Situated on the shore of newfound lake in central new hampshire, this outdoor retreat looks west over the spring fed waters toward the mountains beyond. Our design intent was to provide the homeowners with a viewing perspective that captured the feel of lakefront living. The fire pit terrace, situated on a plane aligned with the home’s main floor, uses native granite from a nearby quarry to create a refined campfire retreat. This carefully calculated elevation makes the upper plateau appear to jut out into the lake. A quick walk down a grass path with granite lawn treads brings us to a private beach for lounging and water access. Transitioning from refined to rustic successfully makes the landscape feel cohesive and inviting.

Soundview 360
Example of a mid-sized transitional galley vinyl floor and multicolored floor eat-in kitchen design in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

In this new construction home in Hinsdale, IL the design team at O’Brien Harris was brought in at the earliest stages of planning—allowing for seamless integration of cabinetry and architectural details. Early collaboration with the builder meant every functional need could be fully addressed, including custom framing for hidden lighting and other details that would have been difficult to retrofit. The kitchen features a unique layout that places the cook at the center of the space, facing the yard and natural light. This intentional orientation shaped the design from the start to create a layout that felt open, balanced, and multi-functional. Because the project was built from the ground up, O’Brien Harris was able to integrate downdraft ventilation systems that maintain sightlines allowing the range to face outward—achieving both form and function without compromise. Two kitchen islands define the space, though each serves a distinct purpose. The first island is centered around the cooktop and prep area, while the second acts more like a piece of freestanding furniture—with seating, storage, and a softer presence in the room. Four oversized pendant lanterns anchor the entire space, offering both visual weight and warm illumination. To support entertaining, a full back kitchen was added behind the main space, offering the same level of functionality with additional appliances and prep areas. A fully retractable pass-through window opens directly to the outdoor entertaining area, making the kitchen feel as expansive as the outdoors. O’Brien Harris also designed and fabricated the cabinetry in the primary bath.

This formal dining room was designed to make a bold first impression while remaining warm and inviting for everyday gatherings and special occasions. Inspired by Art Deco influences, the space layers dramatic pattern, rich texture, and natural materials to create a refined, collected aesthetic. A striking geometric wallpaper wraps the room, complemented by custom white oak slat wall detailing that adds warmth, architectural interest, and visual balance. The oversized statement chandelier draws the eye upward, while a sleek black dining table is softened by sculptural upholstered dining chairs for a comfortable, elevated dining experience. Floor-to-ceiling linen drapery frames expansive views and brings softness to the bold palette, while curated artwork and thoughtfully selected accessories complete the space with personality and sophistication. Every detail was intentionally designed to create a timeless dining room that feels both luxurious and approachable—perfect for entertaining family and friends. Design Style Refined Organic Contemporary Modern Art Deco Contemporary Glamour Warm Contemporary Eclectic Luxury Luxury dining room, formal dining room, dining room design, contemporary dining room, modern Art Deco, Art Deco wallpaper, geometric wallpaper, statement wallpaper, custom millwork, white oak slat wall, architectural wall treatment, luxury lighting, statement chandelier, upholstered dining chairs, black dining table, designer dining room, organic contemporary, warm contemporary, eclectic luxury, contemporary glamour, custom home, new construction, whole home design, luxury interior design, entertaining space, bespoke interiors, layered textures, residential interior design, Colorado interior designer, Denver interior designer, Castle Pines interior design, luxury home interiors, timeless design, high-end interior design, curated interiors, designer wallpaper, modern luxury home

This inviting family room was designed to balance bold design with everyday comfort, creating a sophisticated space where the family can gather, relax, and entertain. Deep charcoal walls create a dramatic backdrop, allowing the light wood media console, floating white oak shelf, and soft neutral furnishings to stand out with warmth and contrast. A large sectional offers generous seating for family movie nights, while layered textiles and patterned accent pillows introduce depth, texture, and subtle color. Floor-to-ceiling linen drapery softens the room and frames expansive views, bringing natural light into the darker palette. Thoughtfully curated artwork and accessories complete the space, creating a refined yet approachable aesthetic that feels both timeless and lived in. Every design decision was intentional, blending clean architectural lines, natural materials, and functional furniture to create a contemporary family room that is equal parts cozy and elevated. Design Style Refined Organic Contemporary Warm Contemporary Organic Modern Modern Transitional Contemporary Family Room Family room, living room, great room, media room, luxury family room, contemporary living room, organic modern, warm contemporary, refined contemporary, modern transitional, charcoal walls, dark accent walls, floating shelves, white oak media console, custom media wall, sectional sofa, neutral interiors, layered textures, contemporary styling, luxury home, custom home, new construction, whole home design, family-friendly design, designer living room, cozy modern living room, floor-to-ceiling drapery, natural wood furniture, curated interiors, luxury interior design, residential interior design, Colorado interior designer, Denver interior designer, Castle Pines interior design, high-end interiors, timeless interiors, modern home design

Modernist architect Marcel Breuer is known for his innovative Wassily chair, a pared back seat made up of tubular steel frame and strips of canvas. Even if that’s your only point of reference, you’ll see plenty of overlap in this Andover residence he designed. It is highly functional, with clean lines and plenty of open space. We had the honor to design an updated landscape to complement this home designed by Marcel Breuer, right here in Andover. As the landscape was originally designed by renowned landscape architect, Dan Kiley, we wanted to maintain his original design intent while also updating its functionality to suit the homeowner's needs. Ultimately, it was important to respect the architectural design intent of the property while creating a safe and inviting entry. The simplicity of the design was created with a restricted palette that compliments the materials and color tones of the house. Orthogonal lines pull from the architecture out into the landscape, unifying the two. A metal runnel with stacked stone visually connects the front entry to the primary bedroom garden, while further highlighting a unique feature in Breuer’s architecture. Moving to a space formed for privacy and respite, the zen garden off the primary bedroom offers an outdoor shower, water feature, and minimalistic planting. Arranged boulders, undulating moss plant beds, bluestone and gravel are mediums in which we used to paint a calming atmosphere extending from this unique home. To highlight the tranquil nature of the site, a boulder was hand carved to create a recirculating water feature that can be enjoyed from both the garden and primary bedroom. A wall of glass separates the bedroom from the spa-like garden, blurring the lines of architecture and landscape.

Modernist architect Marcel Breuer is known for his innovative Wassily chair, a pared back seat made up of tubular steel frame and strips of canvas. Even if that’s your only point of reference, you’ll see plenty of overlap in this Andover residence he designed. It is highly functional, with clean lines and plenty of open space. We had the honor to design an updated landscape to complement this home designed by Marcel Breuer, right here in Andover. As the landscape was originally designed by renowned landscape architect, Dan Kiley, we wanted to maintain his original design intent while also updating its functionality to suit the homeowner's needs. Ultimately, it was important to respect the architectural design intent of the property while creating a safe and inviting entry. The simplicity of the design was created with a restricted palette that compliments the materials and color tones of the house. Orthogonal lines pull from the architecture out into the landscape, unifying the two. A metal runnel with stacked stone visually connects the front entry to the primary bedroom garden, while further highlighting a unique feature in Breuer’s architecture. Moving to a space formed for privacy and respite, the zen garden off the primary bedroom offers an outdoor shower, water feature, and minimalistic planting. Arranged boulders, undulating moss plant beds, bluestone and gravel are mediums in which we used to paint a calming atmosphere extending from this unique home. To highlight the tranquil nature of the site, a boulder was hand carved to create a recirculating water feature that can be enjoyed from both the garden and primary bedroom. A wall of glass separates the bedroom from the spa-like garden, blurring the lines of architecture and landscape.

This tranquil bedroom is a study in balance—combining soft gray walls, warm natural oak floors, and crisp black-trimmed windows. With a layout designed to maximize light and create visual harmony, every element—from the ceiling fan to the layered textiles—was chosen to evoke calm. Minimalist yet inviting, the space blends Scandinavian styling with thoughtful warmth. Built with intention and finished with care, this serene retreat is designed for restorative rest and enduring elegance.

Kitchen - coastal kitchen idea in Orange County

Example of a beach style light wood floor sunroom design in Providence with a standard ceiling

This Venetian plaster fireplace remodel in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan was designed to create a refined architectural focal point rooted in texture, simplicity, and timeless design. By combining clean lines with hand-applied finishes, this project transforms a traditional fireplace into a seamless, modern feature that enhances the entire living space. The defining element of this fireplace renovation is the Venetian plaster finish. Applied by hand, the plaster creates a soft, dimensional surface with subtle movement and depth that shifts with natural light throughout the day. Unlike traditional stone or tile surrounds, Venetian plaster offers a more organic and elevated aesthetic—making it a popular choice for high-end fireplace remodels in Bloomfield Hills and throughout Oakland County. The fireplace was reimagined with a simplified form and intentional proportions, allowing the material itself to take center stage. The seamless transitions between the surround and wall create a monolithic look, helping the fireplace feel fully integrated into the architecture of the home rather than added onto it. An extended hearth adds both functionality and balance, grounding the design while maintaining a clean, minimal profile. Every detail—from the edges and returns to the finish consistency—was carefully executed to ensure a cohesive and polished result. As a design-build remodeling firm serving Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and the surrounding Metro Detroit area, Costello & Co focuses on creating spaces that balance craftsmanship, materiality, and thoughtful design. This Venetian plaster fireplace highlights how a restrained, intentional approach can create a powerful visual impact without excess. Whether you’re planning a fireplace remodel in Bloomfield Hills, MI or exploring Venetian plaster finishes for a custom feature wall, this project demonstrates how texture and simplicity can come together to create a timeless and elevated space.

The inspiration was based on European country homes. The exterior stone and brick work, ironwork, slate-looking roof, shake shingle siding, and even the landscaping were intentionally tied together to resemble something you might find on the countryside in England or Italy. Inside we used age old design concept to tie in with newer farmhouse styles. We aimed to focus on family-friendly materials, making each space efficient for daily living, and maintaining aesthetically beautiful finishing touches. We call it the treehouse because we feel like we are living on top of the backyard trees waving right outside the main level windows. An open concept paired with an abundance of windows create a light and airy feel in the main level of the home. Finishing off the vaulted ceilings with meaty exposed beams really made the main living space visually balanced and beautiful. Walking through the home you can find unique tile accents used on the walls and floors, natural wood flooring all throughout the main living space, and countertops of marble, granite, and stainless steel. With efficiency in mind, the two laundry rooms are coordinated in proximity to the closets. The office built-ins disguise a secret door to extra storage and the storm shelter. The kitchen sink was refurbished after we ripped it from the basement of Jason’s grandparent’s home! We used faucets, handle pulls, and mirrors to accessorize and bring beauty to each space. The lighting we chose was also intentional to maintain the aesthetic appeal from floor to ceiling. Built-ins all throughout the home provide subtle pops of color and were used to maximize function in each space. The exterior elements of the home were also important as our family loves being outdoors. We created multiple outdoor spaces including a large deck off of the dining area, a winding staircase to the covered brick patio surrounded by the fenced garden area, and an easily accessible pond, fire pit, and chicken coop in the back yard.

Example of a minimalist living room design in Houston

This custom home office was designed to inspire creativity while providing a highly functional workspace for daily productivity. Rich blue built-in cabinetry spans the entire wall, offering generous storage, open display shelving, and a striking architectural focal point that transforms the office into a destination rather than simply a place to work. A bold Art Deco-inspired ceiling wallpaper introduces unexpected drama and personality, drawing the eye upward and creating a one-of-a-kind design statement. Warm white oak furnishings balance the saturated cabinetry, while brass hardware and carefully curated accessories add warmth, sophistication, and timeless appeal. Every shelf was intentionally styled to showcase books, artwork, collected objects, and meaningful personal pieces that reflect the homeowner's personality. Designed to prove that workspaces can be both beautiful and functional, this office blends custom millwork, bold pattern, and thoughtful organization into a space that encourages focus, creativity, and inspiration. Design Style Refined Organic Contemporary Modern Art Deco Eclectic Luxury Contemporary Home Office Warm Contemporary Luxury home office, custom home office, home office design, office built-ins, custom built-ins, built-in bookshelves, custom cabinetry, blue cabinetry, painted built-ins, designer office, executive office, study, library, workspace, Art Deco wallpaper, wallpaper ceiling, statement ceiling, ceiling wallpaper, modern Art Deco, eclectic luxury, brass hardware, white oak desk, open shelving, office storage, custom millwork, architectural details, luxury home, custom home, new construction, whole home design, residential interior design, luxury interior design, Colorado interior designer, Denver interior designer, Castle Pines interior design, designer home office, bespoke interiors, high-end interiors, creative workspace, office inspiration, timeless interiors

Designed as a private spa retreat, this luxury primary bathroom balances timeless materials with clean architectural lines to create a space that feels both serene and sophisticated. Large-format marble-look porcelain tile wraps the walls, creating a seamless backdrop that enhances the room's scale and natural light. A freestanding soaking tub is positioned beneath the window, offering a peaceful place to unwind, while matte black plumbing fixtures provide a bold contemporary contrast against the soft stone palette. The expansive frameless glass shower maintains an open, airy feel, allowing the luxurious tilework to remain the focal point. Warm wood accents, layered textiles, and greenery soften the space, adding warmth and an organic touch to the refined design. Every detail was intentionally selected to create a calming, spa-inspired primary suite that combines everyday functionality with elevated luxury. Design Style Refined Organic Contemporary Organic Modern Warm Contemporary Spa-Inspired Luxury Modern Transitional Luxury bathroom, primary bathroom, primary bath remodel, spa bathroom, spa-inspired bathroom, freestanding soaking tub, luxury shower, walk-in shower, frameless glass shower, marble-look porcelain tile, large-format tile, matte black plumbing fixtures, contemporary bathroom, organic modern bathroom, warm contemporary bathroom, refined contemporary, modern transitional, custom bathroom design, luxury home, whole home design, new construction, custom home, bathroom renovation, bathroom remodel, serene interiors, timeless bathroom, high-end interior design, bespoke interiors, Colorado interior designer, Denver interior designer, Castle Pines interior design, luxury interior designer, residential interior design, natural materials, layered textures, spa retreat, elegant bathroom, custom home interiors

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

This tri-level new construction project in collaboration with Interspace Builders and Modern House Architects was an exercise in modern minimalism. With a basement level gym, theater, and ADU, ground floor indoor/outdoor flow, second floor bedroom quarters, and an elevator designed for aging in place, this house was designed with thoughtfulness and intention.

Living room - contemporary living room idea in Sydney

The kitchen has shades of dark grey, charcoal for its countertops, kithchen island, and cabinets. The charcoal glass backsplash completes the dark look. Equipments, devices and food products are ingeniously hidden behind the charcoal lacquered panels. All the appliances are integrated and the fridge is panel-ready. Image credits: Francis Raymond