Saturday June 27, 4:00 to 5:30pm | Manhattan Pool Farm by David Seiter of Future Green Studio High above Midtown Manhattan, this transformed rooftop pool is now a farm-to-table restaurant, the Press Lounge, offering guests a dazzling view of the New York City skyline. From the 19th floor of Ink Hotel, a beautifully designed edible garden is meticulously cared for to create seasonal food and drink options from ingredients grown onsite. Utilizing themes of material reuse and urban infill, this custom design and fabricated system of wood terraced planters transforms an underutilized rooftop pool into a dynamic private dining experience. The project is inspired by the structure of a sushi mat- with flexibility in one direction and rigidity in the other, the mat rolls fluidly from deck to bench to planter to wall. In an effort to make the project sustainable and cost effective, ipe wood decking was salvaged from a recent renovation and repurposed. The planting palette was selected in consultation with the restaurant’s chef, professional forager and a rooftop farmer in order to orchestrate the edible garden with unique seasonal food and drink menus. A small slice of paradise has been found in Hell’s Kitchen. Photo by David Seiter

Interior Designer: MOTIV Interiors LLC Photographer: Sam Angel Photography Design Challenge: This 8 year-old boy and girl were outgrowing their existing setup and needed to update their rooms with a plan that would carry them forward into middle school and beyond. In addition to gaining storage and study areas, could these twins show off their big personalities? Absolutely, we said! MOTIV Interiors tackled the rooms of these youngsters living in Nashville's 12th South Neighborhood and created an environment where the dynamic duo can learn, create, and grow together for years to come. Design Solution: In her room, we wanted to create a fun-filled space that supports softball, sleepovers, science, and anything else a girl might want to get into. The star of the show is a beautiful hand-printed wallpaper by Brooklyn designer Aimee Wilder, whose FSC-certified papers contain no VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). That means that in addition to packing a powerful visual punch, they meet our standard for excellent indoor air quality. We also love this wallpaper because it is composed of so many different neutral colors - this room can organically evolve over time without necessarily replacing the paper (which was installed with a no-VOC adhesive). We refreshed the remaining walls with a scrubbable no-VOC paint from Sherwin Williams (7008 Alabaster) and gave the carpets in both of the twins’ rooms a good cleaning and simple stretch as opposed to replacing them. In order to provide more functional light in her room, we incorporated a corner floor lamp for reading, a telescoping desk lamp for studying, and an eye-catching LED flower pendant on a dimmer switch sourced from Lightology. Custom window treatments in a linen/cotton blend emphasize the height of the room and bring in a little “bling” with antiqued gold hardware. Before we even thought about aesthetics, however, MOTIV Interiors got to work right away on increasing functionality. We added a spacious storage unit with plenty of baskets for all of our young client’s animal friends, and we made sure to include ample shelf space for books and hobbies as she finds new passions to explore down the road. We always prefer eco-friendly furnishings that are manufactured responsibly, made with sustainably harvested wood (FSC Certified), and use no glue or non-toxic glues and paints. The bedding in this project is 100% cotton and contains no synthetic fibers. When purchasing bedding, check for the GOTS Certification (Global Organic Textile Standard). The introduction of a desk and drawer unit created a calming space to study and reflect, or write a letter to a friend. Gold accents add a bit of warmth to the workspace, where she can display her memories, goals, and game plans for a bright future. We hope you enjoyed this project as much as we did! Each design challenge is an opportunity to push the envelope, by creating a new and exciting aesthetic or finding creative ways to incorporate sustainable design principles.

For years, early morning walks past this 1910 Craftsman in Houston's historic Avondale neighborhood left the new owners with lingering fantasies of making it their future home. When it became available, they acquired a home rich with history, but one nearly abolished. The home was once inhabited by Texas Governor (1931-1932) and founder of Humble Oil, Ross Sterling. But, renovations subdivided the home into multi-family rentals and destroyed original finishes. The developer driven modifications were abruptly halted by city red tags in 2018 after original windows were demolished and replaced with vinyl substitutes. With a nearly clean slate on the interior, the HRDD renovation aims to be respectful to the original context while providing coplimentary modern surprises atypical to the era. One such example is a new opening that punctures through the second floor, extending to a roof skylight. Situated at the transition between formal and informal rooms on the first floor and common space on the second floor, this subtraction is lined with a scalloped wood screen. The screen is one of multiple moments within the home where texture will combine with minimal white surfaces, providing a backdrop to the owners' collection of antique Indian furniture pieces. Additionally, a new detached replaced an existing dilapidated garage apartment and contains the owner's photography studio. Windows and a skylight are placed to capture coveted north light, ideal for photographing and editing. The main room remains an austere slate, with ceiling vaulting to a single aperture to create a dynamic moment that carries a dialogue to the opening in the main home.

Modern Desert Home | Main House | Imbue Design
Small trendy red one-story metal exterior home photo in Salt Lake City

Saturday June 27, 4:00 to 5:30pm | Manhattan Pool Farm by David Seiter of Future Green Studio High above Midtown Manhattan, this transformed rooftop pool is now a farm-to-table restaurant, the Press Lounge, offering guests a dazzling view of the New York City skyline. From the 19th floor of Ink Hotel, a beautifully designed edible garden is meticulously cared for to create seasonal food and drink options from ingredients grown onsite. Utilizing themes of material reuse and urban infill, this custom design and fabricated system of wood terraced planters transforms an underutilized rooftop pool into a dynamic private dining experience. The project is inspired by the structure of a sushi mat- with flexibility in one direction and rigidity in the other, the mat rolls fluidly from deck to bench to planter to wall. In an effort to make the project sustainable and cost effective, ipe wood decking was salvaged from a recent renovation and repurposed. The planting palette was selected in consultation with the restaurant’s chef, professional forager and a rooftop farmer in order to orchestrate the edible garden with unique seasonal food and drink menus. A small slice of paradise has been found in Hell’s Kitchen. Photo by K•Taro Hashimura

This project was designed with one goal — to make future tenants feel instantly at home, while giving the apartment a bold, youthful character. The open-plan living area invites natural light deep into the space, while playful color accents bring in a fresh, dynamic vibe. Durable finishes and functional layouts were key to ensure the apartment not only looks great, but also works perfectly for everyday city life. It’s a rental, yes — but it feels like the kind of place you’d want to stay for years.

Interior Designer: MOTIV Interiors LLC Photographer: Sam Angel Photography Design Challenge: This 8 year-old boy and girl were outgrowing their existing setup and needed to update their rooms with a plan that would carry them forward into middle school and beyond. In addition to gaining storage and study areas, could these twins show off their big personalities? Absolutely, we said! MOTIV Interiors tackled the rooms of these youngsters living in Nashville's 12th South Neighborhood and created an environment where the dynamic duo can learn, create, and grow together for years to come. Design Solution: In her room, we wanted to create a fun-filled space that supports softball, sleepovers, science, and anything else a girl might want to get into. The star of the show is a beautiful hand-printed wallpaper by Brooklyn designer Aimee Wilder, whose FSC-certified papers contain no VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). That means that in addition to packing a powerful visual punch, they meet our standard for excellent indoor air quality. We also love this wallpaper because it is composed of so many different neutral colors - this room can organically evolve over time without necessarily replacing the paper (which was installed with a no-VOC adhesive). We refreshed the remaining walls with a scrubbable no-VOC paint from Sherwin Williams (7008 Alabaster) and gave the carpets in both of the twins’ rooms a good cleaning and simple stretch as opposed to replacing them. In order to provide more functional light in her room, we incorporated a corner floor lamp for reading, a telescoping desk lamp for studying, and an eye-catching LED flower pendant on a dimmer switch sourced from Lightology. Custom window treatments in a linen/cotton blend emphasize the height of the room and bring in a little “bling” with antiqued gold hardware. Before we even thought about aesthetics, however, MOTIV Interiors got to work right away on increasing functionality. We added a spacious storage unit with plenty of baskets for all of our young client’s animal friends, and we made sure to include ample shelf space for books and hobbies as she finds new passions to explore down the road. We always prefer eco-friendly furnishings that are manufactured responsibly, made with sustainably harvested wood (FSC Certified), and use no glue or non-toxic glues and paints. The bedding in this project is 100% cotton and contains no synthetic fibers. When purchasing bedding, check for the GOTS Certification (Global Organic Textile Standard). The introduction of a desk and drawer unit created a calming space to study and reflect, or write a letter to a friend. Gold accents add a bit of warmth to the workspace, where she can display her memories, goals, and game plans for a bright future. We hope you enjoyed this project as much as we did! Each design challenge is an opportunity to push the envelope, by creating a new and exciting aesthetic or finding creative ways to incorporate sustainable design principles.

PRIMARY COLORS The Noakeses are not afraid of color, which found an outlet in the brilliant red, orange and blue of the Tufenkian Borealis Pacific Fire rug anchoring the living room. On the following spread, the homeowners’ art hangs on a dining room wall and is the soulmate to the living room rug’s deeply saturated colors as well as to the bright oranges in the wool and silk rug under the dining table. Glamour is a driving force in the house, but it never overwhelms. As a backdrop in the dining room, golden Lori Weitzner wallpaper lines the display shelf where Perry and Suzy Noakes display treasures from their travels. In the kitchen, a grouping of seeded blown glass cylinder pendants illuminates Bright Group stools and a generously proportioned island that’s big enough to seat eight guests. The entry’s bright-red lacquered console is a place for the homeowners’ Buddha collection to get attention. Pieces from Laura Britt’s sustainable furniture line Vervano populate the bedroom, including the Noakeses use for media storage. Pieces from Laura Britt’s sustainable furniture line Vervano populate the bedroom, including the chair underneath the windows The gray theme continues in the master bath, where vein-cut travertine slabs on the floor set off the sculptural flair of the bathtub. “Homes didn’t mean anything to us,” says Perry Noakes, “except as a place to put our keys and get ready for the next journey.” The retired high-tech company executive and his wife, Suzy, are avid globe-trotters. The couple had also lived in Asia for 15 years as part of Perry’s work. Finding a place to live was a well-rehearsed exercise that figured into their system for settling in to a foreign country. But all that changed when Perry and Suzy decided to downsize to a new house in Austin. A friend told them about a spec house under construction, the project of a dream team of Austin-based design professionals that included builder Keith Husbands, architect Bob Wetmore of Cornerstone Architects, and interior designer Laura Britt and her staff. “We went to see it,” says Perry, “and loved it.” The couple quickly bought the framed-out 5,800-square-foot building. The fact that the two-story dwelling was near a golf course was a bonus for the two golfers, but the low-slung four-bedroom, four-bath house also backs up onto a nature preserve. “The land offered us great opportunity to nestle the house into the topography, giving us both privacy and stunning views,” says Wetmore, who had to negotiate his design for the native stone, stucco and metal house to fit onto the steeply sloping and oddly elongated lot. The Hill Country contemporary house stretches out just below the rim of the slope, comfortably settled into the topography courtesy of terraced landscaping that defines the front approach to the house. “We turned a negative into a positive,” says Wetmore about the difficult site. The rough-and-ready landscape accounts for the building’s quiet dynamics, which Wetmore chronicled with the roofline, a series of horizontal areas that correspond to transitional spaces inside, interrupted by a clerestory that caps the entry and living room. The process of taking a house from the framing stage to completion was a new experience for the couple. “We had never participated in the building process,” says Suzy. They threw themselves into it as if it were just another one of their adventures. “I think of it as my first project after I retired,” says Perry. The budding design enthusiast so endeared himself to Britt that she and her staff awarded him with a beret to wear to design meetings, in honor of his artistic verve. “We were able to redesign a lot of the house since we came into the process so early,” says Suzy. “The house started as a spec house,” says Britt, “but it quickly became a custom home with the Noakeses’ involvement.” Britt started the process by helping the couple select materials and lighting, opting for an earthy glamour that became the touchstone of the house. For pure wow factor, the living room’s stone and steel fireplace—sliced horizontally by three massive wood beams—is a tour de force of drama. In the kitchen, an oversize island (big enough to seat eight) is topped with a slab of dramatically veined marble; the countertops are a quieter quartzite. In the master bath, bold vein-cut travertine pavers on the floor are a counterpoint to the linear-cut mosaic tiles that back the vanity and reach all the way to the skylit ceiling. The pièce de résistance is the shimmering white pebble wall behind the free-standing tub that creates the effect of water frozen in free fall. Britt used contrast as a backdrop to all the drama, opting for a forged metal chandelier in the shape of a lotus leaf in the entry—a worthy match to the darkened-steel front door. She designed a dining room table (through Vervano, her furniture design company) topped with patinaed steel; overhead, a massive steel-framed drum pendant with mica panels casts a delicate glow over the room. The designer was careful to leave wall space for the homeowners’ art collection, as well as to add space wherever possible. The dining room’s asymmetrical built-in is a place to display Buddhas and other pieces the couple has collected in their travels. “We wanted this house to be about us and who we are,” says Suzy. That’s understandable since, after 16 previous homes that were really just places to live, the freedom of expression is obviously a thrill. Maybe even too much of a thrill—although this house is the couple’s dream home, they were completely enthralled with the design process. Could house No. 17 be the best and last? Maybe not. But if there is another house in the Noakeses’ future, one thing is certain, says Perry: “We won’t make a move without consulting Laura first.” https://modernluxury.com/interiors-texas/story/smooth-move

Twins on 12th - HER ROOM - View the complete Photo Gallery and project details at motivinteriors.com/portfolio Design: MOTIV Interiors LLC Photography: Sam Angel Design Challenge: This 8 year-old boy and girl were outgrowing their existing setup and needed to update their rooms with a plan that would carry them forward into middle school and beyond. In addition to gaining storage and study areas, could these twins show off their big personalities? Absolutely, we said! MOTIV Interiors tackled the rooms of these youngsters living in Nashville's 12th South Neighborhood and created an environment where the dynamic duo can learn, create, and grow together for years to come. Design Solution: In her room, we wanted to create a fun-filled space that supports softball, sleepovers, science, and anything else a girl might want to get into. The star of the show is a beautiful hand-printed wallpaper by Brooklyn designer Aimee Wilder, whose FSC-certified papers contain no VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). That means that in addition to packing a powerful visual punch, they meet our standard for excellent indoor air quality. We also love this wallpaper because it is composed of so many different neutral colors - this room can organically evolve over time without necessarily replacing the paper (which was installed with a no-VOC adhesive). We refreshed the remaining walls with a scrubbable no-VOC paint from Sherwin Williams (7008 Alabaster) and gave the carpets in both of the twins’ rooms a good cleaning and simple stretch as opposed to replacing them. In order to provide more functional light in her room, we incorporated a corner floor lamp for reading, a telescoping desk lamp for studying, and an eye-catching LED flower pendant on a dimmer switch sourced from Lightology. Custom window treatments in a linen/cotton blend emphasize the height of the room and bring in a little “bling” with antiqued gold hardware. Before we even thought about aesthetics, however, MOTIV Interiors got to work right away on increasing functionality. We added a spacious storage unit with plenty of baskets for all of our young client’s animal friends, and we made sure to include ample shelf space for books and hobbies as she finds new passions to explore down the road. We always prefer eco-friendly furnishings that are manufactured responsibly, made with sustainably harvested wood (FSC Certified), and use no glue or non-toxic glues and paints. The bedding in this project is 100% cotton and contains no synthetic fibers. When purchasing bedding, check for the GOTS Certification (Global Organic Textile Standard). The introduction of a desk and drawer unit created a calming space to study and reflect, or write a letter to a friend. Gold accents add a bit of warmth to the workspace, where she can display her memories, goals, and game plans for a bright future. We hope you enjoyed this project as much as we did! Each design challenge is an opportunity to push the envelope, by creating a new and exciting aesthetic or finding creative ways to incorporate sustainable design principles.

Eichler X-100 Living Room: A Masterclass in Light, Space, and Modern Living The living room of the Eichler X-100 is where architecture becomes art—an expansive, light-filled environment that captures the pure essence of mid-century modern design. Conceived by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, this space is both visually striking and effortlessly livable. A Space Defined by Freedom At its core, the living room is made possible by the X-100’s revolutionary steel-frame construction, which removes the need for interior structural walls. The result is a completely open, uninterrupted volume—a rarity even by today’s standards. This structural freedom allows the room to feel expansive yet grounded, with clean lines and an unmistakable sense of architectural clarity. Light as the Primary Material In the X-100, light is not an afterthought—it is the defining element. The living room is wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass walls, drawing in natural light and framing the surrounding landscape like a series of ever-changing artworks. Above, continuous skylights introduce a soft, diffused glow that shifts throughout the day, giving the space a dynamic, almost ethereal quality. The result is a room that feels alive—constantly evolving with the light. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection The living room opens directly to outdoor spaces through large sliding glass panels, creating a fluid transition between interior and exterior living. Whether fully opened or closed, the connection to nature is always present. This is California Modernism at its best: a lifestyle built around openness, air, and light. Framed Views and Architectural Alignment Every sightline within the living room has been carefully considered. Views extend through the home toward interior gardens, atriums, and beyond, reinforcing a sense of continuity and connection. Even the structure—expressed through exposed steel elements—becomes part of the visual composition, anchoring the openness with a subtle industrial elegance. A Space for Gathering and Reflection While expansive, the living room remains intimate in its experience. It is equally suited for entertaining as it is for quiet moments—reading, relaxing, or simply appreciating the architecture itself. There is a calmness here, a balance between openness and comfort that defines the very best of Eichler design. The Heart of the Vision The living room of the Eichler X-100 is not just a place to sit—it is a manifestation of a larger idea: that space, light, and structure can come together to create something both functional and deeply inspiring. It is, in every sense, a living expression of the future Eichler imagined.

Discover our revolutionary line of customizable biophilic home-office furniture WellthyFlex. WellthyFlex is crafted from natural stone and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic with its tree branch-inspired form. It brings the beauty of nature indoors. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to create a harmonious and soothing environment, allowing you to thrive in your work. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of your surroundings as our furniture's gentle curves and organic textures evoke a sense of calm and balance. Experience the power of biophilia as you tap into the therapeutic qualities of nature, boosting your focus, creativity, and overall well-being. Embrace the future of work with our biophilic home workplace furniture and create a sanctuary that inspires success. Lightweight carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, which would be algae-based in the near future, is used for table structure. With tensile strength at one-quarter the weight of steel, and lighter than aluminum, carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic legs are further optimized with generative design algorithms to use less material. Algae-based carbon fiber: https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/technical-university-of-munich-researchers-explore-using-algae-to-make-carbon-fiber

Twins on 12th - HER ROOM - View the complete Photo Gallery and project details at motivinteriors.com/portfolio Design: MOTIV Interiors LLC Photography: Sam Angel Design Challenge: This 8 year-old boy and girl were outgrowing their existing setup and needed to update their rooms with a plan that would carry them forward into middle school and beyond. In addition to gaining storage and study areas, could these twins show off their big personalities? Absolutely, we said! MOTIV Interiors tackled the rooms of these youngsters living in Nashville's 12th South Neighborhood and created an environment where the dynamic duo can learn, create, and grow together for years to come. Design Solution: In her room, we wanted to create a fun-filled space that supports softball, sleepovers, science, and anything else a girl might want to get into. The star of the show is a beautiful hand-printed wallpaper by Brooklyn designer Aimee Wilder, whose FSC-certified papers contain no VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). That means that in addition to packing a powerful visual punch, they meet our standard for excellent indoor air quality. We also love this wallpaper because it is composed of so many different neutral colors - this room can organically evolve over time without necessarily replacing the paper (which was installed with a no-VOC adhesive). We refreshed the remaining walls with a scrubbable no-VOC paint from Sherwin Williams (7008 Alabaster) and gave the carpets in both of the twins’ rooms a good cleaning and simple stretch as opposed to replacing them. In order to provide more functional light in her room, we incorporated a corner floor lamp for reading, a telescoping desk lamp for studying, and an eye-catching LED flower pendant on a dimmer switch sourced from Lightology. Custom window treatments in a linen/cotton blend emphasize the height of the room and bring in a little “bling” with antiqued gold hardware. Before we even thought about aesthetics, however, MOTIV Interiors got to work right away on increasing functionality. We added a spacious storage unit with plenty of baskets for all of our young client’s animal friends, and we made sure to include ample shelf space for books and hobbies as she finds new passions to explore down the road. We always prefer eco-friendly furnishings that are manufactured responsibly, made with sustainably harvested wood (FSC Certified), and use no glue or non-toxic glues and paints. The bedding in this project is 100% cotton and contains no synthetic fibers. When purchasing bedding, check for the GOTS Certification (Global Organic Textile Standard). The introduction of a desk and drawer unit created a calming space to study and reflect, or write a letter to a friend. Gold accents add a bit of warmth to the workspace, where she can display her memories, goals, and game plans for a bright future. We hope you enjoyed this project as much as we did! Each design challenge is an opportunity to push the envelope, by creating a new and exciting aesthetic or finding creative ways to incorporate sustainable design principles.

Interior Designer: MOTIV Interiors LLC Photographer: Sam Angel Photography Design Challenge: This 8 year-old boy and girl were outgrowing their existing setup and needed to update their rooms with a plan that would carry them forward into middle school and beyond. In addition to gaining storage and study areas, could these twins show off their big personalities? Absolutely, we said! MOTIV Interiors tackled the rooms of these youngsters living in Nashville's 12th South Neighborhood and created an environment where the dynamic duo can learn, create, and grow together for years to come. Design Solution: In her room, we wanted to create a fun-filled space that supports softball, sleepovers, science, and anything else a girl might want to get into. The star of the show is a beautiful hand-printed wallpaper by Brooklyn designer Aimee Wilder, whose FSC-certified papers contain no VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). That means that in addition to packing a powerful visual punch, they meet our standard for excellent indoor air quality. We also love this wallpaper because it is composed of so many different neutral colors - this room can organically evolve over time without necessarily replacing the paper (which was installed with a no-VOC adhesive). We refreshed the remaining walls with a scrubbable no-VOC paint from Sherwin Williams (7008 Alabaster) and gave the carpets in both of the twins’ rooms a good cleaning and simple stretch as opposed to replacing them. In order to provide more functional light in her room, we incorporated a corner floor lamp for reading, a telescoping desk lamp for studying, and an eye-catching LED flower pendant on a dimmer switch sourced from Lightology. Custom window treatments in a linen/cotton blend emphasize the height of the room and bring in a little “bling” with antiqued gold hardware. Before we even thought about aesthetics, however, MOTIV Interiors got to work right away on increasing functionality. We added a spacious storage unit with plenty of baskets for all of our young client’s animal friends, and we made sure to include ample shelf space for books and hobbies as she finds new passions to explore down the road. We always prefer eco-friendly furnishings that are manufactured responsibly, made with sustainably harvested wood (FSC Certified), and use no glue or non-toxic glues and paints. The bedding in this project is 100% cotton and contains no synthetic fibers. When purchasing bedding, check for the GOTS Certification (Global Organic Textile Standard). The introduction of a desk and drawer unit created a calming space to study and reflect, or write a letter to a friend. Gold accents add a bit of warmth to the workspace, where she can display her memories, goals, and game plans for a bright future. We hope you enjoyed this project as much as we did! Each design challenge is an opportunity to push the envelope, by creating a new and exciting aesthetic or finding creative ways to incorporate sustainable design principles.

Saturday June 27, 4:00 to 5:30pm | Manhattan Pool Farm by David Seiter of Future Green Studio High above Midtown Manhattan, this transformed rooftop pool is now a farm-to-table restaurant, the Press Lounge, offering guests a dazzling view of the New York City skyline. From the 19th floor of Ink Hotel, a beautifully designed edible garden is meticulously cared for to create seasonal food and drink options from ingredients grown onsite. Utilizing themes of material reuse and urban infill, this custom design and fabricated system of wood terraced planters transforms an underutilized rooftop pool into a dynamic private dining experience. The project is inspired by the structure of a sushi mat- with flexibility in one direction and rigidity in the other, the mat rolls fluidly from deck to bench to planter to wall. In an effort to make the project sustainable and cost effective, ipe wood decking was salvaged from a recent renovation and repurposed. The planting palette was selected in consultation with the restaurant’s chef, professional forager and a rooftop farmer in order to orchestrate the edible garden with unique seasonal food and drink menus. A small slice of paradise has been found in Hell’s Kitchen. Photo by David Seiter

This project was designed with one goal — to make future tenants feel instantly at home, while giving the apartment a bold, youthful character. The open-plan living area invites natural light deep into the space, while playful color accents bring in a fresh, dynamic vibe. Durable finishes and functional layouts were key to ensure the apartment not only looks great, but also works perfectly for everyday city life. It’s a rental, yes — but it feels like the kind of place you’d want to stay for years.

Interior Designer: MOTIV Interiors LLC Photographer: Sam Angel Photography Design Challenge: This 8 year-old boy and girl were outgrowing their existing setup and needed to update their rooms with a plan that would carry them forward into middle school and beyond. In addition to gaining storage and study areas, could these twins show off their big personalities? Absolutely, we said! MOTIV Interiors tackled the rooms of these youngsters living in Nashville's 12th South Neighborhood and created an environment where the dynamic duo can learn, create, and grow together for years to come. Design Solution: In her room, we wanted to create a fun-filled space that supports softball, sleepovers, science, and anything else a girl might want to get into. The star of the show is a beautiful hand-printed wallpaper by Brooklyn designer Aimee Wilder, whose FSC-certified papers contain no VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). That means that in addition to packing a powerful visual punch, they meet our standard for excellent indoor air quality. We also love this wallpaper because it is composed of so many different neutral colors - this room can organically evolve over time without necessarily replacing the paper (which was installed with a no-VOC adhesive). We refreshed the remaining walls with a scrubbable no-VOC paint from Sherwin Williams (7008 Alabaster) and gave the carpets in both of the twins’ rooms a good cleaning and simple stretch as opposed to replacing them. In order to provide more functional light in her room, we incorporated a corner floor lamp for reading, a telescoping desk lamp for studying, and an eye-catching LED flower pendant on a dimmer switch sourced from Lightology. Custom window treatments in a linen/cotton blend emphasize the height of the room and bring in a little “bling” with antiqued gold hardware. Before we even thought about aesthetics, however, MOTIV Interiors got to work right away on increasing functionality. We added a spacious storage unit with plenty of baskets for all of our young client’s animal friends, and we made sure to include ample shelf space for books and hobbies as she finds new passions to explore down the road. We always prefer eco-friendly furnishings that are manufactured responsibly, made with sustainably harvested wood (FSC Certified), and use no glue or non-toxic glues and paints. The bedding in this project is 100% cotton and contains no synthetic fibers. When purchasing bedding, check for the GOTS Certification (Global Organic Textile Standard). The introduction of a desk and drawer unit created a calming space to study and reflect, or write a letter to a friend. Gold accents add a bit of warmth to the workspace, where she can display her memories, goals, and game plans for a bright future. We hope you enjoyed this project as much as we did! Each design challenge is an opportunity to push the envelope, by creating a new and exciting aesthetic or finding creative ways to incorporate sustainable design principles.

Eichler X-100 Exterior: A Steel-Framed Icon of California Modernism The exterior of the Eichler X-100 is a bold architectural statement—where structure, material, and landscape are expressed with total clarity. Designed by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, the home reimagines the traditional façade as something far more experimental and forward-thinking. A Structural Expression, Not Just a Façade Unlike conventional Eichler homes, the X-100’s exterior reveals its steel-frame construction. Six exposed steel I-beams project outward at the front elevation, creating a rhythmic, almost industrial composition. This honest expression of structure eliminates the need for load-bearing walls and becomes the defining visual language of the home. The use of concrete block, steel, and glass creates a striking contrast—grounded yet lightweight, industrial yet refined. Every material is intentional, with nothing hidden or decorative for its own sake. Geometry and Simplicity The massing is low and horizontal, consistent with mid-century modern principles, but elevated through precise geometry and modular spacing. Clean rooflines and deep overhangs emphasize horizontality while providing both shade and visual depth. The entry sequence is subtle and understated—typical of Eichler design—drawing you inward rather than announcing itself outwardly. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection At the rear, the home opens dramatically through expansive glass walls, dissolving the boundary between interior living spaces and the landscape beyond. The backyard is not separate from the home—it is an extension of it. Outdoor spaces are carefully composed with: Circular hardscape elements that echo the home’s geometric language Integrated planting areas that soften the architectural lines A strong sense of privacy despite the openness Atrium Living from the Outside In While many Eichlers feature atriums, the X-100 takes it further—its interior gardens influence the exterior experience, creating layered transparency. Glimpses of greenery, filtered light, and architectural framing give the home a dynamic, ever-changing presence from different vantage points. A Prototype of the Future The exterior of the Eichler X-100 doesn’t just represent a style—it represents a moment of experimentation in American residential design. It merges industrial innovation with livable beauty, embodying the optimism and forward-thinking spirit of California Modernism. For design enthusiasts, the X-100 exterior is not just visually compelling—it’s a rare opportunity to experience architecture where structure, space, and landscape operate as one cohesive idea. Image Sabrina Huang

Interior Designer: MOTIV Interiors LLC Photographer: Sam Angel Photography Design Challenge: This 8 year-old boy and girl were outgrowing their existing setup and needed to update their rooms with a plan that would carry them forward into middle school and beyond. In addition to gaining storage and study areas, could these twins show off their big personalities? Absolutely, we said! MOTIV Interiors tackled the rooms of these youngsters living in Nashville's 12th South Neighborhood and created an environment where the dynamic duo can learn, create, and grow together for years to come. Design Solution: In her room, we wanted to create a fun-filled space that supports softball, sleepovers, science, and anything else a girl might want to get into. The star of the show is a beautiful hand-printed wallpaper by Brooklyn designer Aimee Wilder, whose FSC-certified papers contain no VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). That means that in addition to packing a powerful visual punch, they meet our standard for excellent indoor air quality. We also love this wallpaper because it is composed of so many different neutral colors - this room can organically evolve over time without necessarily replacing the paper (which was installed with a no-VOC adhesive). We refreshed the remaining walls with a scrubbable no-VOC paint from Sherwin Williams (7008 Alabaster) and gave the carpets in both of the twins’ rooms a good cleaning and simple stretch as opposed to replacing them. In order to provide more functional light in her room, we incorporated a corner floor lamp for reading, a telescoping desk lamp for studying, and an eye-catching LED flower pendant on a dimmer switch sourced from Lightology. Custom window treatments in a linen/cotton blend emphasize the height of the room and bring in a little “bling” with antiqued gold hardware. Before we even thought about aesthetics, however, MOTIV Interiors got to work right away on increasing functionality. We added a spacious storage unit with plenty of baskets for all of our young client’s animal friends, and we made sure to include ample shelf space for books and hobbies as she finds new passions to explore down the road. We always prefer eco-friendly furnishings that are manufactured responsibly, made with sustainably harvested wood (FSC Certified), and use no glue or non-toxic glues and paints. The bedding in this project is 100% cotton and contains no synthetic fibers. When purchasing bedding, check for the GOTS Certification (Global Organic Textile Standard). The introduction of a desk and drawer unit created a calming space to study and reflect, or write a letter to a friend. Gold accents add a bit of warmth to the workspace, where she can display her memories, goals, and game plans for a bright future. We hope you enjoyed this project as much as we did! Each design challenge is an opportunity to push the envelope, by creating a new and exciting aesthetic or finding creative ways to incorporate sustainable design principles.

A natural-style landscape with California native chaparral and oak woodland plants, featuring a dry creek bed, rain garden, and dry stack rock wall for added beauty and functionality. Shown here in spring at 2.5 years of growth.