Search results for "Diminish" in Home Design Ideas

This project is a new 5,900 sf. primary residence for a couple with three children. The site is slightly elevated above the residential street and enjoys winter views of the Potomac River.
The family’s requirements included five bedrooms, five full baths, a powder room, family room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, walk-in pantry, mudroom, lower level recreation room, exercise room, media room and numerous storage spaces. Also included was the request for an outdoor terrace and adequate outdoor storage, including provision for the storage of bikes and kayaks. The family needed a home that would have two entrances, the primary entrance, and a mudroom entry that would provide generous storage spaces for the family’s active lifestyle. Due to the small lot size, the challenge was to accommodate the family’s requirements, while remaining sympathetic to the scale of neighboring homes.
The residence employs a “T” shaped plan to aid in minimizing the massing visible from the street, while organizing interior spaces around a private outdoor terrace space accessible from the living and dining spaces. A generous front porch and a gambrel roof diminish the home’s scale, providing a welcoming view along the street front. A path along the right side of the residence leads to the family entrance and a small outbuilding that provides ready access to the bikes and kayaks while shielding the rear terrace from view of neighboring homes.
The two entrances join a central stair hall that leads to the eat-in kitchen overlooking the great room. Window seats and a custom built banquette provide gathering spaces, while the French doors connect the great room to the terrace where the arbor transitions to the garden. A first floor guest suite, separate from the family areas of the home, affords privacy for both guests and hosts alike. The second floor Master Suite enjoys views of the Potomac River through a second floor arched balcony visible from the front.
The exterior is composed of a board and batten first floor with a cedar shingled second floor and gambrel roof. These two contrasting materials and the inclusion of a partially recessed front porch contribute to the perceived diminution of the home’s scale relative to its smaller neighbors. The overall intention was to create a close fit between the residence and the neighboring context, both built and natural.
Builder: E.H. Johnstone Builders
Anice Hoachlander Photography

A waterfront view like in this 1988-built master bathroom is priceless, especially with the existing skylight. The bath was taken down to studs and rebuilt, removing a wall between the toilet/shower area and opening up the entire 140sqft space. Curbless shower, freestanding airjet tub, rainhead shower and porcelain tile and oil-rubbed bronze fixtures throughout. An additional intrigue was recessed lights in tub and shower areas that have option to turn on UV light after use to diminish bacteria.

This modern metal and Lexan canopy provide protection from the rain without diminishing daylight. The coordinating wall sconce illuminates the entry door.
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Built in 1884, this is the first house on Main Street one sees when exiting the train station. Its prominent corner location helps define the gateway to the town shopping district. Schematic design sessions for this period home’s renovation were already complete when the news was shared with the design team that one of the owners had been diagnosed with a progressive motor neuron disease.
The homeowners asked us to incorporate universal design features—including wheelchair access to every room on every level of the home—but were insistent that they did not want to create a home that looked or felt institutional.
Due to the home’s high visibility, it was important to the owners that the addition, including the elevator rise, be stylistically seamless and unobtrusive. This was achieved by applying existing character-defining features from the house such as octagonal massing, columned porches, steep roof slopes, and decorative shingle patterns. Complimentary architectural ornamentation was introduced to highlight the Queen Anne style and diminish the scale of the elevator rise. Interior and exterior access challenges were graciously overcome without sacrificing authentic period detailing.
The addition begins with exterior entry at ground level. A half stop down to the basement provides access to a “wheelchair wash/dog wash” station and game room. A half stop up brings the elevator to the first floor followed by traditional stops at the second floor and attic/owner’s suite.
Widened halls and doors make circulation via a wheelchair through the home achievable. Other universal design features and fixtures include the zero-entry shower in the owner’s and guest baths, French-door ovens, induction cooktop, touchless faucet, and refrigerator and freezer drawers. These make the home functional and comfortable for all members of the family.
In collaboration with a landscape architect, we also created a lush pocket of privacy on this very public lot. The new hardscaping creates access around the house, to the grill, fire pit, patio and driveway as well as to the town sidewalks making wheelchair inclusion both possible and effortless. Substantially complete Fall 2021.

4 Meadow Green Court, Wichita Falls, TX
FEATURED HOME IN THE PARADE OF HOMES.
4885 Total SF Under Roof
3500 sq. ft. Living Area
½ Acre, Cul-de-Sac location
Two story, 4 Bedroom, 3 ½ Baths, Study, Formal Dining Room & Bonus Room
Two, two-car Garages and Large Rear Patio
(Master bedroom, Study & 4th bedroom all located on first floor)
Amenities Include:
• Kitchen
• Stainless Wolf, Sub-Zero & Scottsman Appliances:
o 36" Gas cook top & range; cast iron grates and sealed burners
o Energy Star qualified dishwasher, with purge filtration system
o 1200 watt Microwave Oven
o 15" Scottsman ice maker
o 36" Sub-Zero Counter depth Refrigerator
• Large, Open design, with prep island and floating sink island
• Quartz countertops.
• 42" high Knotty Alder custom cabinets.
• Under cabinet lighting
• Oversized Breakfast area with large windows
• Great Room, 19' 6" x 17' with wood burning fireplace and gas starter.
• Great Room wired for surround sound.
• Formal Dining Room with large picture window.
• Master Bedroom, 16' x 17' with double layered crown molding.
• Master Bath has 60" whirlpool tub & 4' x 6' shower
o Quartz counter top, double sinks and framed mirrors
o Walk in master closet with lots of shelving & rods
• Study / Office has coffered wood beam ceiling.
• Bonus Room upstairs, 15' x 21'
• Laundry room includes sink, cabinets and bench seating.
• Rear Patio, 18" 6" x 14' 4" includes built-in roll top, stainless Grill.
• Rinnai Tank-less high capacity hot water system.
• Two, Two-car Garages (4 stalls) with twin door openers & insulated doors. Expanded Driveway.
• Foam wall and sub-floor insulation.
• Outdoor roll-top Grill.
• Radiant barrier roof decking to reduce attic heat
• Vapor barrier house wrap diminishes moisture accessibility and drafts
• Low E tilt out windows reduce radiant heat and harmful UV rays
• 14 Seer, high efficient, HVAC unit with zone controls. Natural gas heater and electronic thermostat.
• Security System on all exterior doors and operating windows.
• Landscaping includes Bermuda grass, automatic sprinklers, Oak trees, shrubs, and 6' wood privacy fence with concrete curbing.
• On site Water well;
• Price $497000.

The directive was unusual, to say the least. “We want simple, modern, black. Now go do your thing.” One additional requirement was then added: the house would need to be built for the same price per square foot as the “normal” new homes around it. In this traditional 1920s enclave, a poorly executed solution would not sit well with the neighbors. The design team embraced this challenge.
The solution is bold, simple, striking, and inviting — all at once. The team was careful to eliminate first-floor visual barriers. The result, clean views from front porch to back yard, softens the Johnny Cash look for a more inviting feel. The dark stained cedar and black steel palette diminishes the scale of the home and provides a striking contrast to the spartan white interior. Adding to the dramatic effect, an oversized steel front door amplifies the threshold crossing experience. A single steel column supports a deep porch roof to contrast the tapered wood columns found elsewhere in adjacent homes and simultaneously maintain the “front porch neighborhood” feel.

Switching the position of the kitchen from a cramped galley space near the front door to a much bigger space adjacent to the back yard allowed for much more storage and counters space, an eating space in the kitchen and a great view. The space became a flow through type great room and now has a bonus office space with a double glass pocket door for sound protection without diminishing the light.

4 Meadow Green Court, Wichita Falls, TX
FEATURED HOME IN THE PARADE OF HOMES.
4885 Total SF Under Roof
3500 sq. ft. Living Area
½ Acre, Cul-de-Sac location
Two story, 4 Bedroom, 3 ½ Baths, Study, Formal Dining Room & Bonus Room
Two, two-car Garages and Large Rear Patio
(Master bedroom, Study & 4th bedroom all located on first floor)
Amenities Include:
• Kitchen
• Stainless Wolf, Sub-Zero & Scottsman Appliances:
o 36" Gas cook top & range; cast iron grates and sealed burners
o Energy Star qualified dishwasher, with purge filtration system
o 1200 watt Microwave Oven
o 15" Scottsman ice maker
o 36" Sub-Zero Counter depth Refrigerator
• Large, Open design, with prep island and floating sink island
• Quartz countertops.
• 42" high Knotty Alder custom cabinets.
• Under cabinet lighting
• Oversized Breakfast area with large windows
• Great Room, 19' 6" x 17' with wood burning fireplace and gas starter.
• Great Room wired for surround sound.
• Formal Dining Room with large picture window.
• Master Bedroom, 16' x 17' with double layered crown molding.
• Master Bath has 60" whirlpool tub & 4' x 6' shower
o Quartz counter top, double sinks and framed mirrors
o Walk in master closet with lots of shelving & rods
• Study / Office has coffered wood beam ceiling.
• Bonus Room upstairs, 15' x 21'
• Laundry room includes sink, cabinets and bench seating.
• Rear Patio, 18" 6" x 14' 4" includes built-in roll top, stainless Grill.
• Rinnai Tank-less high capacity hot water system.
• Two, Two-car Garages (4 stalls) with twin door openers & insulated doors. Expanded Driveway.
• Foam wall and sub-floor insulation.
• Outdoor roll-top Grill.
• Radiant barrier roof decking to reduce attic heat
• Vapor barrier house wrap diminishes moisture accessibility and drafts
• Low E tilt out windows reduce radiant heat and harmful UV rays
• 14 Seer, high efficient, HVAC unit with zone controls. Natural gas heater and electronic thermostat.
• Security System on all exterior doors and operating windows.
• Landscaping includes Bermuda grass, automatic sprinklers, Oak trees, shrubs, and 6' wood privacy fence with concrete curbing.
• On site Water well;
• Price $497000.

The Home
The Cahill exudes traditional charm with horizontal siding, barn shutters and rocking chair front porch, while the family-focused
floorplan offers plenty of room for a growing family with multiple entertaining spaces. At centerstage, an open-concept design connects the kitchen with large a island to the adjoining dining and family rooms. A corner fireplace in the family room adds appeal without diminishing the sense of space, while well-placed windows allow for plenty of natural light. Excellent use of space continues upstairs with the owner’s retreat separated from two secondary bedrooms by a large walk-in closet and conveniently positioned utility room. An upstairs retreat offers another informal family gathering area with the flexibility to create distinct spaces like a playroom, media room and more. Ideal for growing families, The Cahill also boasts an unfinished basement, prime for a fifth bedroom, third full bathroom and spacious game room.
The Builder
Founded in 1976, David Weekley Homes is the nation’s second largest privately-held home builder. Headquartered in Houston, TX, the company operates in 20 cities, including three communities in Colorado Springs.
David Weekley Homes was the first builder in the United States to be awarded the Triple Crown of American Home Building, an honor which includes “America’s Best Builder,” “National Housing Quality Award” and “National Builder of the Year.” Nationwide, the company has received more than 1,300 product design and service awards, a reflection of the company’s commitment to Building Dreams, Enhancing Lives for more than 100,000 homebuyers.
By utilizing buyer demographic information and incorporating the latest trends, Kathy Andrews Interiors (KAI) serves as the creative force behind the builder’s model homes where buyers can see and touch the quality craftsmanship. KAI also selects finishes like flooring and furnishings to create one-of-a-kind homes for buyers!
The Interior Design
The Cahill’s façade sets the tone for the interior color palette with traditional charm and neutral hues. The cozy feel begins with popular soft brown, laminate, wood-like flooring throughout the main living areas that offer a contrast to off-white walls. Soft gray kitchen cabinets are highlighted by white, brick-laid tile for visual interest against the sleek, quartz countertops. Warm wooden tables and furnishings with clean lines create an inviting space with hints of a trendy farmhouse design. This cozy feeling continues on the upper and lower levels with warm, neutral, marled carpet to soften the spaces. A real memory point can be found in the Super Shower of the owner’s retreat bathroom with white tile in a diagonal diamond pattern, lending an air of cleanliness and tranquility to the space. The pure, clean perfection of this home provides a blank canvas for homeowner’s artwork and accents.

These Hunter Douglas Patio Screen Shades were the answer to my clients needs. The shade diminishes the direct sunlight from streaming on them while sitting on their patio. Screen shades provide view-through while providing ultra-violet protection

4 Meadow Green Court, Wichita Falls, TX
FEATURED HOME IN THE PARADE OF HOMES.
4885 Total SF Under Roof
3500 sq. ft. Living Area
½ Acre, Cul-de-Sac location
Two story, 4 Bedroom, 3 ½ Baths, Study, Formal Dining Room & Bonus Room
Two, two-car Garages and Large Rear Patio
(Master bedroom, Study & 4th bedroom all located on first floor)
Amenities Include:
• Kitchen
• Stainless Wolf, Sub-Zero & Scottsman Appliances:
o 36" Gas cook top & range; cast iron grates and sealed burners
o Energy Star qualified dishwasher, with purge filtration system
o 1200 watt Microwave Oven
o 15" Scottsman ice maker
o 36" Sub-Zero Counter depth Refrigerator
• Large, Open design, with prep island and floating sink island
• Quartz countertops.
• 42" high Knotty Alder custom cabinets.
• Under cabinet lighting
• Oversized Breakfast area with large windows
• Great Room, 19' 6" x 17' with wood burning fireplace and gas starter.
• Great Room wired for surround sound.
• Formal Dining Room with large picture window.
• Master Bedroom, 16' x 17' with double layered crown molding.
• Master Bath has 60" whirlpool tub & 4' x 6' shower
o Quartz counter top, double sinks and framed mirrors
o Walk in master closet with lots of shelving & rods
• Study / Office has coffered wood beam ceiling.
• Bonus Room upstairs, 15' x 21'
• Laundry room includes sink, cabinets and bench seating.
• Rear Patio, 18" 6" x 14' 4" includes built-in roll top, stainless Grill.
• Rinnai Tank-less high capacity hot water system.
• Two, Two-car Garages (4 stalls) with twin door openers & insulated doors. Expanded Driveway.
• Foam wall and sub-floor insulation.
• Outdoor roll-top Grill.
• Radiant barrier roof decking to reduce attic heat
• Vapor barrier house wrap diminishes moisture accessibility and drafts
• Low E tilt out windows reduce radiant heat and harmful UV rays
• 14 Seer, high efficient, HVAC unit with zone controls. Natural gas heater and electronic thermostat.
• Security System on all exterior doors and operating windows.
• Landscaping includes Bermuda grass, automatic sprinklers, Oak trees, shrubs, and 6' wood privacy fence with concrete curbing.
• On site Water well;
• Price $497000.

We installed custom sun shades into a new restaurant in Lowertown, Saint Paul. The brick arches and high windows presented a unique design challenge. Our goal was to maintain the beautiful brick charm while diminishing the blinding sunlight. Roller sun shades on the lower windows with contoured sun fabric in the arches was the solution. Note the attention to detail along the brick edges with fabric install. The results were beautiful!

The formality of the home office was diminished by using a whimsical branch lamp with burlap shade, nature prints, denim blue drapery panels, distressed leather chairs and a zebra print rug. A very tailored upholstered dining chair (Verlaine Arm Chair by Ethan Allen) replaced the typical leather desk/office chair.

Built in 1884, this is the first house on Main Street one sees when exiting the train station. Its prominent corner location helps define the gateway to the town shopping district. Schematic design sessions for this period home’s renovation were already complete when the news was shared with the design team that one of the owners had been diagnosed with a progressive motor neuron disease.
The homeowners asked us to incorporate universal design features—including wheelchair access to every room on every level of the home—but were insistent that they did not want to create a home that looked or felt institutional.
Due to the home’s high visibility, it was important to the owners that the addition, including the elevator rise, be stylistically seamless and unobtrusive. This was achieved by applying existing character-defining features from the house such as octagonal massing, columned porches, steep roof slopes, and decorative shingle patterns. Complimentary architectural ornamentation was introduced to highlight the Queen Anne style and diminish the scale of the elevator rise. Interior and exterior access challenges were graciously overcome without sacrificing authentic period detailing.
The addition begins with exterior entry at ground level. A half stop down to the basement provides access to a “wheelchair wash/dog wash” station and game room. A half stop up brings the elevator to the first floor followed by traditional stops at the second floor and attic/owner’s suite.
Widened halls and doors make circulation via a wheelchair through the home achievable. Other universal design features and fixtures include the zero-entry shower in the owner’s and guest baths, French-door ovens, induction cooktop, touchless faucet, and refrigerator and freezer drawers. These make the home functional and comfortable for all members of the family.
In collaboration with a landscape architect, we also created a lush pocket of privacy on this very public lot. The new hardscaping creates access around the house, to the grill, fire pit, patio and driveway as well as to the town sidewalks making wheelchair inclusion both possible and effortless. Substantially complete Fall 2021.

AirField installed an AirPave grass fire lane for their porous flexible paving at Baptist Trinity Residential Hospice, creating a beautiful, functional, ecological friendly solution to facility access.
An installation of an AirField Systems grass fire lane at Baptist Trinity Residential Hospice brings green building benefits and incredible strength to a beautiful new facility. A time lapse photo series highlight the installation process of the 6,747 PSI sand filled 100% recycled geocell technology, providing the strength of asphalt and concrete while relieving some of the burden of costly storm sewers and drainage.
This new installation highlights the benefits of paving with grass, as well as the comparative ease of installation. Concrete and asphalt surfaces occupy twice the area of buildings and are the most detrimental to clean water. Concrete and asphalt surfaces dominate the landscape of our urban environments and prevent rainwater from being filtered naturally. They send harmful polluted water straight into our streams, rivers and lakes. In urban America, concrete and asphalt pavements produce two thirds of our excess water runoff. They are responsible for significant hydrocarbon pollutants on our ground and in our water, causing ground water decline, and resulting in local water shortages. These concrete and asphalt surfaces also create huge increases in temperature known as the urban “heat island effect”.
The pollution caused by impervious surfaces deteriorate the quality of our storm water runoff and create large overflows that our storm sewer systems cannot handle. It is also important to realize that the urban forest force is drastically diminishing, causing CO2 levels to rise, which in turn causes global warming. With all the negative influences of impervious pavements now is the time to turn our attention to alternatives for the benefit of the environment.
From fire lanes, overflow, and event parking, to temporary and stadium parking, reinforced grass parking systems deliver the same strength and durability of asphalt and concrete without the negative affects mentioned above. These incredibly strong geocells reinforce grass parking, prevent rutting from traffic, protect turf roots, and promote beautiful grass. Reinforced grass parking structures, also know as grass pavements, enhance the environment by naturally filtering auto and truck liquids such as oil drippings, antifreeze overflows and many other leaks and spills. They also help with air pollutants after they have been knocked to the ground by rainwater and greatly reduce hot surface temperatures thus fighting global warming and the “heat island effect”. Grass pavements allow our groundwater to be naturally replenished, the roots of trees to breathe, and they help our streams and rivers flow cleanly in dry hot summers. A large part of the solution to urban environmental problems is under our feet. By paying appropriate attention to the everyday materials on which we walk and drive, we can replenish renewable resources, restore the natural regenerative processes, and produce a cleaner, healthier, safer, more sustainable world in which we must live. Porous pavements are potentially the most important development in urban watersheds since the invention of storm sewers. By routing rainwater directly into the earth as nature intended, the need for costly storm water structures can be drastically reduced.
Reinforced grass parking has built in permeable spaces through which water and air can pass. Although some porous paving materials are nearly indistinguishable from nonporous materials in construction and superficial appearance, their environmental effects are qualitatively exponential. They allow air, water and heat to dissipate into the environment naturally helping to save the planet.
AirField reinforced grass parking provides beauty and comfort, and with the unbeatable price and performance of AirDrain you can’t go wrong. AirDrain is the reinforced grass pave system the industry has trusted for years !!!
Airfield Systems, LLC 8028 North May Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-359-3775
Installer – GREENPRO Landscapes Kevin James 9847 Stewart Rd Arlington, TN 38002

There are many lighting rules which apply to the conceptual plan. Smaller parcels diminish light glare and pollution for the neighbors. Overuse of horizontal fixture types creates a landing strip appearance. The lighting design should have no dark holes. There should be lighting connectivity and composition throughout the design. Equal brightness of focal points surrounding architectural elements needs to be considered. Brightness levels need to be illuminated with connecting lower levels of illumination and stay underneath dark sky limits. The points of view need to be identified. These, and other lighting conceptual concerns, are presented and discussed individually in an effort to establish a master lighting plan for the property. This lighting plan can be implemented in phases do to budget, time constraints, and desires of the homeowner. The landscape lighting master plan brings the landscape plan to the fullest 8 seasons, 4 seasons both day and night.

There are many lighting rules which apply to the conceptual plan. Smaller parcels diminish light glare and pollution for the neighbors. Overuse of horizontal fixture types creates a landing strip appearance. The lighting design should have no dark holes. There should be lighting connectivity and composition throughout the design. Equal brightness of focal points surrounding architectural elements needs to be considered. Brightness levels need to be illuminated with connecting lower levels of illumination and stay underneath dark sky limits. The points of view need to be identified. These, and other lighting conceptual concerns, are presented and discussed individually in an effort to establish a master lighting plan for the property. This lighting plan can be implemented in phases do to budget, time constraints, and desires of the homeowner. The landscape lighting master plan brings the landscape plan to the fullest 8 seasons, 4 seasons both day and night.

There are many lighting rules which apply to the conceptual plan. Smaller parcels diminish light glare and pollution for the neighbors. Overuse of horizontal fixture types creates a landing strip appearance. The lighting design should have no dark holes. There should be lighting connectivity and composition throughout the design. Equal brightness of focal points surrounding architectural elements needs to be considered. Brightness levels need to be illuminated with connecting lower levels of illumination and stay underneath dark sky limits. The points of view need to be identified. These, and other lighting conceptual concerns, are presented and discussed individually in an effort to establish a master lighting plan for the property. This lighting plan can be implemented in phases do to budget, time constraints, and desires of the homeowner. The landscape lighting master plan brings the landscape plan to the fullest 8 seasons, 4 seasons both day and night.

The pathway to the back garden circumnavigates a large spruce tree. The horizontal lattes of the wood fence visually stretch the length of the side yard, allowing light and air through while protecting the view to the neighbours. The garden shed was painted a neutral gray green to diminish it's visual impact.
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