Search results for "Creating engaging" in Home Design Ideas

The owners requested a Private Resort that catered to their love for entertaining friends and family, a place where 2 people would feel just as comfortable as 42. Located on the western edge of a Wisconsin lake, the site provides a range of natural ecosystems from forest to prairie to water, allowing the building to have a more complex relationship with the lake - not merely creating large unencumbered views in that direction. The gently sloping site to the lake is atypical in many ways to most lakeside lots - as its main trajectory is not directly to the lake views - allowing for focus to be pushed in other directions such as a courtyard and into a nearby forest.
The biggest challenge was accommodating the large scale gathering spaces, while not overwhelming the natural setting with a single massive structure. Our solution was found in breaking down the scale of the project into digestible pieces and organizing them in a Camp-like collection of elements:
- Main Lodge: Providing the proper entry to the Camp and a Mess Hall
- Bunk House: A communal sleeping area and social space.
- Party Barn: An entertainment facility that opens directly on to a swimming pool & outdoor room.
- Guest Cottages: A series of smaller guest quarters.
- Private Quarters: The owners private space that directly links to the Main Lodge.
These elements are joined by a series green roof connectors, that merge with the landscape and allow the out buildings to retain their own identity. This Camp feel was further magnified through the materiality - specifically the use of Doug Fir, creating a modern Northwoods setting that is warm and inviting. The use of local limestone and poured concrete walls ground the buildings to the sloping site and serve as a cradle for the wood volumes that rest gently on them. The connections between these materials provided an opportunity to add a delicate reading to the spaces and re-enforce the camp aesthetic.
The oscillation between large communal spaces and private, intimate zones is explored on the interior and in the outdoor rooms. From the large courtyard to the private balcony - accommodating a variety of opportunities to engage the landscape was at the heart of the concept.
Overview
Chenequa, WI
Size
Total Finished Area: 9,543 sf
Completion Date
May 2013
Services
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design

The owners requested a Private Resort that catered to their love for entertaining friends and family, a place where 2 people would feel just as comfortable as 42. Located on the western edge of a Wisconsin lake, the site provides a range of natural ecosystems from forest to prairie to water, allowing the building to have a more complex relationship with the lake - not merely creating large unencumbered views in that direction. The gently sloping site to the lake is atypical in many ways to most lakeside lots - as its main trajectory is not directly to the lake views - allowing for focus to be pushed in other directions such as a courtyard and into a nearby forest.
The biggest challenge was accommodating the large scale gathering spaces, while not overwhelming the natural setting with a single massive structure. Our solution was found in breaking down the scale of the project into digestible pieces and organizing them in a Camp-like collection of elements:
- Main Lodge: Providing the proper entry to the Camp and a Mess Hall
- Bunk House: A communal sleeping area and social space.
- Party Barn: An entertainment facility that opens directly on to a swimming pool & outdoor room.
- Guest Cottages: A series of smaller guest quarters.
- Private Quarters: The owners private space that directly links to the Main Lodge.
These elements are joined by a series green roof connectors, that merge with the landscape and allow the out buildings to retain their own identity. This Camp feel was further magnified through the materiality - specifically the use of Doug Fir, creating a modern Northwoods setting that is warm and inviting. The use of local limestone and poured concrete walls ground the buildings to the sloping site and serve as a cradle for the wood volumes that rest gently on them. The connections between these materials provided an opportunity to add a delicate reading to the spaces and re-enforce the camp aesthetic.
The oscillation between large communal spaces and private, intimate zones is explored on the interior and in the outdoor rooms. From the large courtyard to the private balcony - accommodating a variety of opportunities to engage the landscape was at the heart of the concept.
Overview
Chenequa, WI
Size
Total Finished Area: 9,543 sf
Completion Date
May 2013
Services
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design

Kyle Born Photography
Inspiration for a transitional family room remodel in Philadelphia
Inspiration for a transitional family room remodel in Philadelphia
Find the right local pro for your project

Coronado, CA
The Alameda Residence is situated on a relatively large, yet unusually shaped lot for the beachside community of Coronado, California. The orientation of the “L” shaped main home and linear shaped guest house and covered patio create a large, open courtyard central to the plan. The majority of the spaces in the home are designed to engage the courtyard, lending a sense of openness and light to the home. The aesthetics take inspiration from the simple, clean lines of a traditional “A-frame” barn, intermixed with sleek, minimal detailing that gives the home a contemporary flair. The interior and exterior materials and colors reflect the bright, vibrant hues and textures of the seaside locale.

Large mountain style formal and open concept light wood floor living room photo in Other with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and brown walls

The industrious clients came to us with dreams of a new garage structure to provide a home for all of their passions. The design came together around a three car garage with room for a micro-brewery, workshop and bicycle storage – all attached to the house via a new three season porch – and a native prairie landscape and sauna structure on the roof.
Designed by Jody McGuire
Photographed by Corey Gaffer

When our Boulder studio was tasked with furnishing this home, we went all out to create a gorgeous space for our clients. We decorated the bedroom with an in-stock bed, nightstand, and beautiful bedding. An original painting by an LA artist elevates the vibe and pulls the color palette together. The fireside sitting area of this home features a lovely lounge chair, and the limestone and blackened steel fireplace create a sophisticated vibe. A thick shag rug pulls the entire space together.
In the dining area, we used a light oak table and custom-designed complements. This light-filled corner engages easily with the greenery outside through large lift-and-slide doors. A stylish powder room with beautiful blue tiles adds a pop of freshness.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

In the Tuscany region of central Italy, a region made famous around the world for its history, landscapes, traditions, artistic legacy and fine wine, perhaps nothing is more universally recognized than the old world villa’s that are nestled into the rolling countryside. Standing at approximately 10,500 square feet, this custom residence has all of the elegance, style and craftsmanship of those old world homes, but with all of the modern amenities of a new modern luxury home. This stunning residence was recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) as the best custom built home in the country in 2010, a testament to the skillful designers and craftsmen who brought the homeowners vision into reality.
When Chad Haas, Founder of VAULT (www.vaultgarage.com), a company that prides itself in furnishing some of the most beautiful garages in the world, was brought into the project, the home and garage had already been built. The accolades of the gorgeous villa already awarded. But the homeowner felt that the exterior and interior of the garage lacked architectural harmony with the rest of the home and so he flew Mr. Haas out to visit the space directly so that he could assist hands-on with re-designing a new look and to add furnishings to accessories the space.
“When I first approached the villa from the street, I knew that I’d have my work cut out for me. Everything looked so perfect exactly the way it was designed and built. I questioned myself ‘how was I going to improve upon perfection?’, since remarkable attention was paid to even the smallest of details in the home” asked Haas.
The client’s goal was to engage Haas to design and furnish a garage where he could relax, separate from the home, enjoy his growing car collection and entertain family and friends.
After spending a short weekend together with the home owner to gather his ideas, Haas returned back to his Beaverton, Oregon-based company with a clearer vision: create the ultimate gentlemen’s retreat through the look of a turn-of-a-century Tuscan ‘car barn’.
Absolutely nothing in the garage was overlooked – and it shows. Every design element in the garage for color, texture and material was meticulously thought out to elicit just the right feeling and emotion in everyone that enters what may be one of the most beautifully elegant garages in America, a space commonly overlooked in the construction of homes today.
A main focal point of the exterior of garage is the beautiful view from the courtyard, where all three carriage doors can be seen. While the existing wood doors looked acceptable, it was agreed that something more befitting of the quality and beauty of the home were appropriate. Haas designed luxurious castle-style doors handcrafted from solid Mahogany and bathed in a rich dark brown stain that was complemented by hand-wrought iron grills, clavos and door pull hardware. The double-wide door, in particular, is truly remarkable in both its elegance, as well as its one-of-a-kind operation. “The client was concerned in this area of having mounting hardware and a motor on the ceiling. Because the cars in this area do not get brought out on a regular (daily) basis, the doors open manually by hand and operate accordion style on a track”. The homes main overhead garage doors feature jack-shaft operation which removes the clutter of a motor on the garage ceiling, but offers the convenience of powered operation. These extraordinary, custom-made castle doors look just as beautiful on the inside as the out and their unparalleled design and craftsmanship take the exterior of the home to even greater heights than before.
On to the interior, a black and white epoxy coating was stripped and replaced with porcelain tiles that resembled Italian travertine stone. To give the car barn a rustic feeling and a presence that it was older, not modern, Haas worked on the development and concept directly with the home owner to collaborate with a local millwork company that designed and hand-finished substantial wood beams from distressed Doug Fir. All of the walls were hand-plastered by a local artist using straw that was harvested from the immediate area surrounding the home and incorporated into the plaster to give it a rustic antique quality.
Haas conceived and designed a bar area and cabinetry for a work area that pulled inspiration from old ice boxes of the 1920’s that utilized heavy nickel-plated hardware, again to give storage spaces a rustic appearance.
The warm glow from several custom porcelain neon signs, each one meticulously built entirely by hand by VAULT, are dispersed throughout the space and transform the entire room and bring it to life. The client had never previously owned a neon sign before and along with the carriage doors felt that these items have transformed the space more than any other feature. Several antique gas pumps, restored in the client’s favorite petro bran, and a few additional porcelain signs will eventually furnish the rest of the space to complement the clients amazing car collection.
In addition to the countless details that set this showcase garage apart, its ability to seamlessly blend with the rest of the home and the natural, rustic setting of the Colorado Rockies, yet house modern automobiles in a manner in which they feel well placed and belong, is also noteworthy.
GARAGE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS
To learn more about VAULT visit them at: http://www.vaultgarage.com/
And on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VaultGarage
PHOTOGRAPHY
All photographs were used with the permission of photographer John Vanderpool (john.vanderpool5@gmail.com)
You can visit John Vanderpool on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/JVanderpoolPhotography
ARCHITECTURE
Jerry Gloss, Principal, KGA Architects: http://www.kgarch.com/
HOMEBUILDER
Thomas Sattler Home: http://thomassattlerhomes.com/
VEHICLES
Here is an overview of the cars that were photographed in this article:
1. 2014 Ferrari 458 Italia
2. 2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport
3. 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997)
4. 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS
5. 2008 Porsche GT3 RS
6. 2013 Porsche 911 Turbo S (997)
7. 2014 Porsche Panamera GTS
8. 2013 Ford SVT Raptor (6.2L CrewCab)’
Overview of project reprinted with permission of DuPont Registry.

Coronado, CA
The Alameda Residence is situated on a relatively large, yet unusually shaped lot for the beachside community of Coronado, California. The orientation of the “L” shaped main home and linear shaped guest house and covered patio create a large, open courtyard central to the plan. The majority of the spaces in the home are designed to engage the courtyard, lending a sense of openness and light to the home. The aesthetics take inspiration from the simple, clean lines of a traditional “A-frame” barn, intermixed with sleek, minimal detailing that gives the home a contemporary flair. The interior and exterior materials and colors reflect the bright, vibrant hues and textures of the seaside locale.

Flavin Architects collaborated with Ben Wood Studio Shanghai on the design of this modern house overlooking a blueberry farm. A contemporary design that looks at home in a traditional New England landscape, this house features many environmentally sustainable features including passive solar heat and native landscaping. The house is clad in stucco and natural wood in clear and stained finishes and also features a double height dining room with a double-sided fireplace.
Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

When our Aspen studio was tasked with furnishing this home, we went all out to create a gorgeous space for our clients. We decorated the bedroom with an in-stock bed, nightstand, and beautiful bedding. An original painting by an LA artist elevates the vibe and pulls the color palette together. The fireside sitting area of this home features a lovely lounge chair, and the limestone and blackened steel fireplace create a sophisticated vibe. A thick shag rug pulls the entire space together.
In the dining area, we used a light oak table and custom-designed complements. This light-filled corner engages easily with the greenery outside through large lift-and-slide doors. A stylish powder room with beautiful blue tiles adds a pop of freshness.

When our Boulder studio was tasked with furnishing this home, we went all out to create a gorgeous space for our clients. We decorated the bedroom with an in-stock bed, nightstand, and beautiful bedding. An original painting by an LA artist elevates the vibe and pulls the color palette together. The fireside sitting area of this home features a lovely lounge chair, and the limestone and blackened steel fireplace create a sophisticated vibe. A thick shag rug pulls the entire space together.
In the dining area, we used a light oak table and custom-designed complements. This light-filled corner engages easily with the greenery outside through large lift-and-slide doors. A stylish powder room with beautiful blue tiles adds a pop of freshness.

Project Overview: The Backyard Renovation 3D Rendering project was developed to visually communicate the design intent and vision for a residential outdoor space. The project aimed to provide clear and engaging representations for both the contractor and the homeowner's association, facilitating a shared understanding of the proposed enhancements.
Key Features:
1. New Driveway with Automatic Gates: The design features a contemporary driveway equipped with automated gates, providing convenience and improved security for the property.
2. Exercise Gym with Yoga Area: A dedicated space for fitness activities that includes both a traditional exercise gym and a serene yoga area, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
3. Coffee Station with Juice Bar: This inviting area is designed for relaxation and socialization, featuring a coffee station complemented by a juice bar to enhance outdoor entertaining.
4. Secluded Meditation Space: A tranquil retreat is included, featuring a soothing wall fountain, cold plunge, and sauna, all surrounded by lush tropical vegetation to create an oasis for relaxation and mindfulness.
5. Lush Tropical Vegetation: The landscaping incorporates a variety of tropical plants that enhance privacy, beautify the space, and contribute to the overall calming atmosphere of the outdoor environment.
Project Goals: The main goals of the project were to:
• Visualize the backyard renovation to gain approval from the homeowner’s association.
• Facilitate collaboration with the contractor by providing detailed renderings.
• Create an aesthetically appealing and functional outdoor living space that meets the lifestyle needs of the homeowners.
The 3D renderings successfully encapsulated the vision for the backyard renovation, presenting a harmonious blend of design and functionality. The visualizations served as a critical tool in moving forward with the project, ensuring clarity in communication and direction for all stakeholders involved.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

When our Boulder studio was tasked with furnishing this home, we went all out to create a gorgeous space for our clients. We decorated the bedroom with an in-stock bed, nightstand, and beautiful bedding. An original painting by an LA artist elevates the vibe and pulls the color palette together. The fireside sitting area of this home features a lovely lounge chair, and the limestone and blackened steel fireplace create a sophisticated vibe. A thick shag rug pulls the entire space together.
In the dining area, we used a light oak table and custom-designed complements. This light-filled corner engages easily with the greenery outside through large lift-and-slide doors. A stylish powder room with beautiful blue tiles adds a pop of freshness.

When our Aspen studio was tasked with furnishing this home, we went all out to create a gorgeous space for our clients. We decorated the bedroom with an in-stock bed, nightstand, and beautiful bedding. An original painting by an LA artist elevates the vibe and pulls the color palette together. The fireside sitting area of this home features a lovely lounge chair, and the limestone and blackened steel fireplace create a sophisticated vibe. A thick shag rug pulls the entire space together.
In the dining area, we used a light oak table and custom-designed complements. This light-filled corner engages easily with the greenery outside through large lift-and-slide doors. A stylish powder room with beautiful blue tiles adds a pop of freshness.

Dwight Myers Real Estate Photography
Inspiration for a small timeless green one-story vinyl exterior home remodel in Raleigh with a shingle roof
Inspiration for a small timeless green one-story vinyl exterior home remodel in Raleigh with a shingle roof

Set in the garden beside a traditional Dutch Colonial home in Wellesley, Flavin conceived this boldly modern retreat, built of steel, wood and concrete. The building is designed to engage the client’s passions for gardening, entertaining and restoring vintage Vespa scooters. The Vespa repair shop and garage are on the first floor. The second floor houses a home office and veranda. On top is a roof deck with space for lounging and outdoor dining, surrounded by a vegetable garden in raised planters. The structural steel frame of the building is left exposed; and the side facing the public side is draped with a mahogany screen that creates privacy in the building and diffuses the dappled light filtered through the trees. Photo by: Peter Vanderwarker Photography

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

After the devastating Tubbs fire, Craig reimagined this Calistoga property into a wine country retreat for the owners' family as well as corporate/wellness guests. He approached the design by studying the natural elements of the site including trees, views and light, the vernacular design of the area and the clients’ personality. Craig designed a barn and the house – made up of a one-story and a two-story building – connected by a stunning 20-foot steel and glass breezeway. Expansive doors and windows create seamless indoor/outdoor flow and numerous patios and the pool area provide comfortable outdoor spaces. The modern and warm interior is bright, luxurious and comfortable.

Coronado, CA
The Alameda Residence is situated on a relatively large, yet unusually shaped lot for the beachside community of Coronado, California. The orientation of the “L” shaped main home and linear shaped guest house and covered patio create a large, open courtyard central to the plan. The majority of the spaces in the home are designed to engage the courtyard, lending a sense of openness and light to the home. The aesthetics take inspiration from the simple, clean lines of a traditional “A-frame” barn, intermixed with sleek, minimal detailing that gives the home a contemporary flair. The interior and exterior materials and colors reflect the bright, vibrant hues and textures of the seaside locale.

When our Aspen studio was tasked with furnishing this home, we went all out to create a gorgeous space for our clients. We decorated the bedroom with an in-stock bed, nightstand, and beautiful bedding. An original painting by an LA artist elevates the vibe and pulls the color palette together. The fireside sitting area of this home features a lovely lounge chair, and the limestone and blackened steel fireplace create a sophisticated vibe. A thick shag rug pulls the entire space together.
In the dining area, we used a light oak table and custom-designed complements. This light-filled corner engages easily with the greenery outside through large lift-and-slide doors. A stylish powder room with beautiful blue tiles adds a pop of freshness.
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Joe McGuire Design is an Aspen and Boulder interior design firm bringing a uniquely holistic approach to home interiors since 2005.
For more about Joe McGuire Design, see here: https://www.joemcguiredesign.com/
To learn more about this project, see here:
https://www.joemcguiredesign.com/aspen-west-end
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