Search results for "Critics" in Home Design Ideas

Once a guest bedroom, this space needed to house all sorts of critical activity for the household. It functions as an office, wine bar, coffee bar and laundry room. Office supplies, a shredder and printer are all concealed in the custom cabinetry. Le Grand outlets boast USB charging ports for convenience. The couple's Keurig pods are stowed in a drawer built for such a purpose. A Sub Zero wine refrigerator houses their extensive wine collection. And a laundry with chrome hanging bar and cleanser storage is tucked neatly behind a pair of doors.

These homeowners wanted to freshen up their master bath and at the same time, improve it's overall function and retain/accentuate it's vintage qualities. There was nothing wrong with the hex tile floor, toilet, or vintage tub. The toilet was repurposed, the floor was cleaned up, and the tub refinished. Cabinetry and vintage trim was added in critical locations along with a new, taller one-sink vanity. Removing an overlay revealed a beautiful vintage door leading to storage space under the East roof. Photos by Greg Schmidt. Cabinets by Housecraft Remodeling.

Traditional design blends well with 21st century accessibility standards. Designed by architect Jeremiah Battles of Acacia Architects and built by Ben Quie & Sons, this beautiful new home features details found a century ago, combined with a creative use of space and technology to meet the owner’s mobility needs. Even the elevator is detailed with quarter-sawn oak paneling. Feeling as though it has been here for generations, this home combines architectural salvage with creative design. The owner brought in vintage lighting fixtures, a Tudor fireplace surround, and beveled glass for windows and doors. The kitchen pendants and sconces were custom made to match a 1912 Sheffield fixture she had found. Quarter-sawn oak in the living room, dining room, and kitchen, and flat-sawn oak in the pantry, den, and powder room accent the traditional feel of this brand-new home.
Design by Acacia Architects/Jeremiah Battles
Construction by Ben Quie and Sons
Photography by: Troy Thies
Find the right local pro for your project

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district.
Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level.
One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond.
Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout.
Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

Designer: Charlotte Tully, UDCP
Photographer: Nathan Lewis
To accommodate critical plumbing placements, a wall was made extra thick and a vanity was installed with a unique depth. Relocated duct work, within one of the demolished walls, also required on-site design consideration and review to determine its location.
Every detail, down to the perfectly equivalent sconce locations, were specified and implemented to ensure a balanced and polished end-goal.

Located in the historic Fairmount Hills, in the shadow of the Oregon Governor’s mansion, this picturesque cottage feels like a little home in the woods. Featuring arch-top windows with stained-glass tulips, this home is aptly called the Tulip Cottage.
The homeowner wanted to add a master bedroom as well as extend the living room without losing the small, cottage-like feel of the home. For this major addition, seamless roof design was critical to assuring that the addition blended with the historic details of the original house.
The living space within the home was made to feel bigger through various techniques, such as raising the ceiling, adding windows and skylights, and opening up interior views. Available space was maximized for storage, such as the glass-front cabinet beside the dining room fireplace, the built-in dresser in the passageway separating the bedroom and bathroom in the guest suite, and the built-in bureaus in the guest bathroom. The ceramic tile work in both the guest bathroom and the kitchen stayed true to its original 1920s style.
One of our favorite details of this project is the unique corner block we custom-carved for the intersection of two crown moldings in the bedroom. This corner block made the transition between the two crown moldings cleaner and smoother.

These homeowners wanted to freshen up their master bath and at the same time, improve it's overall function and retain/accentuate it's vintage qualities. There was nothing wrong with the hex tile floor, toilet, or vintage tub. The toilet was repurposed, the floor was cleaned up, and the tub refinished. Cabinetry and vintage trim was added in critical locations along with a new, taller one-sink vanity. Removing an overlay revealed a beautiful vintage door leading to storage space under the East roof. Photos by Greg Schmidt. Cabinets by Housecraft Remodeling.

Unique glass tiles add character to this bathroom along with a gold framed mirror and wall sconces. A cladded bathtub/shower combo with a hinged glass shower door are carefully custom designed with attention to the critical dimensions and details,

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district.
Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level.
One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond.
Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout.
Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

Historical Renovation
Objective: The homeowners asked us to join the project after partial demo and construction was in full
swing. Their desire was to significantly enlarge and update the charming mid-century modern home to
meet the needs of their joined families and frequent social gatherings. It was critical though that the
expansion be seamless between old and new, where one feels as if the home “has always been this
way”.
Solution: We created spaces within rooms that allowed family to gather and socialize freely or allow for
private conversations. As constant entertainers, the couple wanted easier access to their favorite wines
than having to go to the basement cellar. A custom glass and stainless steel wine cellar was created
where bottles seem to float in the space between the dining room and kitchen area.
A nineteen foot long island dominates the great room as well as any social gathering where it is
generally spread from end to end with food and surrounded by friends and family.
Aside of the master suite, three oversized bedrooms each with a large en suite bath provide plenty of
space for kids returning from college and frequent visits from friends and family.
A neutral color palette was chosen throughout to bring warmth into the space but not fight with the
clients’ collections of art, antique rugs and furnishings. Soaring ceiling, windows and huge sliding doors
bring the naturalness of the large wooded lot inside while lots of natural wood and stone was used to
further complement the outdoors and their love of nature.
Outside, a large ground level fire-pit surrounded by comfortable chairs is another favorite gathering
spot.

Mid-sized mountain style screened-in back porch idea in Other with decking and a roof extension

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.

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in the home’s renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. The concept and vision of Abby Smith, Abby Smith Design, was brought to life by collaboration with The Kitchen Source to elicit thoughtful space-planning and great attention to the necessary details.
Having trained in the culinary arts, the homeowner wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. The use of natural materials, textures, and finishes beautifully contrasts the professional appliances and industrial elements sought after by the homeowners. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes.
This collaborative effort proved to be successful in producing a truly custom and elegant space that finally gave life to this modern home.
Photography - Lemuel Walsh

This 1910 West Highlands home was so compartmentalized that you couldn't help to notice you were constantly entering a new room every 8-10 feet. There was also a 500 SF addition put on the back of the home to accommodate a living room, 3/4 bath, laundry room and back foyer - 350 SF of that was for the living room. Needless to say, the house needed to be gutted and replanned.
Kitchen+Dining+Laundry-Like most of these early 1900's homes, the kitchen was not the heartbeat of the home like they are today. This kitchen was tucked away in the back and smaller than any other social rooms in the house. We knocked out the walls of the dining room to expand and created an open floor plan suitable for any type of gathering. As a nod to the history of the home, we used butcherblock for all the countertops and shelving which was accented by tones of brass, dusty blues and light-warm greys. This room had no storage before so creating ample storage and a variety of storage types was a critical ask for the client. One of my favorite details is the blue crown that draws from one end of the space to the other, accenting a ceiling that was otherwise forgotten.
Primary Bath-This did not exist prior to the remodel and the client wanted a more neutral space with strong visual details. We split the walls in half with a datum line that transitions from penny gap molding to the tile in the shower. To provide some more visual drama, we did a chevron tile arrangement on the floor, gridded the shower enclosure for some deep contrast an array of brass and quartz to elevate the finishes.
Powder Bath-This is always a fun place to let your vision get out of the box a bit. All the elements were familiar to the space but modernized and more playful. The floor has a wood look tile in a herringbone arrangement, a navy vanity, gold fixtures that are all servants to the star of the room - the blue and white deco wall tile behind the vanity.
Full Bath-This was a quirky little bathroom that you'd always keep the door closed when guests are over. Now we have brought the blue tones into the space and accented it with bronze fixtures and a playful southwestern floor tile.
Living Room & Office-This room was too big for its own good and now serves multiple purposes. We condensed the space to provide a living area for the whole family plus other guests and left enough room to explain the space with floor cushions. The office was a bonus to the project as it provided privacy to a room that otherwise had none before.

One piece Toto toilet with Washlet and Heated Towel Bar. Custom cabinetry houses Steam unit equipment and is topped with white mica quartz which waterfalls over to an end panel extending thru the shower glass panel. Wall of 12"x24" glass high-glass (glass-like) white tile with cantilevered glass shelves which provide space for plenty of guest towels.
Photo: Jamie Snavley

 
Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
 
Our clients came in after thinking a long time about what to do with their kitchen – new cabinets or paint them, white kitchen or wood, custom or is semi-custom? All good questions to ask! They were committed to making this home for a while, they decided to do a full remodel. The kitchen was not living up to its potential both visually and functionally. The dark cabinets and countertop made the room feel dull. And the major drawback, a large corner pantry that was eating into the room, make it appear smaller than it was.
We started by ditching the corner pantry. It created a perfectly centered spot for the new professional range and made room for a much larger island that now houses a beverage center, microwave drawer, seating for three and tons of storage. The multi-generational family does a ton of cooking, so this kitchen gets used! We spent lots of time fine tuning the storage devices and planning where critical items would be stored. This included the new pantry area across from the refrigerator that houses small appliances and food staples.
Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD
Photography by: LOMA Studios
For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

OUTDOOR, INDOOR. Critical to the design was a clear view to the home’s private outdoor space and swimming pool.
Photography by Anice Hoachlander
Inspiration for a modern home design remodel in DC Metro
Inspiration for a modern home design remodel in DC Metro

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district.
Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level.
One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond.
Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout.
Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

The client asked us to create a low maintenance, highly functional front entry to this beachfront retreat. As with most beach homes, guest parking is critical and creating an easy to navigate parking area is paramount to design success. We chose to maximize the front yard without turning it into a parking lot. Native crushed stone parking pads surrounded by sun loving, drought tolerant plants create exactly what the client was looking for.

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island
41