When a new widow decided to move, she found a near perfect house to downsize to in Rossmoor, a gated community in Walnut Creek. A well-executed renovation helped to make it home—one that reminded her of her previous home in Berkeley, but smaller and easier to manage. Luckily, the original layout of the house worked for the client, so for the most part, she only needed to update the look and feel of the rooms. The house was remodeled with new White Oak hardwood flooring, new windows with white wood shutters, and new doors and hardware throughout. Every room also received a fresh coat of paint. As a very talented painter, the client mixed her own custom colors, which Gayler Design Build gladly applied for her. The primary bathroom was remodeled with Fantasy Brown Quartzite, white raised panel cabinets and American handmade decorative ceramic tile from Pratt & Larson. Incorporating universal design features, Gayler Design Build installed grab bars for the shower and toilet, a versatile hand-held showerhead, a shower bench, and lever-style door handles and faucets.

Feature in: Luxe Magazine Miami & South Florida Luxury Magazine If visitors to Robyn and Allan Webb’s one-bedroom Miami apartment expect the typical all-white Miami aesthetic, they’ll be pleasantly surprised upon stepping inside. There, bold theatrical colors, like a black textured wallcovering and bright teal sofa, mix with funky patterns, such as a black-and-white striped chair, to create a space that exudes charm. In fact, it’s the wife’s style that initially inspired the design for the home on the 20th floor of a Brickell Key high-rise. “As soon as I saw her with a green leather jacket draped across her shoulders, I knew we would be doing something chic that was nothing like the typical all- white modern Miami aesthetic,” says designer Maite Granda of Robyn’s ensemble the first time they met. The Webbs, who often vacation in Paris, also had a clear vision for their new Miami digs: They wanted it to exude their own modern interpretation of French decor. “We wanted a home that was luxurious and beautiful,” says Robyn, noting they were downsizing from a four-story residence in Alexandria, Virginia. “But it also had to be functional.” To read more visit: https: https://maitegranda.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/LX_MIA18_HOM_MaiteGranda_10.pdf Rolando Diaz

Watermark Residence was conceived as a “downsizing” project for Owners looking to transition from the home where they raised their family to a simpler lifestyle. The footprint and exterior massing of the single family condo was prescribed, but MMA wove new details into these constraints and was urged by the Owner to completely reinvent the interior experience. From the exterior, the home sits subtly on a corner lot, referencing the neighborhood in its style, but with a warmth and crispness that speaks also to the interiors. The primary goal of the project was to provide an open, inviting atmosphere of connected spaces that allowed natural light into all areas of the home. Upon entry, there is an immediate involvement in the daily activities with the living and dining rooms being the focal point, and a more intimate kitchen slightly out of view. Throughout the home, the idea of privacy and transparency plays an important role in the organization of spaces and materials chosen. More private corridors lead to intimate bedroom spaces and functional laundry and mudrooms. A two-floor, semi-transparent slat wall shields direct visibility from the street, while also providing connection between the entertaining spaces of the home. Combined with the white oak, open staircase, the movement between levels feels intuitive and inviting. A simple palette of materials, understated in their appearance but detailed in their execution, are threaded throughout the home. Gathering spaces are represented with open slats, grounding brick, white oak, and bright walls. Movement deeper into the house brings refined slat panels with integrated hardware at kitchen millwork, softly painted cabinetry, and warm tones of walnut in furniture elements. The most private spaces of the home further extrude the slat element into fluted panels, painted in deeper colors.

Eric Roth - Photo INSIDE OUT, OUTSIDE IN – IPSWICH, MA Downsizing from their sprawling country estate in Hamilton, MA, this retiring couple knew they found utopia when they purchased this already picturesque marsh-view home complete with ocean breezes, privacy and endless views. It was only a matter of putting their personal stamp on it with an emphasis on outdoor living to suit their evolving lifestyle with grandchildren. That vision included a natural screened porch that would invite the landscape inside and provide a vibrant space for maximized outdoor entertaining complete with electric ceiling heaters, adjacent wet bar & beverage station that all integrated seamlessly with the custom-built inground pool. Aside from providing the perfect getaway & entertainment mecca for their large family, this couple planned their forever home thoughtfully by adding square footage to accommodate single-level living. Sunrises are now magical from their first-floor master suite, luxury bath with soaker tub and laundry room, all with a view! Growing older will be more enjoyable with sleeping quarters, laundry and bath just steps from one another. With walls removed, utilities updated, a gas fireplace installed, and plentiful built-ins added, the sun-filled kitchen/dining/living combination eases entertaining and makes for a happy hang-out. This Ipswich home is drenched in conscious details, intentional planning and surrounded by a bucolic landscape, the perfect setting for peaceful enjoyment and harmonious living

Large transitional single-wall porcelain tile and beige floor enclosed kitchen photo in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, black appliances and an island

Doug Sturgeon Eclipse Photography | This space needed to play double duty. Provide an inviting area to work and consult with clients during the day while also serving as a functional kitchen, bathroom, living and sleeping space for my client that downsized from a townhouse. It was a tall order, but we worked closely to ensure the space functioned well in both capacities. The result is a travel inspired, eclectic, yet modern space that reflects my client's personality and style. It was a multi phased project given all the kitchen & bath renovations required. The previous kitchen had been removed entirely so we started from scratch and we're extremely proud of the result. ​ Favourite pieces include the subtle iridescent backsplash, the moroccan lighting, the sliding glass shower enclosure, the imported media unit made from fishing boats, the hanging bike and my clients travel photographer that add colour and his personality to the space.

Geneva Cabinet Company, Lake Geneva, WI Cottage charm with clean modern lines. We adored working on the kitchen remodel for a lovely couple who is downsizing. As you can imagine, storage is a priority. We used Shiloh Cabinetry with Beaded Inset Doors in a soft white, taupe finish. Storage is maximized with pull-out details to assist organization and easy access, double pull out trash, pull out spice rack, tray dividers, crown molding on cabinets is carried around entire room. Decorative cabinet end panels finish it nicely along with a light toned grant top and a subway tile backsplash that extends to the ceiling. Victoria McHugh Photography

Geneva Cabinet Company, Lake Geneva, WI Cottage charm with clean modern lines. We adored working on the kitchen remodel for a lovely couple who is downsizing. As you can imagine, storage is a priority. We used Shiloh Cabinetry with Beaded Inset Doors in a soft white, taupe finish. Storage is maximized with pull-out details to assist organization and easy access, double pull out trash, pull out spice rack, tray dividers, crown molding on cabinets is carried around entire room. Decorative cabinet end panels finish it nicely along with a light toned grant top and a subway tile backsplash that extends to the ceiling. Victoria McHugh Photography

Rich and Janet approached us looking to downsize their home and move to Corvallis to live closer to family. They were drawn to our passion for passive solar and energy-efficient building, as they shared this same passion. They were fortunate to purchase a 1050 sf house with three bedrooms and 1 bathroom right next door to their daughter and her family. While the original 55-year-old residence was characterized by an outdated floor plan, low ceilings, limited daylight, and a barely insulated outdated envelope, the existing foundations and floor framing system were in good condition. Consequently, the owners, working in tandem with us and their architect, decided to preserve and integrate these components into a fully transformed modern new house that embodies the perfect symbiosis of energy efficiency, functionality, comfort and beauty. With the expert participation of our designer Sarah, homeowners Rich and Janet selected the interior finishes of the home, blending lush materials, textures, and colors together to create a stunning home next door to their daughter’s family. The successful completion of this wonderful project resulted in a vibrant blended-family compound where the two families and three generations can now mingle and share the joy of life with each other.

The decision to go small is about her personal values, committing to a lifestyle, and living within her means. The move to design small is a subjective decision that weighs in on a number of factors that can’t possibly be summed up in one statement, but the obvious benefits jump to the front...easier to maintain, less cleaning, less expensive, less debt, less environmental impact, less temptation to accumulate. Her design requirements were simple, small footprint less than 1000 sq. ft., garage below the living area, and take advantage of the amazing view. It’s smaller than the average house, but designed in a way that it won’t feel like a shoebox. My client thought long and hard about downsizing her home and her lifestyle, and she couldn’t be happier

Doug Sturgeon Eclipse Photography | This space needed to play double duty. Provide an inviting area to work and consult with clients during the day while also serving as a functional kitchen, bathroom, living and sleeping space for my client that downsized from a townhouse. It was a tall order, but we worked closely to ensure the space functioned well in both capacities. The result is a travel inspired, eclectic, yet modern space that reflects my client's personality and style. It was a multi phased project given all the kitchen & bath renovations required. The previous kitchen had been removed entirely so we started from scratch and we're extremely proud of the result. ​ Favourite pieces include the subtle iridescent backsplash, the moroccan lighting, the sliding glass shower enclosure, the imported media unit made from fishing boats, the hanging bike and my clients travel photographer that add colour and his personality to the space.

This project combines high end earthy elements with elegant, modern furnishings. We wanted to re invent the beach house concept and create an home which is not your typical coastal retreat. By combining stronger colors and textures, we gave the spaces a bolder and more permanent feel. Yet, as you travel through each room, you can't help but feel invited and at home.

The decision to go small is about her personal values, committing to a lifestyle, and living within her means. The move to design small is a subjective decision that weighs in on a number of factors that can’t possibly be summed up in one statement, but the obvious benefits jump to the front...easier to maintain, less cleaning, less expensive, less debt, less environmental impact, less temptation to accumulate. Her design requirements were simple, small footprint less than 1000 sq. ft., garage below the living area, and take advantage of the amazing view. It’s smaller than the average house, but designed in a way that it won’t feel like a shoebox. My client thought long and hard about downsizing her home and her lifestyle, and she couldn’t be happier

When a new widow decided to move, she found a near perfect house to downsize to in Rossmoor, a gated community in Walnut Creek. A well-executed renovation helped to make it home—one that reminded her of her previous home in Berkeley, but smaller and easier to manage. Luckily, the original layout of the house worked for the client, so for the most part, she only needed to update the look and feel of the rooms. The house was remodeled with new White Oak hardwood flooring, new windows with white wood shutters, and new doors and hardware throughout. Every room also received a fresh coat of paint. As a very talented painter, the client mixed her own custom colors, which Gayler Design Build gladly applied for her. The primary bathroom was remodeled with Fantasy Brown Quartzite, white raised panel cabinets and American handmade decorative ceramic tile from Pratt & Larson. Incorporating universal design features, Gayler Design Build installed grab bars for the shower and toilet, a versatile hand-held showerhead, a shower bench, and lever-style door handles and faucets.

Ernesto Santalla was approached to create a new home for two Washington, DC lawyers wishing to downsize their living space. The move took them from a row house in Washington's historic Dupont Circle neighborhood to a two bedroom apartment in the vibrant, up-and-coming U Street Corridor. Our task was to transform a rather plain and generic apartment into a custom, sophisticated space in a few strategic moves. Ceiling details serve to define functional areas of the living space without creating divisions. Changing some doors from wood to frosted glass, creates a sense of continuity between spaces, and allows light to travel between spaces. Lighting was inserted strategically, to enhance certain functions of the home. The kitchen was partially enclosed with a plane of frosted glass to create visual separation from the main living space while still allowing natural light to filter in from the expansive wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. Color was used to reinforce the architectural intent and simplify spaces, such as the entry, which as many doors and frames. Furniture was selected to blend with the client's collection of heirloom pieces, creating a sophisticated juxtaposition. Statement pieces like a ceiling light from Viabizzuno create impact while maintaining the visual simplicity of our minimal approach. This project was featured in DC Modern Luxury. https://www.modernluxury.com/washington-dc/story/grand-nest Photography by Geoffrey Hodgdon

The decision to go small is about her personal values, committing to a lifestyle, and living within her means. The move to design small is a subjective decision that weighs in on a number of factors that can’t possibly be summed up in one statement, but the obvious benefits jump to the front...easier to maintain, less cleaning, less expensive, less debt, less environmental impact, less temptation to accumulate. Her design requirements were simple, small footprint less than 1000 sq. ft., garage below the living area, and take advantage of the amazing view. It’s smaller than the average house, but designed in a way that it won’t feel like a shoebox. My client thought long and hard about downsizing her home and her lifestyle, and she couldn’t be happier

We were hired to design a Northern Michigan home for our clients to retire. They wanted an inviting “Mountain Rustic” style that would offer a casual, warm and inviting feeling while also taking advantage of the view of nearby Deer Lake. Most people downsize in retirement, but for our clients more space was a virtue. The main level provides a large kitchen that flows into open concept dining and living. With all their family and visitors, ample entertaining and gathering space was necessary. A cozy three-season room which also opens onto a large deck provide even more space. The bonus room above the attached four car garage was a perfect spot for a bunk room. A finished lower level provided even more space for the grandkids to claim as their own, while the main level master suite allows grandma and grandpa to have their own retreat. Rustic details like a reclaimed lumber wall that includes six different varieties of wood, large fireplace, exposed beams and antler chandelier lend to the rustic feel our client’s desired. Ultimately, we were able to capture and take advantage of as many views as possible while also maintaining the cozy and warm atmosphere on the interior. This gorgeous home with abundant space makes it easy for our clients to enjoy the company of their five children and seven grandchildren who come from near and far to enjoy the home. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

We were hired to design a Northern Michigan home for our clients to retire. They wanted an inviting “Mountain Rustic” style that would offer a casual, warm and inviting feeling while also taking advantage of the view of nearby Deer Lake. Most people downsize in retirement, but for our clients more space was a virtue. The main level provides a large kitchen that flows into open concept dining and living. With all their family and visitors, ample entertaining and gathering space was necessary. A cozy three-season room which also opens onto a large deck provide even more space. The bonus room above the attached four car garage was a perfect spot for a bunk room. A finished lower level provided even more space for the grandkids to claim as their own, while the main level master suite allows grandma and grandpa to have their own retreat. Rustic details like a reclaimed lumber wall that includes six different varieties of wood, large fireplace, exposed beams and antler chandelier lend to the rustic feel our client’s desired. Ultimately, we were able to capture and take advantage of as many views as possible while also maintaining the cozy and warm atmosphere on the interior. This gorgeous home with abundant space makes it easy for our clients to enjoy the company of their five children and seven grandchildren who come from near and far to enjoy the home. - Jacqueline Southby Photography