In the summer: a semi-shaded area for reading or contemplating, surrounded by graceful Hostas (almost ready to bloom), Ferns, Tree Peony and foliage of the two Lilacs which brought perfume and colour to this area in the spring. But in the summer, what people crave is respite from the sun and a place to rest.

The temple's design is a striking blend of organic architecture and minimalist aesthetics, with smoothly curved concrete structures that evoke a sense of calm and solidity. The entrance is a cavernous tunnel leading into a serene interior, flanked by modernistic benches that mirror the curvilinear forms of the buildings. This space is a testament to the harmony of form and function, providing a contemplative retreat that feels both ancient and avant-garde.

Inside, the home's interior boasts an expansive, airy feel with cloud-like pendant lights softening the industrial grey concrete, creating a play of textures and form. The large windows bathe the space in natural light, enhancing the open-plan design and the dialogue between the sleek furniture and rustic wooden flooring. The simplicity of the decor underscores a serene and contemplative living environment

A healing garden provides peace and beauty for residents. This local non-profit organization provides end-of-life care for homeless men and women with late-stage and end-stage AIDS and terminal cancer. The client provided us with the design for a Healing Garden for the program’s residents, giving them a dedicated outdoor space to enjoy quiet contemplation, prayer, and group gatherings. Located on a busy and cramped corner in Adams Morgan, D. A. Dunlevy had to work around tight spaces and street traffic. We encountered numerous challenges that were mitigated through careful planning and design. The finished design is a mixture of custom carpentry, advanced concrete work, curved benches, custom metalwork, unique lighting, and a boulder altar as a centerpiece. The space provides room for walking, sitting, and contemplation amongst the peaceful surroundings. We were honored to be a part of this very unique and special project.

A healing garden provides peace and beauty for residents. This local non-profit organization provides end-of-life care for homeless men and women with late-stage and end-stage AIDS and terminal cancer. The client provided us with the design for a Healing Garden for the program’s residents, giving them a dedicated outdoor space to enjoy quiet contemplation, prayer, and group gatherings. Located on a busy and cramped corner in Adams Morgan, D. A. Dunlevy had to work around tight spaces and street traffic. We encountered numerous challenges that were mitigated through careful planning and design. The finished design is a mixture of custom carpentry, advanced concrete work, curved benches, custom metalwork, unique lighting, and a boulder altar as a centerpiece. The space provides room for walking, sitting, and contemplation amongst the peaceful surroundings. We were honored to be a part of this very unique and special project.

The temple features a futuristic design with spherical domes, highlighted by illuminated seams that hint at advanced construction techniques. This architectural marvel combines the sleekness of modern design with the timelessness of spiritual spaces. Ambient light filters through the dome, casting a soft glow and creating a serene, otherworldly atmosphere for contemplation and worship.

A healing garden provides peace and beauty for residents. This local non-profit organization provides end-of-life care for homeless men and women with late-stage and end-stage AIDS and terminal cancer. The client provided us with the design for a Healing Garden for the program’s residents, giving them a dedicated outdoor space to enjoy quiet contemplation, prayer, and group gatherings. Located on a busy and cramped corner in Adams Morgan, D. A. Dunlevy had to work around tight spaces and street traffic. We encountered numerous challenges that were mitigated through careful planning and design. The finished design is a mixture of custom carpentry, advanced concrete work, curved benches, custom metalwork, unique lighting, and a boulder altar as a centerpiece. The space provides room for walking, sitting, and contemplation amongst the peaceful surroundings. We were honored to be a part of this very unique and special project.

According to published reports (see intro), serene areas are healing areas. Here, Deck and Patio created a special walking area for the homeowners when they move from one space to the next. This also allowed us to hide their pool equipment in a way that offers contemplation moments as they move around their larger backyard retreat. “However, this kind of walking space is ideal on its own,” says Dave Stockwell. “It was part of a larger project, but it doesn’t need to be.www.deckandpatio.com

This space is a modern oasis of calm, where sleek, white leather lounge chairs are perfectly positioned to take in the sweeping views of the verdant hillsides through the expansive glass walls. Suspended glass pendant lights add a touch of contemporary elegance, while a large flat-screen television anchors the room as a focal point for entertainment. The room's design is an invitation to relaxation and contemplation, supported by the gentle textures of the wood flooring and soft area rug.

An academic couple, a renown materials scientist and a respected artist, wanted an outdoor space for entertainment and contemplation in their elegantly designed garden. We determined during the initial meeting that the design goal was “…to give them a reason to use the garden.” After several iterations, we developed the new space as an extension of the existing deck, creating a framed, optimal view of the garden and landscape that was previously de-emphasized. The pavilion can serve both as a stand-alone insect-protected space for a small group, or a covered deck expansion for larger gatherings. The repetition of patterns is a theme throughout the space. The corrugated white metal exterior is conceived as a textural complement to the pale horizontal face brick of the adjacent ranch house. The decking planks become the floor of the pavilion. Wall and ceiling panels align with lights and fixtures. Temporal patterns result from rainwater channelled across the correlated roof surface, as well as scalloped shadows cast onto the deck and wall surfaces. The “light chimney” to the North reflects the house fireplace chimney to the South, and draws south light into the pavilion serving area. All of the pavilion's openings are carefully arranged to frame the existing plant compositions. Since completion, the clients have entertained extensively in the pavilion. It has also become a favorite place for morning coffee, writing, and contemplation, thus fulfilling the initial goal of the project.

What does it say about a home that takes your breath away? From the moment you walk through the front door, the beauty of the Big Wood embraces you. The soothing light begs a contemplative moment and the tall ceilings and grand scale make this a striking alpine getaway. The floor plan is perfect for the modern family with separated living spaces and yet is cozy enough to find the perfect spot to gather. A large family room invites late night movies, conversation or napping. The spectacular living room welcomes guests in to the hearth of the home with a quiet sitting area to contemplate the river. This is simply one of the most handsome homes you will find. The fishing is right outside your back door on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Big Wood. The bike path to town is a stone’s throw from your front door and has you in downtown Ketchum in no time. Very few properties have the allure of the river, the proximity to town and the privacy in a home of this caliber.

A healing garden provides peace and beauty for residents. This local non-profit organization provides end-of-life care for homeless men and women with late-stage and end-stage AIDS and terminal cancer. The client provided us with the design for a Healing Garden for the program’s residents, giving them a dedicated outdoor space to enjoy quiet contemplation, prayer, and group gatherings. Located on a busy and cramped corner in Adams Morgan, D. A. Dunlevy had to work around tight spaces and street traffic. We encountered numerous challenges that were mitigated through careful planning and design. The finished design is a mixture of custom carpentry, advanced concrete work, curved benches, custom metalwork, unique lighting, and a boulder altar as a centerpiece. The space provides room for walking, sitting, and contemplation amongst the peaceful surroundings. We were honored to be a part of this very unique and special project.

Transitional deck photo in Atlanta

Pool
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool remodel in Berlin

Contractor: Kevin F. Russo Interiors: Anne McDonald Design Photo: Scott Amundson
Beach style light wood floor and wood ceiling living room photo in Portland with white walls

This beautiful, minimalist bedroom leaves space for contemplation and relaxation with little distraction. Photo: Aaron Shaw
Inspiration for a scandinavian master painted wood floor and white floor bedroom remodel in Salt Lake City with white walls and no fireplace

Elegant kitchen photo in Other

This beautiful Birmingham, MI home had been renovated prior to our clients purchase, but the style and overall design was not a fit for their family. They really wanted to have a kitchen with a large “eat-in” island where their three growing children could gather, eat meals and enjoy time together. Additionally, they needed storage, lots of storage! We decided to create a completely new space. The original kitchen was a small “L” shaped workspace with the nook visible from the front entry. It was completely closed off to the large vaulted family room. Our team at MSDB re-designed and gutted the entire space. We removed the wall between the kitchen and family room and eliminated existing closet spaces and then added a small cantilevered addition toward the backyard. With the expanded open space, we were able to flip the kitchen into the old nook area and add an extra-large island. The new kitchen includes oversized built in Subzero refrigeration, a 48” Wolf dual fuel double oven range along with a large apron front sink overlooking the patio and a 2nd prep sink in the island. Additionally, we used hallway and closet storage to create a gorgeous walk-in pantry with beautiful frosted glass barn doors. As you slide the doors open the lights go on and you enter a completely new space with butcher block countertops for baking preparation and a coffee bar, subway tile backsplash and room for any kind of storage needed. The homeowners love the ability to display some of the wine they’ve purchased during their travels to Italy! We did not stop with the kitchen; a small bar was added in the new nook area with additional refrigeration. A brand-new mud room was created between the nook and garage with 12” x 24”, easy to clean, porcelain gray tile floor. The finishing touches were the new custom living room fireplace with marble mosaic tile surround and marble hearth and stunning extra wide plank hand scraped oak flooring throughout the entire first floor.

Jeffrey Freeman Photography
Trendy light wood floor kitchen photo in Portland with light wood cabinets, brown backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island