Search results for "Critical focus" in Home Design Ideas

We were lucky to work with a blank slate in this nearly new home. Keeping the bar as the main focus was critical. With elements like the gorgeous tin ceiling, custom finished distressed black wainscot and handmade wood bar top were the perfect complement to the reclaimed brick walls and beautiful beam work. With connections to a local artist who handcrafted and welded the steel doors to the built-in liquor cabinet, our clients were ecstatic with the results. Other amenities in the bar include the rear wall of stainless built-ins, including individual refrigeration, freezer, ice maker, a 2-tap beer unit, dishwasher drawers and matching Stainless Steel sink base cabinet.

We were lucky to work with a blank slate in this nearly new home. Keeping the bar as the main focus was critical. With elements like the gorgeous tin ceiling, custom finished distressed black wainscot and handmade wood bar top were the perfect complement to the reclaimed brick walls and beautiful beam work. With connections to a local artist who handcrafted and welded the steel doors to the built-in liquor cabinet, our clients were ecstatic with the results. Other amenities in the bar include the rear wall of stainless built-ins, including individual refrigeration, freezer, ice maker, a 2-tap beer unit, dishwasher drawers and matching Stainless Steel sink base cabinet.

THEME The main theme for this room
is an active, physical and personalized
experience for a growing boy. This was
achieved with the use of bold colors,
creative inclusion of personal favorites
and the use of industrial materials.
FOCUS The main focus of the room is
the 12 foot long x 4 foot high elevated
bed. The bed is the focal point of the
room and leaves ample space for
activity within the room beneath. A
secondary focus of the room is the
desk, positioned in a private corner of
the room outfitted with custom lighting
and suspended desktop designed to
support growing technical needs and
school assignments.
STORAGE A large floor armoire was
built at the far die of the room between
the bed and wall.. The armoire was
built with 8 separate storage units that
are approximately 12”x24” by 8” deep.
These enclosed storage spaces are
convenient for anything a growing boy
may need to put away and convenient
enough to make cleaning up easy for
him. The floor is built to support the
chair and desk built into the far corner
of the room.
GROWTH The room was designed
for active ages 8 to 18. There are
three ways to enter the bed, climb the
knotted rope, custom rock wall, or pipe
monkey bars up the wall and along
the ceiling. The ladder was included
only for parents. While these are the
intended ways to enter the bed, they
are also a convenient safety system to
prevent younger siblings from getting
into his private things.
SAFETY This room was designed for an
older child but safety is still a critical
element and every detail in the room
was reviewed for safety. The raised bed
includes extra long and higher side
boards ensuring that any rolling in bed
is kept safe. The decking was sanded
and edges cleaned to prevent any
potential splintering. Power outlets are
covered using exterior industrial outlets
for the switches and plugs, which also
looks really cool.
Find the right local pro for your project

Designer Allie Mann
Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Transitional home office photo in DC Metro
Transitional home office photo in DC Metro

Complete Hillside Backyard Renovation, El Paso – by GoDesigns
This breathtaking backyard transformation in the historic area of El Paso, Texas, is a shining example of GoDesigns’ vision, expertise, and resilience. Situated on a challenging hillside property, the original backyard installed in 2005 was plagued by critical design flaws that led to a complete failure of the outdoor space. The existing negative edge pool, improperly installed with insufficient grade, drainage, and support, caused massive water loss and structural issues. The consequences were severe — the side rock wall broke in half, the backyard destabilized, and even a portion of the house was compromised.
GoDesigns was brought in to turn crisis into opportunity. During the height of COVID-19, they launched Phase 1 of a multi-phase master plan to restore and reinvent the space. The entire backyard was demolished, including the compromised pool shell. The broken negative edge section was filled in, making way for a reimagined pool design. A new, reinforced pool structure was shot, finished with 5cm tumbled travertine coping, oversized mossrock boulders, new waterline tile, and a premium PebbleTec interior.
Beneath the beauty lies smart engineering: GoDesigns replaced all plumbing and regraded the property, applying subsurface remediation and compaction techniques to ensure long-term stability. A new rocksalt steel reinforced concrete deck was poured, replacing the narrow wraparound layout with a spacious, functional outdoor living area. Now, the family enjoys ample room for chaise lounges, alfresco dining, and relaxing by the existing outdoor fireplace — luxuries they never had before.
GoDesigns didn’t stop there. Advanced drainage systems — including underground piping, box drains, and planter drains — were installed to protect the integrity of the hillside. These systems are integrated into leveled planters that not only beautify the space but also reinforce the structure of the pool and surrounding terrain.
Phase 2 focused on upgrading the patio directly outside the main house, while Phase 3 was the final touch — a lush landscape planting plan paired with elegant outdoor lighting to enhance ambiance and curb appeal.
What was once a scene of despair is now a luxurious retreat — completed in thoughtfully timed phases over four years. Thanks to GoDesigns’ master planning and unwavering commitment, this hillside haven is a true testament to transformation. The clients are now looking forward to their next chapter: the front yard.

Envision a sleek modern home in Wheat Ridge that turns an old site into a family dream. Modern Contemporary blends open living with smart features, using quality materials to create a space that's both stylish and practical in Denver's heart.
Our clients wanted a home for modern family life, near shops, Sloan’s Lake, and easy drives. Key wishes: solar for green energy, a rooftop deck with mountain sights, and big doors that open rooms to the outdoors.
A worn-out old house blocked the vision, so we removed it to build fresh. This opened up the lot for a design that's efficient and fits today's needs, turning challenges into a better way to live.
The concept focuses on clean, flowing lines – stone bases with sloped roofs, steel railings, and a kitchen that's simple yet elegant. Glass walls slide away to connect inside with a shaded deck, making everything feel expansive.
We applied modern builds for strength and style, with solar panels cutting energy use and costs. It's made to last, blending beauty with real-world toughness.
Spacious and open, with four bedrooms and baths for comfort. The main floor links living, kitchen, and deck seamlessly, while upstairs adds more outdoor space for views and relaxation.
Since 2015, this home has been a family favorite, mixing sustainability, convenience, and charm. It's a place that enhances daily joy, with thoughtful design that feels right at home in Colorado.

Sponsored
Vienna, VA
Dulles Kitchen and Bath
Virginia-Based Turnkey Remodeling Specialist | 10x Best of Houzz!

THEME The main theme for this room
is an active, physical and personalized
experience for a growing boy. This was
achieved with the use of bold colors,
creative inclusion of personal favorites
and the use of industrial materials.
FOCUS The main focus of the room is
the 12 foot long x 4 foot high elevated
bed. The bed is the focal point of the
room and leaves ample space for
activity within the room beneath. A
secondary focus of the room is the
desk, positioned in a private corner of
the room outfitted with custom lighting
and suspended desktop designed to
support growing technical needs and
school assignments.
STORAGE A large floor armoire was
built at the far die of the room between
the bed and wall.. The armoire was
built with 8 separate storage units that
are approximately 12”x24” by 8” deep.
These enclosed storage spaces are
convenient for anything a growing boy
may need to put away and convenient
enough to make cleaning up easy for
him. The floor is built to support the
chair and desk built into the far corner
of the room.
GROWTH The room was designed
for active ages 8 to 18. There are
three ways to enter the bed, climb the
knotted rope, custom rock wall, or pipe
monkey bars up the wall and along
the ceiling. The ladder was included
only for parents. While these are the
intended ways to enter the bed, they
are also a convenient safety system to
prevent younger siblings from getting
into his private things.
SAFETY This room was designed for an
older child but safety is still a critical
element and every detail in the room
was reviewed for safety. The raised bed
includes extra long and higher side
boards ensuring that any rolling in bed
is kept safe. The decking was sanded
and edges cleaned to prevent any
potential splintering. Power outlets are
covered using exterior industrial outlets
for the switches and plugs, which also
looks really cool.

The goal of this project was to upgrade the builder grade finishes and create an ergonomic space that had a contemporary feel. This bathroom transformed from a standard, builder grade bathroom to a contemporary urban oasis. This was one of my favorite projects, I know I say that about most of my projects but this one really took an amazing transformation. By removing the walls surrounding the shower and relocating the toilet it visually opened up the space. Creating a deeper shower allowed for the tub to be incorporated into the wet area. Adding a LED panel in the back of the shower gave the illusion of a depth and created a unique storage ledge. A custom vanity keeps a clean front with different storage options and linear limestone draws the eye towards the stacked stone accent wall.
Houzz Write Up: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/inside-houzz-a-chopped-up-bathroom-goes-streamlined-and-swank-stsetivw-vs~27263720
The layout of this bathroom was opened up to get rid of the hallway effect, being only 7 foot wide, this bathroom needed all the width it could muster. Using light flooring in the form of natural lime stone 12x24 tiles with a linear pattern, it really draws the eye down the length of the room which is what we needed. Then, breaking up the space a little with the stone pebble flooring in the shower, this client enjoyed his time living in Japan and wanted to incorporate some of the elements that he appreciated while living there. The dark stacked stone feature wall behind the tub is the perfect backdrop for the LED panel, giving the illusion of a window and also creates a cool storage shelf for the tub. A narrow, but tasteful, oval freestanding tub fit effortlessly in the back of the shower. With a sloped floor, ensuring no standing water either in the shower floor or behind the tub, every thought went into engineering this Atlanta bathroom to last the test of time. With now adequate space in the shower, there was space for adjacent shower heads controlled by Kohler digital valves. A hand wand was added for use and convenience of cleaning as well. On the vanity are semi-vessel sinks which give the appearance of vessel sinks, but with the added benefit of a deeper, rounded basin to avoid splashing. Wall mounted faucets add sophistication as well as less cleaning maintenance over time. The custom vanity is streamlined with drawers, doors and a pull out for a can or hamper.
A wonderful project and equally wonderful client. I really enjoyed working with this client and the creative direction of this project.
Brushed nickel shower head with digital shower valve, freestanding bathtub, curbless shower with hidden shower drain, flat pebble shower floor, shelf over tub with LED lighting, gray vanity with drawer fronts, white square ceramic sinks, wall mount faucets and lighting under vanity. Hidden Drain shower system. Atlanta Bathroom.

We were lucky to work with a blank slate in this nearly new home. Keeping the bar as the main focus was critical. With elements like the gorgeous tin ceiling, custom finished distressed black wainscot and handmade wood bar top were the perfect compliment to the reclaimed brick walls and beautiful beam work. With connections to a local artist who handcrafted and welded the steel doors to the built-in liquor cabinet, our clients were ecstatic with the results. Other amenities in the bar include the rear wall of stainless built-ins, including individual refrigeration, freezer, ice maker, a 2-tap beer unit, dishwasher drawers and matching Stainless Steel sink base cabinet.

Oasis in the Desert
You can find a whole lot of fun ready for the kids in this fun contemporary play-yard in the dessert.
Theme:
The overall theme of the play-yard is a blend of creative and active outdoor play that blends with the contemporary styling of this beautiful home.
Focus:
The overall focus for the design of this amazing play-yard was to provide this family with an outdoor space that would foster an active and creative playtime for their children of various ages. The visual focus of this space is the 15-foot tree placed in the middle of the turf yard. This fantastic structure beacons the children to climb the mini stumps and enjoy the slide or swing happily from the branches all the while creating a touch of whimsical nature not typically found in the desert.
Surrounding the tree the play-yard offers an array of activities for these lucky children from the chalkboard walls to create amazing pictures to the custom ball wall to practice their skills, the custom myWall system provides endless options for the kids and parents to keep the space exciting and new. Rock holds easily clip into the wall offering ever changing climbing routes, custom water toys and games can also be adapted to the wall to fit the fun of the day.
Storage:
The myWall system offers various storage options including shelving, closed cases or hanging baskets all of which can be moved to alternate locations on the wall as the homeowners want to customize the play-yard.
Growth:
The myWall system is built to grow with the users whether it is with changing taste, updating design or growing children, all the accessories can be moved or replaced while leaving the main frame in place. The materials used throughout the space were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh conditions for many years. The tree also includes 3 levels of swings offering children of varied ages the chance to swing from the branches.
Safety:
Safety is of critical concern with any play-yard and a space in the harsh conditions of the desert presented specific concerns which were addressed with light colored materials to reflect the sun and reduce heat buildup and stainless steel hardware was used to avoid rusting. The myWall accessories all use a locking mechanism which allows for easy adjustments but also securely locks the pieces into place once set. The flooring in the treehouse was also textured to eliminate skidding.

THEME The main theme for this room is an active, physical and personalized experience for a growing boy. This was achieved with the use of bold colors, creative inclusion of personal favorites and the use of industrial materials. FOCUS The main focus of the room is the 12 foot long x 4 foot high elevated bed. The bed is the focal point of the room and leaves ample space for activity within the room beneath. A secondary focus of the room is the desk, positioned in a private corner of the room outfitted with custom lighting and suspended desktop designed to support growing technical needs and school assignments. STORAGE A large floor armoire was built at the far die of the room between the bed and wall.. The armoire was built with 8 separate storage units that are approximately 12”x24” by 8” deep. These enclosed storage spaces are convenient for anything a growing boy may need to put away and convenient enough to make cleaning up easy for him. The floor is built to support the chair and desk built into the far corner of the room. GROWTH The room was designed for active ages 8 to 18. There are three ways to enter the bed, climb the knotted rope, custom rock wall, or pipe monkey bars up the wall and along the ceiling. The ladder was included only for parents. While these are the intended ways to enter the bed, they are also a convenient safety system to prevent younger siblings from getting into his private things. SAFETY This room was designed for an older child but safety is still a critical element and every detail in the room was reviewed for safety. The raised bed includes extra long and higher side boards ensuring that any rolling in bed is kept safe. The decking was sanded and edges cleaned to prevent any potential splintering. Power outlets are covered using exterior industrial outlets for the switches and plugs, which also looks really cool.

THEME The main theme for this room
is an active, physical and personalized
experience for a growing boy. This was
achieved with the use of bold colors,
creative inclusion of personal favorites
and the use of industrial materials.
FOCUS The main focus of the room is
the 12 foot long x 4 foot high elevated
bed. The bed is the focal point of the
room and leaves ample space for
activity within the room beneath. A
secondary focus of the room is the
desk, positioned in a private corner of
the room outfitted with custom lighting
and suspended desktop designed to
support growing technical needs and
school assignments.
STORAGE A large floor armoire was
built at the far die of the room between
the bed and wall.. The armoire was
built with 8 separate storage units that
are approximately 12”x24” by 8” deep.
These enclosed storage spaces are
convenient for anything a growing boy
may need to put away and convenient
enough to make cleaning up easy for
him. The floor is built to support the
chair and desk built into the far corner
of the room.
GROWTH The room was designed
for active ages 8 to 18. There are
three ways to enter the bed, climb the
knotted rope, custom rock wall, or pipe
monkey bars up the wall and along
the ceiling. The ladder was included
only for parents. While these are the
intended ways to enter the bed, they
are also a convenient safety system to
prevent younger siblings from getting
into his private things.
SAFETY This room was designed for an
older child but safety is still a critical
element and every detail in the room
was reviewed for safety. The raised bed
includes extra long and higher side
boards ensuring that any rolling in bed
is kept safe. The decking was sanded
and edges cleaned to prevent any
potential splintering. Power outlets are
covered using exterior industrial outlets
for the switches and plugs, which also
looks really cool.

White Kitchen, Modern
Interiors: Britt Taner Design
Photography: Tony Soluri Photography
Example of a trendy light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island
Example of a trendy light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

In this 90's cape cod home, we used the space from an overly large bedroom, an oddly deep but narrow closet and the existing garden-tub focused master bath with two dormers, to create a master suite trio that was perfectly proportioned to the client's needs. They wanted a much larger closet but also wanted a large dual shower, and a better-proportioned tub. We stuck with pedestal sinks but upgraded them to large recessed medicine cabinets, vintage styled. And they loved the idea of a concrete floor and large stone walls with low maintenance. For the walls, we brought in a European product that is new for the U.S. - Porcelain Panels that are an eye-popping 5.5 ft. x 10.5 ft. We used a 2ft x 4ft concrete-look porcelain tile for the floor. This bathroom has a mix of low and high ceilings, but a functional arrangement instead of the dreaded “vault-for-no-purpose-bathroom”. We used 8.5 ft ceiling areas for both the shower and the vanity’s producing a symmetry about the toilet room door. The right runner-rug in the center of this bath (not shown yet unfortunately), completes the functional layout, and will look pretty good too.
Of course, no design is close to finished without plenty of well thought out light. The bathroom uses all low-heat, high lumen, LED, 7” low profile surface mounting lighting (whoa that’s a mouthful- but, lighting is critical!). Two 7” LED fixtures light up the shower and the tub and we added two heat lamps for this open shower design. The shower also has a super-quiet moisture-exhaust fan. The customized (ikea) closet has the same lighting and the vanity space has both flanking and overhead LED lighting at 3500K temperature. Natural Light? Yes, and lot’s of it. On the second floor facing the woods, we added custom-sized operable casement windows in the shower, and custom antiqued expansive 4-lite doors on both the toilet room door and the main bath entry which is also a pocket door with a transom over it. We incorporated the trim style: fluted trims and door pediments, that was already throughout the home into these spaces, and we blended vintage and classic elements using modern proportions & patterns along with mix of metal finishes that were in tonal agreement with a simple color scheme. We added teak shower shelves and custom antiqued pine doors, adding these natural wood accents for that subtle warm contrast – and we presented!
Oh btw – we also matched the expansive doors we put in the master bath, on the front entry door, and added some gas lanterns on either side. We also replaced all the carpet in the home and upgraded their stairs with metal balusters and new handrails and coloring.
This client couple, they’re in love again!

A perfect little seating area next to a heritage orange tree.
Design ideas for a large traditional full sun backyard gravel vegetable garden landscape in San Francisco for spring.
Design ideas for a large traditional full sun backyard gravel vegetable garden landscape in San Francisco for spring.

We were lucky to work with a blank slate in this nearly new home. Keeping the bar as the main focus was critical. With elements like the gorgeous tin ceiling, custom finished distressed black wainscot and handmade wood bar top were the perfect compliment to the reclaimed brick walls and beautiful beam work. With connections to a local artist who handcrafted and welded the steel doors to the built-in liquor cabinet, our clients were ecstatic with the results. Other amenities in the bar include the rear wall of stainless built-ins, including individual refrigeration, freezer, ice maker, a 2-tap beer unit, dishwasher drawers and matching Stainless Steel sink base cabinet.

The renovation of this Mid-Century Ranch features the reintroduction of native plant species highlighted with steel planters, steppingstones, a ramada and small fountain.
Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett
Architect: Clint Miller Architect
General Contractor: Sonora Sunset Construction
Landscape Contractor: West Point Landscaping
Photography: Steve Thompson

IN 2021, PETE AND BECKY MEIER HIRED LANDSCAPE DESIGN WEST, LLC, TO CREATE AN EXTRAORDINARY RENOVATION DESIGN FOR THE CANYON PASS HOUSE LOCATED IN THE GATED COMMUNITY OF CANYON PASS AT THE PINNACLE OF DOVE MOUNTAIN, IN TUCSON, ARIZONA.
EXISTING LANDSCAPE DID NOT COMPLIMENT THE OUTSTANDING ADJACENT DESERT NOR THE UNIQUE MARK SOLOWAY ARCHITECTURE. GOAL WAS TO CREATE A BEAUTIFUL DIALOGUE WITH THE ADJACENT DESERT AND RESIDENCE.
DESIRED OUTCOME:
INCREASE VISUAL APPEAL/LOWER WATER USE WITH NUMEROUS SPECIMEN SUCCULENTS AND A PLANTING DESIGN THAT IS INVITING, COLORFUL AND GRACIOUS, INCREASE YEAR AROUND COLOR AND BLOOMS TO ATTRACT NATIVE POLLINATORS SUCH AS BIRDS, BATS, HUMMINGBIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES MITIGATE DAMAGE TO PORTIONS OF THE PROPERTY PREVIOUSLY USED AS CONSTRUCTION STAGING AREAS
LOWER WATER USAGE REPLACING EXISTING FAULTY IRRIGATION
LOWER ENERGY/INCREASED NIGHTTIME LIGHTING AESTHETICS WITH A PROFESSIONAL DESIGN AND USING HUNTER/FX LED LIGHTING
CHALLENGES:
HILLSIDE/SLOPE
WILDLIFE
ROCKY SOILS
DIFFICULT ACCESS
Robin Stancliff Photography
1

