Search results for "Enabling access" in Home Design Ideas

The Main Stay House exists as a straightforward proposal on an urban infill lot, paring down the components of a house to a minimal amount of planes and openings. The scheme is anchored by a modern entry sequence and a staircase volume, both clad in iron spot masonry externally and internally, creating thresholds between the respective realms of public, common and private, by minimal means. The masonry contrasts with an otherwise muted interior atmosphere of smooth, desaturated surfaces.
The entry sequence is a twist upon the conventional domestic front door, front facade, and fence. The front masonry wall replaces the typical residential fence and frames an indirect access to the front door, functioning as a privacy barrier while revealing slices of the interior to the public street.
The staircase bifurcates the layout to provide a clear division between the common and private zones of the house, while clearly reading as a mass from all outside view. Brick and glass become portals between common and private zones.
The design consolidates the service core along the west façade, allowing the structure to fully open the living zone to the pool court and existing trees. This directly connects interior and exterior, as well as human and nature. Freedom to vary the program or functional use of the area is enabled and strongly encouraged.
Photography: Charles Davis Smith

An addition to a historic 1860's farm house enabled the home owners to realize a kitchen with all the features on their wish list. The multi level island holds a warming drawer, pop up mixer shelf, and seating for 8. Decorative corbels and custom turned legs, along with raised panel door detail, accentuate the painted and glazed finish.

Design by Blue Heron in Partnership with Cantoni. Photos By: Stephen Morgan
For many, Las Vegas is a destination that transports you away from reality. The same can be said of the thirty-nine modern homes built in The Bluffs Community by luxury design/build firm, Blue Heron. Perched on a hillside in Southern Highlands, The Bluffs is a private gated community overlooking the Las Vegas Valley with unparalleled views of the mountains and the Las Vegas Strip. Indoor-outdoor living concepts, sustainable designs and distinctive floorplans create a modern lifestyle that makes coming home feel like a getaway.
To give potential residents a sense for what their custom home could look like at The Bluffs, Blue Heron partnered with Cantoni to furnish a model home and create interiors that would complement the Vegas Modern™ architectural style. “We were really trying to introduce something that hadn’t been seen before in our area. Our homes are so innovative, so personal and unique that it takes truly spectacular furnishings to complete their stories as well as speak to the emotions of everyone who visits our homes,” shares Kathy May, director of interior design at Blue Heron. “Cantoni has been the perfect partner in this endeavor in that, like Blue Heron, Cantoni is innovative and pushes boundaries.”
Utilizing Cantoni’s extensive portfolio, the Blue Heron Interior Design team was able to customize nearly every piece in the home to create a thoughtful and curated look for each space. “Having access to so many high-quality and diverse furnishing lines enables us to think outside the box and create unique turnkey designs for our clients with confidence,” says Kathy May, adding that the quality and one-of-a-kind feel of the pieces are unmatched.
rom the perfectly situated sectional in the downstairs family room to the unique blue velvet dining chairs, the home breathes modern elegance. “I particularly love the master bed,” says Kathy. “We had created a concept design of what we wanted it to be and worked with one of Cantoni’s longtime partners, to bring it to life. It turned out amazing and really speaks to the character of the room.”
The combination of Cantoni’s soft contemporary touch and Blue Heron’s distinctive designs are what made this project a unified experience. “The partnership really showcases Cantoni’s capabilities to manage projects like this from presentation to execution,” shares Luca Mazzolani, vice president of sales at Cantoni. “We work directly with the client to produce custom pieces like you see in this home and ensure a seamless and successful result.”
And what a stunning result it is. There was no Las Vegas luck involved in this project, just a sureness of style and service that brought together Blue Heron and Cantoni to create one well-designed home.
To learn more about Blue Heron Design Build, visit www.blueheron.com.
Find the right local pro for your project

Designed by Lisa Lauren of Closet Works
While the unit doubles as a workspace, it also provides safekeeping for important files pertaining to this area. The volume of the drawer enables organization for a multitude of folders that are all easily accessible while busy at work.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home.
The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living.
The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home.
The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play.
The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms.
Energy Efficient features include:
• The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade
• 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques
• Foil covered roof sheathing
• Extensive use of blown in cellulous
• All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass
• Tank-less water heaters
• Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV.
Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency.
These items include:
• 2x6 walls with staggered studs
• Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting
• Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows
• ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls.
The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

Design by Blue Heron in Partnership with Cantoni. Photos By: Stephen Morgan
For many, Las Vegas is a destination that transports you away from reality. The same can be said of the thirty-nine modern homes built in The Bluffs Community by luxury design/build firm, Blue Heron. Perched on a hillside in Southern Highlands, The Bluffs is a private gated community overlooking the Las Vegas Valley with unparalleled views of the mountains and the Las Vegas Strip. Indoor-outdoor living concepts, sustainable designs and distinctive floorplans create a modern lifestyle that makes coming home feel like a getaway.
To give potential residents a sense for what their custom home could look like at The Bluffs, Blue Heron partnered with Cantoni to furnish a model home and create interiors that would complement the Vegas Modern™ architectural style. “We were really trying to introduce something that hadn’t been seen before in our area. Our homes are so innovative, so personal and unique that it takes truly spectacular furnishings to complete their stories as well as speak to the emotions of everyone who visits our homes,” shares Kathy May, director of interior design at Blue Heron. “Cantoni has been the perfect partner in this endeavor in that, like Blue Heron, Cantoni is innovative and pushes boundaries.”
Utilizing Cantoni’s extensive portfolio, the Blue Heron Interior Design team was able to customize nearly every piece in the home to create a thoughtful and curated look for each space. “Having access to so many high-quality and diverse furnishing lines enables us to think outside the box and create unique turnkey designs for our clients with confidence,” says Kathy May, adding that the quality and one-of-a-kind feel of the pieces are unmatched.
rom the perfectly situated sectional in the downstairs family room to the unique blue velvet dining chairs, the home breathes modern elegance. “I particularly love the master bed,” says Kathy. “We had created a concept design of what we wanted it to be and worked with one of Cantoni’s longtime partners, to bring it to life. It turned out amazing and really speaks to the character of the room.”
The combination of Cantoni’s soft contemporary touch and Blue Heron’s distinctive designs are what made this project a unified experience. “The partnership really showcases Cantoni’s capabilities to manage projects like this from presentation to execution,” shares Luca Mazzolani, vice president of sales at Cantoni. “We work directly with the client to produce custom pieces like you see in this home and ensure a seamless and successful result.”
And what a stunning result it is. There was no Las Vegas luck involved in this project, just a sureness of style and service that brought together Blue Heron and Cantoni to create one well-designed home.
To learn more about Blue Heron Design Build, visit www.blueheron.com.

10 years after the completion of the apartment tenant improvement in the J. Carroll building, the owner approached Isaman Design to work on the design and permitting for a private basketball court located on the second floor adjacent to the residential space. With private stair access from the parking lot, and interior connection to the main living area, it functions completely independently from the business operations in the rest of the building. The signature red storefront and contemporary corrugated metal siding give the addition an eye-catching pop, separating it from the rest of the CMU structure while still maintaining a cohesive aesthetic relationship. The interior is finished out to an extremely high level with fun signage and neon lighting. There is also a comfy courtside lounge with a sliding glass door that enables spectators to be involved in the action from the sidelines. We look forward to working on more commercial infill projects in the future!

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

This reach-in closet with built-in storage and styled with Italian glass door accents creates a functional and stunning design. Classic White finish with aluminum details lends to a modern, sleek feel. Pull-out desk countertops provide work space when needed. Lift-up doors increase accessibility and adjustable shelves enable adaptability.

The kitchen—the heart of this home—carries through the solid Fir beams and cultured stack stone to create unity with the living area. Shelving on each side of the large range provides accessible and partially hidden storage for ease of reach to the culinary enthusiast.
The homeowners desired a space where they could entertain, and this large and open area enables friends and family to gather and enjoy the space.
The kitchen features a quartz countertop lit from below with a custom LED lighting panel that shines through the larger, transparent pieces of crystal. When the overhead lights are dimmed, it is an absolutely mesmerizing effect in the space.

10 years after the completion of the apartment tenant improvement in the J. Carroll building, the owner approached Isaman Design to work on the design and permitting for a private basketball court located on the second floor adjacent to the residential space. With private stair access from the parking lot, and interior connection to the main living area, it functions completely independently from the business operations in the rest of the building. The signature red storefront and contemporary corrugated metal siding give the addition an eye-catching pop, separating it from the rest of the CMU structure while still maintaining a cohesive aesthetic relationship. The interior is finished out to an extremely high level with fun signage and neon lighting. There is also a comfy courtside lounge with a sliding glass door that enables spectators to be involved in the action from the sidelines. We look forward to working on more commercial infill projects in the future!

This waterfront recording cottage is a remarkable feat of engineering and design, built in just nine months, despite the challenges posed by its location on an island with limited vehicular access. Our team worked closely with an Architect, Landscape Architect, Studio Designer & Audio Visual team to create a space that is truly one of a kind.
The cottage features a sound isolated live room and an isolation booth that are fully equipped with top-of-the-line recording equipment. The recording space is fully integrated with multi-room control, enabling the user to monitor the recording process from any room in the cottage. In addition, it is equipped with two kitchenettes, one and a half baths and a state-of-the-art Lutron lighting system, adding ambiance to the space, and setting the right mood for the musicians. The result of this custom build is a recording studio that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, providing the perfect space for creativity.

10 years after the completion of the apartment tenant improvement in the J. Carroll building, the owner approached Isaman Design to work on the design and permitting for a private basketball court located on the second floor adjacent to the residential space. With private stair access from the parking lot, and interior connection to the main living area, it functions completely independently from the business operations in the rest of the building. The signature red storefront and contemporary corrugated metal siding give the addition an eye-catching pop, separating it from the rest of the CMU structure while still maintaining a cohesive aesthetic relationship. The interior is finished out to an extremely high level with fun signage and neon lighting. There is also a comfy courtside lounge with a sliding glass door that enables spectators to be involved in the action from the sidelines. We look forward to working on more commercial infill projects in the future!

We designed this beautiful cedar shake home with a metal roof and oyster shell embedded tabby fireplace. The pool is the heart of this home! The glass roll up garage door brings the outside in, and allows for entertaining to flow freely. Lots of outdoor space for lounging and soaking up the sun. An extra living space above the 3 car garage, including a kitchen area, enables guests to visit while providing access to some of the creature comforts of home. The crowning touch is the cupolas that allows for a 360 degree view, including spectacular views of the ocean.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Free consultation for landscape design!
Peabody Landscape Group
Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

10 years after the completion of the apartment tenant improvement in the J. Carroll building, the owner approached Isaman Design to work on the design and permitting for a private basketball court located on the second floor adjacent to the residential space. With private stair access from the parking lot, and interior connection to the main living area, it functions completely independently from the business operations in the rest of the building. The signature red storefront and contemporary corrugated metal siding give the addition an eye-catching pop, separating it from the rest of the CMU structure while still maintaining a cohesive aesthetic relationship. The interior is finished out to an extremely high level with fun signage and neon lighting. There is also a comfy courtside lounge with a sliding glass door that enables spectators to be involved in the action from the sidelines. We look forward to working on more commercial infill projects in the future!

All vanities are mounted with very tight tolerances and the 45 degree walls enabled a dual master sink to be added within a small bathroom footprint.
Reflected in the vanity mirror you can see the built-in towel storage integrated with the AC duct work. Above the vanity is a large custom built-in storage cupboard for storing bulky and infrequently accessed items.

This reach-in closet with built-in storage and styled with Italian glass door accents and creates a functional and stunning design.
• Classic White finish lends sleek, modern feel.
• Integrated Aluminum extrusion finger pull detail extends the full length of the door for a seamless industrial look.
• White slab door and drawer fronts create a seamless look.
• Aluminum sliding doors with custom back-painted glass inserts add youthful flair.
• Lift-up doors increase accessibility.
• Pull-out desk countertops provide work space when needed.
• Adjustable shelves enable adaptability.

Complete Backyard Designed in East Islip NY
The family in this East Islip home wanted a pool for entertaining that was built to last. Giuseppe Abbrancati, owner/designer of Smithtown-based Gappsi, Inc. suggested a gunite saltwater pool in a Sports Pool style design where both sides of the pool are shallow and the deep end is in the middle. “Gunite pools make a statement. They are a very customizable pool. That is why you see a sundeck, round steps, and LED lights inside the pool. You can shape the cement any way you want it and apply any finish. They are also highly durable,” says Abbrancati who has been building pools for the last thirty years. “The deepest part of this pool is six feet. It’s built like that so you can play volleyball in the pool and its fair ground,” he adds. Abbrancati designed a classic rectangular-shaped pool that is 16 by 32 foot in size and has that sleek modern look. “Everyone in the Hamptons has the gunite rectangular shape. It is the most elegant,” he says. The pool, he explains, is a cobalt blue diamond bright with quartz finish. Before the installation, the house - that is close to a hundred years old- had a simple concrete patio. in order to keep the character of the home, Abbrancati chose a brick looking veneer that would blend in with the existing bricks to make it look like the pool was always there. “I didn’t want the pool to look like it was an addition. I wanted it to look like it was built with the house 100 years ago,” he says. Travertine pavers were added throughout. Additional features of the property that Abbrancati built was a sunken down natural fire pit made from rocks and lava and an L-shaped bench for seating.
1. One of the corners of the pool features a blue stone counter three feet wide that is designed to enjoy snacks and beverages poolside.
2. Seating inside the pool with stools built inside the pool made from veneer with glass tiles is an ideal spot for socializing.
3. A
twelve-foot long natural gas fire pit runs alongside the pool so you can roast marshmallows and eat smores right from the pool. The fire accent is also a beautiful decorative feature that adds ambiance.
4. A sundeck is accessible on the shallow end of the pool and an ideal place to place a lounge chair.
5. To
keep the pool pristine an ‘auto-cover’ was installed. With a push of a button - located next to the sliding door- the auto-cover opens and closes.
6. The pool has a gas heater and the temperature can go as high as 104 degrees. The average setting is between 80 to 85. The heater goes on automatically and the technology enables the homeowner to set the temperature that is comfortable for them.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Free consultation for landscape design!
Peabody Landscape Group
Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

The old kitchen had a range. The new version has a cooktop which enabled us to create large easy-to-access pot drawers underneath. A neutral backsplash keeps everything light.

Complete Backyard Designed in East Islip NY
The family in this East Islip home wanted a pool for entertaining that was built to last. Giuseppe Abbrancati, owner/designer of Smithtown-based Gappsi, Inc. suggested a gunite saltwater pool in a Sports Pool style design where both sides of the pool are shallow and the deep end is in the middle. “Gunite pools make a statement. They are a very customizable pool. That is why you see a sundeck, round steps, and LED lights inside the pool. You can shape the cement any way you want it and apply any finish. They are also highly durable,” says Abbrancati who has been building pools for the last thirty years. “The deepest part of this pool is six feet. It’s built like that so you can play volleyball in the pool and its fair ground,” he adds. Abbrancati designed a classic rectangular-shaped pool that is 16 by 32 foot in size and has that sleek modern look. “Everyone in the Hamptons has the gunite rectangular shape. It is the most elegant,” he says. The pool, he explains, is a cobalt blue diamond bright with quartz finish. Before the installation, the house - that is close to a hundred years old- had a simple concrete patio. in order to keep the character of the home, Abbrancati chose a brick looking veneer that would blend in with the existing bricks to make it look like the pool was always there. “I didn’t want the pool to look like it was an addition. I wanted it to look like it was built with the house 100 years ago,” he says. Travertine pavers were added throughout. Additional features of the property that Abbrancati built was a sunken down natural fire pit made from rocks and lava and an L-shaped bench for seating.
1. One of the corners of the pool features a blue stone counter three feet wide that is designed to enjoy snacks and beverages poolside.
2. Seating inside the pool with stools built inside the pool made from veneer with glass tiles is an ideal spot for socializing.
3. A
twelve-foot long natural gas fire pit runs alongside the pool so you can roast marshmallows and eat smores right from the pool. The fire accent is also a beautiful decorative feature that adds ambiance.
4. A sundeck is accessible on the shallow end of the pool and an ideal place to place a lounge chair.
5. To
keep the pool pristine an ‘auto-cover’ was installed. With a push of a button - located next to the sliding door- the auto-cover opens and closes.
6. The pool has a gas heater and the temperature can go as high as 104 degrees. The average setting is between 80 to 85. The heater goes on automatically and the technology enables the homeowner to set the temperature that is comfortable for them.

2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN UNDER $40,000
A young family expecting a child just bought their first home, a 1964 colonial in Annandale, Virginia. There were many areas they wanted to renovate, but with the woman of the house being a professional chef, the kitchen was first and foremost.
The existing kitchen was dark and dated. Upon entering the room, all of the appliances were aligned on the far wall, near the doorway to the adjacent dining room. While the original kitchen had a lot of open floor space, it had disconnected workspaces, limited counter space to prepare foods, and was generally dysfunctional.
The new owners wished to create a kitchen that would not only serve as a space to efficiently prepare meals, but also as a mini office area where the chef could have access to cookbooks and a desk for recipe writing. Additionally, it needed to be a welcoming, central part of the home where the family could expect to have many informal meals over the years. The chef desired to have more cabinet space while also adding newer, larger and additional appliances to the footprint, such as a second oven.
The addition of a large (approximately 4 feet by 7 feet) center island increased both the form and function of the room. The turned-legs and glass-faced curio cabinets that greet visitors offer a strong statement. The island maximized efficiency and was equipped with cabinetry and accessories on every side (e.g., spice cabinet, microwave cabinet, double trash can holder) and would even include an overhang on the side by the windows to serve as a breakfast bar. The large island is covered with a white macauba granite, creating a beautiful and expansive prep space.
On the far wall, an airy garden window replaced the flat metal-framed sink window. Below the window sits a large white farm-style sink. The dishwasher and double oven were installed to the right. To the left, a large 29 cubic foot French-door, bottom freezer refrigerator.
The selected maple cabinetry is frost white with pewter glazing. Coupled with the island’s espresso black finish, it creates a great yin-yang contrast and balance to the room. The bright cabinetry, garden window, added recess lights, under cabinet lights, embedded lights under the mantle hearth, and inside cabinet lights with dimmer switches enable this room to be as bright as desired.
The Zen flare to this classic French Country kitchen is complete with the addition of the Sumatran black standing pebble backsplash. These easy to clean stones add great texture and stunning contrast.
The homeowners are extremely satisfied with this new kitchen and are now looking forward to getting the rest of the house renovated.
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