Defining Elements
Example of a mid-sized arts and crafts wooden straight dark wood floor and open staircase design in Orange County with multicolored walls

Example of a mid-sized trendy wet bar design in New York with an undermount sink, marble countertops, blue backsplash, subway tile backsplash and white countertops

Craig Saucier
Example of a classic living room design in New Orleans

appliance garage, decorative wood hood, elegant kitchen, large island, microwave in island,
Kitchen - traditional l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen idea in Philadelphia with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and an island

Photo of a large traditional full sun front yard concrete paver driveway in Houston for summer.

Transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room photo in Orange County with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

©Finished Basement Company
Huge trendy look-out dark wood floor and brown floor basement photo in Denver with gray walls, a ribbon fireplace and a tile fireplace

Our clients wanted to replace an existing suburban home with a modern house at the same Lexington address where they had lived for years. The structure the clients envisioned would complement their lives and integrate the interior of the home with the natural environment of their generous property. The sleek, angular home is still a respectful neighbor, especially in the evening, when warm light emanates from the expansive transparencies used to open the house to its surroundings. The home re-envisions the suburban neighborhood in which it stands, balancing relationship to the neighborhood with an updated aesthetic. The floor plan is arranged in a “T” shape which includes a two-story wing consisting of individual studies and bedrooms and a single-story common area. The two-story section is arranged with great fluidity between interior and exterior spaces and features generous exterior balconies. A staircase beautifully encased in glass stands as the linchpin between the two areas. The spacious, single-story common area extends from the stairwell and includes a living room and kitchen. A recessed wooden ceiling defines the living room area within the open plan space. Separating common from private spaces has served our clients well. As luck would have it, construction on the house was just finishing up as we entered the Covid lockdown of 2020. Since the studies in the two-story wing were physically and acoustically separate, zoom calls for work could carry on uninterrupted while life happened in the kitchen and living room spaces. The expansive panes of glass, outdoor balconies, and a broad deck along the living room provided our clients with a structured sense of continuity in their lives without compromising their commitment to aesthetically smart and beautiful design.

Family room - transitional family room idea in Minneapolis

Example of a mid-sized farmhouse open concept painted wood floor and white floor living room design in Minneapolis with white walls and a wood fireplace surround

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2016 Houzz
Living room - eclectic living room idea in New York

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional open concept dark wood floor living room remodel in Birmingham with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

This wonderfully stunning backyard is a sight for sore eyes, as it seems to beckon “Welcome, please come on in.” At the rear of this outdoor living space is a step-up hot tub that easily holds a entire family of eight. The upper level deck is actually two decks in one. The upper tier – decked out with hardwood floor, columns and black metal rail posts, serves as an outdoor dining room, outdoor living room and outdoor kitchen. The lower tier is a rain deck, completely protected from weather elements above. A slate patio sets the stage for this all natural rock and boulder firepit.

A Luxurious Elevated Living Space Illuminated by Sunshine and Impeccably Furnished. Details Include Custom Made Wall Paneling with Integrated Shelves and Cowhide Upholstered Barcelona Chairs.

The existing U-shaped kitchen was tucked away in a small corner while the dining table was swimming in a room much too large for its size. The client’s needs and the architecture of the home made it apparent that the perfect design solution for the home was to swap the spaces. The homeowners entertain frequently and wanted the new layout to accommodate a lot of counter seating, a bar/buffet for serving hors d’oeuvres, an island with prep sink, and all new appliances. They had a strong preference that the hood be a focal point and wanted to go beyond a typical white color scheme even though they wanted white cabinets. While moving the kitchen to the dining space gave us a generous amount of real estate to work with, two of the exterior walls are occupied with full-height glass creating a challenge how best to fulfill their wish list. We used one available wall for the needed tall appliances, taking advantage of its height to create the hood as a focal point. We opted for both a peninsula and island instead of one large island in order to maximize the seating requirements and create a barrier when entertaining so guests do not flow directly into the work area of the kitchen. This also made it possible to add a second sink as requested. Lastly, the peninsula sets up a well-defined path to the new dining room without feeling like you are walking through the kitchen. We used the remaining fourth wall for the bar/buffet. Black cabinetry adds strong contrast in several areas of the new kitchen. Wire mesh wall cabinet doors at the bar and gold accents on the hardware, light fixtures, faucets and furniture add further drama to the concept. The focal point is definitely the black hood, looking both dramatic and cohesive at the same time.

Denise Retallack Photographer © 2013 Architect - Sanders Pace Architecture - Knoxville, Tennessee
Bedroom - contemporary bedroom idea in Nashville with white walls

Modern design meets Hollywood glam. Inspired by art deco design, the Hollis Stool is an undeniable statement piece. With a half-moon back, stylish curves, and sleek metal legs, Hollis is sure to dress up your dining space or counter. Start customizing your own with free swatches.

6909 East Oak Lane Orange CA by the Canaday Group. For a private tour, call Lee Ann Canaday 949-249-2424
Example of a huge tuscan white floor foyer design in Orange County with beige walls

Whit Preston, Photographer
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets and gray countertops