Search results for "Constructive criticism" in Home Design Ideas
Westover Landscape DesignNot everyone would see the hidden beauty in the Yonkers property destined for the wrecking ball in 2000. But one family took the serious fixer-upper under their wing. Crumbling walls, overgrown maples (indeed, saplings were busting through the brick walls), and deer living in the basement was the state of affairs when Westover Landscape Design initially arrived on the scene. A year of intensive, meticulous, thoughtful renovation by the homeowner followed while the house was brought up to speed. When the last construction machine finally rumbled out, that’s when Robert Welsch and his crew began their odyssey.
The goal was to honor the newly restored relic and deliver it into the future with fitting surroundings. “We wanted to bring that treasure back to life,” Robert Welsch explains. Working closely with the homeowner as well as the city of Yonkers to guide the restoration, their first feat was to install a proper drainage system with catchments capable of keeping storm water from the massive roof flowing away. Before anything was visible on the surface, extensive work was accomplished underground. Meanwhile, a plan was drafted to honor the era of the house. Westover chose bluestone as the primary path material for its easy maintenance and simplicity when laying the swank configuration of pathways around the house and outward to an entertaining pavilion. By cleverly hemming the bluestone with period brick that echoes the building material for the house for continuity, the result is a smart and sophisticated finish to a promenade that constantly draws the family and their pets outdoors. Brick was also used to rebuild the walled gardens for the much-needed privacy in a close-knit Yonkers community. And a graceful wrought iron gate enhances the arrival experience. But walls and gates were not the only element to screen and reveal views—plant selection was critical.
Few landscapers would go the extra mile to find period perfect plants for a 19th Century restoration, but Robert Welsch saw the importance of authenticity in creating the mood. He repeated large trees—such as an exquisite London plane tree in the front yard—to balance the expression in the back. Recognizing the need for immediate stature, he selected a weeping willow to gain instant volume, giving the landscape a sense of deep roots. A weeping Camperdown elm adds sophisticated drama to the walled stroll gardens. Hydrangeas were incorporated for their billowy stature, easy maintenance, and long blooming season. Similarly, all the plants in residence play their part in the display that goes beyond the usual spring fling to extend throughout the growing season—offering visual interest even when they are not performing. From spring bulbs to autumn perennials, there is never a dull moment. Meanwhile, every step along the way was a collaboration working hand-in-hand with the homeowner and the city to make certain that the historic landmark status of the property was upheld and honored.
The result goes beyond a landscape that is just old faithful. It adds life to the picture, creating a jewel-like setting for the newly proud house. In a word, it is sublime. By planting wisely and using sustainable elements, the restored house and its surroundings are ready for the next generation and beyond. This Yonkers gem remains meticulously groomed under the watchful eye and skill of Westover Landscape Design’s team of gardeners—It’s a keeper.
Wright Jenkins Home DesignThis second-story addition to an already 'picture perfect' Naples home presented many challenges. The main tension between adding the many 'must haves' the client wanted on their second floor, but at the same time not overwhelming the first floor. Working with David Benner of Safety Harbor Builders was key in the design and construction process – keeping the critical aesthetic elements in check. The owners were very 'detail oriented' and actively involved throughout the process. The result was adding 924 sq ft to the 1,600 sq ft home, with the addition of a large Bonus/Game Room, Guest Suite, 1-1/2 Baths and Laundry. But most importantly — the second floor is in complete harmony with the first, it looks as it was always meant to be that way.
©Energy Smart Home Plans, Safety Harbor Builders, Glenn Hettinger Photography
Kaplan Thompson ArchitectsA 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.
Find the right local pro for your project
Westover Landscape DesignNot everyone would see the hidden beauty in the Yonkers property destined for the wrecking ball in 2000. But one family took the serious fixer-upper under their wing. Crumbling walls, overgrown maples (indeed, saplings were busting through the brick walls), and deer living in the basement was the state of affairs when Westover Landscape Design initially arrived on the scene. A year of intensive, meticulous, thoughtful renovation by the homeowner followed while the house was brought up to speed. When the last construction machine finally rumbled out, that’s when Robert Welsch and his crew began their odyssey.
The goal was to honor the newly restored relic and deliver it into the future with fitting surroundings. “We wanted to bring that treasure back to life,” Robert Welsch explains. Working closely with the homeowner as well as the city of Yonkers to guide the restoration, their first feat was to install a proper drainage system with catchments capable of keeping storm water from the massive roof flowing away. Before anything was visible on the surface, extensive work was accomplished underground. Meanwhile, a plan was drafted to honor the era of the house. Westover chose bluestone as the primary path material for its easy maintenance and simplicity when laying the swank configuration of pathways around the house and outward to an entertaining pavilion. By cleverly hemming the bluestone with period brick that echoes the building material for the house for continuity, the result is a smart and sophisticated finish to a promenade that constantly draws the family and their pets outdoors. Brick was also used to rebuild the walled gardens for the much-needed privacy in a close-knit Yonkers community. And a graceful wrought iron gate enhances the arrival experience. But walls and gates were not the only element to screen and reveal views—plant selection was critical.
Few landscapers would go the extra mile to find period perfect plants for a 19th Century restoration, but Robert Welsch saw the importance of authenticity in creating the mood. He repeated large trees—such as an exquisite London plane tree in the front yard—to balance the expression in the back. Recognizing the need for immediate stature, he selected a weeping willow to gain instant volume, giving the landscape a sense of deep roots. A weeping Camperdown elm adds sophisticated drama to the walled stroll gardens. Hydrangeas were incorporated for their billowy stature, easy maintenance, and long blooming season. Similarly, all the plants in residence play their part in the display that goes beyond the usual spring fling to extend throughout the growing season—offering visual interest even when they are not performing. From spring bulbs to autumn perennials, there is never a dull moment. Meanwhile, every step along the way was a collaboration working hand-in-hand with the homeowner and the city to make certain that the historic landmark status of the property was upheld and honored.
The result goes beyond a landscape that is just old faithful. It adds life to the picture, creating a jewel-like setting for the newly proud house. In a word, it is sublime. By planting wisely and using sustainable elements, the restored house and its surroundings are ready for the next generation and beyond. This Yonkers gem remains meticulously groomed under the watchful eye and skill of Westover Landscape Design’s team of gardeners—It’s a keeper.
Nathan Taylor for Obelisk HomeHistorical Renovation
Objective: The homeowners asked us to join the project after partial demo and construction was in full
swing. Their desire was to significantly enlarge and update the charming mid-century modern home to
meet the needs of their joined families and frequent social gatherings. It was critical though that the
expansion be seamless between old and new, where one feels as if the home “has always been this
way”.
Solution: We created spaces within rooms that allowed family to gather and socialize freely or allow for
private conversations. As constant entertainers, the couple wanted easier access to their favorite wines
than having to go to the basement cellar. A custom glass and stainless steel wine cellar was created
where bottles seem to float in the space between the dining room and kitchen area.
A nineteen foot long island dominates the great room as well as any social gathering where it is
generally spread from end to end with food and surrounded by friends and family.
Aside of the master suite, three oversized bedrooms each with a large en suite bath provide plenty of
space for kids returning from college and frequent visits from friends and family.
A neutral color palette was chosen throughout to bring warmth into the space but not fight with the
clients’ collections of art, antique rugs and furnishings. Soaring ceiling, windows and huge sliding doors
bring the naturalness of the large wooded lot inside while lots of natural wood and stone was used to
further complement the outdoors and their love of nature.
Outside, a large ground level fire-pit surrounded by comfortable chairs is another favorite gathering
spot.
Anima ArchitectsAfter having spent several years living in a trailer getting to know their rural property in La Pine Oregon, our clients made the decision to build a small off-the-grid modern cabin that they can retire in and use as a hub for entertaining family and friends. Keeping the cabin modest in scale and construction cost was critical to this couple since they planned to build the cabin themselves and didn’t want to overextend themselves financially so they can continue pursuing their love for international travel and maximize time spent with their loved ones.
Set amongst a grove of lodge pole pines, the cabin was designed with simplicity in mind and utilizes materials that help it fit in seamlessly with the surrounding high desert environment while being low maintenance and fire resistant. Although the cabin is compact in footprint, the interior spaces are all designed to open out onto a large outdoor deck, effectively doubling the usable living space, while a covered breezeway provides protected access to the main entry and houses an outdoor kitchen for entertaining in warmer weather and wood storage for use in the indoor/ outdoor fireplace during the winter months. The compact 600 square foot interior footprint also has a 200 square foot flexible loft space which can be used to work from and house guests alike. The exterior breezeway, main living space and loft was designed to be open to the vaulted wood rafters, steel collar ties and skylights above, creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior and a sense of openness and lightness unusual for such a compact footprint.
Ben Quie & SonsTraditional design blends well with 21st century accessibility standards. Designed by architect Jeremiah Battles of Acacia Architects and built by Ben Quie & Sons, this beautiful new home features details found a century ago, combined with a creative use of space and technology to meet the owner’s mobility needs. Even the elevator is detailed with quarter-sawn oak paneling. Feeling as though it has been here for generations, this home combines architectural salvage with creative design. The owner brought in vintage lighting fixtures, a Tudor fireplace surround, and beveled glass for windows and doors. The kitchen pendants and sconces were custom made to match a 1912 Sheffield fixture she had found. Quarter-sawn oak in the living room, dining room, and kitchen, and flat-sawn oak in the pantry, den, and powder room accent the traditional feel of this brand-new home.
Design by Acacia Architects/Jeremiah Battles
Construction by Ben Quie and Sons
Photography by: Troy Thies
Nathan Taylor for Obelisk HomeHistorical Renovation
Objective: The homeowners asked us to join the project after partial demo and construction was in full
swing. Their desire was to significantly enlarge and update the charming mid-century modern home to
meet the needs of their joined families and frequent social gatherings. It was critical though that the
expansion be seamless between old and new, where one feels as if the home “has always been this
way”.
Solution: We created spaces within rooms that allowed family to gather and socialize freely or allow for
private conversations. As constant entertainers, the couple wanted easier access to their favorite wines
than having to go to the basement cellar. A custom glass and stainless steel wine cellar was created
where bottles seem to float in the space between the dining room and kitchen area.
A nineteen foot long island dominates the great room as well as any social gathering where it is
generally spread from end to end with food and surrounded by friends and family.
Aside of the master suite, three oversized bedrooms each with a large en suite bath provide plenty of
space for kids returning from college and frequent visits from friends and family.
A neutral color palette was chosen throughout to bring warmth into the space but not fight with the
clients’ collections of art, antique rugs and furnishings. Soaring ceiling, windows and huge sliding doors
bring the naturalness of the large wooded lot inside while lots of natural wood and stone was used to
further complement the outdoors and their love of nature.
Outside, a large ground level fire-pit surrounded by comfortable chairs is another favorite gathering
spot.
Nathan Taylor for Obelisk HomeHistorical Renovation
Objective: The homeowners asked us to join the project after partial demo and construction was in full
swing. Their desire was to significantly enlarge and update the charming mid-century modern home to
meet the needs of their joined families and frequent social gatherings. It was critical though that the
expansion be seamless between old and new, where one feels as if the home “has always been this
way”.
Solution: We created spaces within rooms that allowed family to gather and socialize freely or allow for
private conversations. As constant entertainers, the couple wanted easier access to their favorite wines
than having to go to the basement cellar. A custom glass and stainless steel wine cellar was created
where bottles seem to float in the space between the dining room and kitchen area.
A nineteen foot long island dominates the great room as well as any social gathering where it is
generally spread from end to end with food and surrounded by friends and family.
Aside of the master suite, three oversized bedrooms each with a large en suite bath provide plenty of
space for kids returning from college and frequent visits from friends and family.
A neutral color palette was chosen throughout to bring warmth into the space but not fight with the
clients’ collections of art, antique rugs and furnishings. Soaring ceiling, windows and huge sliding doors
bring the naturalness of the large wooded lot inside while lots of natural wood and stone was used to
further complement the outdoors and their love of nature.
Outside, a large ground level fire-pit surrounded by comfortable chairs is another favorite gathering
spot.
Alair Homes Paradise ValleyAlair Homes is committed to quality throughout every stage of the building process and in every detail of your new custom home or home renovation. We guarantee superior work because we perform quality assurance checks at every stage of the building process. Before anything is covered up – even before city building inspectors come to your home – we critically examine our work to ensure that it lives up to our extraordinarily high standards.
We are proud of our extraordinary high building standards as well as our renowned customer service. Every Alair Homes custom home comes with a two year national home warranty as well as an Alair Homes guarantee and includes complimentary 3, 6 and 12 month inspections after completion.
During our proprietary construction process every detail is accessible to Alair Homes clients online 24 hours a day to view project details, schedules, sub trade quotes, pricing in order to give Alair Homes clients 100% control over every single item regardless how small.
Alair Homes West TorontoAlair Homes is committed to quality throughout every stage of the building process and in every detail of your new custom home or home renovation. We guarantee superior work because we perform quality assurance checks at every stage of the building process. Before anything is covered up – even before city building inspectors come to your home – we critically examine our work to ensure that it lives up to our extraordinarily high standards.
We are proud of our extraordinary high building standards as well as our renowned customer service. Every Alair Homes custom home comes with a two year national home warranty as well as an Alair Homes guarantee and includes complimentary 3, 6 and 12 month inspections after completion.
During our proprietary construction process every detail is accessible to Alair Homes clients online 24 hours a day to view project details, schedules, sub trade quotes, pricing in order to give Alair Homes clients 100% control over every single item regardless how small.
Alair Homes West TorontoAlair Homes is committed to quality throughout every stage of the building process and in every detail of your new custom home or home renovation. We guarantee superior work because we perform quality assurance checks at every stage of the building process. Before anything is covered up – even before city building inspectors come to your home – we critically examine our work to ensure that it lives up to our extraordinarily high standards.
We are proud of our extraordinary high building standards as well as our renowned customer service. Every Alair Homes custom home comes with a two year national home warranty as well as an Alair Homes guarantee and includes complimentary 3, 6 and 12 month inspections after completion.
During our proprietary construction process every detail is accessible to Alair Homes clients online 24 hours a day to view project details, schedules, sub trade quotes, pricing in order to give Alair Homes clients 100% control over every single item regardless how small.
Zbranek & Holt Custom Homesa thoughtfully designed open-concept dining and living area, illustrating our approach to creating functional yet elegant spaces. As builders, our goal was to honor the client’s vision for a modern luxury home while ensuring practicality for daily living and entertaining.
The wood-paneled ceiling is a standout feature, constructed from premium natural wood, and designed to give the space warmth while providing an architectural focal point. The recessed lighting is not only functional, providing ambient light, but it also enhances the ceiling’s depth and texture. The modern circular light fixtures were selected for their clean lines and contemporary feel, adding a striking design element that draws the eye upward and balances the room. The floor-to-ceiling windows are a critical aspect of the design, allowing natural light to pour into the space and offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. These windows create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor environments, a core element of modern design that enhances the sense of openness.
In the background, the kitchen is integrated into the living space through a functional and aesthetically pleasing layout. The cabinetry, crafted from the same high-quality wood seen throughout the home, complements the wood ceiling and provides ample storage. Above the kitchen island, pendant lights were selected to offer task lighting, while also contributing to the overall modern aesthetic.
Every material, from the natural stone to the wood finishes, was chosen not only for its aesthetic appeal but for its durability and sustainability. The design reflects our commitment to building homes that blend luxury with livability, ensuring that the client’s vision is met with a home that functions beautifully while standing the test of time.
Matarozzi Pelsinger BuildersA new-construction, year-round vacation home was custom-built for a family to enjoy the natural beauty of West Marin, California. The home is sited on the beach, so understanding how to build on sand (instead of soil) and selecting the right materials that would withstand ongoing erosion from the ocean and salt air were both critical to the success of the project. Even in the most ideal circumstances climate can present challenges, but as this was a COVID-era project in a relatively remote location, we also faced supply chain issues and labor issues. Fortunately, we were able to draw on our decades of experience to identify solutions and work collaboratively with the geotechnical engineer, structural engineer, and subcontractors to ensure that everyone was aligned on the design vision and how we would achieve it. Our backgrounds as craftspeople and the project manager’s experience as an architect allowed our team to work in lockstep with the design team.
Pamela Wilmoth, ASID Interior DesignOver the years, my jobs have involved collaborating with homeowners, business owners, architects and contractors analyzing and designing plans for new construction and remodels, renovating kitchens, designing fireplaces, cabinetry, lighting, window treatments and furnishings.
But even more important than the design, I believe the ability to communicate all the ideas and concepts of the design to the various trades people involved is critical to achieving the end results my clients and I envision.
My 35 years in the business as well as my academic background in design have given me the ability to confidently provide this service. Give me a call, I'd love to hear from you and discuss your project.
Alair Homes Tri-Cities
Alair Homes is committed to quality throughout every stage of the building process and in every detail of your new custom home or home renovation. We guarantee superior work because we perform quality assurance checks at every stage of the building process. Before anything is covered up – even before city building inspectors come to your home – we critically examine our work to ensure that it lives up to our extraordinarily high standards.
We are proud of our extraordinary high building standards as well as our renowned customer service. Every Alair Homes custom home comes with a two year national home warranty as well as an Alair Homes guarantee and includes complimentary 3, 6 and 12 month inspections after completion.
During our proprietary construction process every detail is accessible to Alair Homes clients online 24 hours a day to view project details, schedules, sub trade quotes, pricing in order to give Alair Homes clients 100% control over every single item regardless how small.
Alair Homes Paradise ValleyAlair Homes is committed to quality throughout every stage of the building process and in every detail of your new custom home or home renovation. We guarantee superior work because we perform quality assurance checks at every stage of the building process. Before anything is covered up – even before city building inspectors come to your home – we critically examine our work to ensure that it lives up to our extraordinarily high standards.
We are proud of our extraordinary high building standards as well as our renowned customer service. Every Alair Homes custom home comes with a two year national home warranty as well as an Alair Homes guarantee and includes complimentary 3, 6 and 12 month inspections after completion.
During our proprietary construction process every detail is accessible to Alair Homes clients online 24 hours a day to view project details, schedules, sub trade quotes, pricing in order to give Alair Homes clients 100% control over every single item regardless how small.
Jaeger & Ernst Custom Cabinetmakers Not everyone is as adventurous and passionate about the possibilities of custom cabinetry as we are… but every once in a while… some kitchens are just too much fun. The client is a professional culinary author, critic, and instructor. Together, we designed and crafted this extraordinary, “fitted” kitchen for her historic, urban home in Alexandria, Virginia. The kitchen combines individually designed cabinets, each with the feel of Classical, Colonial, or Contemporary furniture. Some cabinets are constructed traditionally, of solid North American hardwoods; white oak, walnut, and chestnut. Others are veneered with exotic European species, like “Pippy” Yew. Some feel “built-in,” others appear to be “free-standing.” Goodies include; a custom pasta-drying tree, and a built-in knife rack, cubbies and nooks, and custom racks for her collection of rolling pins. What a joy this room turned out to be!
Pamela Wilmoth, ASID Interior DesignOver the years, my jobs have involved collaborating with homeowners, business owners, architects and contractors analyzing and designing plans for new construction and remodels, renovating kitchens, designing fireplaces, cabinetry, lighting, window treatments and furnishings.
But even more important than the design, I believe the ability to communicate all the ideas and concepts of the design to the various trades people involved is critical to achieving the end results my clients and I envision.
My 35 years in the business as well as my academic background in design have given me the ability to confidently provide this service. Give me a call, I'd love to hear from you and discuss your project.
Alair Homes Paradise ValleyAlair Homes is committed to quality throughout every stage of the building process and in every detail of your new custom home or home renovation. We guarantee superior work because we perform quality assurance checks at every stage of the building process. Before anything is covered up – even before city building inspectors come to your home – we critically examine our work to ensure that it lives up to our extraordinarily high standards.
We are proud of our extraordinary high building standards as well as our renowned customer service. Every Alair Homes custom home comes with a two year national home warranty as well as an Alair Homes guarantee and includes complimentary 3, 6 and 12 month inspections after completion.
During our proprietary construction process every detail is accessible to Alair Homes clients online 24 hours a day to view project details, schedules, sub trade quotes, pricing in order to give Alair Homes clients 100% control over every single item regardless how small.
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