This was and still is a 2,700 s.f. brick rancher yet this project resulted in a complete makeover while still maintaining the original footprint and exterior structure. The house was built in 1954 in a lovely location across the street from the Grove Park Inn Golf Club. During our initial meeting, my clients, who had recently moved to Asheville, expressed that they enjoyed cooking and engaging with their family and friends while doing so. They wanted the bathrooms updated, a more functional master bedroom and a larger kitchen. The house had a traditional layout with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a small kitchen, separate dining and living rooms with an adjoining 570 s.f. family room. It didn’t take long before we all agreed that the large family room would be converted to their master bedroom suite. In order to expand the kitchen, a wall between the existing kitchen and dining was removed, stairs leading to the basement were relocated, a bump out in the existing kitchen became a pantry and one of the adjacent bedrooms was opened up to the new kitchen as the new dining room. Both baths were redesigned and a powder room was created by rearranging existing closets. An existing curved wall in the hallway prompted the design of large open arches between the newly created spaces. This concept extended to the design on curved counter surfaces in the kitchen along with a reflected curved dropped ceiling over the cooking area. The exterior of the house was enhanced with bay windows, a new copper-roofed front porch overlooking the Grove Park Inn properties with the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond. A circular drive was designed for the convenience of guests. Exterior double-hung windows were replaced with French patio doors in the new kitchen/dining and living areas. This allows easy access to the new front porch and back deck while enhancing the openness of the home.

Welcome to Dream Coast Builders, where we specialize in turning your home into a haven of luxury and comfort. Our services cover a broad spectrum, ensuring that every aspect of your living space is tailored to perfection. Immerse yourself in the seamless integration of your living room and kitchen areas. Our team excels in transforming these spaces, creating a harmonious flow that enhances both functionality and aesthetics. Whether you seek an open kitchen and living room combination or innovative ideas for your living space, our expert designers bring your vision to life. Dream Coast Builders takes pride in crafting custom homes and engaging in new home construction. We understand that your home is a reflection of your unique preferences, and our meticulous attention to detail ensures that your dream home becomes a reality. Our commitment extends to home additions and remodeling services, where we expand your living areas and breathe new life into your home. From concept to completion, our team works tirelessly to align every detail with your lifestyle and aspirations. Interior design is at the heart of our expertise. We go beyond the ordinary, infusing creativity and functionality into every corner of your home, from the living room to the kitchen. Our focus on open floor plans seamlessly connects different areas, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Dream Coast Builders is your local partner, proudly serving Clearwater, FL, and Tampa (33756). Our presence in the community reflects our dedication to delivering excellence in every project. Whether you're looking for remodeling services or envisioning a complete home transformation, we are here to turn your dreams into reality. Choose Dream Coast Builders for a transformative experience that goes above and beyond. Elevate your living spaces with our expertise, and let us bring your vision to life. Contact us today to embark on the journey of transforming your space into a true masterpiece. https://dreamcoastbuilders.com

This project involved the complete restoration and remodeling of a small, semi-detached Victorian gardener’s cottage. Having remained untouched for over 30 years, the property was in desperate need of a sympathetic overhaul to transition it into a functional family home. The owners, originally from South Africa, placed a high priority on the "Braai" lifestyle—the South African tradition of social, outdoor cooking and living. The challenge was to integrate this cultural requirement into a traditional English cottage setting while navigating the strict constraints of the property’s location within the Green Belt and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Designing within an AONB is always a delicate balancing act, made more complex here by a history of previous extensions. To secure planning permission, we produced a meticulous Design and Access Statement, engaging in close consultation with local planners to ensure the new additions were proportionate and respectful of the cottage's heritage. The internal layout was reimagined to create an expansive, open-plan kitchen and living area that serves as the home's central hub. To honor the owners' roots, the design centers on the transition between the interior and the landscape. We created a bespoke outdoor terrace specifically designed for the summer "Braai," positioned to take full advantage of the views over the surrounding open countryside.

This was and still is a 2,700 s.f. brick rancher yet this project resulted in a complete makeover while still maintaining the original footprint and exterior structure. The house was built in 1954 in a lovely location across the street from the Grove Park Inn Golf Club. During our initial meeting, my clients, who had recently moved to Asheville, expressed that they enjoyed cooking and engaging with their family and friends while doing so. They wanted the bathrooms updated, a more functional master bedroom and a larger kitchen. The house had a traditional layout with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a small kitchen, separate dining and living rooms with an adjoining 570 s.f. family room. It didn’t take long before we all agreed that the large family room would be converted to their master bedroom suite. In order to expand the kitchen, a wall between the existing kitchen and dining was removed, stairs leading to the basement were relocated, a bump out in the existing kitchen became a pantry and one of the adjacent bedrooms was opened up to the new kitchen as the new dining room. Both baths were redesigned and a powder room was created by rearranging existing closets. An existing curved wall in the hallway prompted the design of large open arches between the newly created spaces. This concept extended to the design on curved counter surfaces in the kitchen along with a reflected curved dropped ceiling over the cooking area. The exterior of the house was enhanced with bay windows, a new copper-roofed front porch overlooking the Grove Park Inn properties with the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond. A circular drive was designed for the convenience of guests. Exterior double-hung windows were replaced with French patio doors in the new kitchen/dining and living areas. This allows easy access to the new front porch and back deck while enhancing the openness of the home.

The Home The St. Julien features a flex space that is designed as a sitting area for gathering the family. As you walk upstairs, the kitchen features a large eat-in island that looks into the great room. Off the kitchen is a space that functions as an office or homework area. Moving through the great room, the sliding glass door opens to a spacious deck. Upstairs features two secondary bedrooms and a primary suite. The master suite bathroom includes a walk-in shower, walk-in closet and separate water closet. The Builder As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that’s unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life. The Interior Design The interior design of this home has a natural feeling to it with earth tones and light woods that brings the outdoors in. To achieve this, a soft, sage green and denim blue were used with a wheat tone to pull in the wood and create a balanced palette. Unique patterns in the rugs and art add points of interest, and natural textures in the linens and softgoods provide contrast. A hint of craftsman design rounds out the space and provides a comforting home in which to gather.

THE SETUP When we first encountered this basement for a family with three boys, we saw a space with untapped potential. Though previously remodeled, it lacked a cohesive design strategy. The expansive area housed various entertainment pieces (a shuffleboard table, air hockey, foosball, etc.) scattered haphazardly throughout the space. While the basement included a workout room and a rudimentary kitchen area, it lacked a dedicated game room or proper bar. Excessive storage closets along the back wall consumed valuable real estate that could be repurposed for more engaging uses. In essence, the basement was spacious but disjointed—functional for family use but falling short as an entertainment hub. It didn’t align with the sophistication of the rest of the home. Our clients envisioned a transformation: a fresh, organized space that would not only serve their family’s needs but also shine as an inviting arena for entertaining friends and hosting gatherings – especially sports-focused gatherings! Design Objectives: Reimagine the basement layout, creating distinct zones for varied activities. Expand the workout area to accommodate new equipment, including a Smith machine. Implement a multi-screen setup inspired by high-end sports bars, allowing guests to follow multiple games while socializing. Enhance existing features while developing new areas: Optimize a workout space for all equipment needs Establish a dedicated children’s space with guest room capabilities Create an integrated bar and entertainment area Retain and incorporate the existing projector setup Design Challenges: Navigate layout constraints in the new workout room due to fixed utility areas. Carve out a distinct space for kids within the open plan. Revitalize an underutilized section of the basement. Elevate the existing big screen area with purposeful design elements. Develop a full-fledged bar area while maintaining kitchen functions applicable for hangout snacking. Work around immovable structural elements (soffits, load-bearing support columns) THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Install a stylish barn door for the utility area of the new workout space, improving aesthetics and accessibility. Repurpose the former workout room into a dedicated game room for kids, utilizing couches with pull-out beds so the area can double as overflow guest accommodations. Transform the unused area into a vibrant pub-style area for card and table games. Enhance the big screen area with elegant wainscoting and ambient theatre-style lighting. Design a multi-functional wet bar area featuring varied seating, prep areas, and a microwave. Base the bar sink area width off the soffit above it. In the big screen area, use the soffit to inform the width of a wainscoting section. For the immovable support columns, dress one up to match the wainscoting of the nearby big screen wall. Hide the other one in a new wall. Final Thoughts: The reimagined basement has exceeded our clients’ expectations, evolving into the ultimate entertainment hub. With seven strategically placed screens, it’s perfect for gatherings focused on major sporting events and casual gatherings, as well. The space strikes a balance between adult sophistication and family-friendly functionality, featuring distinct zones for various activities. The new design not only maximizes functionality for modern, multi-screen entertainment but also elevates the aesthetic appeal. It integrates flawlessly with the rest of the home’s transitional style while allowing each basement section to maintain its unique character. The result is a versatile space that caters to both intimate family time and large-scale entertaining.

THE SETUP When we first encountered this basement for a family with three boys, we saw a space with untapped potential. Though previously remodeled, it lacked a cohesive design strategy. The expansive area housed various entertainment pieces (a shuffleboard table, air hockey, foosball, etc.) scattered haphazardly throughout the space. While the basement included a workout room and a rudimentary kitchen area, it lacked a dedicated game room or proper bar. Excessive storage closets along the back wall consumed valuable real estate that could be repurposed for more engaging uses. In essence, the basement was spacious but disjointed—functional for family use but falling short as an entertainment hub. It didn’t align with the sophistication of the rest of the home. Our clients envisioned a transformation: a fresh, organized space that would not only serve their family’s needs but also shine as an inviting arena for entertaining friends and hosting gatherings – especially sports-focused gatherings! Design Objectives: Reimagine the basement layout, creating distinct zones for varied activities. Expand the workout area to accommodate new equipment, including a Smith machine. Implement a multi-screen setup inspired by high-end sports bars, allowing guests to follow multiple games while socializing. Enhance existing features while developing new areas: Optimize a workout space for all equipment needs Establish a dedicated children’s space with guest room capabilities Create an integrated bar and entertainment area Retain and incorporate the existing projector setup Design Challenges: Navigate layout constraints in the new workout room due to fixed utility areas. Carve out a distinct space for kids within the open plan. Revitalize an underutilized section of the basement. Elevate the existing big screen area with purposeful design elements. Develop a full-fledged bar area while maintaining kitchen functions applicable for hangout snacking. Work around immovable structural elements (soffits, load-bearing support columns) THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Install a stylish barn door for the utility area of the new workout space, improving aesthetics and accessibility. Repurpose the former workout room into a dedicated game room for kids, utilizing couches with pull-out beds so the area can double as overflow guest accommodations. Transform the unused area into a vibrant pub-style area for card and table games. Enhance the big screen area with elegant wainscoting and ambient theatre-style lighting. Design a multi-functional wet bar area featuring varied seating, prep areas, and a microwave. Base the bar sink area width off the soffit above it. In the big screen area, use the soffit to inform the width of a wainscoting section. For the immovable support columns, dress one up to match the wainscoting of the nearby big screen wall. Hide the other one in a new wall. Final Thoughts: The reimagined basement has exceeded our clients’ expectations, evolving into the ultimate entertainment hub. With seven strategically placed screens, it’s perfect for gatherings focused on major sporting events and casual gatherings, as well. The space strikes a balance between adult sophistication and family-friendly functionality, featuring distinct zones for various activities. The new design not only maximizes functionality for modern, multi-screen entertainment but also elevates the aesthetic appeal. It integrates flawlessly with the rest of the home’s transitional style while allowing each basement section to maintain its unique character. The result is a versatile space that caters to both intimate family time and large-scale entertaining.

This home is a true gem in the heart of MacGregor Downs community in Cary, NC. Built in the 1980's in true Modernist design and architecture, the new owners wanted to keep the integrity of the original design. We redesigned the Half Bath, created floor plan layouts for new furniture, spec'd out furniture, accessories, flooring material, lighting, and artwork, as well as worked on brightening the wall and ceiling paint colors. One challenge we faced during the design process were the very tall ceilings, the very wide walls, and unusual angles. We chose interesting , engaging, and minimalistic artwork for the walls, which proved a successful solution. Another challenge was having a large open angled living room space; we created the perfect layout with separate functional gathering areas and eliminated unused corners. Photo credit: Bob Fortner

The Home Welcome home to this desirable ranch-style floor plan. Here, you’ll find a private, large, primary suite with a spacious walk-in closet and a second private bedroom on the opposite side of the home toward the front. Centrally located is the great room, dining and eat-in kitchen with a large island. With our varying lives, enjoy the flex room space towards the back of the home. This space can be used as an office, storage or transformed into a domestic suite prepped for your craft room or workshop. This plan also earns merit with its patio options. Transform the included patio into the “Colorado Room,” a partial or full enclosure with multi-accessible entries...perfect for an all-season retreat. Finally, this home includes an expansive basement with a full wet bar and “anything” room. The Builder As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that is unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life. The Interior Design A delicate blend of modern elegance and minimalist ease, combined with sophistication and warmth is the best way to describe the Aspen’s home style. Bold patterns and dark woods mixed with light linen upholstery create a sense of drama throughout. A classic color scheme of bright whites and rich blacks make for a solid backdrop while hints of sleek grays and brushed gold and chrome metals offer energy to each space.

Masterfully Crafted 4,200 SF Craftsman Home in Vibrant Community Welcome to a pinnacle of craftsmanship in the heart of East Dallas. Nestled in the Belmont Addition Conservation District, this stunning 4,200 square foot Craftsman-style residence is a testament to sophisticated living and top-tier workmanship. This home sits on an 8,800 square foot elevated lot, offering not just a house, but a lifestyle. Community & Lifestyle: Embark on a life enriched by diversity and neighborhood camaraderie. The Belmont Addition is a tapestry of various cultures, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment. Residents enjoy frequent social events, fostering a uniquely warm and engaging community atmosphere. Positioned in the bustling Lower Greenville section, you’re at the epicenter of local boutiques, exquisite dining, and vibrant nightlife. Uncompromised Quality: Experience a home where every detail is a conversation piece, and no expense has been spared. From the foundational to the aesthetic, each aspect has been meticulously selected for quality, durability, and refinement. Notable Features Include: Outdoor Excellence: Immerse yourself in the outdoor splendor of a rare elevated lot, offering sweeping views of the meticulously landscaped yard from the vantage point of a generous front porch. Crafted with durable Trex Select Composite Decking, this space is designed for endless seasons of relaxation and social gatherings. Transition to the backyard, a private escape boasting a detached, oversized 2-car garage, providing not just storage but opportunities for a workshop or hobby space. Situated on Palo Pinto, one of the wider avenues in Lower Greenville, residents relish the tranquility afforded by limited through traffic, enhancing the property's peaceful character and creating a serene urban oasis amidst the vibrant city pulse. Elegant Interiors: Bask in an interior defined by luxurious white oak wood flooring, solid core doors adorned with Baldwin hardware, and custom cabinetry that adds a personal touch to the sophisticated layout. Indulge in the convenience of a state-of-the-art wine cellar, accommodating over 300 bottles, and two stylish wet bars. Gourmet Kitchen: A culinary enthusiast's dream, featuring high-end Subzero, Wolf, and Cove appliances, set against stunning Cambria Quartz countertops. Efficient & Comfortable: Comprehensive foam insulation and a Navien gas condensing tankless water heater ensure consistent comfort throughout the seasons. The inclusion of a crawlspace dehumidifier and a whole-home generator provides uninterrupted tranquility. Smart & Secure: From the motorized gate at the alley entrance to advanced pre-wiring for data and future AV options, security and technology are seamlessly integrated. Structural Integrity: Geotechnical & Structural engineering anchors the home with a robust pier & beam foundation, safeguarded by a comprehensive 2-10 Home Warranty for ultimate peace of mind.

Our homeowners love to cook, bake, and entertain. They were dealing with the original builder grade cabinets that were falling apart and coming off the walls. They initially reached out to consider refacing, but realized a remodel was what they needed to reimagine the kitchen space and achieve the functionality they were looking for. We went to work understanding how they use their kitchen creating a design for the chef to be able to work while keeping people engaged and out of her workspace. They decided on a two-toned kitchen with Polar White and Pebble Gray cabinets. The countertops were done in Smoked Pearl quartz with a matching full splash creating a clean and continuous flow. We removed the existing peninsula and built a large island/prep area. Their guests can now walk directly into the living area without having to go through the kitchen. We also added seating on two sides of the island. To provide more functionality and storage, we relocated the refrigerator and added a double oven and pantry cabinets, rollout shelves, and various pullout storage solutions. Now our homeowners have the kitchen they never thought they could have. We are glad we could solve this kitchen for them!

Dakin has been working with the owners of this site realize their dream of cultivating a rich and meaningful landscape around their home. Because of their deep engagement with their land and garden, the landscape has guided the entire design process, from architecture to civil engineering to landscape design. All architecture on site is oriented toward the garden, a park-like, multi-use environment that includes a walking labyrinth, restored prairie, a Japanese garden, an orchard, vegetable beds, berry brambles, a croquet lawn and a charred wood outdoor shower. Dakin pays special attention to materials at every turn, selecting an antique sugar bowl for the outdoor fire pit, antique Japanese roof tiles to create blue edging, and stepping stones imported from India. In addition to its diversity of garden types, this permacultural paradise is home to chickens, ducks, and bees. A complex irrigation system was designed to draw alternately from wells and cisterns. 3x5lion.png Dakin has also had the privilege of creating an arboretum of diverse and rare trees that she based on Olmsted’s design for Central Park. Trees were selected to display a variety of seasonally shifting delights: spring blooms, fall berries, winter branch structure. Mature trees onsite were preserved and sometimes moved to new locations.

Rich is a custom home builder with an emphasis on structural performance and energy efficiency. He is a Certified Master Builder building for over 20 years, in the resort mountain areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and now in the Orlando, Florida area for the last decade. Rich seamlessly blends different architectural details, energy performance, and hardened structures to create high performance luxury homes. He gives personal attention to "Easy Living Design" in order to create a home that can adapt to the aging homeowner making life more convenient, enjoyable, and safe. Rich works closely with his customers to ensure every detail, need, and expectation is exceeded. He has chosen a team of tradesmen that compliment his work and share the same work ethic and thoughts of delivering a quality product, and who desires to build lasting relationships with the homeowner long after their project is complete. Rich engages the homeowner throughout the entire building project to ensure that he educates them on products and methods that are compatible with their desired goals. Understanding that the financial goals of a project are of equal importance, Rich provides a detailed job cost budget, so the homeowners are given the opportunity to help guide their project financially.

Masterfully Crafted 4,200 SF Craftsman Home in Vibrant Community Welcome to a pinnacle of craftsmanship in the heart of East Dallas. Nestled in the Belmont Addition Conservation District, this stunning 4,200 square foot Craftsman-style residence is a testament to sophisticated living and top-tier workmanship. This home sits on an 8,800 square foot elevated lot, offering not just a house, but a lifestyle. Community & Lifestyle: Embark on a life enriched by diversity and neighborhood camaraderie. The Belmont Addition is a tapestry of various cultures, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment. Residents enjoy frequent social events, fostering a uniquely warm and engaging community atmosphere. Positioned in the bustling Lower Greenville section, you’re at the epicenter of local boutiques, exquisite dining, and vibrant nightlife. Uncompromised Quality: Experience a home where every detail is a conversation piece, and no expense has been spared. From the foundational to the aesthetic, each aspect has been meticulously selected for quality, durability, and refinement. Notable Features Include: Outdoor Excellence: Immerse yourself in the outdoor splendor of a rare elevated lot, offering sweeping views of the meticulously landscaped yard from the vantage point of a generous front porch. Crafted with durable Trex Select Composite Decking, this space is designed for endless seasons of relaxation and social gatherings. Transition to the backyard, a private escape boasting a detached, oversized 2-car garage, providing not just storage but opportunities for a workshop or hobby space. Situated on Palo Pinto, one of the wider avenues in Lower Greenville, residents relish the tranquility afforded by limited through traffic, enhancing the property's peaceful character and creating a serene urban oasis amidst the vibrant city pulse. Elegant Interiors: Bask in an interior defined by luxurious white oak wood flooring, solid core doors adorned with Baldwin hardware, and custom cabinetry that adds a personal touch to the sophisticated layout. Indulge in the convenience of a state-of-the-art wine cellar, accommodating over 300 bottles, and two stylish wet bars. Gourmet Kitchen: A culinary enthusiast's dream, featuring high-end Subzero, Wolf, and Cove appliances, set against stunning Cambria Quartz countertops. Efficient & Comfortable: Comprehensive foam insulation and a Navien gas condensing tankless water heater ensure consistent comfort throughout the seasons. The inclusion of a crawlspace dehumidifier and a whole-home generator provides uninterrupted tranquility. Smart & Secure: From the motorized gate at the alley entrance to advanced pre-wiring for data and future AV options, security and technology are seamlessly integrated. Structural Integrity: Geotechnical & Structural engineering anchors the home with a robust pier & beam foundation, safeguarded by a comprehensive 2-10 Home Warranty for ultimate peace of mind.

The Home Welcome home to this desirable ranch-style floor plan. Here, you’ll find a private, large, primary suite with a spacious walk-in closet and a second private bedroom on the opposite side of the home toward the front. Centrally located is the great room, dining and eat-in kitchen with a large island. With our varying lives, enjoy the flex room space towards the back of the home. This space can be used as an office, storage or transformed into a domestic suite prepped for your craft room or workshop. This plan also earns merit with its patio options. Transform the included patio into the “Colorado Room,” a partial or full enclosure with multi-accessible entries...perfect for an all-season retreat. Finally, this home includes an expansive basement with a full wet bar and “anything” room. The Builder As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that is unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life. The Interior Design A delicate blend of modern elegance and minimalist ease, combined with sophistication and warmth is the best way to describe the Aspen’s home style. Bold patterns and dark woods mixed with light linen upholstery create a sense of drama throughout. A classic color scheme of bright whites and rich blacks make for a solid backdrop while hints of sleek grays and brushed gold and chrome metals offer energy to each space.

Rich is a custom home builder with an emphasis on structural performance and energy efficiency. He is a Certified Master Builder building for over 20 years, in the resort mountain areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and now in the Orlando, Florida area for the last decade. Rich seamlessly blends different architectural details, energy performance, and hardened structures to create high performance luxury homes. He gives personal attention to "Easy Living Design" in order to create a home that can adapt to the aging homeowner making life more convenient, enjoyable, and safe. Rich works closely with his customers to ensure every detail, need, and expectation is exceeded. He has chosen a team of tradesmen that compliment his work and share the same work ethic and thoughts of delivering a quality product, and who desires to build lasting relationships with the homeowner long after their project is complete. Rich engages the homeowner throughout the entire building project to ensure that he educates them on products and methods that are compatible with their desired goals. Understanding that the financial goals of a project are of equal importance, Rich provides a detailed job cost budget, so the homeowners are given the opportunity to help guide their project financially.

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.

Dennis and Joe have a large, light-filled house. New construction meant lofted space and open floor plans with traditional styling. Running a busy dental practice by day and engaged in a rich social life by night, this couple needed a professional to take the lead on making their house a home. That’s my cue! They wanted to take risks, and stay away from “matchy-matchy”. We gussied up a plain ol’ TV room and gave it a healthy dose of luxury. Our plan was initially inspired by an abstract painting hanging over their stone fireplace. We brought in their love of the outdoors to make things cozy and used family furniture whenever possible for nostalgia and comfort. I took their love for one-of-a-kind objects and started making a design plan, aiming to solve their biggest frustration: the family room. They had a tortured relationship with a “forgotten family room,” a great space that was spacious and bright, but not at all cozy or joyful, and certainly not “them.” I wanted to create a cozy space functional for everyday curling up with puppies and watching TV after dinner, yet chic enough for hosting the pre-dinner kitchen overflow and cocktails during parties. I went looking for contrasting textures and materials. I wanted to balance patterns and scale, and use non-traditional colors as neutrals to create an overall sense of “BAM!” Dennis and Joe loved the nod to the classics juxtaposed with new and different globally-inspired pieces. For this project our design aesthetic can be described as Middle Eastern/tribal meets mid-century modern. We played to their sensible side with proportion and balance, and stayed as far away from boring/bleh as we could. You could say this room was pretty successful...It was featured in DC Modern Luxury. (#nobigdeal, right?) From there we moved on to other spaces.. We added colorful pillows and sheer drapery to finish off their formal living room. We kept an inherited bedroom set from Dennis’ Mom and added color, draperies, and pillows to overhaul the guest bedroom. Their project was not a rip-and-replace, we weren’t starting from scratch with a blank piece of paper. Rather, our goal was to take what was already there and make it better, more like them. Using functionality first, we focused on giving the house a soothing, joyful aesthetic. We upped the chic factor by a gajillion and helped them find their ‘happy’ at home. See more Safferstone stuff at www.safferstone.com. Connect with us on Facebook, get inspired on Pinterest, and share modern musings on life & design on Instagram. Or, send us a love note at hello@safferstone.com. Photo: Angie Seckinger