Custom lake living at its finest, this Michigan property celebrates family living with contemporary spaces that embrace entertaining, sophistication, and fine living. The property embraces its location, nestled amongst the woods, and looks out towards an expansive lake.

“Imprints in Lavender” - 2022 Design + Build - Upon demo we “180’d” this layout & design of this historic house. With a deep family history, we uncovered the soul of the house. My goal was to embrace the imprints left by the family, to include the lavender painted shiplap and Layers of generational change. An original exterior door reveals the old porch, now family space, that opens on to an expansive deck through a multi-sliding door. Embracing the old with our new twist of design. Thank You to the clients for trusting the vision and seeing it through. Much Love! Texas Proud! #constructionart #texasdesign #texasremodel #roundtop

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.

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.

Knotties and Cantilever Table at the Pool House in Long Island.
Example of a large beach style open concept terra-cotta tile and red floor living room design in New York with white walls

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.

Outdoor Lighting Designer Michael Gotowala 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. Preferred Properties Connecticut

Rammed earth lantern. "Illuminate Your Space with Elegance and Earthiness: Welcome to a world where lighting transcends mere functionality to become a masterpiece of artistry and nature's embrace. Our exclusive collection of rammed earth lanterns is designed to captivate the discerning tastes of high-end connoisseurs, offering a harmony of earthly textures and artisanal craftsmanship. Each lantern in our collection is a testament to the time-honored tradition of rammed earth construction, where raw materials are transformed into stunning works of functional art. These lanterns bring the raw beauty of the earth into your living spaces, creating a seamless connection between your home and the natural world. Crafted by skilled artisans, our rammed earth lanterns are not just lighting fixtures; they are statements of luxury and sophistication. Their organic textures, warm earthy tones, and soft, ambient glow add a touch of serenity and refinement to any environment. Whether it's your living room, garden, or a high-end restaurant, these lanterns will transform the ambiance, elevating it to a level of unadulterated elegance. In a world where authenticity and environmental consciousness are highly valued, our rammed earth lanterns represent the pinnacle of sustainability and artistic expression. Discover a unique fusion of ancient building techniques and contemporary design in each meticulously created piece. Elevate your surroundings and inspire conversations about the fusion of luxury and nature. Illuminate your world with rammed earth lanterns - a symbol of opulence, craftsmanship, and an unbreakable bond with the Earth. Let the radiance of high-end artistry transform your space into a sanctuary of style and substance. Embrace the future of luxurious lighting with the timeless essence of the past. Experience the magic of rammed earth lanterns, exclusively for those who demand nothing but the best." This introduction combines the concepts of artistry, earthiness, luxury, and sustainability to attract high-end markets to your rammed earth lanterns. What is Rammed Earth? Rammed earth is an ancient construction technique that seamlessly blends the raw beauty of the Earth with architectural ingenuity. It involves compressing layers of natural raw materials, such as earth, chalk, lime, or gravel, to create sturdy, durable walls or structures. The result is a stunning display of the Earth's colors and textures, providing not only a harmonious connection to the natural world but also exceptional thermal mass properties for energy efficiency. • This time-honored building method, dating back thousands of years, continues to capture the imagination of modern architects, environmentalists, and those with a deep appreciation for sustainable living. Rammed earth structures are renowned for their organic appeal, as the layers of earth form unique patterns, creating a visual masterpiece in every piece of architecture. • At “Rammed Earth Graden”, we've harnessed the artistry of rammed earth to craft exquisite lanterns that not only illuminate your space but also infuse it with the timeless essence of this extraordinary building technique. Explore our exclusive collection to experience the magic of rammed earth in a new light

Serenity Farm, where celebrations and purposeful can come alive in a the most peaceful setting, surrounded by the best Sonoma has to offer and grazing donkeys and other invited wildlife. It’s contemporary farm style exterior and interior exudes warmth, with soaring interior ceilings and exposed glulam beams, mezzanine walkways, and steel open staircase, all create an inviting atmosphere, mixed with intelligent building design aimed at sustainability, resiliency, durability and energy and resource efficiency. Adjacent to the barn, a sun-kissed bocce ball court invites friendly competition under the California sky. The adjoined guest house seamlessly marries contemporary design with farmhouse sensibilities. Clean lines, expansive windows, and a standing-seam metal roof define its character. The barn spills onto a vast covered patio with heaters and BBQ area and fire table a seating for many A dedicated section of the barn houses miniature ponies. Children and adults alike delight in their playful presence. Outdoor pastures provide ample space for the ponies to roam freely. The orchard, with its fruit-laden trees, adds to the bucolic charm. A meandering brook winds through the front of the property, providing a soothing soundtrack that echoes through its serpentine old olive tree grove. Deliberately modest, tucked into the hillside for minimal impact, the structure and hardscaping embraces its surroundings without imposing on it. But just walk to the edge of the gardens one can contemplate the Sonoma Valley all the way down to San Francisco. Both in terms of design and construction, Serenity Farm invites you to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. Designed by EAG Studio | Built by Character Builders

Discover Our Transformation of a Historic Gem in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid! We are thrilled to unveil our latest project in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid - a timeless treasure originally designed in 1890 by the renowned architect, Jacob Klinkhamer. Embracing the rich history of this distinguished house, we have transformed it into a welcoming and contemporary home, meticulously tailored to suit the needs of its new family. Preserving the heritage and beauty of the street façade, which holds a protected municipal monument status, we ensured that only minor adjustments were made to maintain its historical charm. However, behind the elegant exterior, a comprehensive interior renovation and structural overhaul awaited. From deepening the basement floor to introducing an elevator shaft, we left no stone unturned in reimagining this space for modern living. Every aspect of the layout was thoughtfully rearranged to maximize functionality and create a seamless flow between the rooms. The result? A harmonious blend of classic and contemporary design, reflecting the spirit of the past while embracing the comforts of today. The crowning jewel of this project is the addition of a stunning modern roof terrace, providing breathtaking views of the city skyline and the perfect spot for relaxation and entertainment. We invite you to explore the transformation of this historic gem on our website. Witness the marriage of old-world charm with modern elegance, and see how we transformed a house into a cherished home. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.storm-architects.com/projects/klinkhamer-huis

Example of a living room design in Amsterdam

Photo by Chris Lawson
Home design - small modern home design idea in Toronto

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.

Nestled in the heart of Boulder, this 1950s ranch home was thoughtfully transformed to embrace modern living while honoring the charm and character of the neighborhood. The client wished for their home to become a place of gathering and community. This design embraces the open-concept floor plan by dissolving boundaries and encouraging organic interactions between the spaces within the home and with the surrounding landscape. At the heart of this transformation stands a strategically positioned wood-burning stove, which can be enjoyed from the dining or living areas, perfect for cozy winter nights. The kitchen dining space emerges as the vibrant epicenter of this family-friendly home with a fluid transition to the patio and garden. Vaulted ceilings accentuated with skylights illuminate the space with natural light, creating an airy, expansive feel; while the French oak flooring introduces a touch of grounding warmth and nature. The bedroom wing, intentionally secluded, offers an intimate sanctuary. En-suite bathrooms feature hints of luxury, including a steam shower and a soaking tub, elevating the space for an indulgent spa experience. Beyond the aesthetics, the fire-wise design includes non-combustible exterior materials, defensible space, and closed soffits. This fully electric home also prioritizes sustainability with features such as electric vehicle and solar power readiness, water-conserving landscaping, and an aging-in-place layout. Collaboration was key in transforming this house into the “forever home“ the couple envisioned and can now enjoy for many years to come - Photography by Dane Cronin

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.

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgement as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design. Landscape Architect Design Workshop, Aspen, CO Architect Poss Architecture, Aspen, CO Landscape Contractor Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO Stone Supplier/Installer Gallegos Corporation, Wolcott, CO Stone Quarry Arkins Park Stone, Loveland, CO Within walled boundaries, Woody Creek Garden embraces its high alpine environment through explorations of stone and water that serve as unifying elements of form in the design of the various outdoor spaces. Through striking and distinctively detailed stonework, water is portrayed in its various states and forms – atmospheric mist, single rivulets, cascades, and still pools. Two courtyards interlink the residence allowing each room to enjoy the visual landscape. In the entrance courtyard, the sound from a carved 24”x 24” cut-granite fountain reverberates throughout the walled space. Placed for gathering and quiet contemplation, a pin-wheel arrangement of sculptural, granite slabs provide a honed surface for sitting while providing year-round interest. Each stone was individually specified with intentionally spaced core fractures, utilizing the extraction method to serve as sculpted details. Large sandstone pavers, set in sand and cut in an irregular, but geometric fashion bring a sense of modernity to the space. Throughout the property, stone detailing seek to heighten one’s experience of the landscape and views. Upon the home’s entry, an 18” rectilinear cut in the freestanding stone wall frames a distant peak, creating a singular reference to the outside world in this encased space. Emerging from the center of an organically-shaped carved sandstone slab, water is carried along a narrow 2” runnel sandstone cap, disappearing into the framed horizon. This glimpse to the west is the only opening in the tightly enclosed courtyard. From its opposite aspect, the feature creates a welcoming gesture at the home’s front entrance. The slender rivulet of water trickles from the sandstone slab above onto a honed granite plane, set within a sandstone terrace In contrast, a second promontory courtyard commands a strong presence over its alpine setting, leaving the steeply sloping site undisturbed. A 12’x 40’ reflecting pool – a thin sheet of water over honed black granite – captures the form and silence of the everchanging natural environment on its taut surface. Along its edge, water flows over a ½” radius edge, disappearing into a recirculating slot. Commissioned by Italian artist Bruno Romeda, a bronze sculpture rests upon an elevated granite plinth. Along its western edge, designers crafted a two-tiered, infinity edge detail. In the first vertical drop, water flows between the pool and perimeter stone walls, landing onto an intermediate bench, while the second drop introduces a chamfered edge, allowing water to embrace the vertical relief without splashing. Sandstone terraces provide continuous access to the various landscape features of the garden. At the base of the battered perimeter walls, a sandstone path leads to a fire pit, encircled by lichen-covered boulders. Along the courtyard’s eastern perimeter, water appears to emerge from the hillside, fracturing and falling against the irregular vertical stone wall, melting in a curtain-like formation behind the spa. The colors, distinctive detailing and striking stonework were selected based on their appropriateness to the context. From above, a rectilinear pool lies behind the wall, silently mirroring the sky above and offering no ostensible connection to the structure or to its source.

Welcome to this charming Scandinavian-inspired living room, where simplicity meets coziness in a delightful harmony. As you step into the room, you’ll immediately feel a sense of warmth and tranquility, inviting you to unwind and relax. The room is bathed in natural light, thanks to the large windows that allow sunshine to flood in, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The walls are adorned with a crisp white paint, amplifying the room’s spaciousness and providing a clean canvas for the rest of the decor. The Scandinavian design aesthetic is evident in every detail of the room. The color palette is predominantly neutral, featuring shades of white, soft grays, and warm wooden accents. This combination evokes a sense of serenity and simplicity, setting the stage for a peaceful retreat. The seating area is both comfortable and stylish, with a plush sofa and cozy armchairs arranged to promote conversation and togetherness. Soft cushions and throws are strategically placed, inviting you to sink in and enjoy moments of relaxation or engage in lively conversations with friends and family. A sleek and minimalist coffee table serves as a central point for gathering and enjoying refreshments or displaying tasteful decorative pieces. It’s a practical and elegant addition that complements the room’s design aesthetic. Natural elements play a significant role in this Scandinavian-inspired space. Indoor plants, such as potted greenery and succulents, add a touch of nature, infusing the room with life and freshness. These organic accents contribute to a calm and harmonious atmosphere. To add extra warmth and comfort underfoot, a soft area rug graces the floor. Its texture and pattern blend seamlessly with the overall design, offering a cozy surface for bare feet to sink into. Thoughtfully curated artwork adorns the walls, adding personality and visual interest to the room. Whether it’s a gallery of framed photographs, abstract paintings, or minimalistic prints, the art complements the Scandinavian style and creates a focal point for artistic appreciation. Subtle and ambient lighting fixtures, such as pendant lights or floor lamps, provide a warm and inviting glow in the evenings. They create a cozy atmosphere and allow you to adjust the lighting to suit different moods and occasions. In summary, this Scandinavian living room embraces simplicity, natural elements, and a cozy atmosphere. It offers a haven where you can unwind, enjoy the company of loved ones, or indulge in moments of solitude. With its clean lines, neutral palette, and harmonious design, this room invites you to embrace a lifestyle of comfort and serenity. Limitations: The photo you see above is an interior concept. Each time the project is created individually for your interior. Because your room may have a different size, and different location of walls, windows, and doors, you are aware that the final design may differ from the one shown above. At the same time, the climate and style of the interior as well as furniture and equipment will be preserved to the maximum extent, but it will never be 100% of what you see above. Read the details of the range of individual packages to choose the one that suits your needs.