This elegant kitchen renovation represents the best trends in efficiency, sustainability and functionality. A redesign of the space puts new appliances in a more functional working triangle. The large island, with space for barstools, is friendly to social interaction. Overall, neutral colors and styles, along with custom woodworking, make the space timeless. It’s also sustainable and forward-thinking: No particle board was used in these cabinets, so there are no VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Wood materials were sourced in North America and made locally in Melbourne, Florida. Energy-saving technology includes dimmable LED light panels, which make the translucent, recycled-glass backsplashes glow under wall cabinets. LED under-cabinet lights are controlled separately, and there is motion-sensor-activated LED toe-kick lighting around the cabinets' base. A pop-up electrical outlet serves the desk. The desk has a security box that opens only with the owner’s fingerprint. There’s ample storage, and materials are easy to clean and maintain. From the family dining area, where children can do their homework, to the kitchen’s universal, accessible design, this space is comfortable and practical for all ages - a place to grow and live well.

Our mission was to create an ocean and California lifestyle-inspired space that would invite consistent clicks, bookings and five-star reviews. To make the most of the great location, we designed Project 11 for travelling singles and couples searching for a cozy and welcoming condo within walking distance to downtown San Diego. Project 11 would also be used by our clients when it was unoccupied, so it had to be practical, functional and beautiful, too. Our clients had a limited budget, so we got thrifty and sourced furnishings from Target, Ikea, Amazon and Etsy. The oversized art prints – which set the tone for our relaxing and soothing beachy theme – were hunted down and found at Etsy of California Lifestyle. We made the most of layers, colors and texture to create spaces that conjured calming ocean vibes and felt wholeheartedly welcoming. We couldn’t repaint the walls, but they gave us a neutral color palette to work with. We built on it by adding in pops of color while maintaining a minimalist approach to understated style. Then we had some fun and added in cute touches like Cali and San Diego inspired mugs, an adorable Kerig to tie in the colors of the ocean again, a swivel chair to view the sunrise and sunset and a totally pimped-out kitchen with all the cooking accessories a guest would need to feel at home in Project 11. By the time we were done, we were tempted to scoop up the first available booking for ourselves! Finally, we invested our energy in designing for effortless functionality so our client’s guests had everything they needed during their stay. Photography: Meg Marie

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes. Consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces play a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Consider also, quiet spaces free of outside ambient noise have been proven to improve sleep, focus, and productivity. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

The Net Zero Barn is one half of a larger project (see “Farm House Renovation”). When the new owners acquired the property, their hope had been to renovate the existing barn as part of the living space; the evaluation of the structural integrity of the barn timbers revealed that it was not structurally stable, so the barn was dismantled, the timber salvaged, documented, and repaired, and redeployed in the “Farm House Renovation”. The owners still wanted a barn, so CTA sourced an antique barn frame of a similar size and style in western Ontario, and worked with a timber specialist to import, restore, and erect the frame on the property. The new/old barn now houses a sleeping loft with bathroom over a tv area and overlooking a large pool table and bar, sitting, and dining area, all illuminated by a large monitor and triple paned windows. A lean-to garage structure is modelled on the design of the barn that was removed. Solar panels on the roof, super insulated panels and the triple glazed windows all contribute to the Barn being a Net Zero energy project. The project was featured in Boston Magazine’s December 2017 Issue and was the 2020 Recipient of an Award Citation by the Boston Society of Architects. Interior Photos by Jane Messenger, Exterior Photos by Nat Rea.

Embarking on a new journey with a client is always an exciting and inspiring time for Moderne Living. Building a relationship and translating our clients' vision calls for trust, collaboration and guidance, and it's a role we take immense pleasure and pride in fulfilling. Moderne Living was recently commissioned to carry out a transitional design project for a North Carolina home, which on the face of it could have presented obvious challenges due to the geographical difference. Not believing that distance should be an issue, we rose to the challenge. Through careful consultation, the client revealed their vision, in turn guiding our choices on their behalf. This led us to select the Euforia range by Montbel, whose design ethos encapsulates tradition, innovation and dynamism. We set out by developing a relationship with the client through telephone conversations, an investment in time that was absolutely crucial in contributing to the success of the project. Using the client's descriptions, ideas and floor plan, along with the talents of our designer, we were able to understand, give shape to and define the vision the client had in mind for their home. We chose Euforia dining chairs, armchairs and stools because their collections offer modern elegance perfectly balanced with supreme comfort. The range takes the best of classical design and reimagines it with character, flair and modern touches. Euforia blends traditional design hallmarks including tufting (buttoned upholstery) with familiar silhouettes, solid wood frames and upholstered seats and backs. Color options are varied with neutral tones or rich, bold shades. Modern details such as chrome footrests reminds us of the harmony that can be achieved when you blend the contemporary and classic. Each new client brings with them an ideal for their home, be it on a small or larger scale, and this helps shape our approach to each client and project. We understand that our clients' visions and ideals for their home are as diverse and individual as they are, calling for Moderne Living to offer and deliver diversified styles. As we look back on this project, what we will take away from the experience is not only the professional and personal satisfaction of realizing the client's vision, and doing so without the benefit of visiting the space, but also the experience of being able to draw on what inspires us. Delivering a diversity of styles for our clients, be it contemporary, transitional or modern, remains a great source of creative energy, and continues to inspire and motivate us in our work.

A perfectly designed floor plan is half the battle! In this gorgeous transitional style Great Falls home, we planned the space so that the beautiful artwork and stunning baby grand piano are displayed beautifully. A perfect balance of elements allows the homeowners to sit and relax while practicing the piano. We juxtaposed the client’s unique antique collection with newly sourced decor places to create a harmonious decor plan. We also added plenty of shelves in the beautiful study to store the client’s book collection and precious souvenirs. The unique floor plan ensures the entire home has a lively, seamless flow of positive energy. Photography by Timothy Bell --- Project designed by interior design studio Margery Wedderburn Interiors. They serve Northern Virginia areas including the D.C suburbs of Great Falls, McLean, Potomac, and Bethesda, along with Orlando and the rest of Central Florida. For more about Margery Wedderburn interiors, see here: https://margerywedderburninteriors.com To learn more about this project, see here: https://margerywedderburninteriors.com/portfolio-page/transitional-style-in-great-falls-virginia-2/

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes. Consider also that consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces plays a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Our advanced airtight continuously insulated building envelopes eliminate drafts and cold surface to ensure consistent air and surface temperatures. Individually zoned floors and spaces provide occupant control for added flexibility and individualized temperature settings. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear.

The lifestyle of living on Lake Washington is naturally inclined towards entertaining and outdoor living. However, the homeowners of this Kirkland residence found that occupying the exterior space was difficult in part because there were few spaces that were protected from the harsh western exposure. They longed for a covered patio and more. for larger gatherings. Durable yet elegant surfaces were required for this high use area. Cabinetry incorporates Parklex wood panels that are sustainably sourced and finished for long-term durability. Countertops and backsplash were comprised of an exterior-grade porcelain slab. Stainless steel appliances complete a low maintenance workspace. Energy efficient products were mindful components of this project. New and dimmable LED recessed and indirect lighting provides illumination for entertaining late into the night. Tread lighting provides a beacon of light for returning boaters coming in from the lake. The homeowner shared their pleasure with their new spaces commenting that the design seamlessly integrates with the existing house. They find themselves enjoying and using their outdoor spaces more thoroughly and on a daily basis. The surprise for them was the unintended additional space resulting from the expanded deck above.

INTERIOR --- -Two-zone heating and cooling system results in higher energy efficiency and quicker warming/cooling times -Fiberglass and 3.5” spray foam insulation that exceeds industry standards -Sophisticated hardwood flooring, engineered for an elevated design aesthetic, greater sustainability, and the highest green-build rating, with a 25-year warranty -Custom cabinetry made from solid wood and plywood for sustainable, quality cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom vanities -Fisher & Paykel DCS Professional Grade home appliances offer a chef-quality cooking experience everyday -Designer's choice quartz countertops offer both a luxurious look and excellent durability -Danze plumbing fixtures throughout the home provide unparalleled quality -DXV luxury single-piece toilets with significantly higher ratings than typical builder-grade toilets -Lighting fixtures by Matteo Lighting, a premier lighting company known for its sophisticated and contemporary designs -All interior paint is designer grade by Benjamin Moore -Locally sourced and produced, custom-made interior wooden doors with glass inserts -Spa-style mater bath featuring Italian designer tile and heated flooring -Lower level flex room plumbed and wired for a secondary kitchen - au pair quarters, expanded generational family space, entertainment floor - you decide! -Electric car charging

A new courtyard house for a young family near Alford, Aberdeenshire. The form of the house is influenced by a typical form of steading in Aberdeenshire, which form a courtyard which is open at one end. This provides a sense of enclosure to the house, and a sheltered courtyard, but maintains a strong connection between the courtyard and the landscape beyond, which is embraced by the house. Every room is designed to have the option of opening out directly into the courtyard, allowing the client to open the whole house up to the garden during the summer months if desired. The house is designed to sit gently on the land, with a lightweight timber structure and timber cladding giving the house a low embodied carbon footprint, and renewables including photovoltaics and an air source heat pump providing a low operating carbon footprint and energy bills.

A new courtyard house for a young family near Alford, Aberdeenshire. The form of the house is influenced by a typical form of steading in Aberdeenshire, which form a courtyard which is open at one end. This provides a sense of enclosure to the house, and a sheltered courtyard, but maintains a strong connection between the courtyard and the landscape beyond, which is embraced by the house. Every room is designed to have the option of opening out directly into the courtyard, allowing the client to open the whole house up to the garden during the summer months if desired. The house is designed to sit gently on the land, with a lightweight timber structure and timber cladding giving the house a low embodied carbon footprint, and renewables including photovoltaics and an air source heat pump providing a low operating carbon footprint and energy bills.

Fusion of artistry, elegance and playfulness, the bespoke vanity transforms a once-ordinary space into a luminous immersive experience. Designed to reflect the client's love for Chinoiserie: glowing architectural glass and bamboo substrate elements bring the vanity to life. The onyx vessel, symbolizing “good fortune, creates drama and depth. Crafted with ergonomic precision and thoughtful materiality, it perfectly balances tradition with innovation, delivering an extraordinary vanity piece designed to dazzle like a jewel box! An onyx vessel sink, sourced from Arizona, was selected for its grounding energy and symbolism of good fortune. The warm veining complements the hand-applied metal leaf sconces and opulent Indian-inspired wallcovering—an embroidered silk with metallic gold threads that shimmer in low light. These elements work in concert to create a layered, immersive environment rich in texture and light play. Finishing touches include curated gold metal legs that elevate the vanity—literally and figuratively—enhancing the jewel box effect. Every detail, from the selected stone to the plumbing fixtures and material finishes, contributes to a one-of-a-kind composition that celebrates artistry, intimacy, and global inspiration

The customers desired a secluded environment for retreat at the end of a long workday. The project began with stone selection. We desired an organic stone that would age beautifully over time, and shape the walls and features of the space. Our team faced major logistics challenges throughout the project. The wooded property sloped away from the house dramatically making difficulty bringing in large materials and machinery needed to complete the job. Tree protection and a temporary road were constructed for the duration of the project. Stone placement was key to success for this project. We hand-selected each boulder for the project and assembled the stones by similar grain patterns and colors to create authenticity. The idea was to give the illusion that these natural limestone formations existed on the property before the home and landscaping was created adding a great mystery to the overall feature. The viewer is surrounded by large stone walls with cascades of water that have shaped the stone over time. The viewer is given the illusion that the source of water comes from the distance of the property and cascades into a secluded area. We designed an underground cistern to hold rain water run-off allowing the water feature to naturally filter the water for re-use. The pump system is run on a Variable Frequency Drive for programmable automation, allowing the customer to run the waterfall at different flow rates at different times of day allowing for operation cost savings, and low energy consumption. Linda Oyama Bryan

This one-of-a-kind bedroom was created for the 2018 Junior League of Miami Design Showhouse at the Historic Deering Estate. The home of Charles Deering was built in 1900. He lived there until his death in the mid 1920’s. When approaching this project, I wanted to stay true to the era and energy of the home. I chose a lighter color palette and a Zodiac mural to highlight the low ceiling, which made the room feel cozy and fun. Vintage art pieces and antiques were sourced very carefully so that the room felt authentic, but still relevant for today’s way of living.

The luxurious master suite serves as a restful retreat after a long day.
Bedroom - large contemporary master dark wood floor bedroom idea in Orlando with blue walls

The Net Zero Barn is one half of a larger project (see “Farm House Renovation”). When the new owners acquired the property, their hope had been to renovate the existing barn as part of the living space; the evaluation of the structural integrity of the barn timbers revealed that it was not structurally stable, so the barn was dismantled, the timber salvaged, documented, and repaired, and redeployed in the “Farm House Renovation”. The owners still wanted a barn, so CTA sourced an antique barn frame of a similar size and style in western Ontario, and worked with a timber specialist to import, restore, and erect the frame on the property. The new/old barn now houses a sleeping loft with bathroom over a tv area and overlooking a large pool table and bar, sitting, and dining area, all illuminated by a large monitor and triple paned windows. A lean-to garage structure is modelled on the design of the barn that was removed. Solar panels on the roof, super insulated panels and the triple glazed windows all contribute to the Barn being a Net Zero energy project. The project was featured in Boston Magazine’s December 2017 Issue and was the 2020 Recipient of an Award Citation by the Boston Society of Architects. Interior Photos by Jane Messenger, Exterior Photos by Nat Rea.

Kat Alves Photography
Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in Sacramento

Located at the top of Flagstaff Rd., this new 4,700sf. mountain modern home embodies all there is to enjoy about Colorado. The owners love animals – and their bustling foothills ranch includes horses, dogs, cats and a couple of two footed little ones. Staying connected to nature was paramount to the owners. The home sits on a magnificent, private 35 acre property adjacent to Open Space, and covered in Doug Fir, beautiful rock outcroppings and open pastures. The house gracefully steps down the challenging terrain, stitching it into the hillside. This passive solar home is oriented to the epic views to the south. The soaring Great room, dining room and kitchen open out onto a giant covered porch for the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living. The open floor plan allows sunlight and views from every direction. The gourmet kitchen can accommodate the whole family and is filled with custom details. Making life a little easier and more organized for the owners, they enter from the garage through a hard-working mud room/laundry with dog wash. The family dogs are a central part of their lives and the owner asked that we design bespoke kennels built-into the live-edge, Doug Fir slab casework in the dining room, so that the dogs could be with the family during meals, without giant plastic crates dominating the room. The home is filled with custom details like built-in art niches in the Great Room, a unique front entry porch, and cozy window seats in the kid’s bedrooms. Below a unique Aspen leaf chandelier, follow the stone walled stairwell down to the walk-out basement. The lower level includes a guest room, exercise room, a rec room/media room with wet-bar, and opens to a hot tub and a mountain lion-safe outdoor dog run. The house is divided into three parts: the detached garage, the main social spaces + guest & kids bedrooms, and the Primary bedroom suite. From the Great Room, the owners cross a dramatic glass bridge to reach the primary suite, giving a sense of privacy to this special retreat. The primary bedroom has a window seat, magical views, vaulted ceilings, its own private covered patio, and a barn door to the bathroom. The primary bathroom has a striking slot window between the floating vanities, again connecting the owners to nature at every turn. The sculptural soaking tub sits on an elevated plinth in a recessed nook – ideal for watching the deer, elk, moose, coyotes, raptors, turkeys, foxes, bears and mountain lions walk by. The property also boasts a detached horse barn and hay barn, and an outdoor riding ring. The near-Net-Zero (HERS 10) home’s green features include a ground source heat pump, 10KwH of solar photovoltaics, an ERV, foam insulation, and Energy Star windows. The native landscaping conserves water and minimized disruption to the idyllic site.

This West Seattle kitchen remodel in the heart of the Admiral District is a thoughtfully designed kitchen renovation that balances craftsmanship, functionality, and timeless style. The project focused on maximizing workspace, improving appliance layout, and creating a warm, inviting aesthetic tailored to the homeowner’s lifestyle. Custom cabinetry by Superior Cabinets showcases stunning rift-cut white oak with a custom stain on the lower cabinets, paired with painted white upper cabinetry for a clean, classic contrast. Sleek hardware and intentional storage solutions enhance both usability and visual appeal, while the expanded layout delivers significantly more countertop space for cooking and gathering. Countertops were fabricated by Floform using Pental Quartz in the color Aura (polished)—a durable, elegant surface that brightens the space and complements the cabinetry. The backsplash features Bedrosian Tile Celine White gloss tile, paired with a handcrafted Motawi Deco tile accent that adds a unique focal point behind the induction cooktop. Appliances were sourced from Albert Lee Appliance, featuring a combination of Bosch and GE appliances. The layout was carefully reconfigured to meet the client’s specific requests, including a wall oven positioned at an ergonomic height, an induction cooktop, and improved workflow throughout the kitchen. To further enhance functionality, an outdated hallway access was closed off, allowing for better use of wall space and cabinetry. Lighting was a key design priority. The client specifically requested no recessed can lighting, so the space incorporates layered illumination using Rejuvenation Hardware fixtures and under-cabinet lighting. This approach creates a warm, inviting ambiance while maintaining excellent task lighting. Finishing touches include Sherwin-Williams paint in a rich green tone that adds depth and character, Kohler sink and faucet fixtures for reliability and style, and updated Milgard windows that bring in natural light while improving energy efficiency. The result is a highly functional, beautifully detailed kitchen that reflects the charm of West Seattle while delivering modern performance and thoughtful design.