Example of a mid-century modern living room design in Seattle

The master bedroom sports an embroidered Nador bed with taupe fabrics. Accent pillows in various shades of gray are blended with fox pillows and a cashmere throw. Vibrant colors from an abstract art piece incites a modern and masculine dialogue.

The 7,600 square-foot residence was designed for large, memorable gatherings of family and friends at the lake, as well as creating private spaces for smaller family gatherings. Keeping in dialogue with the surrounding site, a palette of natural materials and finishes was selected to provide a classic backdrop for all activities, bringing importance to the adjoining environment. In optimizing the views of the lake and developing a strategy to maximize natural ventilation, an ideal, open-concept living scheme was implemented. The kitchen, dining room, living room and screened porch are connected, allowing for the large family gatherings to take place inside, should the weather not cooperate. Two main level master suites remain private from the rest of the program; yet provide a complete sense of incorporation. Bringing the natural finishes to the interior of the residence, provided the opportunity for unique focal points that complement the stunning stone fireplace and timber trusses. Photographer: John Hession

The home is able to achieve passive house standards and take full advantage of the views with the use of Glo’s A7 triple pane windows and doors. The PHIUS (Passive House Institute US) certified series boasts triple pane glazing, a larger thermal break, high-performance spacers, and multiple air-seals. The large picture windows frame the landscape while maintaining comfortable interior temperatures year-round. The strategically placed operable windows throughout the residence offer cross-ventilation and a visual connection to the sweeping views of Utah. The modern hardware and color selection of the windows are not only aesthetically exceptional, but remain true to the mid-century modern design.

The present project, with its clear and simple forms, looks for the interaction with the rural environment and the contact with the surrounding buildings. The simplicity and architectural dialogue between form and function are the theme for inside and outside. Kitchen and dining area are facing each other. The isle leads to a made-to-measure corner bench that stretches under the wide windows along the entire length of the house and connects to the kitchen across the corner. Above the tall units with their integrated appliances, the window continues as a narrow band. The white high gloss acrylic surface of the kitchen fronts forms a decorative contrast to the wood of the floor and bench. White lacquered recessed handles provide a tranquil, two-dimensional effect.

Living room - traditional living room idea in Venice

Sited on the existing footprint of a 1950 ranch house, this sustainably-designed suburban home offers vast yet modest living spaces that extend into its landscape creating a new modernist aesthetic. In this semi-rural atmosphere the sunlight is brought into the spaces through its hidden light wells, sliding glass panels, and large glass inlets. The ten foot high by twenty four foot sliding panel of glass provides a flowing connection between interior and exterior. Spaces within are edited with it’s carefully placed walls, colors, and light creating senses of openness allowing all the senses to engaged in this modern dialogue of contrasts. www.bernardandre.com

The Broome Street Loft is a beautiful example of a classic Soho loft conversion. The design highlights its historic architecture of the space while integrating modern elements. The 14-foot-high tin ceiling, metal Corinthian columns and iconic brick wall are contrasted with clean lines and modern profiles, creating a captivating dialogue between the old and the new. The plan was completely revised: the bedroom was shifted to the side area to combine the living room and kitchen spaces into a larger, open plan space. The bathroom and laundry also shifted to a more efficient layout, which both widened the main living space and created the opportunity to add a new Powder Room. The high ceilings allowed for the creation of a new storage space above the laundry and bathroom, with a sleek, modern stair to provide access. The kitchen seamlessly blends modern detailing with a vintage style. An existing recess in the brick wall serves as a focal point for the relocated Kitchen with the addition of custom bronze, steel and glass shelves. The kitchen island anchors the space, and the knife-edge stone countertop and custom metal legs make it feel more like a table than a built-in piece. The bathroom features the brick wall which runs through the apartment, creating a uniquely Soho experience. The cove lighting throughout creates a bright interior space, and the white and grey tones of the tile provide a neutral counterpoint to the red brick. The space has beautiful stone accents, such as the custom-built tub deck, shower, vanity, and niches. Photo: David Joseph Photography

Dialogue Design
Example of a trendy l-shaped brown floor kitchen design in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, black appliances, an island and white countertops

This 4,800 square-foot guesthouse is a three-story residence consisting of a main-level master suite, upper-level guest suite, and a large bunkroom. The exterior finishes were selected for their durability and low-maintenance characteristics, as well as to provide a unique, complementary element to the site. Locally quarried granite and a sleek slate roof have been united with cement fiberboard shingles, board-and-batten siding, and rustic brackets along the eaves. The public spaces are located on the north side of the site in order to communicate with the public spaces of a future main house. With interior details picking up on the picturesque cottage style of architecture, this space becomes ideal for both large and small gatherings. Through a similar material dialogue, an exceptional boathouse is formed along the water’s edge, extending the outdoor recreational space to encompass the lake. Photographer: Bob Manley

In the award winning Pennsylvania Room, vintage Chairs are in a Philadelphia style, reupholstered in a Thibaut crewel fabric. Because they have open legs instead of skirts, they help visually expand a modestly sized space. Art purchases include a print of George Washington at Valley Forge which was custom framed, and digitally reproduced maps of Colonial Pennsylvania, also framed for the space. Accessories include a Wedgwood Franklin bowl, and a plate with Philadelphia architectural landmarks. Birch logs add depth to the black marble fireplace, original to the house. A flat screen TV is on a hinged bracket, to allow guests to pull it out for better viewing. The colors of the room are inspired by the portrait of Col. Edward Butler, an officer of the Pennsylvania line. The new wall color adds warmth and contrast to the linen white trim color. Bob Narod, Photographer, LLC

Dialogue Design
Powder room - contemporary black and white tile and mosaic tile multicolored floor powder room idea in Toronto with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, white walls, a vessel sink and black countertops

This photo captures the welcoming entryway of the Renovation/Additions in Northern New Mexico project by Gayla Bechtol Architect: Handcrafted details: The carved wood front door and exposed log columns emphasize craftsmanship rooted in regional traditions. Stone foundation and steps: Locally sourced stone grounds the structure in its landscape, providing both durability and textural richness. Stucco walls with bright accents: The warm adobe-toned plaster contrasts beautifully with the bold blue window trim, adding a touch of vibrancy. Curved portal roofline: The sweeping porch roof softens the geometry and creates an inviting flow, blending protection with elegance. Integration with site: Natural flagstone paving and native plantings transition seamlessly from the home to the garden, reinforcing the home’s dialogue with nature. This entryway embodies the essence of Northern New Mexico architecture—rooted in place, handcrafted, and deeply connected to its environment. Project by Gayla Bechtol

A daring combination of forms and finishes yielded an exciting contemporary/industrial hybrid. In a converted wedge-shaped factory building, this loft’s quirky shape was celebrated, not disguised. Contrasting flooring demarcates what is, in fact, a literal work triangle. The island’s unusual five-sided shape proudly reiterates the room’s footprint; the three waterfall ends accentuate its one-of-a-kind geometry. Four different materials were chosen to establish a playful dialogue between light, dark, and texture: caramel-stained rift cut oak on open cabinets; matte charcoal gray paint on tall and wall cabinets; brushed bronze oil-rubbed wire mesh inserts for bases; and panels in a laminate resembling knotty weathered wood. White quartz countertops provide a unifying feature. Open cabinets are singular for their asymmetrical placement and, in some spots, open-ended configuration within the tall units. The breathtaking dining table was fashioned from two free-form live edge planks, joined by a ribbon of clear epoxy resin, thus creating the illusion of a stream meandering through fallen trees. Black elements contribute an industrial edge: an open-framed metal wall shelf over the sink; iron table legs; a mix of dining chairs in mid-century wire mesh, molded plastic, and retro aluminum; and machinery castors on the low-slung coffee table. This project was designed by Bilotta Designer Daniel Popescu in collaboration with MeldNYC. Photography is by Nico Arellano.

Inspiration for a transitional wainscoting and wallpaper powder room remodel in Boston with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, multicolored walls, an undermount sink and white countertops

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

This water feature is an example of how the design creates a dialogue between building and landscape. Robin Hill
Design ideas for a contemporary courtyard landscaping in Miami.

An open dining and living room anchored by a one-of-a-kind double-corner fireplace—sculptural in form and rich in texture. The surrounding Venetian plaster wall adds softness and depth, creating a seamless dialogue between fire, form, and light within this Organic Contemporary interior.

Photo: Caela McKeever © 2015 Houzz