Photo: Jessica Cain © 2017 Houzz
Inspiration for a large timeless master bedroom remodel in Kansas City with beige walls and no fireplace

Rob Karosis
Cottage laundry room photo in New York

Perched high above the Islington Golf course, on a quiet cul-de-sac, this contemporary residential home is all about bringing the outdoor surroundings in. In keeping with the French style, a metal and slate mansard roofline dominates the façade, while inside, an open concept main floor split across three elevations, is punctuated by reclaimed rough hewn fir beams and a herringbone dark walnut floor. The elegant kitchen includes Calacatta marble countertops, Wolf range, SubZero glass paned refrigerator, open walnut shelving, blue/black cabinetry with hand forged bronze hardware and a larder with a SubZero freezer, wine fridge and even a dog bed. The emphasis on wood detailing continues with Pella fir windows framing a full view of the canopy of trees that hang over the golf course and back of the house. This project included a full reimagining of the backyard landscaping and features the use of Thermory decking and a refurbished in-ground pool surrounded by dark Eramosa limestone. Design elements include the use of three species of wood, warm metals, various marbles, bespoke lighting fixtures and Canadian art as a focal point within each space. The main walnut waterfall staircase features a custom hand forged metal railing with tuning fork spindles. The end result is a nod to the elegance of French Country, mixed with the modern day requirements of a family of four and two dogs!

Our client bought an older expansive bungalow in Manotick with a stunning waterfront backyard. This beautiful setting became the foundation for our open concept Kitchen and Family Room Design. Besides the usual great functional requirements, the client wanted a ‘Rockstar’ visual kitchen to complement an eclectic collection of Mid-Century Furniture and objects. The reclaimed Northern Wide plank Oak hardwood (colour: Mill creek, collection: Artifax), floor provides a rustic and comfortable grounding to the crisp modernism of the kitchen. The floor is especially practical as the inevitable scratches from the family dog can be easily corrected by the client. The Kitchen features a ‘Bridge’ design of walnut cabinetry surrounding the pro-style fridge and freezer. Other appliances are clustered with demi-tall pantries and form an interesting linear definition that suits the ‘Long’ Room of Kitchen and Family Room. A walnut Eating Bar and walnut interior for the dish pantry complete the triad of walnut in the Kitchen. High gloss white cabinets featuring handle-free design are topped with gray quartz. The stunning Noble Grey light marble backsplash is installed with a Horizontal grain to complement the linear definition. The Family Room features an offset linear fireplace that is balanced with a substantial walnut entertainment unit. The awkward and unmoveable doorway was incorporated into the design to create the effect of a unit that is much larger than it actually is. The walnut wood matches the Kitchen but is installed with a horizontal grain, repeating the character of the kitchen backsplash.

This Cobble Hill Brownstone for a family of five is a fun and captivating design, the perfect blend of the wife’s love of English country style and the husband’s preference for modern. The young power couple, her the co-founder of Maisonette and him an investor, have three children and a dog, requiring that all the surfaces, finishes and, materials used throughout the home are both beautiful and durable to make every room a carefree space the whole family can enjoy. The primary design challenge for this project was creating both distinct places for the family to live their day to day lives and also a whole floor dedicated to formal entertainment. The clients entertain large dinners on a monthly basis as part of their profession. We solved this by adding an extension on the Garden and Parlor levels. This allowed the Garden level to function as the daily family operations center and the Parlor level to be party central. The kitchen on the garden level is large enough to dine in and accommodate a large catering crew. On the parlor level, we created a large double parlor in the front of the house; this space is dedicated to cocktail hour and after-dinner drinks. The rear of the parlor is a spacious formal dining room that can seat up to 14 guests. The middle "library" space contains a bar and facilitates access to both the front and rear rooms; in this way, it can double as a staging area for the parties. The remaining three floors are sleeping quarters for the family and frequent out of town guests. Designing a row house for private and public functions programmatically returns the building to a configuration in line with its original design. This project was published in Architectural Digest. Photography by Sam Frost

Soft colourful plantings along the pathway, seasonal interest begins in early spring and the planting is still colourful in late summer.
Design ideas for a small craftsman partial sun front yard brick driveway in New York for summer.

Perched high above the Islington Golf course, on a quiet cul-de-sac, this contemporary residential home is all about bringing the outdoor surroundings in. In keeping with the French style, a metal and slate mansard roofline dominates the façade, while inside, an open concept main floor split across three elevations, is punctuated by reclaimed rough hewn fir beams and a herringbone dark walnut floor. The elegant kitchen includes Calacatta marble countertops, Wolf range, SubZero glass paned refrigerator, open walnut shelving, blue/black cabinetry with hand forged bronze hardware and a larder with a SubZero freezer, wine fridge and even a dog bed. The emphasis on wood detailing continues with Pella fir windows framing a full view of the canopy of trees that hang over the golf course and back of the house. This project included a full reimagining of the backyard landscaping and features the use of Thermory decking and a refurbished in-ground pool surrounded by dark Eramosa limestone. Design elements include the use of three species of wood, warm metals, various marbles, bespoke lighting fixtures and Canadian art as a focal point within each space. The main walnut waterfall staircase features a custom hand forged metal railing with tuning fork spindles. The end result is a nod to the elegance of French Country, mixed with the modern day requirements of a family of four and two dogs!

Perched high above the Islington Golf course, on a quiet cul-de-sac, this contemporary residential home is all about bringing the outdoor surroundings in. In keeping with the French style, a metal and slate mansard roofline dominates the façade, while inside, an open concept main floor split across three elevations, is punctuated by reclaimed rough hewn fir beams and a herringbone dark walnut floor. The elegant kitchen includes Calacatta marble countertops, Wolf range, SubZero glass paned refrigerator, open walnut shelving, blue/black cabinetry with hand forged bronze hardware and a larder with a SubZero freezer, wine fridge and even a dog bed. The emphasis on wood detailing continues with Pella fir windows framing a full view of the canopy of trees that hang over the golf course and back of the house. This project included a full reimagining of the backyard landscaping and features the use of Thermory decking and a refurbished in-ground pool surrounded by dark Eramosa limestone. Design elements include the use of three species of wood, warm metals, various marbles, bespoke lighting fixtures and Canadian art as a focal point within each space. The main walnut waterfall staircase features a custom hand forged metal railing with tuning fork spindles. The end result is a nod to the elegance of French Country, mixed with the modern day requirements of a family of four and two dogs!

Design ideas for a mediterranean drought-tolerant landscaping in Los Angeles with a pergola.

This is an example of a mid-sized front yard landscaping in Philadelphia.

Michael Biondo photography The kitchen remodel is part of a larger renovation of an older home with the goal of maintaining the original character on the outside, while introducing a contemporary, functionally-driven aesthetic inside. Structural modifications allow three individual rooms to be combined and for the kitchen to be connected to the outdoor patio with large sliding doors. Warm, natural materials with contrasting elements enrich the minimal space: blackened steel vs. white lacquer, smooth paneling vs. rough stone. The design challenge was to use the original wood burning fireplace chimney for cooking was a detailing challenge requiring mechanical gymnastics and custom fabrication. The old hearth is transformed into the new focal point of the space.

The kitchen is a study in contrasts. All-white perimeter cabinets meld into walls and bulkheads painted the same colour (Benjamin Moore Cloud white), while black areas -- island, sink, table, buffet, and doors -- are strategically placed to draw you into the space. The top of the buffet features a unique inlay of diagonal stripes made from remnants of the granite used to make the custom dining table. Aside from being decorative, they hide the fact that a seam was required to construct the countertop. As a further decorative fluorish, we took advantage of the existing bulkheads and emphasized the tray ceiling zones with a subtle shade of pale blue-grey. Paneling applied to the wall above the banquette adds another layer of detail. In the dining area, an upholstered banquette is both practical with its vinyl upholstery, and comfortable. The back is channel quilted in an ostrich texture for some a fun detail. The dining table was made from a broken island counter found in our fabricator's shop. It had a beautiful ogee edge and was just exactly the width we required. Wonderful find! Even the table base has a gold feature, while the dining chairs have glam crystal buttons (as does Millie the dog's collar!).

Example of a mid-sized classic exterior home design in Atlanta

Photo by Pete Veilleux, East Bay Wilds. 'Island Pink' yarrow (Achillea millefolium 'Island Pink') with woolly blue curls (Trichostema lanatum).

Our client bought an older expansive bungalow in Manotick with a stunning waterfront backyard. This beautiful setting became the foundation for our open concept Kitchen and Family Room Design. Besides the usual great functional requirements, the client wanted a ‘Rockstar’ visual kitchen to complement an eclectic collection of Mid-Century Furniture and objects. The reclaimed Northern Wide plank Oak hardwood (colour: Mill creek, collection: Artifax), floor provides a rustic and comfortable grounding to the crisp modernism of the kitchen. The floor is especially practical as the inevitable scratches from the family dog can be easily corrected by the client. The Kitchen features a ‘Bridge’ design of walnut cabinetry surrounding the pro-style fridge and freezer. Other appliances are clustered with demi-tall pantries and form an interesting linear definition that suits the ‘Long’ Room of Kitchen and Family Room. A walnut Eating Bar and walnut interior for the dish pantry complete the triad of walnut in the Kitchen. High gloss white cabinets featuring handle-free design are topped with gray quartz. The stunning Noble Grey light marble backsplash is installed with a Horizontal grain to complement the linear definition. The Family Room features an offset linear fireplace that is balanced with a substantial walnut entertainment unit. The awkward and unmoveable doorway was incorporated into the design to create the effect of a unit that is much larger than it actually is. The walnut wood matches the Kitchen but is installed with a horizontal grain, repeating the character of the kitchen backsplash.

A young couple with three small children purchased this full floor loft in Tribeca in need of a gut renovation. The existing apartment was plagued with awkward spaces, limited natural light and an outdated décor. It was also lacking the required third child’s bedroom desperately needed for their newly expanded family. StudioLAB aimed for a fluid open-plan layout in the larger public spaces while creating smaller, tighter quarters in the rear private spaces to satisfy the family’s programmatic wishes. 3 small children’s bedrooms were carved out of the rear lower level connected by a communal playroom and a shared kid’s bathroom. Upstairs, the master bedroom and master bathroom float above the kid’s rooms on a mezzanine accessed by a newly built staircase. Ample new storage was built underneath the staircase as an extension of the open kitchen and dining areas. A custom pull out drawer containing the food and water bowls was installed for the family’s two dogs to be hidden away out of site when not in use. All wall surfaces, existing and new, were limited to a bright but warm white finish to create a seamless integration in the ceiling and wall structures allowing the spatial progression of the space and sculptural quality of the midcentury modern furniture pieces and colorful original artwork, painted by the wife’s brother, to enhance the space. The existing tin ceiling was left in the living room to maximize ceiling heights and remain a reminder of the historical details of the original construction. A new central AC system was added with an exposed cylindrical duct running along the long living room wall. A small office nook was built next to the elevator tucked away to be out of site.

The rustic/elegant kitchen (right) custom cabinets are white oak and charcoal black with a large island and an island banquette. To the left of a coffee bar, flanked by 2 sub zero built in units is a hidden cabinet door that leads to a large pantry with a dog bath, dog pot filler, and a doggie door to the outside. The traditional curved stove vent hood is accented by white oak. Two large, crystal chandeliers hang of the island. Adjacent to the kitchen is a cozy seating area in front of a large gas log set fireplace flanked by black mullion Pella life style windows. The rustic/elegant kitchen (right) custom cabinets are white oak and charcoal black with a large island and an island banquette. To the left of a coffee bar, flanked by 2 sub zero built in units is a hidden cabinet door that leads to a large pantry with a dog bath, dog pot filler, and a doggie door to the outside. The traditional curved stove vent hood is accented by white oak. Two large, crystal chandeliers hang of the island. Adjacent to the kitchen is a cozy seating area in front of a large gas log set fireplace flanked by black mullion Pella life style windows. Heatilator 50 Fireplace With Herringbone With Venting, Cap, Firestops Decorative Gas 42 Inch Logs with Remote This new 7,200 SF Custom Designed (Rustic/Elegant Farmhouse Ranch) Home was built on part of the foundation of the previous home which was a split level. Our architectural strategy required a continuous first floor (10ft) and the home remained aligned with the existing circle driveway. The rustic metal roof front entrance porch (gas lanterns) leads into a massive 2 story center hall (home of a large, centered gathering table) to a large centered outdoor back yard courtyard (kitchen to the right and sports bar to the left) which centers on the new swimming pool and wide outdoor stairs of the retaining wall required for the extensive stormwater management system. That establishes the center of the home stretching over 100 ft from the front step to the back yard stairs flanked by 2 fire features highlighting the pool. The locations of other rooms listed below are to the right and left of this centered home line. Kitchen, kitchen fireplace, pantry, and guest suite are to the right. Entrance to the finished basement theater room are to the right along with a bar to support events in the center hall. To the left of the center 2 story hall are the exercise room with sauna (with glass garage type door to the front porch), sport bar with theater and see through fireplace, game room, mudroom, laundry, 4 car conditioned garage, and pool changing rooms. From the centered 2 story hall to the right is the glass stairwell and curved stairs made of white oak and wrought iron. These beautiful stairs lead to the library balcony overlooking the massive center hall and large gathering dining table. From the right of the balcony are the primary suite with a private 2nd floor porch and a bedroom suite. From the left of the balcony are 2 more suites with a laundry room, kitchenette, and a large EZ Breeze, closed in porch that overlooks the pool and provides coverage over the pool patio next to the see through fireplace in the sports bar theater room. The exterior is James Hardie fibercement and limestone veneer. Fascia and frieze boards are capped with heavy roof metal materials. The front porch roof is standing metal seam and columns and ceiling are rustic, reclaimed wood.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard driveway in New York.

Our client bought an older expansive bungalow in Manotick with a stunning waterfront backyard. This beautiful setting became the foundation for our open concept Kitchen and Family Room Design. Besides the usual great functional requirements, the client wanted a ‘Rockstar’ visual kitchen to complement an eclectic collection of Mid-Century Furniture and objects. The reclaimed Northern Wide plank Oak hardwood (colour: Mill creek, collection: Artifax), floor provides a rustic and comfortable grounding to the crisp modernism of the kitchen. The floor is especially practical as the inevitable scratches from the family dog can be easily corrected by the client. The Kitchen features a ‘Bridge’ design of walnut cabinetry surrounding the pro-style fridge and freezer. Other appliances are clustered with demi-tall pantries and form an interesting linear definition that suits the ‘Long’ Room of Kitchen and Family Room. A walnut Eating Bar and walnut interior for the dish pantry complete the triad of walnut in the Kitchen. High gloss white cabinets featuring handle-free design are topped with gray quartz. The stunning Noble Grey light marble backsplash is installed with a Horizontal grain to complement the linear definition. The Family Room features an offset linear fireplace that is balanced with a substantial walnut entertainment unit. The awkward and unmoveable doorway was incorporated into the design to create the effect of a unit that is much larger than it actually is. The walnut wood matches the Kitchen but is installed with a horizontal grain, repeating the character of the kitchen backsplash.