Located on farmland in McLean, Virginia, the American Farmhouse balances the expected comforts of a new home with the bucolic beauty of an old farmhouse. The final site plan still has evidence showing parallel courses of the barn’s destiny. The house mass is broken and lowered so that the home can remain secondary to the monolithic barn structure. Earthy and elemental materials are selected for the home that reference the barn without directly mimicking it. Wooden members found inside the barn and from other barns bridge ceilings and are used in floors along with rustic slate adding to a sense of simplicity to the farmhouse design. The age and patina of the barn is reflected in the house’s textural use of board and batten and field stone layered similar to stone foundations. The original development plan was to demolish the existing barn and construct three suburban homes. Part of an endangered breed, as one of the few remaining barns in the area, it was originally viewed as a challenge in a luxury home construction with several difficulties posed to the impending project: it would be expensive to renovate, vulnerable to demolition, and threatened by urban sprawl. However, instead of trying to alter or destroy the barn, the structure was fully embraced into the traditional architecture project as a centerpiece and was used as the inspiration for the home. The new house was sited parallel to the barn so that views to the barn gable were accessible.

Modern in design and material, the Steven Volpe Lockram Lounge Chair embodies the beauty of material and craftsmanship of the collection with soft, matte-finished rawhide, steel, wood, leather and upholstery. Steven wanted to get back to the elements that McGuire has always stood for: honest materials, expertly handcrafted into casually relaxed furniture. Lochram is a reference to a plain woven linen formerly used in England. Steel frame wrapped in Matte Smoke rawhide; Grayn (gray/green) leather straps; down and feather channeled cushion available in COM/COL.

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views. The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private. Reimagining the Urban Envelope The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression. Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views. At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides. Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors. Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow. Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways. A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space. A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls. Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere. Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas. Kitchen as Architectural Furniture The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich. Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash. Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface. A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette. Dining With a Living Backdrop Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset. A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience. Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation. The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop. The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space. Bathing Above the City In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops. The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials. Entertaining Above the Park Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art. Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline. Cinema and Retreat The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing. Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above. Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth. Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth. The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human. A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living. It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky. What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

This custom new construction home is a full ground-up build, designed to merge modern architectural features with subtle mid-century references for a timeless yet family-friendly home. Built for a young family, the design achieves the perfect balance of style, comfort, and luxury detail. Exterior & Architecture The home features a clean modern profile with dove gray smooth stucco, black frame Milgard Tuscany windows, and a standing seam metal roof with multiple monopitched overhangs that create striking rooflines. First Floor The interior layout flows with an open concept kitchen and living room, complemented by a home office/bedroom and guest spaces. The kitchen is the heart of the home, designed with custom oak Euro-style flat door cabinetry, Dekton Marmorio stone countertops and backsplash, and a waterfall island centerpiece. A custom limestone plaster hood cover provides a sculptural focal point. The space is elevated with Bosch appliances and statement lighting choices that bring warmth and character. Second Floor The upper level includes bedrooms for the children, each with private bathrooms styled with wallpaper and playful lighting. The laundry room was designed for functionality, featuring two-tone cabinetry, quartzite countertops, and rounded subway tile backsplash. Primary Suite The primary bedroom features a white oak paneling statement wall set on a dark backdrop with pendant lighting. The suite includes a spacious walk-in closet and a luxurious bathroom with a freestanding tub, curbless shower with custom quartzite shelving, a smart toilet nook, and a custom oak vanity with stone-fabricated sinks. 48x48 ceramic tiles with precise mitered edges complete the spa-like atmosphere. General Highlights Throughout the home, thoughtful modern elements tie everything together: SPC natural oak-look plank flooring, custom black iron railings, trimless kerfed doors, 9’ ceilings, recessed lighting, dual HVAC systems, and an interior fire sprinkler system. This new construction showcases what’s possible when combining modern architecture, warm custom details, and functional family living into one cohesive home.

- ALBINO NIGHTSTAND WITH LIGHT. The name refers to Franco Albini and to his TN6 Cicognino, produced back in 1952. Albino features a metal structure on three legs, one of which protrudes above the support plane to hold an AC or battery-powered LED flashlight which may be freely positioned on the mounting metal frame with a magnet. The wooden tray may de detached from the structure, thus providing multiple utilization options. Ø17’’. Table height: 17’’3/4. Lamp height: 35’’3/8. http://ow.ly/3yAqm8 - TWINE DOUBLE BED. Completely made of solid walnut, Twine features a headboard made of orthogonal slats that creates a fine yet distinctive fretwork. The craftsmanship that enhances the clean design lines constitutes an essential element of this bed. 79''1/8W x 85''D x 46’’H. 79''1/8W x 93''D x 46’’H. 119''1/4W x 85''D x 35''3/8H. 119''1/4W x 93''D x 35''3/8H. Mattress size: 70''7/8 x 78’’3/4. http://ow.ly/3yAqks

Macro detail of the Scabos Gold Travertine Square Pedestal Sink, focusing on the precision-cut corner geometry. This close-up captures the stark tactile transition between the expertly honed interior basin rim and the rugged, structurally ribbed exterior. The dense warm ground, amber veining, and authentically partially filled porosity are showcased in pure architectural focus without ambient distraction. This visual serves as a definitive material and textural reference for specifiers integrating brutalist or earthy luxury elements into their designs.

“Compelling.” That’s how one of our judges characterized this stair, which manages to embody both reassuring solidity and airy weightlessness. Architect Mahdad Saniee specified beefy maple treads—each laminated from two boards, to resist twisting and cupping—and supported them at the wall with hidden steel hangers. “We wanted to make them look like they are floating,” he says, “so they sit away from the wall by about half an inch.” The stainless steel rods that seem to pierce the treads’ opposite ends are, in fact, joined by threaded couplings hidden within the thickness of the wood. The result is an assembly whose stiffness underfoot defies expectation, Saniee says. “It feels very solid, much more solid than average stairs.” With the rods working in tension from above and compression below, “it’s very hard for those pieces of wood to move.” The interplay of wood and steel makes abstract reference to a Steinway concert grand, Saniee notes. “It’s taking elements of a piano and playing with them.” A gently curved soffit in the ceiling reinforces the visual rhyme. The jury admired the effect but was equally impressed with the technical acumen required to achieve it. “The rhythm established by the vertical rods sets up a rigorous discipline that works with the intricacies of stair dimensions,” observed one judge. “That’s really hard to do.”

Photos by Michael McVay Photography
Large beach style open concept dark wood floor living room photo in Miami with yellow walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Subsequent additions are covered with living green walls to deemphasize stylistic conflicts imposed on a 1940’s Tudor and become backdrop surrounding a kitchen addition. On the interior, further added architectural inconsistencies are edited away, and the language of the Tudor’s original reclaimed integrity is referenced for the addition. Sympathetic to the home, windows and doors remain untrimmed and stark plaster walls contrast the original black metal windows. Sharp black elements contrast fields of white. With a ceiling pitch matching the existing and chiseled dormers, a stark ceiling hovers over the kitchen space referencing the existing homes plaster walls. Grid members in windows and on saw scored paneled walls and cabinetry mirror the machine age windows as do exposed steel beams. The exaggerated white field is pierced by an equally exaggerated 13 foot black steel tower that references the existing homes steel door and window members. Glass shelves in the tower further the window parallel. Even though it held enough dinner and glassware for eight, its thin members and transparent shelves defy its massive nature, allow light to flow through it and afford the kitchen open views and the feeling of continuous space. The full glass at the end of the kitchen reveres a grouping of 50 year old Hemlocks. At the opposite end, a window close to the peak looks up to a green roof.

Located on farmland in McLean, Virginia, the American Farmhouse balances the expected comforts of a new home with the bucolic beauty of an old farmhouse. The final site plan still has evidence showing parallel courses of the barn’s destiny. The house mass is broken and lowered so that the home can remain secondary to the monolithic barn structure. Earthy and elemental materials are selected for the home that reference the barn without directly mimicking it. Wooden members found inside the barn and from other barns bridge ceilings and are used in floors along with rustic slate adding to a sense of simplicity to the farmhouse design. The age and patina of the barn is reflected in the house’s textural use of board and batten and field stone layered similar to stone foundations. The original development plan was to demolish the existing barn and construct three suburban homes. Part of an endangered breed, as one of the few remaining barns in the area, it was originally viewed as a challenge in a luxury home construction with several difficulties posed to the impending project: it would be expensive to renovate, vulnerable to demolition, and threatened by urban sprawl. However, instead of trying to alter or destroy the barn, the structure was fully embraced into the traditional architecture project as a centerpiece and was used as the inspiration for the home. The new house was sited parallel to the barn so that views to the barn gable were accessible.

Our design vision was to create a home that was one of a kind, and fit each and every need of the client. We created an open floor plan on the first floor with 10 ft ceilings and expansive views out to the main floor balcony. The first floor also features a primary suite, also referred to as “the apartment” where our homeowners have a primary bath, walk-in closet, coffee bar and laundry room. The primary bedroom includes a vaulted ceiling with direct access to the outside deck and an accent trim wall. The primary bath features a large open shower with multiple showering options and separate water closet. The second floor has unique elements for each of their children. As you walk up the stairs, there is a bonus room and study area for them. The second floor features a unique split level design, giving the bonus room a 10 ft ceiling. As you continue down the hallway there are individual bedrooms, second floor laundry, and a bathroom that won’t slow anyone down while getting ready in the morning.

We named this design the 'Insignia' as to reference the building in Seattle where the original table (and bench set) now reside. The concept for the 'Insignia' table was motivated by minimalist-modern design and inspiration that arose from an admiration for Nakashima-style trestle bases. With our traditional 'Mez Works' style, we used dimensional walnut with a steel stretcher through the center of the tabletop to trace our 'Zeeva' and ‘Martis’ series tables, and the steel is treated with a ‘black-magic patina’ and clear powder-coat finish for an industrial element. The leaf mechanisms are drop leaf supports that are solidly built, structurally stable and sturdy to eliminate sagging. They lock in place automatically when raised, and are simple and quick to release. This design is very versatile, and as shown in the photos the table can be purposed as use for a desk. While folded down, the drop leaf hides a charging outlet that is secured to the base directly under the tabletop, while power is integrated by feeding the cord through the base all the way out through the bottom to a fixed outlet in the floor. WATCH ‘INSIGNIA’ VIDEO HERE: https://vimeo.com/188453410

Designed to embrace an extensive and unique art collection including sculpture, paintings, tapestry, and cultural antiquities, this modernist home located in north Scottsdale’s Estancia is the quintessential gallery home for the spectacular collection within. The primary roof form, “the wing” as the owner enjoys referring to it, opens the home vertically to a view of adjacent Pinnacle peak and changes the aperture to horizontal for the opposing view to the golf course. Deep overhangs and fenestration recesses give the home protection from the elements and provide supporting shade and shadow for what proves to be a desert sculpture. The restrained palette allows the architecture to express itself while permitting each object in the home to make its own place. The home, while certainly modern, expresses both elegance and warmth in its material selections including canterra stone, chopped sandstone, copper, and stucco. Project Details | Lot 245 Estancia, Scottsdale AZ Architect: C.P. Drewett, Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ Interiors: Luis Ortega, Luis Ortega Interiors, Hollywood, CA Publications: luxe. interiors + design. November 2011. Featured on the world wide web: luxe.daily Photos by Grey Crawford

Photo: Robert Pagliaroni One Riverside Park is New York’s most distinguished new address, introducing a new level of luxury to waterfront living on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. With floor to ceiling windows throughout you enjoy sweeping views of the Hudson and feel the energy of the fast-paced city that never sleeps just floors below you. With this interior the client wanted to capture that excitement but maintain a cool + comfortable environment. What we came up with is what we refer to as Industrial Chic – an interior that celebrates the grit and sexiness of the city but also embraces the metropolitan chicness that only Manhattan can provide. We took raw elements such as blackened steel, bronze and concrete and paired them with soft, tactile fabrics like cottons, silk, leathers + furs in subtle shades of greys + neutral tones to create an inviting, artistic + unique atmosphere. It’s the small yet subtle details of this interior that set the mood – buffalo leather clad columns + walls, crystal + LED wallpapers, fur rugs + bed throws and polished precious metal details throughout. DL featured product: DL Custom Upholstery: multi-directional sofa, DLUSH media group, modernist bedroom suite. Custom Wall Coverings: buffalo leather + cowhide wall tiles, crystal + LED wallpaper, custom graphics wallpaper. Custom Rugs: woven leather, wool, alpaca, silk graphics + fur. Lounge Chairs: altopiano leather chaise, track, marie, gordon swivel, glove + ebonized petal chair. Lighting: tokio carbon fiber, Stanhope floor, muse table, UP table, TVM table + custom fixtures. Custom built-ins + storage in natural woods + hi-gloss lacquer throughout. Special Edition + Limited Edition artworks by client.

INSPIRATION: local settlements in northern Iran formed by a simple adaptation of the nature, geography and climate of that region. The local architecture of this place is so intertwined with nature and in harmony with the climate that it can be called naturalistic architecture. We are looking to redefining the region's former architecture, which needs protection, into today's language. Unique properties: Extroverted architecture is a solution that is necessary to respond to the hot and humid climate of the location of this project. But in Iranian culture, introverted architecture is unavoidable therefore, in this residential apartment where several families live together and also have common spaces, providing a response to introversion and extroversion at the same time has been considered. Description: Extreme use of the porch refers to the deep structures of the Iranian Architecture The "primitive cottage", which is a favorite of the residents of this small town, when converted into a contemporary apartment, must include several basic spaces to implement the residential scenario. Private and semi-private balconies are the most important of those spaces. Extensive vista is the potential of this project. because in addition to the forest view from the south and the beach view on the north side, the other two sides of the project have a unique view due to their height from the city. Therefore, the location and type of openings affect the quality of the space. Each space has a pleasant view, light and proper air circulation. Roofed and non-roofed yards equally divided at different levels. These independent courtyards in the vertical surfaces seen as a vertical and integrated garden in the urban context. CHALENGE: The value that the project pursues is to answer: How contemporary architecture can be faithful to culture, nature and context? How architecture can affect the audience without showing off? this challenge arose for us when we noticed that the surrounding new buildings had nothing to do with local architecture except for adhering to a form such as a sloping roof. Audience tastes have also gone in a direction that is not compatible with contextual factors. So having a few touches of culture and context can be a turning point in the contemporary architecture of this Small scale area.

“Arts & Crafts” refers to the progression of vintage to innovation. This is intended as a vocation towards the past and sets new lifestyle and design for the future. The Arts & Crafts product selections allow for maximum customization to create a modern “kitchen studio” where the elements thought in the concept planning of the “broke up” kitchen can merge perfectly into a space dedicated to conviviality.

The kitchen was designed with the water views in mind. A dramatic 45-foot lift-and-slide door system that opens directly to the deck and expansive waterfront views. The seamless connection between the kitchen, dining, and living areas creates an open gathering space ideal for entertaining and everyday living, while strengthening the relationship between the interior and the surrounding landscape. Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and a high-performance SIP roof system bring warmth, structure, and volume to the space, emphasizing the home’s modern coastal character. Transom windows introduce additional natural light deep into the interior, enhancing the bright and airy atmosphere throughout the day. Custom nautical-inspired light fixtures reference the shoreline setting and add a subtle beach-inspired design element to the contemporary interior palette. + Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design www.h2darchitects.com + Interior Design: Karlee Coble Interiors + Built by: Carlisle Classic Homes + Photography: Chad Coleman Photography

The refreshed aesthetic achieves a transitional design with a touch of rustic charm and hints of mid-century elements. Dual-finish custom cabinets provide a warm and refined backdrop, with a bourbon stain grounding the lower cabinets and an off-white painted finish on the uppers that adds contrast while brightening the space. A vertically stacked rustic Zellige tile backsplash complements the design and adds a subtle reference to the vineyard landscape.

“Compelling.” That’s how one of our judges characterized this stair, which manages to embody both reassuring solidity and airy weightlessness. Architect Mahdad Saniee specified beefy maple treads—each laminated from two boards, to resist twisting and cupping—and supported them at the wall with hidden steel hangers. “We wanted to make them look like they are floating,” he says, “so they sit away from the wall by about half an inch.” The stainless steel rods that seem to pierce the treads’ opposite ends are, in fact, joined by threaded couplings hidden within the thickness of the wood. The result is an assembly whose stiffness underfoot defies expectation, Saniee says. “It feels very solid, much more solid than average stairs.” With the rods working in tension from above and compression below, “it’s very hard for those pieces of wood to move.” The interplay of wood and steel makes abstract reference to a Steinway concert grand, Saniee notes. “It’s taking elements of a piano and playing with them.” A gently curved soffit in the ceiling reinforces the visual rhyme. The jury admired the effect but was equally impressed with the technical acumen required to achieve it. “The rhythm established by the vertical rods sets up a rigorous discipline that works with the intricacies of stair dimensions,” observed one judge. “That’s really hard to do.”