Located in the highly sought-after Allwood neighborhood of Darien, this spec house is the fourth collaboration with a client who first began with a renovation of her own home. While architecturally it is a traditional home from the exterior, the interiors are more transitional in style. In order to compete in the speculative market, our client’s directive was clear – ‘differentiation the kitchen design from every other spec house’. So we incorporated painted cabinetry but highlighted with rift-cut white oak base cabinets. This contrast between these finishes influenced our decision to select a subtle white quartzite countertop to deliberately highlight the striking porcelain backsplash. The steel and glass partition frames the space – drawing the eye to the focal point of the kitchen, the custom stainless steel hood. Gold hardware adds a pop of flair to the space and warms the room. Walnut drawer inserts, stainless steel appliance garage, pull out trash drawers with compost bins and a stylish desk make this the Gold Standard of spec houses.

Dalton Portella
Beach style living room photo in New York with white walls

CLASSICALLY MODERN HAVEN BY THE HILLS A mid-century Eichler renovation, optimized for sunlight and the vistas of the valley. Structural adaptations allow for extensive glazing, achieving seamless integration of the landscape to create unity and spatial flow.

Located in the highly sought-after Allwood neighborhood of Darien, this spec house is the fourth collaboration with a client who first began with a renovation of her own home. While architecturally it is a traditional home from the exterior, the interiors are more transitional in style. In order to compete in the speculative market, our client’s directive was clear – ‘differentiation the kitchen design from every other spec house’. So we incorporated painted cabinetry but highlighted with rift-cut white oak base cabinets. This contrast between these finishes influenced our decision to select a subtle white quartzite countertop to deliberately highlight the striking porcelain backsplash. The steel and glass partition frames the space – drawing the eye to the focal point of the kitchen, the custom stainless steel hood. Gold hardware adds a pop of flair to the space and warms the room. Walnut drawer inserts, stainless steel appliance garage, pull out trash drawers with compost bins and a stylish desk make this the Gold Standard of spec houses.

Stone Mosaic A Tangent is defined as ''a line that touches but does not intersect a curve.'' It is a word that describes geometry, but also one used to describe heading off in directions unknown. Both definitions are appropriate for our new collections of decorative stone mosaics, in which abstract geometry and mid century modern design influences merge with the beauty of natural stone, creating a richness that will beguile you anew each time you see it. Usage: Residential: All interior surfaces, including bathroom walls/floors*, shower walls/ floors and kitchen backsplashes. Exterior walls. Commercial: Interior and exterior walls and interior floors. *Flannel not recommended for use in showers or exteriors. See Tools | Usage Guide for more details. See more on this product on the Walker Zanger website here: http://walkerzanger.com/collections/products.php?view=style&mat=Contemporary&coll=Tangent

Located in the highly sought-after Allwood neighborhood of Darien, this spec house is the fourth collaboration with a client who first began with a renovation of her own home. While architecturally it is a traditional home from the exterior, the interiors are more transitional in style. In order to compete in the speculative market, our client’s directive was clear – ‘differentiation the kitchen design from every other spec house’. So we incorporated painted cabinetry but highlighted with rift-cut white oak base cabinets. This contrast between these finishes influenced our decision to select a subtle white quartzite countertop to deliberately highlight the striking porcelain backsplash. The steel and glass partition frames the space – drawing the eye to the focal point of the kitchen, the custom stainless steel hood. Gold hardware adds a pop of flair to the space and warms the room. Walnut drawer inserts, stainless steel appliance garage, pull out trash drawers with compost bins and a stylish desk make this the Gold Standard of spec houses.

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours The design goal was to produce a corporate or family retreat that could best utilize the uniqueness and seclusion as the only private residence, deep-water hammock directly assessable via concrete bridge in the Southeastern United States. Little Hawkins Island was seven years in the making from design and permitting through construction and punch out. The multiple award winning design was inspired by Spanish Colonial architecture with California Mission influences and developed for the corporation or family who entertains. With 5 custom fireplaces, 75+ palm trees, fountain, courtyards, and extensive use of covered outdoor spaces; Little Hawkins Island is truly a Resort Residence that will easily accommodate parties of 250 or more people. The concept of a “village” was used to promote movement among 4 independent buildings for residents and guests alike to enjoy the year round natural beauty and climate of the Golden Isles. The architectural scale and attention to detail throughout the campus is exemplary. From the heavy mud set Spanish barrel tile roof to the monolithic solid concrete portico with its’ custom carved cartouche at the entrance, every opportunity was seized to match the style and grace of the best properties built in a bygone era.

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours The design goal was to produce a corporate or family retreat that could best utilize the uniqueness and seclusion as the only private residence, deep-water hammock directly assessable via concrete bridge in the Southeastern United States. Little Hawkins Island was seven years in the making from design and permitting through construction and punch out. The multiple award winning design was inspired by Spanish Colonial architecture with California Mission influences and developed for the corporation or family who entertains. With 5 custom fireplaces, 75+ palm trees, fountain, courtyards, and extensive use of covered outdoor spaces; Little Hawkins Island is truly a Resort Residence that will easily accommodate parties of 250 or more people. The concept of a “village” was used to promote movement among 4 independent buildings for residents and guests alike to enjoy the year round natural beauty and climate of the Golden Isles. The architectural scale and attention to detail throughout the campus is exemplary. From the heavy mud set Spanish barrel tile roof to the monolithic solid concrete portico with its’ custom carved cartouche at the entrance, every opportunity was seized to match the style and grace of the best properties built in a bygone era.

Old World Spanish Estate, with old limestone fireplace surround. Original old paintings, custom sofas and chairs. Handknotted red wool rug with distressed, handplaned furnishings. Beautiful Spanish Villa nestled in the hot and dry hills of Southern California. This beautiful sprawling mediterranean home has deep colored fabrics and rugs, a Moroccan pool house, and a burgandy, almost purple library. The deep red and rust colored fabrics reflect and enhance the antique wall hangings. The fine furniture is all hand bench made, all custom and hand scraped to look old and worn. Wrought iron lighting, Moroccan artifacts complete the look. Project Location: Hidden Hills, California. Projects designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more.

Inspiration for a mid-sized country front porch remodel in San Francisco with a roof extension

Located in the highly sought-after Allwood neighborhood of Darien, this spec house is the fourth collaboration with a client who first began with a renovation of her own home. While architecturally it is a traditional home from the exterior, the interiors are more transitional in style. In order to compete in the speculative market, our client’s directive was clear – ‘differentiation the kitchen design from every other spec house’. So we incorporated painted cabinetry but highlighted with rift-cut white oak base cabinets. This contrast between these finishes influenced our decision to select a subtle white quartzite countertop to deliberately highlight the striking porcelain backsplash. The steel and glass partition frames the space – drawing the eye to the focal point of the kitchen, the custom stainless steel hood. Gold hardware adds a pop of flair to the space and warms the room. Walnut drawer inserts, stainless steel appliance garage, pull out trash drawers with compost bins and a stylish desk make this the Gold Standard of spec houses.

The landscape design for this private residence brings together a diverse array of elements to create an ethereal, multi-sensory experience where sound, movement, colour and scent are simultaneously evoked. Shielded by a forty foot hedge, the site challenged us to create an exterior, yet interior, world where Asian and Western influences intersect. In honouring the traditions of Feng Shui, the retaining wall does not sit directly on the entrance. Meditation pathways lead to areas of retreat and socialization (including an outdoor fire, a restored pool and covered seating area). An ergonomic garden and potting station lined with fruit trees allows the client to grow her own plants and vegetables. A multi-leveled water feature is framed with lush camellias and peonies; the landscape is lined with evergreens and decorated with Chinese basalt and local granite. The multi-sensory design comes to life in the grove of Shirofugen cherry trees as it sheds its petals to the music of a custom Corten steel wind chime sculpture made by English artist David Harber. A weather station was placed on site for a month to determine the weight of the chimes—each one set to the pentatonic scale. This is a space where our clients can grow and evolve their lives with the seasons.

This luxury transitional residence was visualized to help the client evaluate and finalize the exterior material palette and landscape design before construction. The project focused on exploring various combinations of finishes, allowing the client to compare different design directions and understand how each choice would influence the overall character of the home. Throughout the design process, multiple options were tested for the roofing materials, exterior wall finishes, and window trims. These visualizations provided a clear representation of the subtle differences in texture, color, and architectural expression, helping the client make confident design decisions. The version presented here is the final selected scheme, combining timeless materials with refined detailing to create a sophisticated and elegant appearance that perfectly complements the home's transitional architecture. The project was modeled in SketchUp and rendered using D5 Render, delivering high-quality visuals that streamlined the material selection process and brought the design vision to life.

This luxury transitional residence was visualized to help the client evaluate and finalize the exterior material palette and landscape design before construction. The project focused on exploring various combinations of finishes, allowing the client to compare different design directions and understand how each choice would influence the overall character of the home. Throughout the design process, multiple options were tested for the roofing materials, exterior wall finishes, and window trims. These visualizations provided a clear representation of the subtle differences in texture, color, and architectural expression, helping the client make confident design decisions. The version presented here is the final selected scheme, combining timeless materials with refined detailing to create a sophisticated and elegant appearance that perfectly complements the home's transitional architecture. The project was modeled in SketchUp and rendered using D5 Render, delivering high-quality visuals that streamlined the material selection process and brought the design vision to life.

This luxury transitional residence was visualized to help the client evaluate and finalize the exterior material palette and landscape design before construction. The project focused on exploring various combinations of finishes, allowing the client to compare different design directions and understand how each choice would influence the overall character of the home. Throughout the design process, multiple options were tested for the roofing materials, exterior wall finishes, and window trims. These visualizations provided a clear representation of the subtle differences in texture, color, and architectural expression, helping the client make confident design decisions. The version presented here is the final selected scheme, combining timeless materials with refined detailing to create a sophisticated and elegant appearance that perfectly complements the home's transitional architecture. The project was modeled in SketchUp and rendered using D5 Render, delivering high-quality visuals that streamlined the material selection process and brought the design vision to life.

This luxury transitional residence was visualized to help the client evaluate and finalize the exterior material palette and landscape design before construction. The project focused on exploring various combinations of finishes, allowing the client to compare different design directions and understand how each choice would influence the overall character of the home. Throughout the design process, multiple options were tested for the roofing materials, exterior wall finishes, and window trims. These visualizations provided a clear representation of the subtle differences in texture, color, and architectural expression, helping the client make confident design decisions. The version presented here is the final selected scheme, combining timeless materials with refined detailing to create a sophisticated and elegant appearance that perfectly complements the home's transitional architecture. The project was modeled in SketchUp and rendered using D5 Render, delivering high-quality visuals that streamlined the material selection process and brought the design vision to life.

This luxury transitional residence was visualized to help the client evaluate and finalize the exterior material palette and landscape design before construction. The project focused on exploring various combinations of finishes, allowing the client to compare different design directions and understand how each choice would influence the overall character of the home. Throughout the design process, multiple options were tested for the roofing materials, exterior wall finishes, and window trims. These visualizations provided a clear representation of the subtle differences in texture, color, and architectural expression, helping the client make confident design decisions. The version presented here is the final selected scheme, combining timeless materials with refined detailing to create a sophisticated and elegant appearance that perfectly complements the home's transitional architecture. The project was modeled in SketchUp and rendered using D5 Render, delivering high-quality visuals that streamlined the material selection process and brought the design vision to life.

This view captures the bedroom as part of a larger architectural sequence rather than as an isolated room. A sculpted white partition partially encloses the sleeping area while preserving a long perspective toward the adjoining hallway, creating privacy without sacrificing openness or visual continuity. Pale oak flooring flows uninterrupted through the spaces, warming the crisp white walls and emphasizing the home’s restrained material palette. Black wall-mounted reading lamps and a row of directional ceiling fixtures introduce a graphic, industrial character that complements the steel-framed doors and windows. Carefully selected photography and artwork bring depth, color, and cultural personality to the neutral interior, while the wood bed and small sculptural side table add natural texture. Soft daylight filters through the distant glazing, producing a calm and evenly illuminated atmosphere. The design reflects contemporary minimalism with gallery-inspired and modern rustic influences. Experiencing the space feels quiet and personal, with the warmth of wood and art softening the precision of the architectural forms.

We love what our clients are bringing to our beloved Carytown! A Direct Primary Care office with doctors who take as much time as is needed to get to know and really help their patients, and we’re the lucky interior design firm that gets to be a part of their story. First we worked on their logo and branding color pallete. From there we used different elements from their guide to influence in paint choices. We played with cubes of periwinkle either as extruded rooms or intruded cavities. Soft white curves can be found everywhere and help patients feel welcome and safe. Everything in this space was new construction, so Haus of León helped with the flooring, layout, cabinetry, front desk, lighting, furniture, and that beautiful new staircase! Congrats on opening guys! Go check them out in person! Photography: Parker