An innovative and contemporary furniture piece, Ikon Designer Dining Table sets new standards for the urban living space. Designed by Philip Jackson for Cattelan Italia and manufactured in Italy, the stunning Ikon Dining Table is available as a fixed or an extension (Ikon Drive) version offering limitless functional and stylistic possibilities.

Homeowners are choosing to live in their homes for as long as possible. But as we get older it becomes harder to get around. The inability to move easily from room-to-room or to climb stairs – even if only a few – presents a safety issue that conflicts with an easy-living lifestyle. This is an important consideration, as we grow older.

This modern-style executive home takes full advantage of the views and rocky terrain. The homeowners are retirees whose goal was to build a home that they could age in place in. Taking their needs into consideration, we created a large open concept design that takes advantage of the natural light and scenery while enabling the owners full accessibility throughout. All the primary rooms are located on the main floor with guest and additional spaces on lower floors. All door widths were increased and a roll thru shower was installed to allow for wheelchair accessibility if required in the future. The entire house is controlled by a state of the art iPad home automation system controlling media, mechanical systems, lighting & security. "Light & Bright" are the items our client wanted us to focus on, with "Light" we wanted to capture as much as natural light from the large windows as possible. As for "Bright" we kept most of the finishes grey and white and clean. Pops of colour and warm hardwood flooring tie the entire space together.

The attractive composite wood deck built by the owner’s contractor shows the considerable drop in elevation from the main floor walkouts down to ground level. The pool equipment, seen to left of the deck, is noticeable from this high vantage point, but is largely out of view from the deck or ground level.

In July 2017, Belz was contacted by the property owner to create a home that met their specific requirements. This included the following items: ​ An open concept/loft design that takes advantage of the views to the south and west. Separate areas within this open plan are defined by furnishings. Master Suite on the main level. Bathroom with views. Large shower with rain head and wall shower system. Large walk-in closet with built-ins. Study/office area with an abundance of built-in bookshelves. Study to be “separate” but somehow connected to main living area. 2 additional bedrooms, each with their own bath. Extra wide garage that can fit 2 cars side x side with the doors open and extra deep with room for a workbench. Mud room/laundry room that could include a shower. Radiant in-floor heat system and air conditioning. Outdoor living space/courtyard with firepit, water feature, pizza oven, and sunken jetted tub. Environmentally responsible design alternatives, such as material choices and building orientation, together with other considerations based on requirements and aesthetics were used to develop a design that was consistent with the owner’s vision. Belz and the owner worked together to choose all materials and finishes and colors. The green stucco picked up on the native grasses on the property. The stone was chosen to contrast with the green stucco and “plant” the house to the ground. The owner wanted to take advantage of the views as much as possible. Instead of siting the house along north/south/east/west axes, Belz canted the floorplan to a southwest axis for better “head-on” views from the home. The owner requested an interesting roof/ceiling. Thus, Belz chose an arched ceiling which she found more embracing than an angled vaulted or shed roof.

With careful design consideration it was possible to open the kitchen without impacting sightlines, ingress, or egress.
Example of a large mid-century modern u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen design in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, black backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

The wall between the dining room and kitchen was removed to create bright open living spaces.
Inspiration for a 1950s kitchen remodel in Chicago

Breezy Coastal-Inspired Hearth Room Sustainable, natural, wholly engaging, and a showcase for their cultural pieces and art was the concept for this home. The couple wanted to use sustainable and environmentally friendly products throughout their home as much as possible. Being from both California and Florida, they wanted a coastal influence that didn’t look contrived or over-stylized in a Midwestern home. Also, they desired a serene, peaceful space where all senses were engaged. Incorporating the Feng Shui elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water in color, texture and product choice was used in this design. A problem area with the original room was a large, blocky oak fireplace. The top half was removed and the hearth was painted white, opening up the space considerably. The back wall was painted a serene blue as an accent. An overall neutral palette of taupe, blues and grey balanced the wood tones found in the flooring and teak accents the couple acquired on their travels. We recovered their existing love seat with taupe diamond-stripe cotton in a slipcover style, adding to the casual atmosphere of a beach house. Organic cotton, hand-blocked pillows with red cherry blossoms provide a pop of color to the seating. A swivel rocker gives flexibility to multiple focal points and conversation. The 100% hemp rug has a turquoise oversized damask print and is a plush anchor to the hearth setting. A long grey-washed rattan bench serves as a cocktail table and woven Roman shades provide needed contrast to the back wall. A distressed, reclaimed bench sits below bold art as a bright accent area to an overall neutral space. The centerpiece of the room is a large cerulean blue buffet with fretwork & glass doors. A large Buddha head serves as a meditative focal point with Asian-inspired art and lighting. Julie Austin Photography

In this guest room, we had a custom Murphy bed made to fit the specific space with as much organized storage as possible. We also did a custom closet insert, so when a visitor comes to stay in this tiny space it will be easy to keep things put away. Don't forget when doing a Murphy bed though, to take into consideration light fixtures as you don't want to install a new ceiling fan like we did and have the bed hit it when being pulled out. We found this effect but tiny fan that fit in just right!

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 modern-style executive home takes full advantage of the views and rocky terrain. The homeowners are retirees whose goal was to build a home that they could age in place in. Taking their needs into consideration, we created a large open concept design that takes advantage of the natural light and scenery while enabling the owners full accessibility throughout. All the primary rooms are located on the main floor with guest and additional spaces on lower floors. All door widths were increased and a roll thru shower was installed to allow for wheelchair accessibility if required in the future. The entire house is controlled by a state of the art iPad home automation system controlling media, mechanical systems, lighting & security. "Light & Bright" are the items our client wanted us to focus on, with "Light" we wanted to capture as much as natural light from the large windows as possible. As for "Bright" we kept most of the finishes grey and white and clean. Pops of colour and warm hardwood flooring tie the entire space together.

This modern-style executive home takes full advantage of the views and rocky terrain. The homeowners are retirees whose goal was to build a home that they could age in place in. Taking their needs into consideration, we created a large open concept design that takes advantage of the natural light and scenery while enabling the owners full accessibility throughout. All the primary rooms are located on the main floor with guest and additional spaces on lower floors. All door widths were increased and a roll thru shower was installed to allow for wheelchair accessibility if required in the future. The entire house is controlled by a state of the art iPad home automation system controlling media, mechanical systems, lighting & security. "Light & Bright" are the items our client wanted us to focus on, with "Light" we wanted to capture as much as natural light from the large windows as possible. As for "Bright" we kept most of the finishes grey and white and clean. Pops of colour and warm hardwood flooring tie the entire space together.

This modern-style executive home takes full advantage of the views and rocky terrain. The homeowners are retirees whose goal was to build a home that they could age in place in. Taking their needs into consideration, we created a large open concept design that takes advantage of the natural light and scenery while enabling the owners full accessibility throughout. All the primary rooms are located on the main floor with guest and additional spaces on lower floors. All door widths were increased and a roll thru shower was installed to allow for wheelchair accessibility if required in the future. The entire house is controlled by a state of the art iPad home automation system controlling media, mechanical systems, lighting & security. "Light & Bright" are the items our client wanted us to focus on, with "Light" we wanted to capture as much as natural light from the large windows as possible. As for "Bright" we kept most of the finishes grey and white and clean. Pops of colour and warm hardwood flooring tie the entire space together.

This fireplace surround is comprised of four equal sections. After careful consideration the clients whited to have this piece look as symmetrical as possible. The overall height of this piece is 10' and the width is 6', making GFRC a prime candidate for its construction.

This modern-style executive home takes full advantage of the views and rocky terrain. The homeowners are retirees whose goal was to build a home that they could age in place in. Taking their needs into consideration, we created a large open concept design that takes advantage of the natural light and scenery while enabling the owners full accessibility throughout. All the primary rooms are located on the main floor with guest and additional spaces on lower floors. All door widths were increased and a roll thru shower was installed to allow for wheelchair accessibility if required in the future. The entire house is controlled by a state of the art iPad home automation system controlling media, mechanical systems, lighting & security. "Light & Bright" are the items our client wanted us to focus on, with "Light" we wanted to capture as much as natural light from the large windows as possible. As for "Bright" we kept most of the finishes grey and white and clean. Pops of colour and warm hardwood flooring tie the entire space together.

This was a dream project! The clients purchased this 1880s home and wanted to renovate it for their family to live in. It was a true labor of love, and their commitment to getting the details right was admirable. We rehabilitated doors and windows and flooring wherever we could, we milled trim work to match existing and carved our own door rosettes to ensure the historic details were beautifully carried through. Every finish was made with consideration of wanting a home that would feel historic with integrity, yet would also function for the family and extend into the future as long possible. We were not interested in what is popular or trendy but rather wanted to honor what was right for the home.

For this kitchen, designed by Peter Bittner, the client had a very clear idea of what she wanted right from the start. She did her research. The mother of a fast growing, young family, she wanted something as efficient as it was beautiful – on the simple, yet elegant side. Her requests were straightforward: white and light grey Bilotta cabinetry in a transitional style so as not to compete with the detailing inside her 1950s Tudor-style home; a heated tile floor (By Rye Ridge Tile); stainless appliances; white subway tile backsplash by Walker Zanger (again to keep it clean and not compete with its surroundings); and seating at the island for snacks and homework. The “pop” suggested by Peter was done through the satin brass hardware and lighting fixtures. The real challenge with this space was to fit as much as possible into the existing footprint which was overall on the smaller side. The solution was eliminating a doorway (with a swinging door that opened into the kitchen) and stairs from the kitchen to the basement. By moving the stairs and doorway, the usable space increased considerably. The typical working triangle became the focus for one side of the kitchen and the island overhang and seating became available on the other side. To make up for the limited amount of wall cabinets Peter designed shallow pantry-style cabinets along the back wall. Quartz Countertops by Rom Stone Fabrication. Designer: Peter Bittner Photographer: Peter Krupenye

Our clients came to us after recently purchasing this 1967 home in the lovely Spring Creek neighborhood. They originally considered adding on to the master bedroom or possibly putting an addition above the garage. After all considerations, they decided to work within the existing sq. ft. of the home. They wanted to update their kitchen, they needed to add an office, as she works from home and they wanted consistent flooring throughout the front of the house. They had a small galley kitchen that you could enter from the front formal living/dining room or from the other end but it was completely closed off to the main living area, other than a small window. They really wanted to open it up but worried it might be too opened up. In addition to adding new ceiling height cabinets, they wanted to completely gut this outdated kitchen and start over with a cleaner, simpler looking kitchen. They had trouble envisioning what their space would look like opened up, so using our technology and being able to show them a rendering and being able to do a virtual walk-through, really helped them see their future. We demoed the entire kitchen and all of the flooring throughout the kitchen, family room, living room and formal living room. We removed most of the wall that closed off the kitchen to the living room, with the exception of the half wall that became part of the new island. The doorway that used to go between the formal dining and kitchen was closed off, creating more kitchen wall space and allowing an office to be added at the back of the formal dining that could be closed off, when needed. White Chandler cabinets were installed with beautiful Macaubus Giotto Quartzite countertops. Our clients chose to install a spice pull out and utensil caddy pull out on either side of the oven and a tray pull out for cookie sheets, as well. A wooden vent-hood was also built by Chandler, creating a nice contrast to the white cabinets. Matte black Stanton pulls and Elara knobs were installed coordinating with the Forge Industrial Pendant Island lights and the Doster Dome kitchen table pendant. A Kohler vault Smart Divide®top-/under-mount double-equal bowl kitchen sink was installed in the island with a Kohler Simplice kitchen faucet, also in matte black. Detailed posts were added to each corner on the back side of the island, giving it a more custom finished look. In the formal dining room, a 4-light Forge Industrial Island Light was installed, which coordinated with the two pendant lights above the island. Adjacent to the living room was an office/wet bar area, leading to the back porch. We replaced the existing wet bar with a new cabinet and countertop and faucet, matching the kitchen and installed a wine refrigerator, too. Hardwood floors were installed throughout the entire front of the house, tying it all together. Recessed lighting was installed throughout the dining room, living room and kitchen, really giving the space some much needed light. A fresh coat of paint to top it all off really brightened up the space and gave our clients exactly what they were wanting.

This detailed Victorian tiled hallway at a property in Camden was overdue some much-needed repair and maintenance. The owners of the property appreciated that original period features like this add a lot of value to a property and asked me to visit the property to quote for renovating it. The property was in a terrace of similar properties most of which appeared to have retained their Victorian character. I inspected the floor and found there were a couple of loose, cracked, worn and broken tiles that needed to be replaced. In addition, the floor tiles needed a deep clean and then seal to bring back the wow factor. I was confident we could renovate the floor but at that point unsure if we would be able to find exact match replacements for the damaged tiles. Fortunately, Victorian tiles are still in demand and I knew of several companies I could check with so I was confident they could be found. We discussed how long the work would take and assuming I could source the replacements agreed a price for the full restoration of the floor. After doing some research I managed to find suitable replacements with a company called Original Style and the work was scheduled for the following month. Firstly, we prepared all areas with protective tapes to threshold edges and skirting. This was followed by spaying the tiles with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove & Go which is product designed to remove old sealers and coatings. After about ten minutes the tiles were scrubbed with black scrubbing pads and scrubbing brushes. Fresh water was used to rinse the floor and the slurry was extracted using a wet vacuum. The floor was inspected and then a second clean carried out, this time using Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which is a Tile and Grout cleaning agent. The same process of application was used and after rinsing and extracting the dirt the tiles were given a steam clean. This ensured all the dirt was lifted out of the pores of the tile and the floor was now as clean as it possible could be. The next step was the remove the loose and cracked tiles using the reclaimed tiles we had sourced earlier. Some cuts were necessary to get the replacements to match the originals but overall the plan worked. A quick drying adhesive was used to secure the tiles so we could apply the grout shortly after. The whole floor was then re-grouted and cleaned off to ensure a good match. The floor was left to dry off overnight, and you could already see it was now looking considerably improved. Returning the next morning we checked the floor was dry using a moisture meter, this is important as to apply a sealer to damp tiles will lead to a patchy experience. All was well so we were ready to apply the sealer. To start a single base coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow sealer was applied to the floor and left to dry. This sealer is an impregnator that protects from within by occupying the pores in the clay tile improving colour in the process. This sealer does leave a matt finish however and the client wanted a subtle shine so one dry it was followed by four coats of Tile Doctor Seal & Go. The combination of the two sealers works really well to add long lasting protection to the tiles and provide the desired finish to the floor. The floor was much improved, and the client was delighted. The detailed pattern and colours were now much more prominent, and the hallway looked much more inviting for both the owner and their guests. For the aftercare of Victorian tiles, I recommended the use of Tile Doctor Neutral Cleaner which is pH neutral and won’t prematurely erode the life of the sealer. Nigel Voyce North London Tile Doctor