What Is Modern Style? Modern style has its roots in the modernist movement of the early and mid-20th century. Modern architecture and furnishings emphasize form and structure rather than surface ornamentation — think of large expanses of glass; smooth surfaces like concrete, steel, stone and wood; and accents of chrome and black leather. Modern style is: - Clean. Excess embellishment is considered a distraction and to be avoided. Think crisp, clean and sculptural. Shapes are strong, with clearly defined lines and planes. - Architectural. Furnishings echo rather than distract attention from the architecture for a seamless look. - Minimal. Modern style embraces negative space with spare furnishings and little color or pattern. Modern style is not: - Ornamented. A reaction against heavily ornamented traditional styles, this look embraces simplicity of form. - Trendy. Unlike contemporary style, which taps into up-to-the-minute changes in the design world, modern design feels more securely rooted. - Cluttered. Furnishings are chosen with care, and accessories are kept to a minimum for a clean, spacious look.

Embarking on the design journey of Wabi Sabi Refuge, I immersed myself in the profound quest for tranquility and harmony. This project became a testament to the pursuit of a tranquil haven that stirs a deep sense of calm within. Guided by the essence of wabi-sabi, my intention was to curate Wabi Sabi Refuge as a sacred space that nurtures an ethereal atmosphere, summoning a sincere connection with the surrounding world. Deliberate choices of muted hues and minimalist elements foster an environment of uncluttered serenity, encouraging introspection and contemplation. Embracing the innate imperfections and distinctive qualities of the carefully selected materials and objects added an exquisite touch of organic allure, instilling an authentic reverence for the beauty inherent in nature's creations. Wabi Sabi Refuge serves as a sanctuary, an evocative invitation for visitors to embrace the sublime simplicity, find solace in the imperfect, and uncover the profound and tranquil beauty that wabi-sabi unveils.

Step into a world of outdoor elegance with our captivating California modern motorized pergola. Designed to harmonize with the natural beauty of your surroundings, this stunning addition seamlessly integrates with your poolside oasis, creating a captivating outdoor retreat that exudes sophistication and style. Imagine the gentle rustle of palm trees swaying in the breeze, the shimmering surface of your pool reflecting the warm glow of the sun, and the inviting embrace of a sleek and stylish motorized pergola overhead. Our design elevates your outdoor space, effortlessly blending modern luxury with the tranquility of nature. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, our motorized pergola boasts clean lines, contemporary aesthetics, and premium materials that enhance the visual appeal of your pool area. Whether you're hosting a chic poolside soirée or enjoying a leisurely swim with loved ones, our pergola provides the perfect backdrop for memorable moments and unforgettable experiences. With its motorized louvers, you have the power to control your outdoor environment with ease. Whether you desire a sun-drenched paradise or a shaded sanctuary, our pergola adapts to your preferences, ensuring optimal comfort and enjoyment throughout the day. Embrace the beauty of outdoor living with our California modern motorized pergola. Elevate your poolside experience and transform your backyard into a luxurious retreat that reflects your impeccable taste and style. Contact us today to discover how our pergola can enhance your outdoor space and create lasting memories for years to come.

The Atherton House is a family compound for a professional couple in the tech industry, and their two teenage children. After living in Singapore, then Hong Kong, and building homes there, they looked forward to continuing their search for a new place to start a life and set down roots. The site is located on Atherton Avenue on a flat, 1 acre lot. The neighboring lots are of a similar size, and are filled with mature planting and gardens. The brief on this site was to create a house that would comfortably accommodate the busy lives of each of the family members, as well as provide opportunities for wonder and awe. Views on the site are internal. Our goal was to create an indoor- outdoor home that embraced the benign California climate. The building was conceived as a classic “H” plan with two wings attached by a double height entertaining space. The “H” shape allows for alcoves of the yard to be embraced by the mass of the building, creating different types of exterior space. The two wings of the home provide some sense of enclosure and privacy along the side property lines. The south wing contains three bedroom suites at the second level, as well as laundry. At the first level there is a guest suite facing east, powder room and a Library facing west. The north wing is entirely given over to the Primary suite at the top level, including the main bedroom, dressing and bathroom. The bedroom opens out to a roof terrace to the west, overlooking a pool and courtyard below. At the ground floor, the north wing contains the family room, kitchen and dining room. The family room and dining room each have pocketing sliding glass doors that dissolve the boundary between inside and outside. Connecting the wings is a double high living space meant to be comfortable, delightful and awe-inspiring. A custom fabricated two story circular stair of steel and glass connects the upper level to the main level, and down to the basement “lounge” below. An acrylic and steel bridge begins near one end of the stair landing and flies 40 feet to the children’s bedroom wing. People going about their day moving through the stair and bridge become both observed and observer. The front (EAST) wall is the all important receiving place for guests and family alike. There the interplay between yin and yang, weathering steel and the mature olive tree, empower the entrance. Most other materials are white and pure. The mechanical systems are efficiently combined hydronic heating and cooling, with no forced air required.

Step into a world of outdoor elegance with our captivating California modern motorized pergola. Designed to harmonize with the natural beauty of your surroundings, this stunning addition seamlessly integrates with your poolside oasis, creating a captivating outdoor retreat that exudes sophistication and style. Imagine the gentle rustle of palm trees swaying in the breeze, the shimmering surface of your pool reflecting the warm glow of the sun, and the inviting embrace of a sleek and stylish motorized pergola overhead. Our design elevates your outdoor space, effortlessly blending modern luxury with the tranquility of nature. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, our motorized pergola boasts clean lines, contemporary aesthetics, and premium materials that enhance the visual appeal of your pool area. Whether you're hosting a chic poolside soirée or enjoying a leisurely swim with loved ones, our pergola provides the perfect backdrop for memorable moments and unforgettable experiences. With its motorized louvers, you have the power to control your outdoor environment with ease. Whether you desire a sun-drenched paradise or a shaded sanctuary, our pergola adapts to your preferences, ensuring optimal comfort and enjoyment throughout the day. Embrace the beauty of outdoor living with our California modern motorized pergola. Elevate your poolside experience and transform your backyard into a luxurious retreat that reflects your impeccable taste and style. Contact us today to discover how our pergola can enhance your outdoor space and create lasting memories for years to come.

Living room photo in Amsterdam

Elevate your culinary haven with our exquisite kitchen design. Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of white shaker-style cabinets, a canvas of classic beauty that sets the stage for a culinary masterpiece. The white subway tiles, embraced by the deep allure of dark grout, create a captivating backdrop, merging tradition with a contemporary twist. Our attention to detail shines with a bespoke custom hood that commands attention as the heart of your space. Discover the charm of convenience and sophistication with a hidden wine compartment seamlessly integrated into the custom cabinetry. The soulful character of the original wood floors, lovingly refinished, brings a warm, inviting atmosphere, inviting you to savor every step. Embrace the artistry of contrasts in the stove area, where a copper pot filler becomes a graceful focal point against the white expanse. Copper accents gracefully meander throughout, intertwining with every element, a symphony of unity and charm. However, it's our thoughtfully curated industrial-style lighting that truly transforms this kitchen. These fixtures bridge the gap between the classic and the contemporary, unveiling a narrative where tradition evolves into modernity.

It was in every way, Ramsey says, a once-in-a-lifetime professional and personal experience. “My favorite part of this project was the glow on John and Betty’s faces upon the completion of the hacienda,” she says. “They became not only satisfied clients, but friends for life. It was very challenging but so rewarding.” Helping her and the Martins embrace the home’s challenges was Kendrick, who has been in the design business for more than 40 years. Despite her long career, Kendrick admits to being speechless when she first viewed the ranch’s blueprints and renderings. “The central courtyard had a bell tower over the front entrance gate — a real one,” she says. “The main house had an observation tower that overlooked the dammed-up river and a picturesque view of heaven on earth. There was a magnificent outdoor kitchen off of an enormous porch. This home was to have all the bells and whistles, with unimaginable details, while sparing no expense.” All three women embraced the challenges of creating the Kemosabe Ranch abode, including designing and building 58 chandeliers and sconces, dozens of custom doors and cabinets, two fully tricked-out kitchens — one inside, one out — and myriad accessories such as candle holders. Regardless of a proposed element’s complexity, like the hammered copper panels in the cabinet doors, Kendrick’s response was the same: “No problem.” Betty Martin is as apt to talk reverently about all of the craftsmen, contractors and suppliers who worked on her home’s features, from the 10-foot Mexican limestone fountain in the courtyard to the outdoor fossil art wall, as she is to want to bask in the grandeur of the finished project. That’s not surprising, given its scope to rival that of the Taj Mahal. But having been so intimately involved in the process has given her an even greater sense of pride in ownership of her dazzling dwelling. “It’s hard for me to pick out the part of the project that I love the most,” she says.

Embracing the natural elements of this circa 1960’s Condo development in Stowe Vermont was a priority for our clients. We worked closely with a great design team and our clients to create this simple, but beautiful minimalist retreat. Our clients, both authors, wanted a place to withdraw from the endless distractions and fast pace rhythms of the city. Custom made cabinets, bookshelves and built ins helped off set the sandblasted CMU block walls and ground concrete floors. A beautiful handcrafted stairwell was a center piece connecting the three floors. A handcrafted integrated concrete sink in the master is was another testament to the mixed mediums used to create this space. We embraced exposed conduit and commercial grade light fixtures throughout which helped add to the overall minimalist feel of the space. There is a beautiful rawness to this project which everyone came to admire.

XS residence is a living concept proposal for singles. The project is characterized by its L-shaped, elevated floor. The height differences on the floor as well as on the ceiling are the sole elements that define the space. The apartment is hence transparent, yet given the sense of rooms and corners. This former warehouse has existing pipes cutting through the interior at the entry where it resulted in stairs and undesirable, immediate climbs. By embracing the obstacle and extending it, the reading of the new, one bedroom apartment is as pure as lines (flows) and surfaces (spaces). The heart of the radial layout is a sunken gathering platform. This introvert space is embraced by the elevated floor, which serves as the extension of seating, The visitors thereby sit naturally facing each other and converse. The elevated outer ring is an active, fluid platform which receives visitors. At its height, the dinning guests have a great view toward the city skyline which is otherwise hindered. This space also creates a buffer to the exterior where neighbors pass by. The renovation removed the old flat ceiling, exposing the pitched roof structure to enhance the scale change of the space. The apartment is at its maximum height where activities and interactions take place and shrinks at the perimeter. It is an open layout with sense of spaces and intimacy.

The Siegel Residence intentionally embraces the natural cycle of energy and rest needed to thrive in the Sonoran desert. Designed to rise with the sun, the home and its residents embrace each day starting with the warm light and breeze of the early morning sunrise. Shielded by protective overhangs, the home marks the passage of time with changing light and shadow play. At day’s end, the spectacular desert views make way for the vast starry sky and the home envelops the occupants with environment of rest, relaxation, and reflection.

The Siegel Residence intentionally embraces the natural cycle of energy and rest needed to thrive in the Sonoran desert. Designed to rise with the sun, the home and its residents embrace each day starting with the warm light and breeze of the early morning sunrise. Shielded by protective overhangs, the home marks the passage of time with changing light and shadow play. At day’s end, the spectacular desert views make way for the vast starry sky and the home envelops the occupants with environment of rest, relaxation, and reflection.

The Atherton House is a family compound for a professional couple in the tech industry, and their two teenage children. After living in Singapore, then Hong Kong, and building homes there, they looked forward to continuing their search for a new place to start a life and set down roots. The site is located on Atherton Avenue on a flat, 1 acre lot. The neighboring lots are of a similar size, and are filled with mature planting and gardens. The brief on this site was to create a house that would comfortably accommodate the busy lives of each of the family members, as well as provide opportunities for wonder and awe. Views on the site are internal. Our goal was to create an indoor- outdoor home that embraced the benign California climate. The building was conceived as a classic “H” plan with two wings attached by a double height entertaining space. The “H” shape allows for alcoves of the yard to be embraced by the mass of the building, creating different types of exterior space. The two wings of the home provide some sense of enclosure and privacy along the side property lines. The south wing contains three bedroom suites at the second level, as well as laundry. At the first level there is a guest suite facing east, powder room and a Library facing west. The north wing is entirely given over to the Primary suite at the top level, including the main bedroom, dressing and bathroom. The bedroom opens out to a roof terrace to the west, overlooking a pool and courtyard below. At the ground floor, the north wing contains the family room, kitchen and dining room. The family room and dining room each have pocketing sliding glass doors that dissolve the boundary between inside and outside. Connecting the wings is a double high living space meant to be comfortable, delightful and awe-inspiring. A custom fabricated two story circular stair of steel and glass connects the upper level to the main level, and down to the basement “lounge” below. An acrylic and steel bridge begins near one end of the stair landing and flies 40 feet to the children’s bedroom wing. People going about their day moving through the stair and bridge become both observed and observer. The front (EAST) wall is the all important receiving place for guests and family alike. There the interplay between yin and yang, weathering steel and the mature olive tree, empower the entrance. Most other materials are white and pure. The mechanical systems are efficiently combined hydronic heating and cooling, with no forced air required.

THE MODERN FARMHOUSE KEEPS GROWING - Every year brings a new set of fashion trends. Some of them will stick around, but there are others we just can’t embrace. While some fashionistas want to veer toward contemporary chic, even more recognize that the Modern Farmhouse style that keeps growing. The Modern Farmhouse style emerged after the housing bubble burst in 2008. Just like the crash of the late 1980s when shabby chic became popular. America needed a new look, one that could be achieved at all price points and would be durable both physically and through design trends, reinventing a home that would give the heartfelt homestyle that rustic decor presents. The Modern Farmhouse brings a sense of textures—mixtures of metals, wood, pottery, textiles, and natural elements. The Modern Farmhouse is here to stay, because it’s personal and inviting. Foreman Builders, Inc. offers many Farmhouse Floor Plans to choose from to make your house feel like home.

What Is Modern Style? Modern style has its roots in the modernist movement of the early and mid-20th century. Modern architecture and furnishings emphasize form and structure rather than surface ornamentation — think of large expanses of glass; smooth surfaces like concrete, steel, stone and wood; and accents of chrome and black leather. Modern style is: - Clean. Excess embellishment is considered a distraction and to be avoided. Think crisp, clean and sculptural. Shapes are strong, with clearly defined lines and planes. - Architectural. Furnishings echo rather than distract attention from the architecture for a seamless look. - Minimal. Modern style embraces negative space with spare furnishings and little color or pattern. Modern style is not: - Ornamented. A reaction against heavily ornamented traditional styles, this look embraces simplicity of form. - Trendy. Unlike contemporary style, which taps into up-to-the-minute changes in the design world, modern design feels more securely rooted. - Cluttered. Furnishings are chosen with care, and accessories are kept to a minimum for a clean, spacious look.

Outdoor LED Lighting Designer Michael Gotowala Preferred Properties Connecticut.Outdoor Lighting Designer Michael Gotowala Preferred Properties Connecticut. Outdoor Lighting Designer Michael Gotowala Preferred Properties Connecticut. AOLP- Association of OUTDOOR LIGHTING PROFESSIONALS. www.OutdoorLightingCt.com Outdoor Lighting Designer and two time Landscape AOLP Lighting award recipient Michael Gotowala Preferred Properties Connecticut shows us here how living beyond the walls of your home outdoors at night can be NIGHT TIME FABULOUS. GO TO WWW.OUTDOORLIGHTINGCT.COM TO FIND OUT MORE. "LET ME show you JUST HOW GOOD YOUR HOUSE LOOKS AT NIGHT" Steve P. offered the following endorsement about Gotowala's Outdoor Lighting talents. Michael is clearly one of the best landscape lighting designers in the country. In my role as a photographer of outdoor lighting, I've visited and photographed many of Michael's projects - not only were the lighting designs creative and effective, they were also installed perfectly with a great attention to detail. My photos of Michael's projects have been published in numerous trade journals and design magazines. Editors are thrilled with these outstanding examples of landscape lighting. Michael has embraced both the art and science of lighting design and applies it to create compelling nighttime environments for his very lucky clients. I wholeheartedly recommend Michael for any kind of outdoor lighting product. You willed be thrilled with the results.AOLP- Association of OUTDOOR LIGHTING PROFESSIONALS. www.OutdoorLightingCt.com Outdoor Lighting Designer and two time Landscape AOLP Lighting award recipient Michael Gotowala Preferred Properties Connecticut shows us here how living beyond the walls of your home outdoors at night can be NIGHT TIME FABULOUS. GO TO WWW.OUTDOORLIGHTINGCT.COM TO FIND OUT MORE. "LET ME show you JUST HOW GOOD YOUR HOUSE LOOKS AT NIGHT" Steve P. offered the following endorsement about Gotowala's Outdoor Lighting talents. Michael is clearly one of the best landscape lighting designers in the country. In my role as a photographer of outdoor lighting, I've visited and photographed many of Michael's projects - not only were the lighting designs creative and effective, they were also installed perfectly with a great attention to detail. My photos of Michael's projects have been published in numerous trade journals and design magazines. Editors are thrilled with these outstanding examples of landscape lighting. Michael has embraced both the art and science of lighting design and applies it to create compelling nighttime environments for his very lucky clients. I wholeheartedly recommend Michael for any kind of outdoor lighting product. You willed be thrilled with the results.

Embracing the natural elements of this circa 1960’s Condo development in Stowe Vermont was a priority for our clients. We worked closely with a great design team and our clients to create this simple, but beautiful minimalist retreat. Our clients, both authors, wanted a place to withdraw from the endless distractions and fast pace rhythms of the city. Custom made cabinets, bookshelves and built ins helped off set the sandblasted CMU block walls and ground concrete floors. A beautiful handcrafted stairwell was a center piece connecting the three floors. A handcrafted integrated concrete sink in the master is was another testament to the mixed mediums used to create this space. We embraced exposed conduit and commercial grade light fixtures throughout which helped add to the overall minimalist feel of the space. There is a beautiful rawness to this project which everyone came to admire.

Elevate your culinary haven with our exquisite kitchen design. Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of white shaker-style cabinets, a canvas of classic beauty that sets the stage for a culinary masterpiece. The white subway tiles, embraced by the deep allure of dark grout, create a captivating backdrop, merging tradition with a contemporary twist. Our attention to detail shines with a bespoke custom hood that commands attention as the heart of your space. Discover the charm of convenience and sophistication with a hidden wine compartment seamlessly integrated into the custom cabinetry. The soulful character of the original wood floors, lovingly refinished, brings a warm, inviting atmosphere, inviting you to savor every step. Embrace the artistry of contrasts in the stove area, where a copper pot filler becomes a graceful focal point against the white expanse. Copper accents gracefully meander throughout, intertwining with every element, a symphony of unity and charm. However, it's our thoughtfully curated industrial-style lighting that truly transforms this kitchen. These fixtures bridge the gap between the classic and the contemporary, unveiling a narrative where tradition evolves into modernity.

The Atherton House is a family compound for a professional couple in the tech industry, and their two teenage children. After living in Singapore, then Hong Kong, and building homes there, they looked forward to continuing their search for a new place to start a life and set down roots. The site is located on Atherton Avenue on a flat, 1 acre lot. The neighboring lots are of a similar size, and are filled with mature planting and gardens. The brief on this site was to create a house that would comfortably accommodate the busy lives of each of the family members, as well as provide opportunities for wonder and awe. Views on the site are internal. Our goal was to create an indoor- outdoor home that embraced the benign California climate. The building was conceived as a classic “H” plan with two wings attached by a double height entertaining space. The “H” shape allows for alcoves of the yard to be embraced by the mass of the building, creating different types of exterior space. The two wings of the home provide some sense of enclosure and privacy along the side property lines. The south wing contains three bedroom suites at the second level, as well as laundry. At the first level there is a guest suite facing east, powder room and a Library facing west. The north wing is entirely given over to the Primary suite at the top level, including the main bedroom, dressing and bathroom. The bedroom opens out to a roof terrace to the west, overlooking a pool and courtyard below. At the ground floor, the north wing contains the family room, kitchen and dining room. The family room and dining room each have pocketing sliding glass doors that dissolve the boundary between inside and outside. Connecting the wings is a double high living space meant to be comfortable, delightful and awe-inspiring. A custom fabricated two story circular stair of steel and glass connects the upper level to the main level, and down to the basement “lounge” below. An acrylic and steel bridge begins near one end of the stair landing and flies 40 feet to the children’s bedroom wing. People going about their day moving through the stair and bridge become both observed and observer. The front (EAST) wall is the all important receiving place for guests and family alike. There the interplay between yin and yang, weathering steel and the mature olive tree, empower the entrance. Most other materials are white and pure. The mechanical systems are efficiently combined hydronic heating and cooling, with no forced air required.