Photo: Margot Hartford © 2015 Houzz
Example of a trendy dining room design in Amsterdam

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home. This classic Connecticut home was bought by a growing family. The house was in an ideal location but needed to be expanded. Design Builders & Remodeling almost doubled the square footage of the home. Creating a new sunny and spacious master bedroom, new guestroom, laundry room, garage, kids bathroom, expanded and renovated the kitchen, family room, and playroom. The upgrades and addition is seamlessly and thoughtfully integrated to the original footprint.

Contemporary Triple Waterfall Feature – Poway, CA This clean and symmetrical design showcases the triple sheer-descent waterfall set into a modern block retaining wall, flowing into a polished river rock bed below. Centered with a decorative glass mosaic sphere, the feature creates a strong focal point while offering soothing sound and movement. Framing plantings — including evergreen shrubs and seasonal lavender — soften the structure and add color contrast against the crisp white fencing. Combined with geometric turf-and-concrete hardscape, this design highlights Greenway’s ability to deliver outdoor spaces that are at once structured, elegant, and low-maintenance.

Created for a stunning new build home, this bespoke solid poplar kitchen has been handpainted in Farrow & Ball Wevet and Worset. The custom crafted cabinetry features solid walnut internals throughout enhancing the premium feel. The cabinetry is complemented by the Silestone Calacatta Gold work surfaces. Design highlights include the walk-in pantry, accessed through a sliding door and a separate breakfast station with walnut internals has been custom-crafted to hold small appliances. The curved breakfast bar is another strong feature, adding a sweeping finish to the island to define the casual dining area.

Living Room in Old Paint Drive | Room Type: Entry / Game Room | Project Name: Old Paint Trail | Key Feature: A redesigned front entry game room that serves as a welcoming focal point immediately visible when entering the home. Challenge: The home featured beautiful desert views but felt dark and underutilized. The front space also needed a clear purpose while making a strong first impression since it is the first area seen upon entering the home. Solution: The space was lightened up and transformed into a functional game room that feels both visually inviting and practical for the family. The redesign created a beautiful focal area that enhances the home’s entry experience. Timeline: Completed in 2018

Living Room in Old Paint Drive | Room Type: Entry / Game Room | Project Name: Old Paint Trail | Key Feature: A redesigned front entry game room that serves as a welcoming focal point immediately visible when entering the home. Challenge: The home featured beautiful desert views but felt dark and underutilized. The front space also needed a clear purpose while making a strong first impression since it is the first area seen upon entering the home. Solution: The space was lightened up and transformed into a functional game room that feels both visually inviting and practical for the family. The redesign created a beautiful focal area that enhances the home’s entry experience. Timeline: Completed in 2018

Ryan Day Thompson
Inspiration for a contemporary wooden u-shaped staircase remodel with wooden risers

The historic Casa Blanca development in Paradise Valley is home to this bustling Moroccan-inspired home adjacent to an inspiring community cacti garden. The garden spaces utilize mountain views while, simultaneously, the expanded sculptural walls provide privacy and security from the development’s amenities. Strong, clean, earthy elements are key to the overall design parameters, creating a contemporary and balanced garden. A simple palette of unusual succulents and jasmine vines grow up from the raw rusted earth. The layered steel fireplace (also Moroccan-inspired) anchors the space from many vantage points, acting as a welcoming beacon from the interior.

Nestled in the treetops overlooking Lake Sarah, this second-story addition was designed as both a retreat and an extension of home. Elevated above the shoreline, the new spaces immerse the homeowners in the beauty of their surroundings while supporting the rhythm of daily life. The addition introduces a private guest en-suite for visiting family and friends, a quiet office for focused work, a cozy lounge for gathering, a dedicated ceramic studio for making, and an outdoor patio that connects seamlessly to views of the lake and woods. Every space reflects the homeowners’ lifestyle—places where creativity can flourish, where moments of reflection are possible, and where memories with friends and family can be made. Natural light, framed views, and a strong connection to the outdoors guided the design, ensuring that each room feels both purposeful and restorative. Outside, durable cement board siding, anodized aluminum Marvin windows, and composite decking ensure lasting performance. Inside, walnut flooring and custom millwork bring warmth and texture, balancing comfort with modern practicality This project goes beyond adding square footage. It creates a sanctuary—an elevated experience of home where living, creating, and connecting come together in the treetops.

Photo: Travis Rathbone from 62nd to 158th Street along Manhattan’s West Side, Riverside Park is a vast expanse of green space on the edge of the Hudson River. The park is home to beautiful gardens, landscaped paths, sports facilities, public art, and some of the most stunning river views. For that reason it is widely regarded as Manhattan’s most spectacular waterfront park. No wonder it is one of the most sought after neighborhoods in the city. This interior project set along the scenic section of the Hudson came with only one criteria….make it cool. As a second home and city escape the client wanted a hip retreat for family and guests with a turn key interior. DL happily accepted the challenge creating unique and beautiful custom pieces and selecting everything from the wall-coverings to the kitchen appliances. As this was a secondary residence we had the freedom and flexibility to create an even more artful environment. These elements are apparent with the strong use of metal, concrete and the sculptural details of the furniture.

The gently sloping block allowed for a single level easy access home. Living spaces are on the north side, enjoying abundant sunlight from morning until early afternoon and a strong visual connection to the garden. The main bedroom enjoys a segregated, northerly aspect, its articulated form protruding past the living spaces provides additional shading in summer. Additional bedrooms, sitting room and utility spaces are at the rear. External rendered ‘Exsulite’ foam walls, tinted double glazing and high specification insulation means a 7.5 star energy rating. The front of the house creates interest through form and texture, driven by the decision to eliminate windows to the west. The final result, with one small window, uses metal cladding to gently wrap the curved wall leading visitors to the brightly coloured front door. The simple façade is completed by an integrated garage door, effectively hidden in a finely detailed wall of Weathertex cladding.

Limoges is a comfortable, hearty accent chair that makes a bold and updated reference to mid-century modern design. Strong, square lines are softened by curved shelter arms upholstered in plush chenille fabric, all a top espresso finished wood legs. While understated, Limoges creates a design presence that cannot be missed. Works great as a set of two or pairs beautifully with the Limoges sofa.

Tthe blue glass tile follows the walls and angled ceiling. The size and placement are based on the Fibonacci numbers and Golden Proportion. The field tile surrounding the center is 62% of the width of the blue glass. Diagonal lines from the corners of the ceiling to the corners of the tub also touch the corners of the blue design. These details create the strong visual attraction. to hold your attention.

Living Room in Old Paint Drive | Room Type: Entry / Game Room | Project Name: Old Paint Trail | Key Feature: A redesigned front entry game room that serves as a welcoming focal point immediately visible when entering the home. Challenge: The home featured beautiful desert views but felt dark and underutilized. The front space also needed a clear purpose while making a strong first impression since it is the first area seen upon entering the home. Solution: The space was lightened up and transformed into a functional game room that feels both visually inviting and practical for the family. The redesign created a beautiful focal area that enhances the home’s entry experience. Timeline: Completed in 2018

A vast, previously unlivable yard was transformed by more than just landscape design, but by a relationship. What resulted were lush, deeply personal spaces genuinely reflecting the family who dwells in them. In many ways, this project is ongoing, as the client has worked with Father Nature for several years and continues to do so. During the process, a strong bond has grown between the homeowner and designer, making each additional project even more rewarding for the designer and life-enhancing for the family. From meandering paths, to a landscaped understory, to new patios featuring vintage found objects from around the world, the client-designer collaboration yields spectacular and sometimes surprising results. Such as the the custom-designed table in the dining area; the fountain, which was made in France by Italian craftsmen; and the edible terrace garden featuring herbs, berries, apples, and more. Wonder what they will create next?

When you walk into your closet in the morning and do not feel your best, that is often because it isn’t an inviting or organized space. Big in my design philosophy is to create spaces that draw us in and make us feel like our best selves; always. This could not be truer for a well-though out master closet. With big open floor space to give anyone plenty of room to think, we’ve redesigned this space with custom built out shelving in a strong contrasting black. Now anyone in it can truly see what they own and play with their wardrobe. Each area has a dedicated space for shoes, clothing and accessories. Two custom ottomans add playfulness in connected colorways. A richly colored large area rug, adds dimension and anchors the space making you feel great on bare feet, while custom window treatments add to the imagination, elevating this space to the feel of more of a room.

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.