Search results for "Creating strong" in Home Design Ideas

Built in 1949, this Edina home had a strong horizontal presence on the site, but through subsequent renovations the overall massing was lacking clarity and refinement and the entry was diminutive and uninviting. The roof and siding materials were aging, and important interior spaces were cramped and closed in. The house needed better light, better connection internally and out, and exterior updates to clarify and enhance the strengths of the home.
The primary design evolved out of a celebration of the existing horizontality of the home and a recognition that a bigger home was not needed. By layering materiality and color, a new identity was created. A new cedar entry canopy slips out from under the previous roof line, extending further towards the street. This added warmth at the entry is echoed along the facade, creating a graceful rhythm and texture. The previous additions were re-clad with a darker material palette in order to anchor and unify the ends of the home. As the grade slopes down towards the back yard, horizontal bands are exposed, revealing the layering top to bottom. Combined, these few shifts in color and materiality allowed for a complete transformation of the home.
The interior is reflective of the material and color palette used outside. The main living spaces are opened up and connected while strengthening the original symmetry of the more formal linear alignment of rooms. A whole new kitchen relocates the center of the home and makes more fluid the daily life of this young family. The house is fully transformed inside and out, all without adding more square feet.
Project Team:
Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-in-Charge
Nate Dodge

Designed as a refined entertaining zone on the terrace level, this custom bar brings tailored millwork and elevated materials into a space meant for gathering.
Fluted wood paneling wraps the bar front, adding depth and movement while echoing architectural detailing found throughout the home. A dramatic natural stone countertop with rich veining introduces contrast against the warmth of the wood tones, creating a layered material dialogue rather than a single-note palette.
Custom cabinetry integrates wine storage seamlessly into the wall of millwork, allowing function to live cleanly within the architecture. Mixed finishes — including warm brass hardware, dark stone, and hand-selected wood tones — give the space a collected, residential feel rather than a commercial bar aesthetic.
Handcrafted seating with leather and textured upholstery softens the strong lines of the millwork, ensuring the space feels inviting and livable while still visually tailored.
This terrace-level bar exemplifies the project’s overall approach: custom architectural moments paired with thoughtful material layering to create spaces that feel both elevated and effortless.

Brickyard is home to clients passionate about contemporary architecture. They envisioned a private refuge that maintains a strong connection to nature while preserving walkable access to city life. The project brief included space to accommodate their extended family and a lounge with skyline views.
Constructed from steel, brick and glass, the home has a refined modern aesthetic that nods to Chicago’s industrial history. Its L-shaped footprint creates an open plan sanctuary that shelters a landscaped yard.
A perforated screen wall defines the front elevation, adding privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. Made from custom tapered bricks, this sculptural element casts dynamic shadows and evokes a sense of movement across the facade as the sun shifts through the day. This design elevates the material, creating a luxurious texture that transforms the building’s exterior.
Find the right local pro for your project

The Home
Tuscany Homes has created Las Capri. Las Capri evokes a modern/contemporary elegance with the distinctive queues from a Las
Vegas home. Guests know they’ve arrived as they step up to the foyer and are embraced by the home’s modern feel. Its modern style
incorporates sustainable design features to ensure maintenance-free living, energy efficient usage and lasting value. The blend between natural stone, modern colors and steel create a strong, cutting-edge statement while maintaining a comfortable feel.
The Builder
Tuscany Homes is unique in its design and insight. Stepping away from traditional Colorado style and entering a more modern/ contemporary style - we design every detail to make this a home of unprecedented style and livability. The founder and owner of Tuscany Homes, Stan Campbell, a successful entrepreneur, constructs one-of-a-kind homes. He has demonstrated an award-winning style with a clear purpose for new trends while providing a unique experience for every lifestyle and person.
The Interior Design
Modern colors and classic queues provide a comfortable yet colorful environment in which to raise a family. The house utilizes a combination of wood, stone and metal to meld with surrounding natural elements and provide a feel that will last a lifetime. Whether making breakfast in the large kitchen or gasping at the views form the rooftop deck, you will always love coming home to this beauty.

This kitchen features a modern yet timeless design with a blend of functionality and style. The cabinetry is white, with both solid doors and glass-front sections that create an open, airy feel while offering ample storage. Brass hardware complements the clean lines and adds warmth to the design.
The countertops are sleek black granite, providing a strong contrast to the white cabinetry, and the backsplash features classic white subway tiles in a herringbone pattern, enhancing the kitchen’s visual texture. Stainless steel appliances, including the range and hood, add a modern touch, while the wood flooring brings a natural warmth to the space.
The layout is well-planned, with the work triangle connecting the stove, sink, and refrigerator for an efficient flow. A spacious island provides additional counter space and serves as a functional and social focal point. The lighting is strategically placed, with recessed ceiling lights and under-cabinet lighting creating an inviting atmosphere.

Built in 1949, this Edina home had a strong horizontal presence on the site, but through subsequent renovations the overall massing was lacking clarity and refinement and the entry was diminutive and uninviting. The roof and siding materials were aging, and important interior spaces were cramped and closed in. The house needed better light, better connection internally and out, and exterior updates to clarify and enhance the strengths of the home.
The primary design evolved out of a celebration of the existing horizontality of the home and a recognition that a bigger home was not needed. By layering materiality and color, a new identity was created. A new cedar entry canopy slips out from under the previous roof line, extending further towards the street. This added warmth at the entry is echoed along the facade, creating a graceful rhythm and texture. The previous additions were re-clad with a darker material palette in order to anchor and unify the ends of the home. As the grade slopes down towards the back yard, horizontal bands are exposed, revealing the layering top to bottom. Combined, these few shifts in color and materiality allowed for a complete transformation of the home.
The interior is reflective of the material and color palette used outside. The main living spaces are opened up and connected while strengthening the original symmetry of the more formal linear alignment of rooms. A whole new kitchen relocates the center of the home and makes more fluid the daily life of this young family. The house is fully transformed inside and out, all without adding more square feet.
Project Team:
Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-in-Charge
Nate Dodge

After many years of having no outdoor living space and dealing with overgrown plants and trees the owner’s decided it was time to revitalize their backyard. They knew they wanted a large sitting area with a wood burning fireplace, room for outdoor dining and a place for the grill. A connecting walk would be needed to get guests from the driveway to the outdoor space. Last but not least, the owners wanted the ability to and a reason for stepping out of their unusable patio doors.
The designers decided from the start the fireplace would be the prominent feature and focal point for the entire project. A large fireplace accented with sitting walls and arbors was positioned to anchor the corner of the patio. Stone was chosen to set the fireplace apart as its own element. Brick was used for the sitting walls and brick accents were added to the fireplace to tie into the house. An inlaid herringbone brick detail was incorporated above the stone mantle to simulate artwork which is typically found above indoor fireplaces. Flagstone was used for the wall caps and hearth to match the patio and thicker flagstone tread stock was used for the mantle and top. The arbors were added to visually balance the pergolas at the opposite side of the patio.
For the patio the designers created a series of offset spaces to help subtly divide the space into two areas, sitting and dining. Two large existing trees also help dictate the shape of the patio. Cut flagstone was chosen for the surface bordered by a double soldier edge of brick. The brick edging also surrounds a decorative gravel area topped with an urn fountain which provides a secondary focal point and the sound of water. Large flagstone treads were used for the steps leading to the previously unused patio doors. Opposite the fireplace a short walk leads to a square transition area with a statue chosen by the owner. The statue provides a strong focal point when entering from the driveway. A longer walk leads from this space along the house to the driveway.
The pergolas and arbors were designed by the landscape designer as part of this project but were ultimately contracted separately by the owner. The larger square pergola was intended as an area for a bench or two separate from the main patio. The longer pergola was added later in the design phase to help provide shade to the interior of the house. The arbors at the fireplace were added to balance out the wood elements at the opposite side while adding additional architectural interest to the fireplace.
While this project was predominantly hardscaping, planting and lighting were also incorporated into the design. Several large existing trees were retained and serious of smaller understory trees were added to help enclose the space. The designer’s took advantage of the large trees to place down lights on the branches to achieve a moonlight effect at night. Additional lighting was used on the pergola, to accent focal points, to up light the smaller trees and around the patio. Massed planting of Japanese forest grass provides bold foliage color for the shady garden. A mulch path leads off behind the fireplace to another garden and a secluded area ideal for a bench or small table and chairs. Additional plantings were added along the rear property line to screen and unsightly fence.
This project has obviously completely changed the way the owners use their backyard. They now have a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors with the use of the patio doors. The large patio allows for entertaining small gatherings outdoors for the first time. The fireplace has definitely become the primary gathering place for family and friends.

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

The grey trend has evolved in the last twelve months. Nowadays browns, beige and a touch of grey are in demand. Greige is the new buzzword.
Heavier hand scraped or contoured products, the rage that started around 2005 has taken a back seat in most areas, while a softer wire brushed "ceruse effect" seen mostly on White Oak has been remarkably strong showing no effects of becoming “dated” like the others mentioned.
Ceruse Color Possibilities
There are numerous color combinations to the "cerused" process with the most popular being white or off white. This design trend in hardwood flooring can have darker gray white oak with a mild ceruse off white effect.
There are limitless possibilities in either a prefinished hardwood floor or with what we can create for you in a custom on-site finished hardwood floor.
If something suits your fancy, contact us and we can work on creating just the look and sense of style you are looking for.

Custom residential modern powder coated steel stair and balcony rails located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Working with architects and designers at the initial design stage or directly with homeowners, Pascetti Steel will make the entire process from drawings to installation seamless and hassle free. We plan safety and stability into every design we make, the railings and hardware are fabricated to be strong, durable and visually appealing. Choose from a variety of styles including cable railing, glass railing, hand forged and custom railing. We also offer pre-finished aluminum balcony railing for hotels, resorts and other commercial buildings.
We can ship pre-finished railing to any location, complete with all the hardware and installation recommendations. We'll work from your drawings or we can create a design for you. Choose from a variety of styles to fit any architecture. Finishes include chemical treatments, paint, and a wide range of powder coating colors.

Custom Surface Solutions (www.css-tile.com) - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 430-1215. This project shows the remodel of a small 1950's vintage home master bathroom. 8"" x 18" Calcutta gold marble tile was used on the shower walls and floor wall base and ceramic gray penny tile on the floor. Shower includes curbless pan / floor, dual shower boxes, frameless glass slider, trough duel fixture sink and chrome fixtures.

Vertical lines define this sleek contemporary staircase. The dark stained treads and newels contrast beautifully with crisp white risers, while round metal balusters emphasize the clean vertical rhythm. The dark square-cut handrail anchors the design, creating visual weight against the home's light walls and open floor plan. The interplay of light and dark tones, combined with the strong vertical emphasis, gives the staircase a sense of height and elegance that grounds it in this contemporary home.
1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

The Home
Tuscany Homes has created Las Capri. Las Capri evokes a modern/contemporary elegance with the distinctive queues from a Las
Vegas home. Guests know they’ve arrived as they step up to the foyer and are embraced by the home’s modern feel. Its modern style
incorporates sustainable design features to ensure maintenance-free living, energy efficient usage and lasting value. The blend between natural stone, modern colors and steel create a strong, cutting-edge statement while maintaining a comfortable feel.
The Builder
Tuscany Homes is unique in its design and insight. Stepping away from traditional Colorado style and entering a more modern/ contemporary style - we design every detail to make this a home of unprecedented style and livability. The founder and owner of Tuscany Homes, Stan Campbell, a successful entrepreneur, constructs one-of-a-kind homes. He has demonstrated an award-winning style with a clear purpose for new trends while providing a unique experience for every lifestyle and person.
The Interior Design
Modern colors and classic queues provide a comfortable yet colorful environment in which to raise a family. The house utilizes a combination of wood, stone and metal to meld with surrounding natural elements and provide a feel that will last a lifetime. Whether making breakfast in the large kitchen or gasping at the views form the rooftop deck, you will always love coming home to this beauty.

The Home
Tuscany Homes has created Las Capri. Las Capri evokes a modern/contemporary elegance with the distinctive queues from a Las
Vegas home. Guests know they’ve arrived as they step up to the foyer and are embraced by the home’s modern feel. Its modern style
incorporates sustainable design features to ensure maintenance-free living, energy efficient usage and lasting value. The blend between natural stone, modern colors and steel create a strong, cutting-edge statement while maintaining a comfortable feel.
The Builder
Tuscany Homes is unique in its design and insight. Stepping away from traditional Colorado style and entering a more modern/ contemporary style - we design every detail to make this a home of unprecedented style and livability. The founder and owner of Tuscany Homes, Stan Campbell, a successful entrepreneur, constructs one-of-a-kind homes. He has demonstrated an award-winning style with a clear purpose for new trends while providing a unique experience for every lifestyle and person.
The Interior Design
Modern colors and classic queues provide a comfortable yet colorful environment in which to raise a family. The house utilizes a combination of wood, stone and metal to meld with surrounding natural elements and provide a feel that will last a lifetime. Whether making breakfast in the large kitchen or gasping at the views form the rooftop deck, you will always love coming home to this beauty.

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

18" x 48" holds 4 bottles - $1099.00
24" x 48" holds 8 bottles - $1369.00
48" x 48" holds up to 16 bottles - $2,255.00
Custom wine racks available up to 48" x 96"
Translucent and Non-Translucent stones available.
Stones are thin cut DesignerStone Panels.

Design by Elizabeth Strianese,
photography by Thomas Moore, Beacon NY
This project needed to build a bridge between a classic NYC 1960's style building, and the family's desire for traditional details. Together we created a warm, family friendly home that is an eclectic mix of styles - while imparting strong classic overtones. We built a collection of good pieces that they can take with them from home to home as their family grows.

Vertical lines define this sleek contemporary staircase. The dark stained treads and newels contrast beautifully with crisp white risers, while round metal balusters emphasize the clean vertical rhythm. The dark square-cut handrail anchors the design, creating visual weight against the home's light walls and open floor plan. The interplay of light and dark tones, combined with the strong vertical emphasis, gives the staircase a sense of height and elegance that grounds it in this contemporary home.
1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This particular home located in Cave Springs, Arkansas was an in house design + build. We were tasked with the challenge of figuring out a way to unify our clients contemporary taste, the neighborhood covenants, and the dramatic grade of the lot. When designing, we always feel it’s important to take into account the surrounding natural landscape. We want our homes and nature to complement each other and to lean on each other to enhance the living environment of its inhabitants. We felt strongly that we needed to use the slope of the lot in our design, which led us to create multiple levels to the home.
Too often the garage door is an afterthought and it ends up being a major component of the street view of a home. Due to the extreme grade change over the lot we were able to tuck the garage under the main living area. This concealed the garage door from the street view. The entry is situated between two small level changes. The living space is situated 24” above the entry. This creates a pulling effect that takes you up to an elevation amongst the trees. With windows on all sides, nature calls you out to sit on the covered porch situated in the trees. The kitchen and the dining area sit 24” below the entry level, creating a tucked-in intimate space. The private master suite is located at the top of the floating metal stairs on its own floor. With a workout room, his and hers closets, and a natural lit large master bathroom the space gives the home owners a nice retreat from the rest of the house.

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

Built in 1949, this Edina home had a strong horizontal presence on the site, but through subsequent renovations the overall massing was lacking clarity and refinement and the entry was diminutive and uninviting. The roof and siding materials were aging, and important interior spaces were cramped and closed in. The house needed better light, better connection internally and out, and exterior updates to clarify and enhance the strengths of the home.
The primary design evolved out of a celebration of the existing horizontality of the home and a recognition that a bigger home was not needed. By layering materiality and color, a new identity was created. A new cedar entry canopy slips out from under the previous roof line, extending further towards the street. This added warmth at the entry is echoed along the facade, creating a graceful rhythm and texture. The previous additions were re-clad with a darker material palette in order to anchor and unify the ends of the home. As the grade slopes down towards the back yard, horizontal bands are exposed, revealing the layering top to bottom. Combined, these few shifts in color and materiality allowed for a complete transformation of the home.
The interior is reflective of the material and color palette used outside. The main living spaces are opened up and connected while strengthening the original symmetry of the more formal linear alignment of rooms. A whole new kitchen relocates the center of the home and makes more fluid the daily life of this young family. The house is fully transformed inside and out, all without adding more square feet.
Project Team:
Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-in-Charge
Nate Dodge

The Home
Tuscany Homes has created Las Capri. Las Capri evokes a modern/contemporary elegance with the distinctive queues from a Las
Vegas home. Guests know they’ve arrived as they step up to the foyer and are embraced by the home’s modern feel. Its modern style
incorporates sustainable design features to ensure maintenance-free living, energy efficient usage and lasting value. The blend between natural stone, modern colors and steel create a strong, cutting-edge statement while maintaining a comfortable feel.
The Builder
Tuscany Homes is unique in its design and insight. Stepping away from traditional Colorado style and entering a more modern/ contemporary style - we design every detail to make this a home of unprecedented style and livability. The founder and owner of Tuscany Homes, Stan Campbell, a successful entrepreneur, constructs one-of-a-kind homes. He has demonstrated an award-winning style with a clear purpose for new trends while providing a unique experience for every lifestyle and person.
The Interior Design
Modern colors and classic queues provide a comfortable yet colorful environment in which to raise a family. The house utilizes a combination of wood, stone and metal to meld with surrounding natural elements and provide a feel that will last a lifetime. Whether making breakfast in the large kitchen or gasping at the views form the rooftop deck, you will always love coming home to this beauty.

Brickyard is home to clients passionate about contemporary architecture. They envisioned a private refuge that maintains a strong connection to nature while preserving walkable access to city life. The project brief included space to accommodate their extended family and a lounge with skyline views.
Constructed from steel, brick and glass, the home has a refined modern aesthetic that nods to Chicago’s industrial history. Its L-shaped footprint creates an open plan sanctuary that shelters a landscaped yard.
A perforated screen wall defines the front elevation, adding privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. Made from custom tapered bricks, this sculptural element casts dynamic shadows and evokes a sense of movement across the facade as the sun shifts through the day. This design elevates the material, creating a luxurious texture that transforms the building’s exterior.
226