Search results for "Discerning" in Home Design Ideas

Elizabeth Brosnan Hourihan was responsible for the interior design of a top-to-bottom renovation of a seven-story townhouse in Manhattan. It was brought back to its nineteenth-century glory, with period American, English, and French furniture, while incorporating the state-of-the-art systems and amenities that a large family requires. For these clients’ discerning taste, Elizabeth found subtle, fine antique rugs, and nineteenth- and early twentieth-century paintings, sculptures, and prints. The dining room is an especially magical space, because a pièce de résistance was commissioned for it – hand-painted wallcovering panels portraying a verdant eighteenth-century scene is installed throughout the room and creates a calm, harmonious environment all its own. Architect, Claus Rademacher, AIA. Photography, Paul Warchol.

Built for the Bluff, A Sea Ranch Home is Remade from the Inside Out
The house had always been grounded, on an ocean bluff at The Sea Ranch. It sits unencumbered, adjacent to one of the most dramatic stretches of the Sonoma coast with protected commons meadow to the east, uninterrupted Pacific views to the west, and a bluff trail running alongside. What it lacked was the feeling of home, one that could hold up its own against the natural landscape.
The owners are entrepreneurs with deep involvement across tech, real estate, and development and they know how things are built. The Sea Ranch house had been in their lives for years, a second residence and a place for family to gather. Built for a different time, it felt more compromising than comfortable. Sitting in a closed off nook, the kitchen fit one cook at a time and turned its back on the rest of the house. The entry was dim and compressed, divided by a structural column that presented itself at exactly the wrong moment. The primary suite was small relative to the view outside it. A large rear bedroom sat behind a lowered ceiling with a bathroom that had never been added. The house was certainly worth the trouble of doing it right.
What followed was not one project but four, each with its own design challenge, each addressed over a period of time.
Where the House Meets the Ocean
The most complex piece of the project, in both structural and spatial terms, was the kitchen expansion. The existing room was a single-person galley squeezed in as an afterthought with no meaningful connection to the dining room, the living space, or the deck outside. To make it useful for a family that cooks and gathers, it needed to grow outward into an existing patio and flow into the rooms around it.
A big challenge was the roofline. Several planes at different pitches and angles converged directly where additional volume was needed. A new form had to join that geometry without reading as a correction. The solution found the simplest possible connection between the existing angles, a roofline that from outside the structure, appears entirely original. From the bluff trail where the addition is visible, there is no discernible seam.
Inside, the kitchen is now open to the living and dining rooms without interruption. A large sliding glass door connects the space onto the rear deck. The deck itself was expanded and oriented so that the body of the house shields it from the coastal wind which is a common consideration that determines whether outdoor space at The Sea Ranch actually gets used. The result is a room that works for large family gatherings where no one feels cutoff, and one that makes the boundary between being inside and outside easy to ignore.
Welcoming Light
A structural column stood at the convergence of eight distinct roof planes in the entry. It was load-bearing, but it was also the reason the entry had always felt like a hallway rather than a welcoming arrival.
With the structural engineer, a custom steel connector was designed to receive beams from six separate directions, redistributing the load through a single new continuous beam. The column was surgically removed. Three triangular skylights were then cut into the roof above, their shapes drawn from the
existing geometry of the planes around them. The entry is now bright and open. The skylights feel native to the structure because they follow the logic already present in the roof.
Two Suites, Two Views
At opposite ends of the house, the two bedroom suites were each reconfigured, and each found a different way to introduce more of the landscape into the room.
An addition to the primary suite extended the structure outward to create a wraparound plan with a loop from the bedroom through bath and closet that had not been possible before. The expansion opened a slot view from the tub and shower toward the ocean. The view is precise and private. The ocean view is present and deliberate.
The rear bedroom absorbed an adjacent storage room to transform it into a full second suite with a vaulted ceiling, a large bathroom with a tub, a shower, and a sauna. A private fenced garden courtyard sits just beyond the glass bringing the outdoors inside. The tub was placed so that, looking past the courtyard and through the bedroom beyond, the ocean is visible at the far end. It is a long view and it makes the room feel larger and more settled than its footprint would suggest.
Glass on Four Sides, Fire at the Center
The main living and gathering room had always been caught between two competing facts: glass on four sides meant exceptional views but at The Sea Ranch, it also meant a cold room. A 360-degree cylindrical fireplace was added at the center on a raised stone base, providing radiant heat in every direction and giving the room a focal point around which a group naturally orients itself, whether that means two people at the end of the day or the whole family after dinner.
Owners Who Picked Up the Tools
The owner was not a passive client. they came with construction knowledge, specific ideas, and the desire to be an active part of the process, a dynamic that other architects may had found difficult, which Klopf Architecture accepted as an asset. They took it upon themselves to complete some of the work during construction, including the installation of a new radiant heating system beneath the floors.
The radiant system added to the older and less-desirable forced-air setup. At The Sea Ranch, that change matters as the house sits close enough to the ocean and moving air competes with the sound of it, where radiant heat does not. Solar panels were added to the roof as part of the new system. Insulation was upgraded throughout the walls, roof, and crawl space. The house that had always had the right setting now holds warmth the way a house on the bluff should.
They were also deeply involved in the design and selections throughout, and the finished house reflects both of them in ways that are specific rather than generic. The process took longer and moved through more iterations than a more arms-length relationship might have allowed. The result is more defined and personal because of it.
The Landscape Holds Priority
Every exterior decision was shaped by The Sea Ranch Design Standards, which require that buildings defer to the landscape around them rather than compete with it. Because this house sits on the bluff and is visible from the public trail, the additions faced a close review. Existing materials were matched. Geometries were resolved. The additions had to become indistinguishable from the original building.
From the trail, the house reads exactly as it always has — low, cedar-clad, secondary to the meadow and the water. The setting holds priority. Inside, the house has been remade.
Klopf Architecture Project Team: Geoff Campen and Trenton Jewett
Contractor: Shawn Bettega Construction
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2023
Location: The Sea Ranch, CA

Spacious finished Basement with all the exquisite amenities for our discerning client including Cedar Closet, Peloton Room, Full Fixture Bathroom, Maids Room, Separate Entrance, Large finished Egress Window Silos, Entertainment area, State of the Art Utility Room, Porcelanosa Floor Tiles.
Find the right local pro for your project

"About this Home: Nestled within the exclusive enclave of The Legends on Lake LBJ, this Lakeside Stone Masterpiece is a testament to timeless elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. Boasting 6 bedrooms and 6.5 baths across 6382 square feet, luxury permeates every inch of this residence. The discerning eye will appreciate the detailed stained pine trim, exposed beams, and AquaSphere whole house water treatment purification system. A striking custom iron accent entry door welcomes you to an interior adorned with custom iron railings, while a curved staircase leads to a second-story retreat with Lake LBJ views. Expansive windows and sliding doors effortlessly capture the prestigious lakeside vistas. The outdoor living space is a sanctuary, featuring a large summer kitchen, granite countertops, and a stainless steel outdoor fireplace, all harmonizing with an elegant landscape design that includes an elevated fountain, meditation garden, pool, sandy beach, and lakeside fire pit. A home where luxury and nature converge, allowing for a lifestyle of refined tranquility. As the builder proudly states, ""Crafting this residence was about creating a masterpiece that stands the test of time.""
Ziman Development is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, Ziman Development is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information."

As New England's premier custom glass design firm, we were proud to bring this stunning orangery addition to life for a Carlisle, Massachusetts family we’ve worked with on two other occasions. Orangeries, historically designed for cultivating citrus trees, have evolved into luxurious glass-enclosed spaces offering year-round natural light and connection to the outdoors. This custom orangery demonstrates Sunspace Design's mastery of blending the classic style with modern amenities.
Over two years of meticulous planning culminated in the results you see here. Drawn to our local reputation and in-house design and fabrication capabilities, the clients collaborated closely with us to realize their vision. Spanning an impressive 14' x 22'6", the orangery brings an air of grandeur to the rear of the colonial-style home while complementing the existing architecture.
The centerpiece is the custom hip-style glass roof, outfitted with insulated safety glass, framed in rich sapele mahogany, and adorned with copper glazing, flashing, and capping. Blue reflective glass set in the roof creates a captivating interplay of light throughout the day and contributes to the space’s lasting elegance. The roof line is set in from the walls to create a perimeter soffit on the interior, typical of orangeries. Custom wet bar cabinetry, crown moldings, and tilework complete the orangery, reflecting the family's discerning taste and creating an excellent spot for entertaining.
Our role as general contractor, our design expertise, and our fabrication abilities ensured this project's seamless execution. From engineered CAD drawings to the intricate roof assembly, the Sunspace commitment to quality is evident in the finished result. This space is much more than an addition; it's become the heart of the family’s home, where joyous holiday gatherings are hosted, and a touch of luxury is brought to everyday living.

This kitchen remodel designed with tradition & subtle accents in mind using Medallion Cabinetry Leads with the GOLD SERIES,BROOKHILL DOORSTYLE in WHITE CHOCOLATE W/MOCHA HIGHLIGHTS finish on the perimeter of the KITCHEN Featuring 42" WALL CABINETS with GLASS DOORS & GINGER SNAP STAINED ISLAND some of the accents include ROLL TRAYS, PULL OUT RACKS, and TRAY DIVIDERS.Decorative accents include FURNITURE BASE AROUND ISLAND W/DECO. LEGS AT ISLAND & SINK, Standard features of the Gold series include WOOD DOVETAIL DRAWERS W/ FULL EXT. SOFT CLOSE GLIDES & SOFT CLOSE DOORS. This kitchen features GOLDEN MARINACE GRANITE COUNTERTOPS with Daltile Emperador light CLASSIC (3/8" RANDOM POLISHED, HONED, SPLIT FACE tile backsplash & JennAir appliances w/ Decorative doors applied as well as a Marvel dual temp wine cooler, The cherry on top of this beautiful project is the Hammered copper undermount sink from Elkay. The Tradition comes alive with our design, quality products & discerning customers.

This showcase residence is prominently situated in a picture-perfect setting. The manicured grounds welcome you to a sun-filled and spacious interior. An open design features a large modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances and Sub-Zero refrigerator that will satisfy the discerning cook. The dining and living rooms are perfect for large gatherings and allow you to integrate outside entertaining with the elegant three-season screened porch. The lower level family room with built-ins is the spot to unwind and walks out to a stunning and private property. Upstairs is a home office and a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. The hall bath serves three additional bedrooms. A large, unfinished walk-out basement offers fabulous storage and further expansion possibilities. New roof and newer Lochinvar boiler. Located in a prime neighborhood on a quiet cul-de-sac, across from a wildlife refuge with easy access to conservation areas. Excellent Wayland schools.

Nestled in the exclusive North Ranch neighborhood of Westlake Village, this 6,600-square-foot masterpiece is a shining example of JRP’s tailored luxury and innovative design.
Our client’s vision for this home materialized as a single-story layout seamlessly blending the charm of a mountain aesthetic with a modern, rustic vibe.
Every element, from the meticulously crafted ceiling siding and beams to the flush base, narrates a compelling story of extraordinary living. Comprising five bathrooms, three bedrooms, a dedicated office, a gym, and a craft room, each corner of this home was thoughtfully curated to fulfill the unique needs of our discerning clients.
A particularly cherished aspect of the Rustic North Ranch project is the astonishing transformation of indoor-outdoor living. Separating the two spaces is a striking 18-foot-wide pocketing sliding door with a screen; when this door is open, the flow becomes seamless towards the reimagined outdoor living and new pool, inviting you to savor the indulgent pleasures of resort-style living within the sanctuary of a private retreat.
For more of this Rustic North Ranch project, including before and after images, behind-the-scenes, and design selections, follow along on our social media channels.
Photographer: Public 311 Design

The Bermuda is breathtaking both inside and out, This home bestows elegant living. This plan achieves grandeur on an everyday scale with its contemporary appointed features that speaks volumes to today's discerning homeowners. The open, flowing spaces of this home create a relaxing environment, enhanced throughout with stylish details to make this home one of a kind. The lanai and cabana expand the living area through the great room's 10 foot sliding glass doors, that complement the setting of the peaceful equestrian lifestyle of the Polo Grounds and Vero Beach's unique Bermuda/West Indies flavor. The expansive, open kitchen features a large center island with seating at the bar suited for both family gatherings and entertaining, GE Monogram appliances and a hidden Pantry! A dramatic round seating area transforms the den into a unique featured area. The model home's luxurious master suite provides two large walk-in-closets, a spacious bath with separate vanities, bubble massage tub, over sized walk-in shower, dual vanities and private water closet.

Within a modernist house nestled in the hills, a family of five wanted to create a minimalist home to suit their casual, indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Our clients for this project, who have discerning tastes, but also love to have fun, collaborated with us on every detail. Everything in the home contains meaning, from the typographic artwork in the dining room that spells out “family” in logos, to graphics calling out the ownership of lockers in the mudroom, to the surfboards that line the stairwell like functional artwork.
All-white walls allow these details to take center stage, while Fleetwood doors slide open to usher the outdoors in and continuous concrete flooring unifies the indoor and outdoor spaces. Italian cabinetry, an opaque glass accent wall and an internal garage door that rolls up to reveal an industrial workout room complement the contemporary architecture, while in other spaces reclaimed barnwood and retro tiles provide a playful sense of contrast.

About: This newly built home features custom ceiling designs and woodwork thought the house. The open floor plan and easy flow offers a relaxed and serene environment. As you enter the front door, you are immediately drawn to the custom backsplash in the kitchen. The kitchen is any chef's dream with top of the line appliances and plenty of counter space. Offering easy indoor outdoor living, the oversized pool and hot tub in the back make this the perfect space for entertaining family and friends. This home also features a formal living room and dining room, as well as a spacious family room. This home has it all and is sure to impress even the most discerning buyer.
Showcase Builders is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, Showcase Builders is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.

his executive residence stands apart with striking design elements rarely found elsewhere. From the moment you step inside, you're met with soaring floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the home in natural light from morning to night even on the dullest of days. The space is artfully constructed around light, volume, and flow, with four open skylights on the second level pouring light through to the main floor a brilliant and intentional design choice that enhances connection across the homes two storeys.The main floor is a showpiece of sophisticated living and entertaining, anchored by a sleek chefs kitchen featuring a built-in wine rack, ample custom cabinetry, and an inspiring layout. Thoughtful touches like the second-level office nook provide a balance of form and function for modern living. Upstairs, you'll find four generously sized bedrooms, including a serene principal retreat with a spa-inspired ensuite a space designed to relax, restore, and rejuvenate.The fully legal lower-level suite offers unmatched versatility and style. With heated floors, oversized windows, a separate entrance and HVAC system, and a walkout to a private sitting area, its an ideal in-law suite, guest retreat, or luxurious mortgage helper perfect for multigenerational families or discerning investors. Located in a warm, established, and community-oriented neighbourhood where families put down roots for generations

The breakfast room is flooded with light and opens onto the kitchen. The original cabinets were painted a bright white and outfitted with new polished chrome hardware. A playful and colorful tile backsplash personalizes the space.

The Bermuda is breathtaking both inside and out, This home bestows elegant living. This plan achieves grandeur on an everyday scale with its contemporary appointed features that speaks volumes to today's discerning homeowners. The open, flowing spaces of this home create a relaxing environment, enhanced throughout with stylish details to make this home one of a kind. The lanai and cabana expand the living area through the great room's 10 foot sliding glass doors, that complement the setting of the peaceful equestrian lifestyle of the Polo Grounds and Vero Beach's unique Bermuda/West Indies flavor. The expansive, open kitchen features a large center island with seating at the bar suited for both family gatherings and entertaining, GE Monogram appliances and a hidden Pantry! A dramatic round seating area transforms the den into a unique featured area. The model home's luxurious master suite provides two large walk-in-closets, a spacious bath with separate vanities, bubble massage tub, over sized walk-in shower, dual vanities and private water closet.

Make your home your "Baecation" away from it all.
Owner's Suite Renovation featuring Brizo Champagne bath fixtures, Rainhead, Handshower, Body Sprays, and Showerhead surround by large format custom calacatta tile finished with tempered glass shower with unobstructive entry to corner bench.
Linear drain captures water flow of water output.
Calacatta Quartz surround ledges snugly create the perfect bathing experience while the ventless fireplace and soaking tub keep you at the perfect temperature.
The Tankless Bidet for discerning homeowners who care about the planet opens upon entry into the space, while sensing completion for an automatic disposal.
Drybar behind doors (not pictured) in linen closet for a secret nightcap.
Each vanity features custom Black Mosaic Tile with 3D performance grout that shines like the stars at night. Vessel Envelope sinks in black on top of heather gray quartz. Fogless Medicine cabinets with internal storage coupled with a niche boxes for a touch of fancy.
Smart amenities feature bluetooth speakers in bath fan for a complete vibe and usb chargers in all outlets.
A luxurious retreat for the soul.
Enjoy and hire a designer for professional results.

Inspired by the owners' travels in the Mediterranean region yet rooted firmly in Texas soil, this single family residence is designed to provide a secluded, comfortable environment for observing nature, relaxing, entertaining, living, and working. The oddly shaped site determined a house that is removed from the street, resulting in a long drive through a wooded area that leads to the gently sloping house site. The house is designed around a large, central public living area. The basic "H" shaped plan reaches out to define the entry court as well as the rear yard area. The building can only be seen in small vignettes as one moves around and through it, and is finally understood from inside the main room. The public space is central to the plan, where rooms overlay and flow through and into one another. Private rooms are tucked away in more remote parts of the site. The guest bedrooms are located at a slightly lower level, and a remote study, reached by a ship's ladder, overlooks the main living area and enjoys its own roof terrace. The central part of the house is designed as a solid, strong, "original" building to which other wings are added as if built over time. The client desired that the house appear to be of no discernible style or period, and seem older rather than newer.
Built By: Dalgleish Construction Co.
Photography By: Paul Bardagjy

Welcome to Texas Hill Country living at its finest! This stunning almost new modern farmhouse features a one story 5/3 with 2 half bath home with a movie room, and a guesthouse nestled on over 5+ acres in a fenced neighborhood in Lake Travis ISD with lake access!
The home was built in 2021 and was built/designed by the award winning Deville Custom Homes and is the builder's personal home. The home is almost completely wheelchair/ADA accessible, and features a flat lot, an entertaining back yard with a pool for even the youngest of children to enjoy (shallow depths with side walls for the just in case moments), a 30k rainwater collection tank, an inground trampoline, and a partially turfed backyard that meets another sodded acre so the whole group can run barefoot! There is even an inside/outside bathroom that allows those in the pool to quickly run in and out without getting the house wet!
All of the small details have been thought about including Christmas plugs in the soffit, RV outlets, wired for solar and an electric vehicle, entire house is wired with Sonos speakers (even the pool) and 8 cameras with an alarm. This home was designed for the entertaining and discerning buyer who wants their privacy but is conscientious and cautious and likes to feel protected.
Additional details are: completely spray foamed home, large 12x16 metal storage building that matches the house, level 4 drywall, a large Fleetwood back door, most cactus has been eradicated, 12 foot ceilings in main rooms, and an outdoor kitchen with built in grill and wired for a tv. The guest house features two large full size bunkbeds, an open living area, and a half bathroom (just in case you want your friends to visit but not move in)!
Remember to bring your horses and your boat!

Immaculately situated behind an exclusive private gate lies this absolutely epic estate of your dreams. A beautiful long driveway leads you to 1.6 acres of entertainer’s paradise featuring the grand main house, detached guest house, 3 car garage, full North/South Tennis & Basketball court, tennis pavilion, wine cellar, pool & spa with water slide, firepit, outdoor kitchen, hiking trail, and more. The striking exterior of this home exceeds all modern farmhouse architectural expectations with curated contrasting colors and warm stone elements meticulously combined to create timeless luxury. Upon entry, soaring ceilings, flooding natural light, and designer finishes welcome you to an exceptionally appointed open floor plan. The glamorous custom chef’s kitchen features top of the line Miele appliances, built in coffee maker, professional walk in pantry & butler’s pantry, massive center island with bar seating, and additional dining space for informal meals. Expansive family room with fireplace keeps a versatile vibe with just an open or close of glass sliding pocket doors revealing the backyard oasis. Covered lounging space leads out to the resort-like backyard surrounded by towering lush greenery. Astounding pool features a water slide, waterfalls, baja shelf, and grotto. Crafted for the aspiring athlete, is a gym located on the right wing of the house with direct access to the full sized sports court equipped for tennis & basketball. Adjacent, is a covered tennis pavilion with a bathroom and wet bar, perfectly designed to entertain and watch games. The second level welcomes you to an additional family room, oversized ensuite bedrooms, and laundry room. The romantic master retreat boasts refined luxury with beamed ceilings, a stunning fireplace, extensive balcony, dual walk in closets, and a sophisticated bathroom with separate sinks, vanity area, soaking tub, and walk in shower. Additional world class amenities include a home theater, main floor ensuite bedroom, smart home system, security system, extra long driveway with room to park multiple cars, boats, etc., and more. This unmatched trophy estate was built with unparalleled levels of execution for the most discerning clientele.

DUETTE® Honeycomb Shades
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An innovative window treatment that looks beautiful and insulates your home all year round, Duette® Honeycomb Shades were the first cellular shades, specially engineered to provide energy efficiency at the window in both cold and warm climates. Their specially engineered honeycomb construction traps air in distinct pockets, which creates insulation that can help lower your energy consumption and energy bills.
Decorate every kind of window you have—even tricky skylights and unusually shaped panes—with Duette. Our signature honeycomb shades are one of our most versatile options and beautify every kind of interior.
Key Features
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Largest Selection in the Industry—Explore the widest selection of cellular pleat sizes, opacities, colors, textures and operating systems. Duette shades can also accommodate many specialty shaped windows, even tricky skylights.
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Vertical Application—For doors that need extra insulation, the Duette Vertiglide™ operating system is the ideal option. It’s designed for vertical applications and uses the same fabrics as your horizontal Duette shades. Use one shade to cover the entire expanse of a sliding door, or, cover the door with a split stack Vertiglide shade, with each side operating independently.
Sound Absorption—Improve your room’s acoustics while reducing the intensity of outside sound. Duette Honeycomb Shades absorb up to 70% of sound energy, creating a more quiet, tranquil room.
LNG Blinds
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Valley Stream, NY 11580
Call Us (516) 593-0044
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