casual elegance, paneled ceiling, skylight , sliding glass doors, vaulted ceiling
Large beach style l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Boston with white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, quartz countertops and subway tile backsplash

Patrick Barta
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Seattle

Expansive white walls are the ideal back drop for art of all kinds. A Francisco Larrios painting adds a playful quality to the collection, which also includes Robert's favorite piece, a gilded gold frame with revolving digital images of Britney Spears. "We absolutely love the art culture here, and really enjoy supporting new artists we find that could make a statement", Novogratz explains. "We are definitely exposed to new things quickly, so we have learned to incorporate our love of old historical pieces, which you see in our vintage collection, which we mix with the amazing new pieces we find." Photo: Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2014 Houzz Design: Cortney and Robert Novogratz

This exquisite Scandinavian-inspired design is located in El Dorado Hill, CA, with the utmost attention to detail. You are greeted by the courtyard, grass block pavers, All Weather windows and doors, heightened ceilings, Restoration Hardware fixtures, and a vaulted entryway with wood and brick accents. Inside, the home welcomes you with an open floor plan that includes the great room that opens to the kitchen, that opens to the dining and living spaces and a 30’ Series 8100 Multi Slide Pocket door that provides indoor/outdoor living spaces and views of the expansive backyard and stunning pool. The gourmet kitchen features a substantial waterfall Quartz island, flush Thermador fridge and freezer, double steam ovens, an ice machine, secondary kitchen, a walk-in pantry with more cold storage and a nearly 7' Series 8150 Horizontal Sliding kitchen window. The living space showcases a seamless glass fireplace with custom entertainment center. The master suite highlights another glass fireplace, custom cabinetry, a 12” Series 8150 Slider, a bench perfect for a reading nook, 10’ Series 5000 windows, and a spa like master bath with floating vanities, freestanding tub, digitized shower with 3 heads, an outdoor shower, and a Series 7000 swing door. The outdoor living offers plenty of sitting areas to watch the sunset or to entertain. The backyard is lit with bistro lights and surrounded by misters The home features Series 5000 fixed and casement windows throughout, an upstairs loft for a theater or game room, fully finished garage with 70’ of cabinetry, and boat storage with drainage. Last but certainly not least, the home features a 1,900 Sq. Ft. basketball gym with NBA-grade flooring and 3-point line, a 20’ rock climbing wall, a Sonos sound system, additional exercise space and storage. With top-of-the-line finishes, contemporary elements, commercial grade materials, endless storage, seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, and a room for every hobby and gadget, this home is a true masterpiece sure to suit your every need. With top-of-the-line finishes, contemporary elements, commercial grade materials, endless storage, seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, and a room for every hobby and gadget, this home is a true masterpiece sure to suit your every need.

Personalization is no longer just a design trend—it has become an essential part of creating spaces that truly feel like home. Our homes are much more than places where we live; they are reflections of our personalities, our values, and the memories we hold dear. Personalization allows homeowners to go beyond surface-level aesthetics and bring their unique stories to life through thoughtful design choices. From one-of-a-kind decor to custom furniture, there are countless ways to make a space uniquely yours. This article explores the transformative power of personalization in home design, offering creative ideas and strategies to ensure your home feels as special as the people who live in it. By incorporating meaningful elements, sentimental keepsakes, and designs tailored to your lifestyle, you can create a home that speaks to your heart while remaining both functional and beautiful. Why Personalization Is Transforming Home Design Personalization in home design is a powerful trend that’s shaping how we live. It’s about more than just creating a stylish space—it’s about creating an emotional connection to your environment. Here’s why it matters: Emotional Resonance: Personal touches make your home feel like a sanctuary. Items that carry sentimental value, such as family heirlooms or custom-made pieces, evoke memories and create a sense of belonging. Individuality: Your home is a reflection of your personality. Personalization allows you to infuse your style into every corner, ensuring your space doesn’t look like a copy of someone else’s. Functionality with Meaning: Customized furniture or decor isn’t just beautiful—it’s practical. Personalized design ensures every piece serves your specific needs while adding character to your home. How to Add Personal Touches to Your Home Design 1. Customized Furniture and Decor Investing in bespoke pieces is one of the best ways to personalize your home. Whether it’s a hand-carved coffee table or custom shelving designed to fit your space, tailored furniture adds both functionality and uniqueness. Ideas for Customized Furniture: A dining table engraved with a special date or family name. Built-in bookshelves designed to fit your exact collection of novels and treasures. Upholstered chairs or couches in fabrics that reflect your style and preferences. For decor, consider smaller but impactful personalized items. For instance, displaying a meaningful keepsake, like a shadow box featuring a personalized necklace, can add an intimate touch to any room. 2. Symbolic Design Elements Incorporating symbols that resonate with you is a thoughtful way to personalize your space. Items inspired by spiritual or cultural symbols, such as angel numbers, can serve as both decor and a reminder of values or goals that matter to you. Examples of Symbolic Decor: Wall art or prints featuring numbers, quotes, or patterns that hold personal significance. Sculptures or figurines that represent qualities like protection, growth, or harmony. Patterned rugs or textiles that subtly include symbols tied to your family’s history or beliefs. 3. Displaying Sentimental Items A personalized home thrives on nostalgia and sentimentality. Displaying cherished keepsakes and mementos is a wonderful way to bring life and meaning into your space. Ideas for Sentimental Displays: Memory Galleries: Create a gallery wall filled with family photos, travel souvenirs, and sentimental artwork. Mix and match frames to add visual interest while showcasing your memories. Functional Keepsakes: Repurpose sentimental items into practical decor. For example, a gift for dad, such as a custom clock or framed photo, can double as both a functional and meaningful addition to your space. Incorporate small family treasures, like vintage jewelry or heirlooms, into your decor. Feature Pieces: Highlight unique items in shadow boxes, such as wedding keepsakes, old letters, or jewelry. These displays turn your memories into a focal point of the room. 4. Personalized Artwork and Accessories Custom artwork is one of the easiest ways to add a personal touch to your home. Whether it’s commissioning a piece or creating something yourself, personalized art instantly elevates a space. Custom Art Ideas: A commissioned painting of your family home, wedding venue, or favorite landscape. Abstract art featuring colors or symbols that are meaningful to you. Name plaques, monograms, or custom wall hangings. Incorporating personalized accessories like cushions, throws, or coasters featuring family names or initials is another subtle yet effective way to customize your decor. 5. Seasonal Personalization Switching up decor seasonally offers a great opportunity to incorporate personal touches. For example: Display holiday-themed photos, such as a family portrait from last year’s festivities. Rotate sentimental items based on the time of year, such as a fall centerpiece with family heirloom candlesticks. Incorporate handmade seasonal crafts created with family members, making the decor feel both personal and festive. Incorporating Personalization Into Outdoor Spaces Personalization doesn’t stop at your front door. Outdoor spaces, like patios, gardens, and porches, offer plenty of opportunities for customization. Ideas for Personalizing Outdoor Areas: Custom Signs: Add a handmade welcome sign or a plaque with your family name to the front of your house. Engraved Furniture: Outdoor benches or tables engraved with meaningful quotes or dates can create an intimate touch. Garden Markers: Personalized garden markers or stepping stones with family names or inspirational words can make your garden truly yours. Personalizing your home is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment that feels deeply connected to you and your loved ones. Every item, color, and design element can carry a piece of your story. In this section, we’ll dive deeper into actionable ideas for personalizing your living spaces, transforming them into meaningful reflections of your life. 6. Layering Sentimental Textiles and Accessories Textiles such as rugs, curtains, and throw pillows are an excellent way to infuse personality into your home without a full-scale renovation. Opt for customized or sentimental fabrics that tie in your personal story. Ideas for Textiles That Add Meaning Custom Monogrammed Pillows Add initials, family names, or even special dates to throw pillows for your living room or bedroom. Memory Quilts Use pieces of fabric from meaningful items, like old clothes or wedding attire, to create a quilt that tells a story. Personalized Rugs Consider a custom rug with patterns or symbols that resonate with your family’s heritage or values. Incorporating textiles that tell a story not only makes your home feel cozier but also serves as a subtle reminder of cherished memories. 7. Meaningful Gifts as Decor Some of the most cherished items in a home are gifts from loved ones. These pieces carry stories and emotional weight, making them perfect for display as decor. For example, a gift for dad, such as a custom leather-bound journal or engraved keepsake, can be displayed in a home office or study. These items become part of the space’s character while celebrating the bond shared with a loved one. Tips for Displaying Gifted Items: Use bookshelves or mantels to showcase sentimental gifts alongside other decor elements. Pair gifted items with complementary pieces, such as family photos or artwork, to create cohesive displays. 8. Personalized Storage Solutions Functional spaces can also benefit from personalization. Custom storage solutions allow you to stay organized while reflecting your style and needs. Ideas for Personalized Storage Engraved Wooden Crates: Use crates with engraved names or labels for stylish, functional storage in living rooms or children’s play areas. Custom Closet Systems: Design closets with features like jewelry drawers, tie racks, or shoe compartments tailored to your specific collection. Sentimental Storage Bins: Store seasonal decorations, keepsakes, or family mementos in decorative bins labeled with meaningful phrases or designs. By blending practicality and personalization, you can create spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. 9. Creative Personalization for Kids’ Rooms Children’s rooms are ideal spaces for playful and meaningful personalization. From custom artwork to interactive elements, you can design a room that reflects their personality while creating an inspiring space for them to grow. Ideas for Kids’ Room Personalization Name Signs and Wall Art: Incorporate their name in decorative signage or framed artwork to make their space uniquely theirs. Growth Charts with Memories: Add personalized growth charts where you can mark milestones and attach small mementos. Interactive Decor: Create activity walls featuring chalkboards, corkboards, or magnetic surfaces where kids can express their creativity. These personal touches turn their rooms into a space that grows with them, capturing memories along the way. 10. Blending Modern Trends with Personalized Touches If you’re drawn to modern design trends, you can still incorporate personalization without losing that sleek, contemporary feel. Here’s how: Tips for a Modern Yet Personalized Space Minimalist Monograms: Add subtle, elegant initials or symbols to decor pieces like vases, linens, or art prints. Statement Lighting: Choose pendant lights or chandeliers with a customized design or engraving to reflect your style. Neutral Colors with Personal Accents: Keep the base color palette neutral, but incorporate personal elements like family photos in modern frames or sentimental objects displayed in chic shadow boxes. This approach ensures your home stays trendy while retaining meaningful personal elements. 11. Technology Meets Personalization Technology can also play a role in making your home feel more personal. Smart home systems and digital tools can be customized to fit your preferences and lifestyle. Ideas for Personalized Tech Customized Smart Displays: Use smart screens to display rotating family photos or personal artwork. Smart Lighting Scenes: Set up lighting presets for different moods, such as a cozy evening scene that highlights your favorite decor. Voice-Activated Reminders: Program smart assistants to remind you of family birthdays, anniversaries, or even daily affirmations. By integrating personalized technology, your home becomes both functional and deeply connected to your needs. 12. Seasonal Rotations with a Personal Touch Personalization doesn’t have to be permanent. Changing up your decor with the seasons is a wonderful way to keep your home feeling fresh while adding meaningful elements. Ideas for Seasonal Personalization Holiday Decor with Family Themes: Create personalized ornaments, stockings, or wreaths that highlight your family’s story. Seasonal Photo Swaps: Rotate family photos to reflect seasonal activities or vacations. Custom Table Settings: Design table linens, centerpieces, or napkin rings featuring symbols or colors that are meaningful to your family. Seasonal personalization allows you to constantly renew the look and feel of your space while keeping it tied to your personal story. Turning a House Into Your Sanctuary Personalization in home design is about more than creating a visually appealing space—it’s about creating a home that reflects your life, values, and memories. Every detail, from the textiles you choose to the sentimental items you display, adds a layer of meaning that makes your house truly yours. By incorporating elements like customized decor, thoughtful gifts, and symbolic designs, you can craft a home that not only looks beautiful but also feels deeply personal. Take inspiration from these ideas to make your space a reflection of everything that matters most to you and your loved ones.

This exquisite Scandinavian-inspired design is located in El Dorado Hill, CA, with the utmost attention to detail. You are greeted by the courtyard, grass block pavers, All Weather windows and doors, heightened ceilings, Restoration Hardware fixtures, and a vaulted entryway with wood and brick accents. Inside, the home welcomes you with an open floor plan that includes the great room that opens to the kitchen, that opens to the dining and living spaces and a 30’ Series 8100 Multi Slide Pocket door that provides indoor/outdoor living spaces and views of the expansive backyard and stunning pool. The gourmet kitchen features a substantial waterfall Quartz island, flush Thermador fridge and freezer, double steam ovens, an ice machine, secondary kitchen, a walk-in pantry with more cold storage and a nearly 7' Series 8150 Horizontal Sliding kitchen window. The living space showcases a seamless glass fireplace with custom entertainment center. The master suite highlights another glass fireplace, custom cabinetry, a 12” Series 8150 Slider, a bench perfect for a reading nook, 10’ Series 5000 windows, and a spa like master bath with floating vanities, freestanding tub, digitized shower with 3 heads, an outdoor shower, and a Series 7000 swing door. The outdoor living offers plenty of sitting areas to watch the sunset or to entertain. The backyard is lit with bistro lights and surrounded by misters The home features Series 5000 fixed and casement windows throughout, an upstairs loft for a theater or game room, fully finished garage with 70’ of cabinetry, and boat storage with drainage. Last but certainly not least, the home features a 1,900 Sq. Ft. basketball gym with NBA-grade flooring and 3-point line, a 20’ rock climbing wall, a Sonos sound system, additional exercise space and storage. With top-of-the-line finishes, contemporary elements, commercial grade materials, endless storage, seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, and a room for every hobby and gadget, this home is a true masterpiece sure to suit your every need. With top-of-the-line finishes, contemporary elements, commercial grade materials, endless storage, seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, and a room for every hobby and gadget, this home is a true masterpiece sure to suit your every need.

This exquisite Scandinavian-inspired design is located in El Dorado Hill, CA, with the utmost attention to detail. You are greeted by the courtyard, grass block pavers, All Weather windows and doors, heightened ceilings, Restoration Hardware fixtures, and a vaulted entryway with wood and brick accents. Inside, the home welcomes you with an open floor plan that includes the great room that opens to the kitchen, that opens to the dining and living spaces and a 30’ Series 8100 Multi Slide Pocket door that provides indoor/outdoor living spaces and views of the expansive backyard and stunning pool. The gourmet kitchen features a substantial waterfall Quartz island, flush Thermador fridge and freezer, double steam ovens, an ice machine, secondary kitchen, a walk-in pantry with more cold storage and a nearly 7' Series 8150 Horizontal Sliding kitchen window. The living space showcases a seamless glass fireplace with custom entertainment center. The master suite highlights another glass fireplace, custom cabinetry, a 12” Series 8150 Slider, a bench perfect for a reading nook, 10’ Series 5000 windows, and a spa like master bath with floating vanities, freestanding tub, digitized shower with 3 heads, an outdoor shower, and a Series 7000 swing door. The outdoor living offers plenty of sitting areas to watch the sunset or to entertain. The backyard is lit with bistro lights and surrounded by misters The home features Series 5000 fixed and casement windows throughout, an upstairs loft for a theater or game room, fully finished garage with 70’ of cabinetry, and boat storage with drainage. Last but certainly not least, the home features a 1,900 Sq. Ft. basketball gym with NBA-grade flooring and 3-point line, a 20’ rock climbing wall, a Sonos sound system, additional exercise space and storage. With top-of-the-line finishes, contemporary elements, commercial grade materials, endless storage, seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, and a room for every hobby and gadget, this home is a true masterpiece sure to suit your every need. With top-of-the-line finishes, contemporary elements, commercial grade materials, endless storage, seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, and a room for every hobby and gadget, this home is a true masterpiece sure to suit your every need.

This exquisite Scandinavian-inspired design is located in El Dorado Hill, CA, with the utmost attention to detail. You are greeted by the courtyard, grass block pavers, All Weather windows and doors, heightened ceilings, Restoration Hardware fixtures, and a vaulted entryway with wood and brick accents. Inside, the home welcomes you with an open floor plan that includes the great room that opens to the kitchen, that opens to the dining and living spaces and a 30’ Series 8100 Multi Slide Pocket door that provides indoor/outdoor living spaces and views of the expansive backyard and stunning pool. The gourmet kitchen features a substantial waterfall Quartz island, flush Thermador fridge and freezer, double steam ovens, an ice machine, secondary kitchen, a walk-in pantry with more cold storage and a nearly 7' Series 8150 Horizontal Sliding kitchen window. The living space showcases a seamless glass fireplace with custom entertainment center. The master suite highlights another glass fireplace, custom cabinetry, a 12” Series 8150 Slider, a bench perfect for a reading nook, 10’ Series 5000 windows, and a spa like master bath with floating vanities, freestanding tub, digitized shower with 3 heads, an outdoor shower, and a Series 7000 swing door. The outdoor living offers plenty of sitting areas to watch the sunset or to entertain. The backyard is lit with bistro lights and surrounded by misters The home features Series 5000 fixed and casement windows throughout, an upstairs loft for a theater or game room, fully finished garage with 70’ of cabinetry, and boat storage with drainage. Last but certainly not least, the home features a 1,900 Sq. Ft. basketball gym with NBA-grade flooring and 3-point line, a 20’ rock climbing wall, a Sonos sound system, additional exercise space and storage. With top-of-the-line finishes, contemporary elements, commercial grade materials, endless storage, seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, and a room for every hobby and gadget, this home is a true masterpiece sure to suit your every need. With top-of-the-line finishes, contemporary elements, commercial grade materials, endless storage, seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, and a room for every hobby and gadget, this home is a true masterpiece sure to suit your every need.

This exquisite Scandinavian-inspired design is located in El Dorado Hill, CA, with the utmost attention to detail. You are greeted by the courtyard, grass block pavers, All Weather windows and doors, heightened ceilings, Restoration Hardware fixtures, and a vaulted entryway with wood and brick accents. Inside, the home welcomes you with an open floor plan that includes the great room that opens to the kitchen, that opens to the dining and living spaces and a 30’ Series 8100 Multi Slide Pocket door that provides indoor/outdoor living spaces and views of the expansive backyard and stunning pool. The gourmet kitchen features a substantial waterfall Quartz island, flush Thermador fridge and freezer, double steam ovens, an ice machine, secondary kitchen, a walk-in pantry with more cold storage and a nearly 7' Series 8150 Horizontal Sliding kitchen window. The living space showcases a seamless glass fireplace with custom entertainment center. The master suite highlights another glass fireplace, custom cabinetry, a 12” Series 8150 Slider, a bench perfect for a reading nook, 10’ Series 5000 windows, and a spa like master bath with floating vanities, freestanding tub, digitized shower with 3 heads, an outdoor shower, and a Series 7000 swing door. The outdoor living offers plenty of sitting areas to watch the sunset or to entertain. The backyard is lit with bistro lights and surrounded by misters The home features Series 5000 fixed and casement windows throughout, an upstairs loft for a theater or game room, fully finished garage with 70’ of cabinetry, and boat storage with drainage. Last but certainly not least, the home features a 1,900 Sq. Ft. basketball gym with NBA-grade flooring and 3-point line, a 20’ rock climbing wall, a Sonos sound system, additional exercise space and storage. With top-of-the-line finishes, contemporary elements, commercial grade materials, endless storage, seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, and a room for every hobby and gadget, this home is a true masterpiece sure to suit your every need. With top-of-the-line finishes, contemporary elements, commercial grade materials, endless storage, seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, and a room for every hobby and gadget, this home is a true masterpiece sure to suit your every need.

This exquisite Scandinavian-inspired design is located in El Dorado Hill, CA, with the utmost attention to detail. You are greeted by the courtyard, grass block pavers, All Weather windows and doors, heightened ceilings, Restoration Hardware fixtures, and a vaulted entryway with wood and brick accents. Inside, the home welcomes you with an open floor plan that includes the great room that opens to the kitchen, that opens to the dining and living spaces and a 30’ Series 8100 Multi Slide Pocket door that provides indoor/outdoor living spaces and views of the expansive backyard and stunning pool. The gourmet kitchen features a substantial waterfall Quartz island, flush Thermador fridge and freezer, double steam ovens, an ice machine, secondary kitchen, a walk-in pantry with more cold storage and a nearly 7' Series 8150 Horizontal Sliding kitchen window. The living space showcases a seamless glass fireplace with custom entertainment center. The master suite highlights another glass fireplace, custom cabinetry, a 12” Series 8150 Slider, a bench perfect for a reading nook, 10’ Series 5000 windows, and a spa like master bath with floating vanities, freestanding tub, digitized shower with 3 heads, an outdoor shower, and a Series 7000 swing door. The outdoor living offers plenty of sitting areas to watch the sunset or to entertain. The backyard is lit with bistro lights and surrounded by misters The home features Series 5000 fixed and casement windows throughout, an upstairs loft for a theater or game room, fully finished garage with 70’ of cabinetry, and boat storage with drainage. Last but certainly not least, the home features a 1,900 Sq. Ft. basketball gym with NBA-grade flooring and 3-point line, a 20’ rock climbing wall, a Sonos sound system, additional exercise space and storage. With top-of-the-line finishes, contemporary elements, commercial grade materials, endless storage, seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, and a room for every hobby and gadget, this home is a true masterpiece sure to suit your every need. With top-of-the-line finishes, contemporary elements, commercial grade materials, endless storage, seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, and a room for every hobby and gadget, this home is a true masterpiece sure to suit your every need.

Transitional living room photo in New York

Dining room - traditional dining room idea in Boston with gray walls

Live Oak Trees and Spanish Moss Roadway Landscape Photograph Prints and Digital Backgrounds. Explore print options: https://pipafineart.com/pages/live-oak-trees-and-spanish-moss-roadway-artwork-prints-and-digital-backgrounds

https://pipafineart.com/pages/after-the-rain-gerbera-daisy-realism-painting-digital-artwork-prints-and-digital-backgrounds. This striking digitally created photorealistic artwork captures the vibrant essence of a red gerbera daisy, freshly kissed by rain. The central focus is undeniably the flower itself, presented in a captivating close-up that highlights its intricate details. Each vivid red petal is adorned with countless shimmering water droplets, catching the light in a way that suggests recent precipitation and infuses the image with a sense of vitality and freshness. The rich, almost fiery red of the petals is beautifully contrasted by the subtly textured, darker hues within the daisy's center, which hints at deeper purples and maroons, adding depth and visual interest. The background is thoughtfully rendered in a soft, dark blur, allowing the brilliant red of the daisy and the crystalline sparkle of the raindrops to truly pop and command attention. It creates a dreamlike, almost ethereal quality, ensuring the flower remains the undisputed star of this botanical tableau. The level of detail achieved here is truly remarkable, mimicking the realism of a high-resolution photograph while retaining the controlled artistry of a digital creation. After the Rain Gerbera Daisy Photorealistic Floral Digital Artwork Downloadable Printable Art in Living Room Setting This captivating artwork offers incredible versatility for various interior spaces and decorating styles. In a modern or contemporary living room, its bold color and crisp details would serve as a dynamic focal point against minimalist furniture and neutral palettes, injecting a vibrant burst of life. Imagine it above a sleek, low-profile sofa, bringing an unexpected organic element to a clean-lined aesthetic. For a transitional space, which blends traditional warmth with modern simplicity, this piece would seamlessly integrate, offering both classic floral appeal and a fresh, updated feel. It could perfectly complement a mix of comfortable seating and clean-lined accessories. In a maximalist design scheme, where layers of pattern and color are embraced, this artwork could contribute another rich layer, perhaps contrasting with an ornate wallpaper or complementing other botanical prints.

Nest Thermostat for real energy savings and mobile device control

Colorful Coastal Wall Art: Crest of Dawn Coastal Painting Digital Artwork Loose Art. https://pipafineart.com/products/beach-coastal-wall-art-crest-of-dawn-encaustic-painting-digital-artwork-loose-art-print. Embrace the tranquil beauty of the coast with "Crest of Dawn," a captivating art print that captures the ethereal glow of a sunrise over the ocean. This mesmerizing piece evokes a sense of serenity and wonder, with soft pastel hues blending seamlessly across the canvas to create a breathtaking sky. The gentle waves, rendered in subtle shades of blue and green, roll gracefully towards the shore, their foamy crests catching the golden light of the rising sun. "Crest of Dawn" invites you to immerse yourself in the calming rhythm of the ocean, to feel the gentle breeze on your skin, and to witness the magical moment when night transitions into day. Printed on high-quality photo paper with premium inks, "Crest of Dawn" faithfully captures the luminous colors and delicate details of the original artwork. This art print is a perfect addition to any living room, bedroom, dining room, or office, bringing a touch of coastal serenity and artistic sophistication to your space. Hang it on your wall and let the calming beauty of "Crest of Dawn" transport you to a peaceful oasis, where the gentle waves and the warm glow of the sunrise inspire a sense of tranquility and renewal within your home.

Large farmhouse formal and open concept light wood floor living room photo in Atlanta with white walls, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

With the downstairs living space to it's left, these hand-scraped hardwoods lead directly up to the second story game room, two additional bedrooms, and a powder room. Recognition: ARC Awards 2016 Best Addition