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.

The red blown glass bamboo in the large ceramic container forms a dialogue with the 'Rufa' clumping bamboo in the black planter. The entire vignette comes alive at night when lit.

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

Welcome to a striking modern kitchen, a delightful interplay between the rich, natural beauty of slab walnut doors and the contemporary allure of cashmere gloss slab doors. This thoughtfully designed space embodies both warmth and luxury, creating an ambience that is stylish yet welcoming. Immediately upon entering, one is drawn to the stunning walnut slab doors. Their beautifully organic grain patterns and deep, warm hues introduce a touch of nature into the space, providing an inherent homeliness. The broad, flat surfaces of the slabs accentuate the walnut's unique texture and coloration, creating an appealing contrast to the sleek, modern lines of the kitchen's overall design. Paired with the walnut's earthy tones, the cashmere gloss slab doors present a contemporary elegance. Their soft, neutral shade exudes a sense of serene luxury, akin to the fine texture of cashmere. The high-gloss finish reflects light beautifully, infusing the room with a bright, spacious feel. The slab design keeps the aesthetic clean and modern, subtly mirroring the simple geometry seen throughout the kitchen. The interplay between the textured walnut and smooth cashmere gloss creates a captivating visual dialogue. The natural warmth and richness of the walnut balance the chic, contemporary vibe of the cashmere gloss, achieving a harmonious blend of styles. The result is a kitchen that feels both cozy and sophisticated, traditional yet cutting-edge. In this stylish space, integrated state-of-the-art appliances blend seamlessly into the design, their modern lines enhancing the room's minimalist aesthetic. Clever storage solutions within the slab doors ensure the kitchen remains uncluttered, reinforcing its sleek, streamlined look. This kitchen, with its fusion of slab walnut and cashmere gloss doors, offers an engaging mix of warmth and modernity. Every element of its design, from the choice of materials to the color palette, creates a welcoming atmosphere that doesn't compromise on style or functionality. It's a room that invites you to relax, cook, dine, and celebrate the beauty of contemporary kitchen design.

Example of a trendy exterior home design in Los Angeles