Search results for "Decision" in Home Design Ideas
ZeroEnergy DesignThis renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income.
DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request.
MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic.
RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income.
ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them.
URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances.
OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values.
Eric Roth Photo
Treeline DesignFRUIT FOREST
With prior establishment of plum and pear trees and raspberries, transforming the expansive lawn into a perennial fruit haven was a sensible and resilient decision for the home owner. Berries were planted into 80 linear feet of hugelkultur mounds, layered with tree trimmings, leaves, manure, and mulch, to provide long term fertility. Fruit trees established an orchard to provide fruit from August through October.
Plant List:
Blueberries
Apple Trees
Cherry Trees
Apricot Tree
Currants
Jostaberries
Gooseberries
Aronia
Cranberry Viburnum
UserThe new shower enclosure is slightly larger. The wall with the fixtures was cut back so that a glass panel could be extended around the corner which makes it feel more open.
This was a challenging remodel, but we achieved the primary goals of attaining more storage and making the space feel larger. The homeowners are happy with their decisions and love their new bathroom!
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White Wood KitchensA Beautiful White Kitchen by Designer Gail O'Rourke of White Wood Kitchens. Function drove decisions while style and delight drove the finishes. A Fieldstone Cabinet kitchen, this is an excellent example of how to get it all.
We created a ledge with the Silestone by padding the cabinets out 3/4". Adds a touch of depth to the ledge and creates an interesting element on the range wall.
Breathe Design StudioBreathe Design Studio helped this young family select their design finishes and furniture. Before the house was built, we were brought in to make selections from what the production builder offered and then make decisions about what to change after completion. Every detail from design to furnishing was accounted for from the beginning and the result is a serene modern home in the beautiful rolling hills of Bee Caves, Austin.
Leicht San DiegoFORM, FUNCTION AND LIVING SPACE
At the heart of this kitchen design is a handleless island block with an integrated seating area, which serves as the central hub of daily activities. The block is enriched by using BOSSA, a successful natural wood surface program in walnut that gives it a unique, structured appearance. The multi-award winning BOSSA front features linear bars that protrude, creating a warm, uniform look that adds a lively, three-dimensional effect to the kitchen. This was a conscious planning decision to achieve an elegant yet dynamic outcome.
Peake Green DesignThe challenge of designing a luxurious bath within the confines of an existing townhouse is to provide the amenities of contemporary living in space dictated by decisions made decades ago. We completely reconfigured a clumsy bath and closet area to create a wonderful, comfortable space. The low counter between the vanities resulted from an HOA requirement to not alter the exterior window arrangement of the house.
UserThis remodel and home enhancement project was for a family of four living just south of Denver. They made the decision to buy and remodel in a choice community in order to be closer to the kids’ schools. The remodel result: A contemporary family home that pairs sleek wood accents with industrial finishes and clean lines to create an elevated, inviting appearance perfectly suited to their Colorado lifestyle.
We completely redesigned entryway to feature open staircase with stainless steel railing capped with wood trim.
Rasmussen ConstructionWorking closely with an owner who enjoys details and making decisions made this project a pleasure. A matching addition to the original farmhouse allowed space for a large country kitchen, pantry, butler’s pantry, breakfast room, and sunroom. Vermont soapstone counters and all-custom cabinetry help to show off the French stove that is the focal point of the kitchen.
Architect:
Taylor Lombardo Architects
Photographer:
Michael O’Callaghan Photography
GramophoneOur client who we created this zen-like theater for was on a strict budget, but still wanted a space to enjoy a theater experience in a small group setting. We turned an unfinished space into a gorgeous, complete theater, included art and accessories, and did not have to sacrifice quality! Wise decisions when we designed the project - including creating detailed columns with drywall and moldings, selecting stylish light fixtures and substituting built-in cabinets with a one of a kind chest - led to us coming in right at our client's budget. Needless to say, our client was thrilled!
Carter AquaticsRemoving a tired old vinyl liner pool that was too large for this space and replacing it with this scaled down plunge pool was the best decision this homeowner could have made for this space. A sun ledge/bench combination and a large bench in the deep end provide plenty of seating space in this 12'x22' pool.
Trilogy PartnersTrilogy uses advanced 3-D design technology as part of the architectural and interior design process for all projects. This strategy enables the client to understand exactly what the finished product will look like. And the models are aways accessible to the client so that they can "live with their decisions" before construction even begins.
John Rath, Michael Rath
catlin stothers designThis country house was previously owned by Halle Berry and sits on a private lake north of Montreal. The kitchen was dated and a part of a large two storey extension which included a master bedroom and ensuite, two guest bedrooms, office, and gym. The goal for the kitchen was to create a dramatic and urban space in a rural setting.
Photo : Drew Hadley
Inspired by you InteriorsHave you ever been looking through magazines or social media and you come across all these beautiful homes and you want to create the same look but you just do not know how to achieve it? That is exactly what my client’s were feeling when they contacted me. They had a keen sense of style and were very handy but needed help to accomplish the overall look. I was able to push them into making bold decisions and create the look they had always envisioned but could not successfully complete on their own.
Peake Green DesignThe challenge of designing a luxurious bath within the confines of an existing townhouse is to provide the amenities of contemporary living in space dictated by decisions made decades ago. We completely reconfigured a clumsy bath and closet area to create a wonderful, comfortable space. The low counter between the vanities resulted from an HOA requirement to not alter the exterior window arrangement of the house.
The Cultural Landscape FoundationSaturday, August 8, 9:00 to 10:30am | Aspen | DBX3 by Sheri Sanzone and Christine Shine of Bluegreen
A modern residential community with a storied past, the Double Bar X Ranch is steeped in the rich history of Colorado’s mining and agrarian roots. Today the site of a contemporary, ranch-inspired community, this rustic landscape was once part of the largest silver-producing mining district in the U.S. It later supported an array of intensive, agricultural activities. From the gentle rise of tilled-rubble walls and the patterning of open meadow, to the remnants of sculpted earthworks, evidence of the site’s prior use abounds. Winding foot trails allow visitors to experience panoramic views of the timbered landscape and structural features reminiscent of the historic ranch, including the large, wooden water trough that serves as a central focal point of the property. The design of the current landscape celebrates this juxtaposition of past and present; it revels in its contemporary context while embracing a historically minded design intent and honoring its latent history through selected materials and textures. The result of this mindful effort is an expression of thoughtful transition from the bygone, ranch of yesterday to a modern-day interpretation of the agrarian homestead.
Photo by Jason Dewey Photography, courtesy Bluegreen
3northDo you move to the suburbs, make do, or add on? For a couple who wanted more kitchen and room to spread out and entertain, the decision was made to stay and grow. An addition was made behind their home that created an entirely new kitchen and family room, complete with vaulted ceilings and custom light fixtures. The addition itself is also not highly visible from the road, cutting down on the “hunchback” look of so many older city homes with massive additions. Windows give the space abundant natural light, with doors that inconspicuously blend indoor and outdoor living – an all in the home and neighborhood the couple loves best.
Trilogy PartnersTrilogy uses advanced 3-D design technology as part of the architectural and interior design process for all projects. This strategy enables the client to understand exactly what the finished product will look like. And the models are aways accessible to the client so that they can "live with their decisions" before construction even begins.
John Rath, Michael Rath
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