Search results for "Dictate" in Home Design Ideas

Using a "lifetime of collected pieces" from a sprawling ranch style home and introducing them into an urban mid-rise is an exciting challenge.
Designed for a couple down sizing from the sale of their home, the unit is quite small with a total of 1,807 square feet laid out in an open gallery floor plan with bedrooms at each end. The design was planned to accommodate the couple's extensive art collection, primitive antiques and textiles to maintain an atmosphere which replicated their former home. One of the challenges of this project was a requirement of the owners to incorporate the large scale antique pieces into this small space.
The window walls provide a dramatic view of the city and also dictate that the location for the taller antiques would be on the two remaining walls. The primary living space was divided into three separate areas: a dining area, a media area, and an area for reading and enjoying the fireplace on a winter day or evening. Hardwood flooring throughout creates continuity and an easy transition into the bedrooms adjacent to the primary space. To unify the suite and create the illusion of spaciousness, the walls throughout were painted the same rich yet neutral toast color, and all of the beautiful ceiling and floor molding are finished in a soft white. The finished space is all the owners desired in a residence that reflects their varied tastes, incorporates their interests and provides a comfortable home for entertaining family and friends.

This centrally located intersection to a main thoroughfare a block away was a concern because of the corner lot visibility issue for cars making a turn driving in either direction. The Quince tree bloomed annually for just a short time and was originally planted by the prior home owners decades ago. Keeping it maintained to a height of 4’ maximum, dictated for safety reasons, was still obstructing and limiting the visibility of oncoming traffic at this busy intersection.
The existing roses planted in the same space as the Quince were a perfect backdrop to the new perennials and annuals planted to paint this corner with flowers. The project also included expanding the beautification to both corner areas in coordination with several other planting areas already seasonally updated on the property. With the Redwood Tree as a focal point and Roses, Daphnes, Iris, Azaleas, Fuchsias, Hydrangeas and Camilias highlighting the planting beds the addition of color, including around the driveway and side entrance, transformed the entire space.
Painting With Flowers Is Adding Beauty to Benefit Homeowners & Neighbors!
Kim Beber

Transform your bathroom into a sanctuary of luxury with a bespoke marble vanity top from ONS Marble. Each piece is a unique masterpiece, sculpted from the finest natural stone sourced from our own quarries and carefully selected materials from around the world. This is not merely a surface; it is the definitive statement piece that dictates the aesthetic of the entire space.
Our master artisans transform raw marble blocks and slabs into perfectly tailored surfaces that meet your exact project specifications. Choose from our exclusive collection of world-renowned marbles—from the dramatic veining of Calacatta Viola to the classic purity of Carrara White and the deep elegance of Nero Marquina. Whether your design calls for a sleek, contemporary profile with a non-reflective, honed finish or a classic, opulent look with a shiny, polished surface that enhances the stone's natural color, we bring your vision to life. We provide comprehensive support throughout the process, including 3D technical assistance to ensure flawless integration.
Find the right local pro for your project

Mevrou, erected in 1922, was a Landmark Structure which over time had seen many additions and renovations. The design process began by peeling away the layers and uncovering the original footprint. The small front staircase located to the north and right off the main entry became an interesting challenge to work through as its location, while original to the structure, was not ideal. The original 1922 structure dictated the scale of the addition, telling the story from the outside and guiding the interior flow. Beginning from the west living room wall, the new design created the dining, kitchen, and family room areas that more naturally lead into the rest of the home. The composition resulted in Mevrou being composed of two volumes: a strong, single form of concrete plastered walls remaining from the original more formal structure, contrasted by the exposed brick form of the new addition. The contrast of original and new structure continues to tell Mevrou’s long story on the interiors as well, displaying beautiful exposed brick and plank boards. The new fireplace mantel was designed based on the original doors Mevrou once sported in 1922 paying homage to the details lost during its lifetime of renovations.

Transform your bathroom into a sanctuary of luxury with a bespoke marble vanity top from ONS Marble. Each piece is a unique masterpiece, sculpted from the finest natural stone sourced from our own quarries and carefully selected materials from around the world. This is not merely a surface; it is the definitive statement piece that dictates the aesthetic of the entire space.
Our master artisans transform raw marble blocks and slabs into perfectly tailored surfaces that meet your exact project specifications. Choose from our exclusive collection of world-renowned marbles—from the dramatic veining of Calacatta Viola to the classic purity of Carrara White and the deep elegance of Nero Marquina. Whether your design calls for a sleek, contemporary profile with a non-reflective, honed finish or a classic, opulent look with a shiny, polished surface that enhances the stone's natural color, we bring your vision to life. We provide comprehensive support throughout the process, including 3D technical assistance to ensure flawless integration.

The name says it all. This lot was so close to Camelback mountain in Paradise Valley, AZ, that the views would, in essence, be from the front yard. So to capture the views from the interior of the home, we did a "twist" and designed a home where entry was from the back of the lot. The owners had a great interest in European architecture which dictated the old-world style. While the style of the home may speak of centuries past, this home reflects modern Arizona living with spectacular outdoor living spaces and breathtaking views from the pool.
Architect: C.P. Drewett, AIA, NCARB, Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ
Builder: Sonora West Development, Scottsdale, AZ

Transform your bathroom into a sanctuary of luxury with a bespoke marble vanity top from ONS Marble. Each piece is a unique masterpiece, sculpted from the finest natural stone sourced from our own quarries and carefully selected materials from around the world. This is not merely a surface; it is the definitive statement piece that dictates the aesthetic of the entire space.
Our master artisans transform raw marble blocks and slabs into perfectly tailored surfaces that meet your exact project specifications. Choose from our exclusive collection of world-renowned marbles—from the dramatic veining of Calacatta Viola to the classic purity of Carrara White and the deep elegance of Nero Marquina. Whether your design calls for a sleek, contemporary profile with a non-reflective, honed finish or a classic, opulent look with a shiny, polished surface that enhances the stone's natural color, we bring your vision to life. We provide comprehensive support throughout the process, including 3D technical assistance to ensure flawless integration.

This centrally located intersection to a main thoroughfare a block away was a concern because of the corner lot visibility issue for cars making a turn driving in either direction. The Quince tree bloomed annually for just a short time and was originally planted by the prior home owners decades ago. Keeping it maintained to a height of 4’ maximum, dictated for safety reasons, was still obstructing and limiting the visibility of oncoming traffic at this busy intersection.
The existing roses planted in the same space as the Quince were a perfect backdrop to the new perennials and annuals planted to paint this corner with flowers. The project also included expanding the beautification to both corner areas in coordination with several other planting areas already seasonally updated on the property. With the Redwood Tree as a focal point and Roses, Daphnes, Iris, Azaleas, Fuchsias, Hydrangeas and Camilias highlighting the planting beds the addition of color, including around the driveway and side entrance, transformed the entire space.
Painting With Flowers Is Adding Beauty to Benefit Homeowners & Neighbors!
Kim Beber

Eric Roth
Dining room - mid-sized contemporary loft-style medium tone wood floor dining room idea in Boston with white walls and no fireplace
Dining room - mid-sized contemporary loft-style medium tone wood floor dining room idea in Boston with white walls and no fireplace

Mark Rosenhaus, CKD. The cabinet sizes are based on Fibonacci Numbers to create a composition similar to a three dimensional Mondrian. The inspiration comes from the space itself. Various beams, heat pipe and gas meter dictate the sizes of the cabinets.
Pleasing squares, Golden Rectangles, negative space and horizontal lift up doors whirl around the 10’ high space in a spiral pattern similar to the Nautilus seashell.
The ribbed sliding glass doors allow access to the cabinet without open doors in your face and also give direction.
The husband liked modern and the wife wanted Shaker, but rescinded in order to have the curve and circle she also loved. The shapes are a metaphor for steam and bubbles rising over the stove.

Riad Zasha: Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach
Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida
Architect: Khoury & Vogt Architects
Builder: Alys Beach Construction
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“Riad Zasha resides in Alys Beach, a New Urbanist community along Scenic Highway 30-A in the Florida Panhandle,” says the design team at Khoury & Vogt Architects (KVA), the town architects of Alys Beach. “So named by the homeowner, who came with an explicit preference for something more exotic and Middle Eastern, the house evokes Moroccan and Egyptian influences spatially and decoratively while maintaining continuity with its surrounding architecture, all of which is tightly coded.” E. F. San Juan furnished Weather Shield impact-rated windows and doors, a mahogany impact-rated front door, and all of the custom exterior millwork, including shutters, screens, trim, handrails, and gates. The distinctive tower boasts indoor-outdoor “Florida room” living spaces caged in beautiful wooden mashrabiya grilles created by our team. The execution of this incredible home by the professionals at Alys Beach Construction and KVA resulted in a landmark residence for the town.
Challenges:
“Part of [the Alys Beach] coding, along with the master plan itself, dictated that a tower mark the corner of the lot,” says KVA. “Aligning this with the adjoining park to the south reinforces the axiality of each and locks the house into a greater urban whole.” The sheer amount of custom millwork created for this house made it a challenge, but a welcome one. The unique exterior called for wooden details everywhere, from the shutters to the handrails, mouldings and trim, roof decking, courtyard gates, ceiling panels for the Florida rooms, loggia screen panels, and more—but the tower was the standout element. The homeowners’ desire for Middle Eastern influences was met through the wooden mashrabiya (or moucharaby) oriel-style wooden latticework enclosing the third-story tower living space. Creating this focal point was some of our team’s most unique work to date, requiring the ultimate attention to detail, precision, and planning.
The location close to the Gulf of Mexico also dictated that we partner with our friends at Weather Shield on the impact-rated exterior windows and doors, and their Lifeguard line was perfect for the job. The mahogany impact-rated front door also combines safety and security with beauty and style.
Solution:
Working closely with KVA and Alys Beach Construction on the timeline and planning for our custom wood products, windows, and doors was monumental to the success of this build. The amount of millwork produced meant our team had to carefully manage their time while ensuring we provided the highest quality of detail and work. The location south of Scenic Highway 30-A, steps from the beach, also meant deciding with KVA and Alys Beach Construction what materials should be used for the best possible production quality and looks while adhering to coding and standing the test of time in the harsh Gulfside elements such as high winds, humidity, and salt.
The tower elements alone required the utmost care for building and installation. It was truly a test of skill for our team and Alys Beach Construction to create the corbels and other support pieces that would hold up the wooden oriel windows and latticework screens. We couldn’t be happier with the result and are genuinely honored to have been part of the talented team on such a cornerstone residence in the Alys Beach townscape.
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Photography courtesy of Alys Beach

The original kitchen was an open galley with a wall of cabinets and a small island. It was also open above, under a balcony and bridge that lead to the roof deck. We enclosed the opening in the ceiling above the kitchen to create a home gym on the upper level. The back wall of the new kitchen is a few feet forward of the original wall. The reason for this is that there was an existing beam that dictated an 8-foot ceiling on that end. However, new kitchen ceiling is 9-feet high, which is the maximum height at the front of this floor. This also allowed us to build a pantry behind the new kitchen wall – which works fine with the lower ceiling.
To camouflage a duct, we built a tray ceiling around it and fitted it with LED lighting. The cabinets at the top maximize storage and have frosted glass and interior LEDs to keep a light feeling.
The kitchen has several layers of lights. Besides the tray ceiling and lighted cabinet interiors, we installed recessed lights and under cabinet lighting, allowing the clients to create a variety of moods.
HDBros

The original kitchen was an open galley with a wall of cabinets and a small island. It was also open above, under a balcony and bridge that lead to the roof deck. We enclosed the opening in the ceiling above the kitchen to create a home gym on the upper level. The back wall of the new kitchen is a few feet forward of the original wall. The reason for this is that there was an existing beam that dictated an 8-foot ceiling on that end. However, new kitchen ceiling is 9-feet high, which is the maximum height at the front of this floor. This also allowed us to build a pantry behind the new kitchen wall – which works fine with the lower ceiling.
To camouflage a duct, we built a tray ceiling around it and fitted it with LED lighting. The cabinets at the top maximize storage and have frosted glass and interior LEDs to keep a light feeling.
The kitchen has several layers of lights. Besides the tray ceiling and lighted cabinet interiors, we installed recessed lights and under cabinet lighting, allowing the clients to create a variety of moods.
HDBros

Riad Zasha: Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach
Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida
Architect: Khoury & Vogt Architects
Builder: Alys Beach Construction
---
“Riad Zasha resides in Alys Beach, a New Urbanist community along Scenic Highway 30-A in the Florida Panhandle,” says the design team at Khoury & Vogt Architects (KVA), the town architects of Alys Beach. “So named by the homeowner, who came with an explicit preference for something more exotic and Middle Eastern, the house evokes Moroccan and Egyptian influences spatially and decoratively while maintaining continuity with its surrounding architecture, all of which is tightly coded.” E. F. San Juan furnished Weather Shield impact-rated windows and doors, a mahogany impact-rated front door, and all of the custom exterior millwork, including shutters, screens, trim, handrails, and gates. The distinctive tower boasts indoor-outdoor “Florida room” living spaces caged in beautiful wooden mashrabiya grilles created by our team. The execution of this incredible home by the professionals at Alys Beach Construction and KVA resulted in a landmark residence for the town.
Challenges:
“Part of [the Alys Beach] coding, along with the master plan itself, dictated that a tower mark the corner of the lot,” says KVA. “Aligning this with the adjoining park to the south reinforces the axiality of each and locks the house into a greater urban whole.” The sheer amount of custom millwork created for this house made it a challenge, but a welcome one. The unique exterior called for wooden details everywhere, from the shutters to the handrails, mouldings and trim, roof decking, courtyard gates, ceiling panels for the Florida rooms, loggia screen panels, and more—but the tower was the standout element. The homeowners’ desire for Middle Eastern influences was met through the wooden mashrabiya (or moucharaby) oriel-style wooden latticework enclosing the third-story tower living space. Creating this focal point was some of our team’s most unique work to date, requiring the ultimate attention to detail, precision, and planning.
The location close to the Gulf of Mexico also dictated that we partner with our friends at Weather Shield on the impact-rated exterior windows and doors, and their Lifeguard line was perfect for the job. The mahogany impact-rated front door also combines safety and security with beauty and style.
Solution:
Working closely with KVA and Alys Beach Construction on the timeline and planning for our custom wood products, windows, and doors was monumental to the success of this build. The amount of millwork produced meant our team had to carefully manage their time while ensuring we provided the highest quality of detail and work. The location south of Scenic Highway 30-A, steps from the beach, also meant deciding with KVA and Alys Beach Construction what materials should be used for the best possible production quality and looks while adhering to coding and standing the test of time in the harsh Gulfside elements such as high winds, humidity, and salt.
The tower elements alone required the utmost care for building and installation. It was truly a test of skill for our team and Alys Beach Construction to create the corbels and other support pieces that would hold up the wooden oriel windows and latticework screens. We couldn’t be happier with the result and are genuinely honored to have been part of the talented team on such a cornerstone residence in the Alys Beach townscape.
---
Photography courtesy of Alys Beach

The original kitchen was an open galley with a wall of cabinets and a small island. It was also open above, under a balcony and bridge that lead to the roof deck. We enclosed the opening in the ceiling above the kitchen to create a home gym on the upper level. The back wall of the new kitchen is a few feet forward of the original wall. The reason for this is that there was an existing beam that dictated an 8-foot ceiling on that end. However, new kitchen ceiling is 9-feet high, which is the maximum height at the front of this floor. This also allowed us to build a pantry behind the new kitchen wall – which works fine with the lower ceiling.
To camouflage a duct, we built a tray ceiling around it and fitted it with LED lighting. The cabinets at the top maximize storage and have frosted glass and interior LEDs to keep a light feeling.
The kitchen has several layers of lights. Besides the tray ceiling and lighted cabinet interiors, we installed recessed lights and under cabinet lighting, allowing the clients to create a variety of moods.
HDBros

The island, by Crystal Keyline, is finished in Antique Ivory w/Brown Highlights and glass doors. It is the focal point of the kitchen, contrasting nicely with the Toasted Rye w/Brown Highlights cabinetry. The range-hood and cooktop area, also finished in Antique Ivory w/Brown Highlights, add an extra punch of interest. The Bayfield door style unifies the design.
This custom kitchen required the complete customization of the space to the specific needs of the client, due to the on-set of a neuromuscular disorder.
The space also had to function well for his wife who does most the cooking on a daily basis. The layout was designed for the couple to be able to work together in the kitchen, or independently.
Although largely dictated by her husband's need for accessibility, the universal design of this kitchen is also extremely friendly for a the wife's smaller stature.
The couple feels at home in this kitchen yet, it’s not obvious that someone with physical limitations utilizes this space.
Typhoon Bordeaux granite countertops are layered in staggered heights for added visual interest.

The original kitchen was an open galley with a wall of cabinets and a small island. It was also open above, under a balcony and bridge that lead to the roof deck. We enclosed the opening in the ceiling above the kitchen to create a home gym on the upper level. The back wall of the new kitchen is a few feet forward of the original wall. The reason for this is that there was an existing beam that dictated an 8-foot ceiling on that end. However, new kitchen ceiling is 9-feet high, which is the maximum height at the front of this floor. This also allowed us to build a pantry behind the new kitchen wall – which works fine with the lower ceiling.
To camouflage a duct, we built a tray ceiling around it and fitted it with LED lighting. The cabinets at the top maximize storage and have frosted glass and interior LEDs to keep a light feeling.
The kitchen has several layers of lights. Besides the tray ceiling and lighted cabinet interiors, we installed recessed lights and under cabinet lighting, allowing the clients to create a variety of moods.
HDBros

Riad Zasha: Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach
Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida
Architect: Khoury & Vogt Architects
Builder: Alys Beach Construction
---
“Riad Zasha resides in Alys Beach, a New Urbanist community along Scenic Highway 30-A in the Florida Panhandle,” says the design team at Khoury & Vogt Architects (KVA), the town architects of Alys Beach. “So named by the homeowner, who came with an explicit preference for something more exotic and Middle Eastern, the house evokes Moroccan and Egyptian influences spatially and decoratively while maintaining continuity with its surrounding architecture, all of which is tightly coded.” E. F. San Juan furnished Weather Shield impact-rated windows and doors, a mahogany impact-rated front door, and all of the custom exterior millwork, including shutters, screens, trim, handrails, and gates. The distinctive tower boasts indoor-outdoor “Florida room” living spaces caged in beautiful wooden mashrabiya grilles created by our team. The execution of this incredible home by the professionals at Alys Beach Construction and KVA resulted in a landmark residence for the town.
Challenges:
“Part of [the Alys Beach] coding, along with the master plan itself, dictated that a tower mark the corner of the lot,” says KVA. “Aligning this with the adjoining park to the south reinforces the axiality of each and locks the house into a greater urban whole.” The sheer amount of custom millwork created for this house made it a challenge, but a welcome one. The unique exterior called for wooden details everywhere, from the shutters to the handrails, mouldings and trim, roof decking, courtyard gates, ceiling panels for the Florida rooms, loggia screen panels, and more—but the tower was the standout element. The homeowners’ desire for Middle Eastern influences was met through the wooden mashrabiya (or moucharaby) oriel-style wooden latticework enclosing the third-story tower living space. Creating this focal point was some of our team’s most unique work to date, requiring the ultimate attention to detail, precision, and planning.
The location close to the Gulf of Mexico also dictated that we partner with our friends at Weather Shield on the impact-rated exterior windows and doors, and their Lifeguard line was perfect for the job. The mahogany impact-rated front door also combines safety and security with beauty and style.
Solution:
Working closely with KVA and Alys Beach Construction on the timeline and planning for our custom wood products, windows, and doors was monumental to the success of this build. The amount of millwork produced meant our team had to carefully manage their time while ensuring we provided the highest quality of detail and work. The location south of Scenic Highway 30-A, steps from the beach, also meant deciding with KVA and Alys Beach Construction what materials should be used for the best possible production quality and looks while adhering to coding and standing the test of time in the harsh Gulfside elements such as high winds, humidity, and salt.
The tower elements alone required the utmost care for building and installation. It was truly a test of skill for our team and Alys Beach Construction to create the corbels and other support pieces that would hold up the wooden oriel windows and latticework screens. We couldn’t be happier with the result and are genuinely honored to have been part of the talented team on such a cornerstone residence in the Alys Beach townscape.
---
Photography courtesy of Alys Beach

Using a "lifetime of collected pieces" from a sprawling ranch style home and introducing them into an urban mid-rise is an exciting challenge.
Designed for a couple down sizing from the sale of their home, the unit is quite small with a total of 1,807 square feet laid out in an open gallery floor plan with bedrooms at each end. The design was planned to accommodate the couple's extensive art collection, primitive antiques and textiles to maintain an atmosphere which replicated their former home. One of the challenges of this project was a requirement of the owners to incorporate the large scale antique pieces into this small space.
The window walls provide a dramatic view of the city and also dictate that the location for the taller antiques would be on the two remaining walls. The primary living space was divided into three separate areas: a dining area, a media area, and an area for reading and enjoying the fireplace on a winter day or evening. Hardwood flooring throughout creates continuity and an easy transition into the bedrooms adjacent to the primary space. To unify the suite and create the illusion of spaciousness, the walls throughout were painted the same rich yet neutral toast color, and all of the beautiful ceiling and floor molding are finished in a soft white. The finished space is all the owners desired in a residence that reflects their varied tastes, incorporates their interests and provides a comfortable home for entertaining family and friends.

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district.
Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level.
One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond.
Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout.
Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography
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