Boasting views of the Museum of Natural History and Central Park, the Beaux Arts and French Renaissance style building built in 1900 was once home to a luxury hotel. Over the years multiple hotel rooms were combined into the larger apartment residences that exist today. The resulting units, while large in size, lacked the continuity of a single formed space. StudioLAB was presented with the challenge of re-designing the space to fit a modern family’s lifestyle today with the flexibility to adjust as they evolve into their tomorrow. Thus, the existing configuration was completely abandoned with new programmatic elements being relocated in each and every corner of the space. For clients that are big wine connoisseurs, the focal point of entry and circulation lies in a 400 bottle, custom built, blackened steel and glass, temperature controlled wine cabinet. The once enclosed living room was demolished to create one main entertaining space that includes a new dining area and open kitchen. Hafele bi-folding pocket door slides were used in the Living room wall unit to conceal the television, bar and display shelves when not in use. Posing as kitchen cabinetry, a hidden integrated door opens to reveal a guest bedroom with an en suite bathroom. Down the hallway of wide plank ebony stained walnut flooring, a compact powder room was built to house an original Paul Villinski installation of small butterflies cut from recycled aluminum cans, entitled Mistral. Continuing down the hall, and through one of the walnut veneered doors, is the shared kids bedroom where a custom-built bunk bed with integrated storage steps and desk was designed to allow for play space and a reading corner. The kids bathroom across the hall is decorated with custom Lego inspired hand cast concrete tiles and integrated pull-out footstools residing underneath the floating vanity. The master suite features a bio-ethanol fireplace wrapped in blackened steel and integrated into the Tabu veneered built-in. The spacious walk-in closet serves several purposes, which include housing the apartment’s new central HVAC system as well as a sleeping spot for the family’s dog. An integrated URC control system paired with Lutron Radio RA lighting keypads were installed to control the AV, HVAC, lighting and solar shades all by the use of smartphones.

Once again, Tyler Homes has put its distinctive touch on a familiar architectural design, this time a prairie home interpreted for the 21st century. The main level offers a central great room with 12-foot beamed ceiling and a study with sliding barn doors. In the kitchen, commercial grade appliances and a hidden walk-in pantry offer modern convenience. A master suite with luxurious amenities, including a walk-in shower and separate tub, offers a private retreat with separate access to the covered patio as well as the laundry room. On the second floor, you’ll find two bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bath; a third bedroom with private bath and loft access; and a raised loft with views of the back yard. The home’s walkout lower level continues the prairie styling but with the best features of contemporary living. A sunken family room with bar, a game room, and a fifth bedroom/exercise room provide plenty of space for relaxing and entertaining. Tyler Homes has even included a dog room with its own little entrance. Wood ceiling beams and unique architectural accents throughout the home enhance the prairie design

This bright breakfast nook has plenty of space and a simple, modern table and chairs. Just outside you'll find the grill and an enticing backyard. Photographer: Scott Frances

Once again, Tyler Homes has put its distinctive touch on a familiar architectural design, this time a prairie home interpreted for the 21st century. The main level offers a central great room with 12-foot beamed ceiling and a study with sliding barn doors. In the kitchen, commercial grade appliances and a hidden walk-in pantry offer modern convenience. A master suite with luxurious amenities, including a walk-in shower and separate tub, offers a private retreat with separate access to the covered patio as well as the laundry room. On the second floor, you’ll find two bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bath; a third bedroom with private bath and loft access; and a raised loft with views of the back yard. The home’s walkout lower level continues the prairie styling but with the best features of contemporary living. A sunken family room with bar, a game room, and a fifth bedroom/exercise room provide plenty of space for relaxing and entertaining. Tyler Homes has even included a dog room with its own little entrance. Wood ceiling beams and unique architectural accents throughout the home enhance the prairie design

Once again, Tyler Homes has put its distinctive touch on a familiar architectural design, this time a prairie home interpreted for the 21st century. The main level offers a central great room with 12-foot beamed ceiling and a study with sliding barn doors. In the kitchen, commercial grade appliances and a hidden walk-in pantry offer modern convenience. A master suite with luxurious amenities, including a walk-in shower and separate tub, offers a private retreat with separate access to the covered patio as well as the laundry room. On the second floor, you’ll find two bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bath; a third bedroom with private bath and loft access; and a raised loft with views of the back yard. The home’s walkout lower level continues the prairie styling but with the best features of contemporary living. A sunken family room with bar, a game room, and a fifth bedroom/exercise room provide plenty of space for relaxing and entertaining. Tyler Homes has even included a dog room with its own little entrance. Wood ceiling beams and unique architectural accents throughout the home enhance the prairie design

Master bathroom
Drop-in bathtub - traditional master brown tile and glass tile ceramic tile and beige floor drop-in bathtub idea in Seattle with shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, an undermount sink, granite countertops and a hinged shower door

This open concept entrance way makes the home feel so large and inviting! Walking into the home with the dining to the left with a double sided fireplace. Loving the continuing wainscoting throughout this space as it is an open concept home, the details must be fluid with the open transition from room to room and wainscoting is a great way to bring it all together without interruption.

Once again, Tyler Homes has put its distinctive touch on a familiar architectural design, this time a prairie home interpreted for the 21st century. The main level offers a central great room with 12-foot beamed ceiling and a study with sliding barn doors. In the kitchen, commercial grade appliances and a hidden walk-in pantry offer modern convenience. A master suite with luxurious amenities, including a walk-in shower and separate tub, offers a private retreat with separate access to the covered patio as well as the laundry room. On the second floor, you’ll find two bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bath; a third bedroom with private bath and loft access; and a raised loft with views of the back yard. The home’s walkout lower level continues the prairie styling but with the best features of contemporary living. A sunken family room with bar, a game room, and a fifth bedroom/exercise room provide plenty of space for relaxing and entertaining. Tyler Homes has even included a dog room with its own little entrance. Wood ceiling beams and unique architectural accents throughout the home enhance the prairie design

Tyler Homes has redefined the farmhouse with this two-story home. Elements like the wide front porch and board-and-batten siding echo traditional design, but modern features throughout the home give this farmhouse an urban feel. Knotty alder trim, hardwood floors, and sliding barn doors continue the rural theme on the main floor. The home’s galley-style kitchen with walk-in pantry, the vaulted great room, and a two-story fireplace add contemporary styling accented by rich wood trim and stone and iron accents. The first-floor master suite boasts a luxurious bath with doorless tile shower, and the walk-in closet offers access to the laundry room. Upstairs, two more bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bath, and a loft area overlooks the two-story entry and great room. On the walkout lower level, farm-style touches include wood trim and brick accents, but the space is clearly designed for contemporary living with its sunken family room, bar, and game room. A fourth bedroom and full bath complete the level.

The original main floor bath was small, dark and dated. We wanted a larger bathroom so taking square footage from the guest bedroom helped to create a larger foot print for the bathroom and stunning walk-in shower. The shower wall of glass keeps the bathroom feeling spacious and lets you see the beautiful tile layout in the shower surround. Custom footed vanity with oversized drawers and hardware gave our client additional storage with incredible style. Installing the rectangle low-profile vessel sink on top of solid surface counter in cement finish kept the contemporary theme. Tall silver wall sconces flank the oversize brushed metal mirror continues the clean line narrative of the lake home.

Once again, Tyler Homes has put its distinctive touch on a familiar architectural design, this time a prairie home interpreted for the 21st century. The main level offers a central great room with 12-foot beamed ceiling and a study with sliding barn doors. In the kitchen, commercial grade appliances and a hidden walk-in pantry offer modern convenience. A master suite with luxurious amenities, including a walk-in shower and separate tub, offers a private retreat with separate access to the covered patio as well as the laundry room. On the second floor, you’ll find two bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bath; a third bedroom with private bath and loft access; and a raised loft with views of the back yard. The home’s walkout lower level continues the prairie styling but with the best features of contemporary living. A sunken family room with bar, a game room, and a fifth bedroom/exercise room provide plenty of space for relaxing and entertaining. Tyler Homes has even included a dog room with its own little entrance. Wood ceiling beams and unique architectural accents throughout the home enhance the prairie design

Once again, Tyler Homes has put its distinctive touch on a familiar architectural design, this time a prairie home interpreted for the 21st century. The main level offers a central great room with 12-foot beamed ceiling and a study with sliding barn doors. In the kitchen, commercial grade appliances and a hidden walk-in pantry offer modern convenience. A master suite with luxurious amenities, including a walk-in shower and separate tub, offers a private retreat with separate access to the covered patio as well as the laundry room. On the second floor, you’ll find two bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bath; a third bedroom with private bath and loft access; and a raised loft with views of the back yard. The home’s walkout lower level continues the prairie styling but with the best features of contemporary living. A sunken family room with bar, a game room, and a fifth bedroom/exercise room provide plenty of space for relaxing and entertaining. Tyler Homes has even included a dog room with its own little entrance. Wood ceiling beams and unique architectural accents throughout the home enhance the prairie design

Once again, Tyler Homes has put its distinctive touch on a familiar architectural design, this time a prairie home interpreted for the 21st century. The main level offers a central great room with 12-foot beamed ceiling and a study with sliding barn doors. In the kitchen, commercial grade appliances and a hidden walk-in pantry offer modern convenience. A master suite with luxurious amenities, including a walk-in shower and separate tub, offers a private retreat with separate access to the covered patio as well as the laundry room. On the second floor, you’ll find two bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bath; a third bedroom with private bath and loft access; and a raised loft with views of the back yard. The home’s walkout lower level continues the prairie styling but with the best features of contemporary living. A sunken family room with bar, a game room, and a fifth bedroom/exercise room provide plenty of space for relaxing and entertaining. Tyler Homes has even included a dog room with its own little entrance. Wood ceiling beams and unique architectural accents throughout the home enhance the prairie design

Example of a small classic backyard stone patio design in New York with no cover

Amazing and spacious foyer at this coastal home with a clear view of the families lake from the front door. Designed by Christyn Dunning of The Guest House Studio. Photo by Amanda Keough

Continuing around the hidden scullery, open pantry shelving transitions into a dedicated cleanup and small-appliance zone. Double dishwasher drawers provide flexible cleanup capacity for everyday use and entertaining, while the countertop creates a convenient home for frequently used appliances. This secondary kitchen keeps prep, cleanup and pantry storage out of the main kitchen while remaining just steps away.

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

Example of a small classic 3/4 beige tile and stone tile ceramic tile and beige floor doorless shower design in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, a drop-in sink and granite countertops