Chic is a French word associated with stylishness, while Rustic means related to, or suitable for the country.Together, Rustic Chic is an interior design alchemy, the chic suggesting culture, fashion and trendiness, while the Rustic element idealizes a natural pastoral charm. This style tends to reclaim the old, and reinvent materials characterized by imperfect finishes. Rough-hewn finishes, marks, divots, scratches and imperfections are purposeful. The materials themselves often provide historical reference (either real or imagined) and are incorporated to balance hardness (think steel, iron and brick) with the softness of modern furniture and softgoods. Exposed brick walls can be a key component of this look, but wallpapers can do the job if you aren’t fortunate enough to have the real thing. Scaffold planks, exposed conduit, timber and fencing can be added to create a depth of character; and when paired with modern styled furnishings and accoutrements – this is a fresh, nostalgic minded trend that we’ll be seeing well through 2020.

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.

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.

These fun-loving homeowners were referred by past clients during a mutual friend’s 40th Birthday party. Dane and his team were originally hired to shift a few rooms around when their son left for college. “Dane created well-functioning spaces for all, spreading color along the way. And he didn’t waste a thing. The homeowner, who has since tasked the designer with revamping the roof deck, characterizes the updates as “crisp” and “sharp.” Austin says, “I look at every element and ask, ‘Is it special, interesting, and unique?’” Now, every room is all of the above.” Project designed by Boston interior design Dane Austin Design. Dane serves Boston, Cambridge, Hingham, Cohasset, Newton, Weston, Lexington, Concord, Dover, Andover, Gloucester, as well as surrounding areas. For more about Dane Austin Design, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/south-end-brownstone

Renovating an open kitchen can be an exciting project that can improve the functionality, aesthetics, and value of your home. Here are some steps to guide you through the process: Planning and Design: Define your goals and budget for the renovation. Determine the layout of your open kitchen. Consider factors like the work triangle (the relationship between the stove, sink, and refrigerator) and the flow of traffic. Choose a design style and color scheme that suits your preferences and complements the rest of your home. Research and Inspiration: Collect inspiration from magazines, websites, and social media platforms to get ideas for your open kitchen design. Create a mood board or vision board to help you visualize the final look. Hiring Professionals: Depending on the scale of your renovation, you may need to hire professionals, such as architects, interior designers, contractors, and electricians. Make sure to check references and get multiple quotes. Demolition and Structural Work: If your renovation involves structural changes, like removing walls, this is the time to do it. Ensure that the necessary permits are obtained. Plumbing and Electrical Work: Update or reconfigure plumbing and electrical systems as needed. This may include adding or moving outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures. Cabinetry and Countertops: Choose and install new kitchen cabinets and countertops. This is a significant part of your renovation and will greatly influence the kitchen's appearance and functionality. Appliances: Update or install new kitchen appliances, including the refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Flooring: Select and install flooring that is suitable for a kitchen, such as hardwood, tile, laminate, or vinyl. Ensure it complements the overall design. Backsplash and Wall Finishes: Install a backsplash that matches your design and protects your walls. Consider materials like tile, glass, or stainless steel. Lighting: Choose and install various types of lighting, including ambient, task, and accent lighting. Pendant lights above an island or breakfast bar can add style and functionality. Paint and Finishing Touches: Paint the walls and ceiling in the colors you've selected. Add finishing touches like hardware, window treatments, and decorative elements. Furniture and Accessories: Bring in furniture, such as a dining table and chairs, barstools, and any other pieces you need to complete the space. Decorate with accessories like artwork, plants, and decorative items. Final Inspection and Cleanup: Ensure that all work meets safety and building code requirements. Clean the entire area thoroughly. Enjoy Your New Kitchen: Once the renovation is complete and everything is in its place, enjoy your beautiful, functional open kitchen. Remember that open kitchen renovations can be complex and may require careful planning. It's essential to stay within your budget, communicate with your contractors and designers, and be flexible as unexpected issues may arise during the process. Ultimately, a well-executed open kitchen renovation can enhance the heart of your home and improve your overall living space.

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

This dated Master Bathroom went from dark, neutral, and lackluster to bright, modern, and luxurious by adding modern elements including custom board and batten, and marble tile. We updated the vanity and repainted cabinets, added new hardware and fixtures, and extended the shower to create space for “his and hers” shower heads. The adjacent floating tub sits caddy-cornered to the rest of the bathroom, with a matte black faucet and wand. This modern navy blue bathroom will soon be a reference point for every model in their neighborhood!

These fun-loving homeowners were referred by past clients during a mutual friend’s 40th Birthday party. Dane and his team were originally hired to shift a few rooms around when their son left for college. “Dane created well-functioning spaces for all, spreading color along the way. And he didn’t waste a thing. The homeowner, who has since tasked the designer with revamping the roof deck, characterizes the updates as “crisp” and “sharp.” Austin says, “I look at every element and ask, ‘Is it special, interesting, and unique?’” Now, every room is all of the above.” Project designed by Boston interior design Dane Austin Design. Dane serves Boston, Cambridge, Hingham, Cohasset, Newton, Weston, Lexington, Concord, Dover, Andover, Gloucester, as well as surrounding areas. For more about Dane Austin Design, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/south-end-brownstone

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.

Functionality of layout Unique design elements Choice of materials Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices Open-concept and filled with sunshine, a culinary hub that’s designed to be the social heart of this home and a subtle reference to the engaged, family-first lifestyle that would have been found in the original, heritage farmhouse located on this property. 8x5-foot* island (with seating for 4-5 people) includes storage on each side plus convenient USB outlets to keep everyone’s electronics powered up and ready to go. Easy flow when entertaining is appreciated by family/guests alike who want to engage with chefs-at-work without intruding into their workspace. Pendant lighting above island is purposefully absent. View-lines to adjacent great-room remains unobstructed, thus fulfilling clients desire to provide the entire family (from teen to grandparents) with welcoming space to simply hang out together. Gas cooktop (with elegantly-curved, chimney hood-fan) and two, full-sized wall-ovens (regular and microwave/convection) conveniently located adjacent to each other on the back wall where it’s easy to transfer steaming dishes directly onto the island ready for your guests/family to help themselves. Subway-tile (3x6-inch) quartz backsplash creates visual continuity with the solid-slab island surface and perimeter countertops. Custom millwork (in contemporary white with brushed chrome handles) designed with full-height cabinets with upper shelves back-lit for warm night-time visual. Extra bonus storage and reduced dusting: always a winning combo. Easy-access spice kitchen includes all the features today’s savvy buyers expect from their cooking space: full-sized range with induction* cooktop, fridge, dishwasher, and 36-inch* sink that’s deep enough to effortlessly handle the biggest spaghetti/corn pots. A caterer’s dream too. Large format (3x3-foot) marble-inspired porcelain floor-tiling is extension of material used throughout main floor. Elegant, contemporary, dramatic. Warm on the feet, thanks to energy-efficient, in-floor radiant heating.

“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.”

This was a new construction project and the owners are dear friends of mine. They consulted with me when they bought the property and even asked if I could refer them to an architect. The owners have a great design sense and knew the look they wanted. They love color and wanted to create a warm, colorful, interesting home that incorporated the many beautiful items collected through their travels. For this project I lead the design and furnishings of the kitchen, master bath, upstairs baths, & lower level wet bar. In addition I provided the cabinetry throughout the house, advised on overall design and selections for lighting, colors, tile, flooring, and many other elements of the project. For finishing touches, I designed and provided all window treatments throughout the house. The final result is a spacious, bright, and warm living space suitable for comfort and entertaining year-round.

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.

Jennifer and Dan have lived in their Deer Park Illinois home for 15 years, slowly making minor fixes like painting and decorating; but they had a new plan for their kitchen the entire time. An awkwardly placed garage door, and an island cooktop with a terrible downdraft made a full-scale kitchen remodel an absolute must. Jennifer had many ideas in mind and wanted to work with a company that could provide high-end work, while partnering with a designer that would tailor the kitchen to her ideas. She was intrigued by the phrase “Common Sense Remodeling” in Advance Design’s feature she discovered while perusing an issue of the community’s Quintessential Barrington Magazine. Doing further research on the company’s website, as she looked through project profiles and read about Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy, she promptly scheduled an appointment to see if the people and ideas she read about were truly who they said they were. The more she read, the more she knew that the “Common Sense” approach to remodeling they described was exactly the type of company she was looking for. The partnership was sealed after an initial consultation with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Michelle Lecinski. They displayed a combination of friendliness, professionalism and respect that was unmatched by any of the other companies Jennifer talked to. She knew that with Advance Design, she would be able to retain the vision that she had in mind with high-quality craftsmanship. “I reached out to Advance Design because of the ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ tagline,” Jennifer said. “That’s what lingered for me”. “Advance Design was the most respectful- of the house and of my design ideas, and the most professional of the handful of companies that looked at my project”. Soon after the meeting Jennifer began working with Michelle on the project design. They quickly developed chemistry. Jennifer loved how Michelle researched and located every detail that Jennifer wanted for the kitchen. Between the two of them, every concept and idea was worked through and perfected. “Jennifer had definite ideas about what she wanted the new kitchen to look like, she just didn’t know how to bring it all together. We worked together really well to make her ideas into the practical reality necessary for a well-functioning kitchen, with the look and feel that she had envisioned”, says Michelle. “Michelle was wonderful in using the CAD system she would show me new drawings every time we changed the layout while working through the design,” Jennifer said. “She was a really wonderful partner in execution, she made sure everything happened quickly and easily.” The finished design drew out elements of Jennifer’s style and personality. The pair call the look “sophisticated farmhouse” to describe the kitchen renovation to family and friends. The result was a beautifully crafted, authentic-feeling space that satisfied Jennifer’s dreams 15 years in the making. The whole project consisted of a kitchen remodel, mudroom upgrade with powder room, and garage entry relocation. “The projects I personally like the best, are the ones that put the client’s dreams on display,” Project Designer Michelle said. “And this is one of those projects.” The main focal point of the kitchen is custom zinc and brass ventilation hood with a vintage sheen, which was hand made to order by a small company in Indiana named Vogler Metalworking. “It’s like sculpture, a true work of art”, says Jennifer. Your eye is immediately drawn towards this elegant yet practical hood that eliminated the home’s downdraft problem and added a striking conversation piece at the same time. The carpenters had to use special gloves when transporting and installing it, so they didn’t smudge it with fingerprints. The beautiful hood centers proudly over the stunning black enamel and brass LaCornue Range. “I had a friend who had a LaCornue range and after learning how easy it was to cook perfect meals, I was convinced I wanted to have one”, says Jennifer. This unique, breathtaking combination anchors the entire kitchen and is apparent immediately as you walk into the great room the surrounds the space. DuraSupreme Crestwood cabinets with a Kendall Panel add function and sophistication. A custom gray paint color paired with a storm blue was developed so that the new kitchen looked like it belonged to the existing space. Unlacquered brass faucets and hardware were important to Jennifer because she wanted the living finishes to age over time. Remarkable brass diamond mesh cabinet door inserts imported from the UK continue to add this one-of-a-kind kitchen renovation; giving it a “you won’t see this everywhere” quality. The use of old railcar flooring for the coffee bar countertop and reclaimed oak for the open shelving gives an authenticity to the space uncommon in kitchens today. Jennifer and Michelle fell in love with the Limestone Grey Stone while they were investigating unique island countertop ideas. They liked the fact that the limestone as a living finish will age and change over time. Calcutta Miel Quartz countertops made for an excellent pairing around the perimeter, as it’s durable and perfect for cooking preparations. A textured white subway tile backsplash that runs to the ceiling keeps your eye moving towards the open shelving, and to the main focal point of the stunning range hood combination. “The kitchen functions beautifully, and it’s gorgeous,” beams Jennifer as she gestures with both hands while smiling ear to ear. “The most important thing was I wanted a kitchen that had a wonderful flow, cooked beautiful meals and was a great gathering place for family and friends, and this space does that perfectly! Beauty wise, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned. I felt the function part was the hardest part, and that was nailed”! Relocating the garage entry to the new mudroom was a huge priority and has finally separated the family’s arriving home functions from their kitchen. Now coats and shoes and bags have their own area for dropping once members arrive home. Matching gray DuraSupreme cabinetry helped create gorgeous, purposeful lockers for the family. A reclaimed vintage sink and custom wall paper were added to the tiny powder room to beautify the once previously only functional space. Advance Design was even able to create a custom space for their dog to sleep while the family is away. “It was unbelievable that a project of this size was completed in such a short time, and I think that’s because of the large amount of planning and preparation that went into it,” Jennifer marveled, “When we started, we were ready, and everything was prepared”. When it came to execution, Project Manager Justin Davis and his crew were quick, accessible, and organized. Projects like this kitchen are typically completed in as little as 8-10 weeks. Jennifer’s kitchen however despite the relocation of some challenging HVAC in a soffit and moving of an exterior door was completed remarkably fast in part because the team was working with an existing tile floor that ran throughout the first floor that the client really loved. “You get to know these people really well because they’re living in your house while you’re living in your house. They were so fast and really good, it didn’t take as long as even planned” reported Jennifer. “I would text Justin and he always responded almost immediately. I got to know all the guys who were working in our house and they were all wonderful people”. Details in a customized kitchen like this one require skill and care from the people who install it. “All the guys on the job were skilled at what the did. I wanted small details like little feet to look like furniture, that is where their carpentry skill came in to make these all perfect”, said Jennifer. “The tile guys were wonderful. They even let me determine how I wanted the texture with the grout to appear for a salt and pepper look; now that is a very skilled trade person making it custom”. In Jennifer’s interview, she continued to reference Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling”, so I took a minute to ask her exactly what that phrase meant to her and how it played out in her experience with her project and the Advance Design team. Here is what she said: “I was intrigued about Common Sense Remodeling and in my head that there would be clear costs and prices, great communication between the design team, the execution team and me”, said Jennifer. They did deliver on that, it was so clear about the cost breakdown, what I could expect from everyone who came to my house, and everything that we had ordered. That to me is the Common Sense”! It’s great to see a client take literally our assertion that a well-planned remodeling project is simply “Common Sense”! She anticipated each step of the way would be clear, concise, and predictable, all the while protecting the outcome due to the careful upfront planning. “Advance Design delivered on their ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ promise,” Jennifer said. “From the design team, to the execution team - everything was straight forward like I imagined. The project turned out exactly how I envisioned, I enjoyed this process and absolutely would recommend Advance Design Studio to anyone.”

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.

Richard Herman is in the hospitality business and owns several upscale hotels in Florida and in other states as well as cattle ranches in both Florida and Missouri. Their farm in Ocala is by farm their most unique. The property serves as a 4-H demonstration project for the purpose of children’s education. They have been working with the Academy Prep of St. Pete which is dedicated to inner-city youths that are selected on the basis of need and achievement. Wife Diane spends her time on the farm raising Gypsy Vanners, a diminutive draft horse named after the job they did in Eastern Europe, pulling the wagons (vans) for gypsies that wandered across the continent. On the Ocala farm, there are several mules with a unique profession. Richard had visited the Hearthstone display at a Log & Timber Home Shows at the Orlando Convention Center many years ago. He was impressed that Hearthstone had stayed in touch with him over the years by mailings, invitations to shows, and periodic phone calls. When the time came to start serious consideration of the design of barn, Hearthstone responded promptly and professionally to Richard and Diane’s requests for information and a review of their ideas for their barn, which would serve as the centerpiece for their new farm. They wanted a multipurpose facility that could accommodate an educational environment and a large hall suitable for the fundraising events for his charities. Richard wanted a barn that reflected the look and feel of barns built at the dawn of the 20th century. Besides the rustic chicken houses and vegetable gardens, they have completely renovated a 1020’s era farmhouse to be as historically correct as possible and serves as the entry to the farm. “They very careful to feel us out, get comfortable with our capabilities, and be convinced that we could perform as promised,” said Project Manager John Ricketson of Hearthstone. Design Process There were some initial drawings that gave us a start on the basic shape and size of the barn. From there, it was a process of narrowing down the uses of each area and the spans that could be achieved. The barn was going to have the traditional “board & batten” exterior siding and a metal roof. There is a cantilevered ‘hay hood” on the north gable end above the large sliding barn doors that open into the foyer and horse stalls. The wings house a combination of areas, beginning with the large restrooms to accommodate crowds for events. Other parts of the wings have garage areas for the farm vehicles, feed room, tack room, wash rack, storage, offices, and smaller restrooms. Keeping with the look and feel of the turn of the century, Hearthstone developed a process for giving the timbers a surface texture that mimicked the circular cuts of timbers that had just come out of an old sawmill. This was easier said than done. Randy Giles guided his millwright (Wolfgang) in designing a machine that would do this effectively. The barn was delivered in October of 2014 and was erected over the course of two weeks, thanks to a hardworking crew (Eric Foster) and near-perfect weather. After the Hearthstone crew completed the erection and roof dry-in, it was time for the local carpenters to step up and install some light conventional framing on the gable ends before applying the roof fascia and exterior board & batten siding. Next came the big sliding barn doors, plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling. Large rustic fixtures were hung from the great hall roof timbers. Exterior The board & batten siding was cypress and allowed to turn color naturally as rain hit it and the sun started working on it with UV rays. This method causes a much grayer look closer to the ground and less so where the roof overhang provides protection. The North end has some large limestone boulders and planters arranged around the pad with tall pampas grass. The planters provide casual seating before events and during outside receptions. The entire area was sodded with lush St. Augustine grass and split rail fences were added to enclose the barn area. The corrugated metal roof was a special order material that immediately rusted after being exposed to moisture. The layer of rust protects the metal from the elements. Interior The board & batten theme was carried throughout most of the interior with the timbers left natural to show off the circular saw texture. All of the tongue & groove decking was shipped in advance to allow the local painter to pre-stain it with a dark brown transparent stain that is a beautiful background to the light color Eastern White Pine timbers. “Everything was unique in this project” said Project Manager John Ricketson. “The setting on a small demonstration farm close to Ocala, the multipurpose design, the circular saw texture on the timbers.” The Hermans are very proud of their farm’s outcome. Richard sent a note to Randy Giles, owner of Hearthstone: “The Barn is fantastic, not a single problem, period. Next month, we have Jo Dee Messina coming in to help with a fundraiser for a local center for abused kids. Folks love the farm, ...... but that barn gets all of the attention. I would encourage you to use me as a reference for your sales team, feel free to extend my cell phone to any prospective purchasers.”

Colour, balance of shapes and volumes, functionality and a small touch of measured eccentricity are the key elements that characterize the Melián Randolph style. A personal signature based on a taste for visual aesthetics that recreates the Mediterranean atmosphere, transmitting the love and joy of art, traveling and life. For this emblematic “Biarritz” project they chose our reference nº 10435 in colours B and B2 to harmonise with the proximity of the ocean and the blue sky of the south of France. http://www.melianrandolph.com/

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.

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.