Search results for "Contemplated" in Home Design Ideas

In the heart of New Orleans, architect Nathan Fell and his family found themselves facing an all-too-familiar dilemma –urban proximity vs. suburban spaciousness. Due to work, school and home schedules, the parents believed too much time was spent indoors, disrupting the family’s wellness. They began contemplating whether it was worth it to exchange proximity to public parks and city amenities for a larger backyard as outdoor access.
Rather than relocating, Fell decided to make a bold change by constructing a new family home duplex, “Bienville House,” which “flipped the script” on indoor-outdoor home life within a small urban lot.

Modern master bathroom renovation, adding square footage. Floating double sink vanity with linen cabinet, hinged frost glass for the toilet room. This walk-in curb-less shower contemplate a huge lighted recessed medicine cabinet.
In the shower was added a niche, handheld, rain, and head shower, shower bench, light channel, and infinity linear tile inserted drain.
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Whether you seek a moment of quiet contemplation or a refreshing start to your day, our contemporary bathroom design promises an unparalleled experience of modern elegance and comfort. Discover the perfect blend of functionality and beauty in every corner of this meticulously designed space. Featuring a stunning skylight that fills the space with the warmth of natural light, every moment spent here is bathed in a serene ambiance. Each element of the space contributes to a harmonious whole that invites you to unwind and recharge.

The builder laid custom wide plank flooring in the upstairs hall and flex space stained to match the existing woodwork of the timber frame construction.
Timber frame homes offer unique challenges during a remodel. What often makes them beautiful and attractive to most homeowners, also makes them challenging for space requirements.
Context: The lovely couple that owned this home were struggling with some interesting floor plan challenges that just didn't work for their family. The loved the beautiful timbers and woodwork of their home, but the dramatically sloping ceilings on the second floor, particularly in the bathroom, just didn't work for this 1 1/2 bath home. Needing to use the skylight to approach the toilet was a less then ideal scenario. Although the bathroom footprint was more then adequate, the sloped ceiling only made half of the space useable. Check out the Before/After post on our blog to see the photos of the house pre-renovation. As much as they loved all the wood features in their home, another challenge they had was light. The wood ceiling made everything inside the house darker, even with a fantastic array of south facing windows, there were spaces in the home that felt dark and small. When they contacted us they wanted to know how could they make their brighter and more inviting, were there solutions to the 2nd floor sloped ceiling issues, and if they were going to do all of this work, how could they make their home more comfortable and efficient. A nagging water leak in the upstairs bathroom spurred them into action and here is how we solved their dilemma.
Conclusion: First, we added a little dormer to the rear of the house so we could get full headroom in nearly all of the upstairs bathroom! Then we decided to extend that dormer one more timber bay over to create a walk in closet with natural light and plenty of space. Since we were contemplating energy efficiency, we resolved a nagging issue that is present in a lot of timber frame construction, air tightness. Commonly found in timber frame construction, fiberglass insulation is installed in the rafter bays and board ceilings are installed over top. Unfortunately, board ceilings are anything but air tight, and fiberglass insulation needs to be in an airtight cavity for maximum effectiveness. So we were able to solve two issues at the same time for this homeowner. We removed the board ceiling and fiberglass insulation, we dense packed the rafter bays with cellulose insulation, and installed sheetrock in place of the boards. The boards were salvaged for re-use by the homeowner, and the space and light quality was dramatically improved. Some may think that losing the board ceiling took something away from the space, but what you'll see in the pictures is that it highly accentuates the heavy timbers and really makes them stand out in a beautiful way. Now with this added airtightness, better insulation, and brighter space, the homeowner hardly runs their wood stove, and it's so quiet in the space, an added bonus from changing the insulation. It became necessary to also add a sheetrock ceiling to the living room to hide the plumbing from the new bathroom layout above. Changing this ceiling gave the homeowner some real quality lighting that was lacking in the living room before. The brighter ceiling and new lighting layout completely transforms the living room into a space you want to hang out, even though the layout didn't change at all. When the homeowner saw the finished spaces she said "I can't believe this is my house, I want to live in this house"
Energy Efficiency: I touched a little on the efficiency above, but like all projects done with Mottram Architecture, we always want to leave you with a little extra. Timber frame construction with board ceilings and fiberglass insulation are notoriously leaky! If you want to know what we think about fiberglass insulation, check our our blog post on Why Fiberglass Insulation Sucks. By installing cellulose insulation and covering it with sheetrock we were able to greatly reduce the heat flowing out of this home. It not only improves cashflow it improves the comfort level in the space. Who wants to sit in their living room and feel a draft? Let us remind you, we are not saying cellulose insulation is an air barrier, we use the sheetrock to help with that, but it does significantly reduce the air flow over fiberglass insulation. And when we reduce the airflow, we reduce the heat flow. And when we reduce the heat flow, we reduce the need to re-heat that drafty air from outside. When it comes to energy efficiency the first and best place to start is air infiltration. We greatly reduced the air infiltration with the new insulation, but we also added a hat and warm boots. What I mean by that is, we improved the insulation in the roof, and we installed insulation in the basement. Maybe it's a silly analogy, but when you think about keeping warm, we always start with the hat and boots! With sustainability in mind, the next project will be to add a deck to the front of this house with rain catchment barrels from the metal roof. They are planning to plant a garden in the spring and the rain catchment system will help to irrigate the new garden.
Builder: East Shore Builders
Photographer: Michael Eric Berube

Set in the rolling hills of Calistoga, this Winery Estate is a quiet escape that balances hospitality with intimacy. Interiors layer warmth and texture—from pendant-lit kitchen spaces to a lounge where mirrors and soft fixtures amplify vineyard views. The dining room offers subtle drama with a sculptural chandelier and layered tablescape, while upstairs bedrooms provide serene, understated accommodations. Outdoors, a shaded pergola and inviting pavilion extend living into the landscape, blending reflection with connection. Even the wine cave entrance is quietly expressive, a nook where contemplation meets conviviality. Layered, calm, and purposefully personal, the estate feels modern yet timeless, welcoming without revealing too much.

In the brightest part of the living area, facing the roof windows, the Frog armchairs by Living Divani, designed by Piero Lissoni, introduce an informal and airy idea of relaxation. Their essential frame and low seat make them perfect contemplative chairs, from which to take in the domestic landscape composed by sofas and tables.
Next to the Frog armchairs, the Sumo armchairs – again by Piero Lissoni – bring a more sculptural and enveloping presence, with generous volumes and armrests that invite a more classic, cocooning pause. Upholstered in dark leather, they create a refined contrast with the light sofas, visually linking the convivial heart of the living area to the more private corners dedicated to reading or listening to music.

PA Landscape Group INC
Project Entry: Mountainside Living
2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner
Category: Hardscaping-Residential $120,000&over
Award Level: Silver
Photo Description:
This residence sits on a mountain side, sloping wooded property. Water was an issue flowing down the mountain, so many rocked swales divert the flow. The area which we are presenting is the rear of the house that will be used to entertain family and friends, a place to unwind in the evenings and weekends.
We designed the outdoor areas to meet the needs and desires of the owners. When one walks through the breezeway not only to see an expansive valley view, but a relaxing fireplace and living area below where relaxing begins. Walk down the stairway of natural cut stone, you wonder through a landscaped garden onto the living area patio. Looking to your left is the pool with ample hardscape pool deck; large enough for a party or just the intimacy of two. Separating, yet joining the two areas is the grilling island, bar and outdoor wood burning oven. On the other side of the living area we go down a few steps to the raised planters and conservatory/greenhouse where plant are enjoyed from seedling to flower, or one can read a good book. Each area has it’s own personality for conversation or contemplation. The area is surrounded with plantings to provide color or to silhouette on the gray winter sky.

Set in the rolling hills of Calistoga, this Winery Estate is a quiet escape that balances hospitality with intimacy. Interiors layer warmth and texture—from pendant-lit kitchen spaces to a lounge where mirrors and soft fixtures amplify vineyard views. The dining room offers subtle drama with a sculptural chandelier and layered tablescape, while upstairs bedrooms provide serene, understated accommodations. Outdoors, a shaded pergola and inviting pavilion extend living into the landscape, blending reflection with connection. Even the wine cave entrance is quietly expressive, a nook where contemplation meets conviviality. Layered, calm, and purposefully personal, the estate feels modern yet timeless, welcoming without revealing too much.

https://pipafineart.com/products/aqua-ascent-realism-painting-digital-artwork-loose-art-print. Immerse yourself in the tranquil depths of "Aqua Ascent," a captivating artwork that transports you to a serene underwater world. This mesmerizing print showcases three delicate blossoms reaching upwards, their intricate petals and leaves bathed in a soothing aqua light. The ethereal glow and gentle movement of the plants create a sense of tranquility and wonder, as if witnessing a secret garden hidden beneath the ocean's surface. Printed on high-quality photo paper with premium inks, "Aqua Ascent" brings the calming beauty of the underwater realm into your home.
Hang "Aqua Ascent" in your living room, bedroom, dining room, or office to create a soothing ambiance that inspires relaxation and contemplation. The cool tones and gentle forms evoke a sense of peace and harmony, while the unique perspective offers a fresh and captivating view of the natural world. This artwork is an invitation to escape the everyday and immerse yourself in the tranquility of an underwater oasis.
"Aqua Ascent" is made in the USA and printed on demand, ensuring a high-quality piece that will be cherished for years to come. Available in a variety of sizes, it makes a perfect gift for nature lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the beauty and serenity of the underwater world.

"About this Home: This custom luxury home isn't just a house; it's an homage to the art of coastal living. Offering over 2,500 square feet of meticulously crafted living space, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms, this residence is an invitation to the timeless allure of coastal life. One of the standout features of this home is the screened porch, a tranquil oasis that invites you to embrace the coastal breeze and the soothing sounds of nature. It's here that you can savor the beauty of the outdoors while being sheltered from the elements—an ideal spot for relaxation and contemplation.
Showcase Builders is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, Showcase Builders is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information."

The original intent of this project was to replace the island, hood, countertops, and a few appliances. A primary bath remodel was the main priority. But once the couple realized certain features would enhance the functionality of the kitchen – not to mention completely change the aesthetic – they put the master bath on hold and decided to remodel the entire kitchen first.
Design objectives:
-Omit separate table, plan for a larger island that would seat 7 people
-Simple, clean lines – no rounded corners or weird angles
-Nothing trendy – use modern classic details
-Uncluttered countertops
-Better pantry storage for food & small appliances
-Integrated major appliances
-Coffee bar
-Avoid “1 color on perimeter with second color on island”
-Integrate a harmonious variety of finishes
-Integrate black & handmade metals
Design challenges:
-Island shape to fit within confines of existing half wall between kitchen & family room & bay window/door to backyard
-Narrow kitchen with major walkway
-Planning for 7 seats at the island
-Keep guest social area away from the cook’s zone
-Place appliances according to use
-Point-of-use storage for an avid cook within a relatively small space
-Integrate colors without looking too busy
THE NEW KITCHEN
-While the island is mostly rectangular, the seating area utilizes the bay extension without interfering with the exterior door
-All seating is placed on the outside perimeter of the island, giving the cook dedicated prep space
-The L-shaped seating area & adjacent coffee bar encourage guests to gather on the outside edge of the kitchen where they can still interact with the cook
-Island prep space includes 5 feet of versatile drawer storage, double waste basket and an open paper towel dispenser
-One pantry designated for food; the other for small appliances & bulk storage; creates visual armoire look
-Microwave drawer in island faces refrigerator for easy access & less interference with cook’s zone
-Appliance garages avoid clutter on the countertops
-Off-white upper cabinets make the kitchen look larger while the black bases offer contrast without closing in the space
Once the client committed to remodeling her entire kitchen, she had a good idea of the direction she wanted the space to take. Even so, there were many details that remained open to explore & contemplate. The end result is modern, clean and ultimately transitional – a creative vision anchored in functionality and artistry!
A powder room remodel was added to the project that beautifully compliments the kitchen aesthetic. The entire staircase, all trim & doors were painted in the same tones as the kitchen, transforming the entire first floor into a cohesive & welcoming space. It was a great collaborative partnership!

The goal of this project was to craft clean lines, gentle flows, and seasonal texture within an established woodland setting. Challenges arose from dappled light and deer pressure, along with the need for minimal irrigation. These conditions inspired us to create a woodland meadow enriched with understory birches, flowering shrubs, part-shade perennials, and spring bulbs. The inclusion of woodland ephemerals, stepping-stone paths and strategically-placed boulders enhanced the opportunity for quiet contemplation and wildlife observation. The crisp, curved edges of the tightly-jointed walks invite you into the garden while clearly defining maintenance areas. Angela Kearney, Minglewood, LLC

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views.
The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private.
Reimagining the Urban Envelope
The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression.
Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views.
At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides.
Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries
Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors.
Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow.
Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways.
A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light
The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space.
A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls.
Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere.
Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas.
Kitchen as Architectural Furniture
The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich.
Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash.
Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface.
A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette.
Dining With a Living Backdrop
Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset.
A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience.
Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast
Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation.
The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop.
The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space.
Bathing Above the City
In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops.
The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials.
Entertaining Above the Park
Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art.
Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline.
Cinema and Retreat
The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing.
Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above.
Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth
What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth.
Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth.
The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human.
A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living
In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living.
It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky.
What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.
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