down and highlights columns, furniture, plantings, and gravel with a blend of dappling and shade that make you feel like you are sitting under the branches of a tree. At night, the effects are even more brilliant. Skillfully concealed lights mounted on the trusses reflect off the steel in places, while in other places they penetrate the negative spaces, cascading brilliant patterns of ambient light down on vegetation, hardscape, and water alike. The shade arbor shelters two gravel patios that are almost identical in space. The patio closest to the living room features a mini outdoor dining room, replete with tables and chairs. The patio is ornamented with a blend of ornamental grass, a small human figurine sculpture, and mid-level impact ground cover. Gravel was chosen as the preferred hardscape material because of its Zen-like connotations. It is also remarkably soft to walk on, helping to set the mood for a relaxed afternoon in the dappled shade of gently filtered sunlight. The second patio, spaced 15 feet away from the first, resides adjacent to the home at the opposite end of the shade arbor. Like its twin, it is also ornamented with ground cover borders, ornamental grasses, and a large urn identical to the first. Seating here is even more private and contemplative. Instead of a table and chairs, there is a large decorative concrete bench cut in the shape of a giant four-leaf clover. Spanning the distance between these two patios, a bluestone walkway connects the two spaces. Along the way, its borders are punctuated in places by low-level ornamental grasses, a large flowering bush, another sculpture in the form of human faces, and foxtail ferns that spring up from a spread of river rock that punctuates the ends of the walkway. The meditative quality of the shade arbor is reinforced by two special features. The first of these is a disappearing fountain that flows from the top of a large vertical stone embedded like a monolith in the other edges of the river rock. The drains and pumps to this fountain are carefully concealed underneath the covering of smooth stones, and the sound of the water is only barely perceptible, as if it is trying to force you to let go of your thoughts to hear it. A large piece of core-10 steel, which is deliberately intended to rust quickly, rises up like an arced wall from behind the fountain stone. The dark color of the metal helps the casual viewer catch just a glimpse of light reflecting off the slow trickle of water that runs down the side of the stone into the river rock bed. To complete the quiet moment that the shade arbor is intended to invoke, a thick wall of cypress trees rises up on all sides of the yard, completely shutting out the disturbances of the world with a comforting wall of living greenery that comforts the thoughts and emotions.

Design - Bold-Sky Studios. Photo by KuDa Photography.
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Portland.

Inspiration for a shabby-chic style living room remodel in San Francisco

Being handed a clean slate on a Beach Retreat with a 20m lap pool and guest house in the Hamptons NY was undeniably a unique opportunity and to be tasked with reviving it as a haven for hospitality and repose was a true joy. Set on 2 acres of lush greenness and in close proximity to the beach, this California Case Study inspired house is not necessarily what traditional connotations of the Hamptons evoke and consequently needed a truly unique and openminded approach. The brief was to create a retreat – in the true sense of the word. A place where our clients could arrive seamlessly from the hectic everyday to find familiarity and respite in a fully realised sanctuary of welcoming comfort. We chose an understated path of simplicity and tranquillity, responding to the immediate landscape, colours of the environment and orientation of the building to give the interior a strong connection and responsiveness to its location and context. Blue was significant in the palette as a reflection of the surrounding coastline as were hints of yellow and the exterior, painted in a warm grey, allows the home to nestle and balance itself within the lush green surroundings of summer and the icy white snow coverings of winter. Room layouts were re-planned to make the most of the natural light, a new kitchen designed to enable entertaining and the indoor/outdoor aspect of dining was rationalised with a set of 4 identical tables catering for anything from 2 to 20 people – a simple solution but one that enables the balance of intimate retreat with welcoming hospitality. The large Roy Lichtenstein “wallpaper” became the focal point of the living room – a giant visual reminder of the simple human need to create spaces for pleasure and reflection – it mirrors what we’ve achieved in this home’s expression of seclusion and relaxed aesthetic, while embracing our client’s passion for contemporary art. Overall, the concept embraces and enhances the house’s open airy feeling and extensive decks – creating cheerful, sheltered spaces with a richly layered yet casual holiday atmosphere. This, in turn, encourages a true appreciation of the lush and enviable surroundings, maximising the affect of “getting away from it all”. Photography: Jonny Valiant

Inspiration for a coastal light wood floor family room remodel in Birmingham

Example of an eclectic pink floor bedroom design in New York

This shade arbor, located in The Woodlands, TX north of Houston, spans the entire length of the back yard. It combines a number of elements with custom structures that were constructed to emulate specific aspects of a Zen garden. The homeowner wanted a low-maintenance garden whose beauty could withstand the tough seasonal weather that strikes the area at various times of the year. He also desired a mood-altering aesthetic that would relax the senses and calm the mind. Most importantly, he wanted this meditative environment completely shielded from the outside world so he could find serenity in total privacy. The most unique design element in this entire project is the roof of the shade arbor itself. It features a “negative space” leaf pattern that was designed in a software suite and cut out of the metal with a water jet cutter. Each form in the pattern is loosely suggestive of either a leaf, or a cluster of leaves. These small, negative spaces cut from the metal are the source of the structure’ powerful visual and emotional impact. During the day, sunlight shines down and highlights columns, furniture, plantings, and gravel with a blend of dappling and shade that make you feel like you are sitting under the branches of a tree. At night, the effects are even more brilliant. Skillfully concealed lights mounted on the trusses reflect off the steel in places, while in other places they penetrate the negative spaces, cascading brilliant patterns of ambient light down on vegetation, hardscape, and water alike. The shade arbor shelters two gravel patios that are almost identical in space. The patio closest to the living room features a mini outdoor dining room, replete with tables and chairs. The patio is ornamented with a blend of ornamental grass, a small human figurine sculpture, and mid-level impact ground cover. Gravel was chosen as the preferred hardscape material because of its Zen-like connotations. It is also remarkably soft to walk on, helping to set the mood for a relaxed afternoon in the dappled shade of gently filtered sunlight. The second patio, spaced 15 feet away from the first, resides adjacent to the home at the opposite end of the shade arbor. Like its twin, it is also ornamented with ground cover borders, ornamental grasses, and a large urn identical to the first. Seating here is even more private and contemplative. Instead of a table and chairs, there is a large decorative concrete bench cut in the shape of a giant four-leaf clover. Spanning the distance between these two patios, a bluestone walkway connects the two spaces. Along the way, its borders are punctuated in places by low-level ornamental grasses, a large flowering bush, another sculpture in the form of human faces, and foxtail ferns that spring up from a spread of river rock that punctuates the ends of the walkway. The meditative quality of the shade arbor is reinforced by two special features. The first of these is a disappearing fountain that flows from the top of a large vertical stone embedded like a monolith in the other edges of the river rock. The drains and pumps to this fountain are carefully concealed underneath the covering of smooth stones, and the sound of the water is only barely perceptible, as if it is trying to force you to let go of your thoughts to hear it. A large piece of core-10 steel, which is deliberately intended to rust quickly, rises up like an arced wall from behind the fountain stone. The dark color of the metal helps the casual viewer catch just a glimpse of light reflecting off the slow trickle of water that runs down the side of the stone into the river rock bed. To complete the quiet moment that the shade arbor is intended to invoke, a thick wall of cypress trees rises up on all sides of the yard, completely shutting out the disturbances of the world with a comforting wall of living greenery that comforts the thoughts and emotions.

Being handed a clean slate on a Beach Retreat with a 20m lap pool and guest house in the Hamptons NY was undeniably a unique opportunity and to be tasked with reviving it as a haven for hospitality and repose was a true joy. Set on 2 acres of lush greenness and in close proximity to the beach, this California Case Study inspired house is not necessarily what traditional connotations of the Hamptons evoke and consequently needed a truly unique and openminded approach. The brief was to create a retreat – in the true sense of the word. A place where our clients could arrive seamlessly from the hectic everyday to find familiarity and respite in a fully realised sanctuary of welcoming comfort. We chose an understated path of simplicity and tranquillity, responding to the immediate landscape, colours of the environment and orientation of the building to give the interior a strong connection and responsiveness to its location and context. Blue was significant in the palette as a reflection of the surrounding coastline as were hints of yellow and the exterior, painted in a warm grey, allows the home to nestle and balance itself within the lush green surroundings of summer and the icy white snow coverings of winter. Room layouts were re-planned to make the most of the natural light, a new kitchen designed to enable entertaining and the indoor/outdoor aspect of dining was rationalised with a set of 4 identical tables catering for anything from 2 to 20 people – a simple solution but one that enables the balance of intimate retreat with welcoming hospitality. The large Roy Lichtenstein “wallpaper” became the focal point of the living room – a giant visual reminder of the simple human need to create spaces for pleasure and reflection – it mirrors what we’ve achieved in this home’s expression of seclusion and relaxed aesthetic, while embracing our client’s passion for contemporary art. Overall, the concept embraces and enhances the house’s open airy feeling and extensive decks – creating cheerful, sheltered spaces with a richly layered yet casual holiday atmosphere. This, in turn, encourages a true appreciation of the lush and enviable surroundings, maximising the affect of “getting away from it all”. Photography: Jonny Valiant

Eric Rorer
Trendy dark wood floor hallway photo in San Francisco with white walls