Living, sleeping, and bathing areas that started as staid spaces were in need of opening to the natural environment with additions of large doors, folding glass walls and useable balconies were crucial to each space having a dialogue with the outdoors.

For years, early morning walks past this 1910 Craftsman in Houston's historic Avondale neighborhood left the new owners with lingering fantasies of making it their future home. When it became available, they acquired a home rich with history, but one nearly abolished. The home was once inhabited by Texas Governor (1931-1932) and founder of Humble Oil, Ross Sterling. But, renovations subdivided the home into multi-family rentals and destroyed original finishes. The developer driven modifications were abruptly halted by city red tags in 2018 after original windows were demolished and replaced with vinyl substitutes. With a nearly clean slate on the interior, the HRDD renovation aims to be respectful to the original context while providing coplimentary modern surprises atypical to the era. One such example is a new opening that punctures through the second floor, extending to a roof skylight. Situated at the transition between formal and informal rooms on the first floor and common space on the second floor, this subtraction is lined with a scalloped wood screen. The screen is one of multiple moments within the home where texture will combine with minimal white surfaces, providing a backdrop to the owners' collection of antique Indian furniture pieces. Additionally, a new detached replaced an existing dilapidated garage apartment and contains the owner's photography studio. Windows and a skylight are placed to capture coveted north light, ideal for photographing and editing. The main room remains an austere slate, with ceiling vaulting to a single aperture to create a dynamic moment that carries a dialogue to the opening in the main home.

Immersed in the challenge of refining a builder-grade master bathroom, my focus on minimalism and serenity became paramount. Every design decision was a brushstroke, aimed at elevating the space into a spa-like retreat that transcends the ordinary. With meticulous attention, neutral tones, clean lines, and purposeful design choices converged to redefine the essence of this intimate haven. The project unfolded as a dialogue between the serene waterfront surroundings and the nuances of minimalist aesthetics. The result is a harmonious union, where the bathroom embodies the ethos of a spa-like sanctuary. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design choices, turning a builder-grade space into a canvas of tranquility on the waterfront.

This exquisite kitchen is a symphony of contrasting elements that come together to create a space that's at once warm, contemporary, and inviting. Embracing a chic palette of rich walnut and pristine white gloss, the kitchen embodies modernity while paying homage to the traditional. Stepping into the room, the eye is immediately drawn to the sumptuous walnut cabinetry. These units are notable for their stunning depth of color and unique, intricate grain patterns that lend a sense of natural charm to the room. The robust walnut undertones are the embodiment of sophistication and warmth, imbuing the space with a comforting, homely aura. Complementing the wood's organic allure, the glossy white surfaces provide a sleek, modern counterpoint. The white gloss kitchen island and countertops are crafted with meticulous precision, their surfaces reflecting light to illuminate the room and enhance its spacious feel. The high gloss finish is incredibly smooth to the touch, adding a layer of tactile luxury to the overall aesthetic. Where the walnut provides the soul, the white gloss provides the contemporary spirit. The cabinets, outfitted in glossy white, are not only visually striking but also serve as a practical design solution, resisting stains and spills while reflecting light to make the space appear larger and brighter. The balance between the rich walnut and the crisp white gloss is expertly maintained throughout, creating a harmonious dialogue between the two. Brushed steel hardware provides a touch of industrial chic, while state-of-the-art appliances integrate seamlessly into the design. Accent features such as a walnut-topped island or a white gloss splashback continue this dynamic interplay, providing not just functionality, but a visual spectacle. The result is a kitchen space that is as breathtaking to behold as it is to function within. This walnut and white gloss kitchen effortlessly blends the traditional with the contemporary, the natural with the synthetic, the comforting with the clean. It is a testament to the power of design to create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and thoroughly practical, creating a kitchen that's not just a place for cooking, but a hub for home life.

Design culture is the key to our success. This is what pushes us to create new collections that give spaces a new dimension. We create a dialogue between the environment and form. This is what it’s about, creating atmospheres where we can take hold of life and live it, enjoy it.

Gessi presents the Perle Haute Culture collection, a perfect synthesis of elegance and Italian craftsmanship. This collection transforms the most intimate space in the home into an oasis of well-being, enriched by unique sculptural details. Each element is inspired by the purity of pearls, which dot the entire line, reflecting over two years of aesthetic and functional research. Gessi, always at the forefront of design and manufacturing, celebrates Italian artisanal heritage through the use of fine marbles, Murano glass, and refined metals. The spheres, symbolizing the collection, are accentuated by sculptural pedestals that create a harmonious dialogue between spherical and semi-spherical forms. Each piece is a work of art, the result of unique expertise, allowing for endless combinations of materials, colors, and finishes. The collection stands out for the tailor-made craftsmanship of the materials: from pearls of natural stones like precious Onyx, to hand-blown glass spheres by Murano’s master glassmakers, to metallic pearls offered in a range of polished, matte, and brushed finishes. This approach allows the living space to be interpreted according to the personality of those who inhabit it, creating a custom-made experience that unites well-being and beauty. In this way, Gessi continues to innovate, maintaining the tradition of Made in Italy while projecting it towards a future of excellence and personalization. The Perle collection represents the pinnacle of experimentation, with unprecedented solutions that elevate the essence of luxury and elegance in every detail.

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgment as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work, and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design. Landscape Architect Design Workshop, Aspen, CO Landscape Contractor/ Installer Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO Stone Installer JD Masonry, Arvada, CO Stone Suppliers Coldspring, Cold Spring, MN Gallegos Corporation, Vail, CO Through a collective dialogue between landscape, architecture and interior design, a new vision reimagines the disturbed site into a livable landscape, emblematic of our American West. The residence – an ensemble of structures designed in a modern ranch vernacular – is effortlessly unified through layered, interconnected outdoor gathering spaces and regional materials that elaborates upon the experience of moving between structures, heightening and renewing one’s sense of place. Upon entering the courtyard, one is immediately aware of seamless and unfolding relationships between architecture and landscape through a sophisticated, regional palette of natural stone, water, and plants. Set upon architectural focal points, two perpendicular sandstone paths descend into the space and converge upon a monolithic, hand-carved granite fountain. The design of the fountain is purposefully quiet, both in its detailing and operation. The feature includes a recessed interior, allowing water to become still before it reaches the surface, with lightly cleft sides, allowing the water to delicately bounce as it descends into the geometric lower granite basin. The landscape architect’s selection of various stone material extends the tones of the home’s granite walls and contextual surroundings into the garden, but also be detailed in a manner that balances rural and modern qualities. The majority of the paving is constructed of rectilinear gray sandstone with a natural finish and snapped edges, laid in a staggered running bond organization. Throughout the garden, thoughtful attention was also given to the configuration and layout of terraces, pathways, and steps. In doing so, this ensured that the edges of the terrace and its interface to other elements were designed so that no “leftover” stone paver pieces would be found. Within the central courtyard, split-faced stone stairs descend into a rectilinear plinth of lawn, punctuated by a carved granite fire pit. Leveraging the property’s existing topographic relief, a shallow infinity-edge dipping pool abstracts the transparent and cavity-like pools found throughout the Rocky Mountains. The design purposefully achieves the illusion of a larger water feature with the distant pond and offers a refreshing recreational element. Containing the infinity edge, a designed granite escarpment emerges from the meadow, juxtaposing the geometric water feature and providing informal seating ledges. The site’s prior use required the landscape architect to incorporate a highly technical and complex sub-surface structural system. The initial geotechnical report identified the building envelopes rested on 12 feet of man-placed fill. Assuming a 1 percent settlement, the team faced concerns that the terraces would settle up to 12 inches. In response, a grid of structural micro-piles provides the necessary foundation for the construction of terraces immediately outside of the architecture, under the water features and site walls. The solution enabled the crisp detailing and design resolution of the architectural structures to seamlessly connect with the horizontal stone terraces.

The living room furniture and color scheme further elaborate the apartments sophisticated aura. Modern sofas and side chars are swathed in William Morris fabrics in muted grays and pinks with contrasting welting. The modern side and coffee tables are complemented by a Hoffmann plant stand nestled in one corner. The color scheme consists of mauves and grays, giving the living room, foyer, and dining room a warm glow. A deep mauve accent paint is used to delineate the modern architectural insertions, enhancing he dialogue between old and new. The softly textured soft pink / mauve wall to wall carpeting highlights the subtly mixed textures used throughout.

orrowing from the image of the platform tent, two seasonal, guest cottages share a linear cedar deck and are grouped in dialogue marking a clearing in the forest. Conceived as a summer retreat for guests of a nearby residence, each cottage is houses distinct yet supporting functions. At the end of the main deck axis sits the larger of the two structures, accommodating a small kitchen, bath, living area and sleeping loft. The smaller structure contains a screened porch on the lower level and a children’s bunkhouse on the upper level. Sharply pitched gabled forms are devoid of ornament and local white cedar will weather over time to a silver gray without the need for paint or stain. The main level of each building is punctuated by large sliding doors which open and effectively link the interior spaces to the decks and forest immediately adjacent. The opening and closing of these small follies and their large apertures reference their seasonal use and protect the interiors during the winter months. A whitewashed interior celebrates the simple stick frame construction and is sheathed in locally milled spruce boarding boards whose imperfections enhance the informal nature of the gathering spaces. Industrial light fixtures, simple hardware and humble materials create a relaxed environment where sitting on the deck and gathering with friends take center stage.

Designing the space impels a décor that needs to appeal to varied tastes. This apartment in Surat, Gujarat redefines the concept of a designer home, using color accents in otherwise light interior décor. It’s a simple functional house with all minimal requirements and less maintenance house. As a part of interest our client was fond of paintings to be displayed so it played major role in designing aspect. As we enter the passage area the use of wooden slatted main door with Smoke grey PU finished walls, soft finishes and clean lines dominate these, with metallic gold text ‘MODI’S” representing with iconic design symbol carved in MDF with touch of green makes it more welcoming. Living space has an overpowering feature as the wooden cladded wall which highlights the space and marks the continuation into the dining area. The palette of the project is simple, defining the three main elements that make it up: Italian marble flooring changing as per the functionality of the space, Ash Wood defining the objects, and grey finish. The materials hold the space strongly with a particular color palette. On skinny metal legs, the furniture in this living room seems to be floating above the floor, bringing a sense of weightlessness to the space. This unique living space features Ash wood slatted panels on walls with a velvety finish rug matching the center table just right. The design of the furniture in wood and metal is tradition but is executed in a modern minimalist way. The Indian swing seating makes it as divider to the space between informal seating and dining area yet comprising the space equally. Bespoke furniture elements kept according to the client’s need.The furniture is a mix of contemporary with different design elements by our studio, which creates a classic and cozy atmosphere. The ash wood and the grey hue finish become the leaders of the colours and textures palette. The curved shaped edge ceiling designed according to functionality & also plays aesthetic role.The importance of them, almost visible from every spot. The deep sea velvety sofa makes an argument to this palette by focusing attention to it. A nonchalant elegance best describes the soul of the house. In order to make a dialogue between the contemporary with different textures, patterns and uniform colors have been used throughout the house. The parallel shaped kitchen with a high spec modern technologies and artificial stone counter top with fresh furniture in white and grey and sleek open breakfast counter is designed to be a light space that beautifully blends in. This volume integrates the access to the private area –bedroom, wash area and bathroom-, segregating this way the day area living and dining area. The Master Bedroom layout remodeled in accordance with contemporary trends and the client’s needs. The paintings which is inspired from the well-known artist and as strong believer in vaastu by the clients it has been displayed in right position which reflects good vibes. The seamless panel running through bed back having grooves on them which forms symmetrical pattern on wood. Using the same material by forming the side tables in circular pattern with round shaped metal supports. The Son’s bedroom is integrated with closet, TV unit and dressing table. The entire ceiling is connected with wood stripes panels running on the walls which starts from main door of the room and ends on the full height closet and subdivided by lime plaster in grey with grooves on it. The graphics now a days plays major role in every design aspect, so we tried customized different athlete position in game play captured in frames and be part of the focal point in room. Each details speaks the entire space is crafted with a confluence of contemporary art presented in a modern palette. You’ll find them throughout the home, right from the color, furniture selection, to the wall paneling style teamed up with modern artworks and artefacts. Each bedroom has a character of its own based on the user. This room was designed with a picturesque composition was made to create a backdrop to compliment the minimalistic furniture in entire space. The backdrop of the bed panel is veneer cladded in frame box placed in the form of Tetris. The geometric patchwork mosaic tiles placed in between the cladding so that it’s easy to maintain. Sleek handle details with full height closet and fine thin leg supports makes it more classic and modern. Thus, the apartment gained a contemporary atmosphere and it is ready to receive a new lifestyle, of a new generation and new values.

Unabashedly simple and uncluttered, the minimalist interior invites the dramatic alpine views into the home’s visual dialogue. Integrated design features—built-in cabinets and seating as well as a floor-to-ceiling headboard inset into the master bedroom wall—create a seamless merger of architecture and interior design. Designed by Ward+Blake Architects in Jackson, Wyoming. Photo Credit: Douglas Kahn

A new, ground-up attached house facing Cooper Park in Williamsburg Brooklyn. The site is in a row of small 1950s two-story, split-level brick townhouses, some of which have been modified and enlarged over the years and one of which was replaced by this building. The exterior is intentionally subdued, reminiscent of the brick warehouse architecture that occupies much of the neighborhood. In contrast, the interior is bright, dynamic and highly-innovative. In a nod to the original house, nC2 opted to explore the idea of a new, urban version of the split-level home. The house is organized around a stair oriented laterally at its center, which becomes a focal point for the free-flowing spaces that surround it. All of the main spaces of the house - entry hall, kitchen/dining area, living room, mezzanine and a tv room on the top floor - are open to each other and to the main stair. The split-level configuration serves to differentiate these spaces while maintaining the open quality of the house. A four-story high mural by the artist Jerry Inscoe occupies one entire side of the building and creates a dialog with the architecture. Like the building itself, it can only be truly appreciated by moving through the spaces.

Living, sleeping, and bathing areas that started as staid spaces were in need of opening to the natural environment with additions of large doors, folding glass walls and useable balconies were crucial to each space having a dialogue with the outdoors.

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

For years, early morning walks past this 1910 Craftsman in Houston's historic Avondale neighborhood left the new owners with lingering fantasies of making it their future home. When it became available, they acquired a home rich with history, but one nearly abolished. The home was once inhabited by Texas Governor (1931-1932) and founder of Humble Oil, Ross Sterling. But, renovations subdivided the home into multi-family rentals and destroyed original finishes. The developer driven modifications were abruptly halted by city red tags in 2018 after original windows were demolished and replaced with vinyl substitutes. With a nearly clean slate on the interior, the HRDD renovation aims to be respectful to the original context while providing coplimentary modern surprises atypical to the era. One such example is a new opening that punctures through the second floor, extending to a roof skylight. Situated at the transition between formal and informal rooms on the first floor and common space on the second floor, this subtraction is lined with a scalloped wood screen. The screen is one of multiple moments within the home where texture will combine with minimal white surfaces, providing a backdrop to the owners' collection of antique Indian furniture pieces. Additionally, a new detached replaced an existing dilapidated garage apartment and contains the owner's photography studio. Windows and a skylight are placed to capture coveted north light, ideal for photographing and editing. The main room remains an austere slate, with ceiling vaulting to a single aperture to create a dynamic moment that carries a dialogue to the opening in the main home.

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

Unabashedly simple and uncluttered, the minimalist interior invites the dramatic alpine views into the home’s visual dialogue. Integrated design features—built-in cabinets and seating as well as a floor-to-ceiling headboard inset into the master bedroom wall—create a seamless merger of architecture and interior design. Designed by Ward+Blake Architects in Jackson, Wyoming. Photo Credit: Douglas Kahn

Set within a wooded landscape, the Millwick Pool House and Guest House expand upon the original courtyard residence with a series of carefully scaled accessory structures. A new pool and pavilion extend daily life outdoors, strengthening the dialogue between architecture and trees. Nearby, the guest house introduces a pop-up dormer and clerestory windows that bring generous light into a compact footprint, creating a lofted retreat that feels both intimate and expansive. Together, the additions deepen the home’s connection to its forested setting while reinforcing the clarity and sculptural character of the original design.

A new, ground-up attached house facing Cooper Park in Williamsburg Brooklyn. The site is in a row of small 1950s two-story, split-level brick townhouses, some of which have been modified and enlarged over the years and one of which was replaced by this building. The exterior is intentionally subdued, reminiscent of the brick warehouse architecture that occupies much of the neighborhood. In contrast, the interior is bright, dynamic and highly-innovative. In a nod to the original house, nC2 opted to explore the idea of a new, urban version of the split-level home. The house is organized around a stair oriented laterally at its center, which becomes a focal point for the free-flowing spaces that surround it. All of the main spaces of the house - entry hall, kitchen/dining area, living room, mezzanine and a tv room on the top floor - are open to each other and to the main stair. The split-level configuration serves to differentiate these spaces while maintaining the open quality of the house. A four-story high mural by the artist Jerry Inscoe occupies one entire side of the building and creates a dialog with the architecture. Like the building itself, it can only be truly appreciated by moving through the spaces.