Search results for "Engaging ads" in Home Design Ideas

We recently enjoyed the opportunity to remodel three floors of a nineteenth-century Cambridge home with our project partners, architect Tom Downer and designer Jayme Kennerknecht/LDa Architects.
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• The owners – a family of four that includes both a teenager and a toddler - wanted a house better suited to entertaining but also appropriate for family together time. Specific improvements on their wish list included a playroom that could handle differing family needs, a custom bar for entertaining, a new fireplace, and an inviting kitchen that would remain distinct but be better connected to adjoining rooms.
• Adding a fireplace to the living room involved rebuilding the entire back wall of the home. The fireplace mantel was custom designed to match an existing mantel in the nearby dining room, which is original to the home.
• In the playroom, care was taken to create zones for three members of the family: The mother enjoys crafting and now has a station directly below existing skylights, the teenager has a semi-private nook at the back of the space for relaxing, and the youngest in the family can enjoy toys and games placed along one wall alongside a rug for playing on the floor. On the same level, we created a separate guest bedroom with a new closet and a window designed to match other windows throughout the home.
• The kitchen is fully upgraded and custom designed to accommodate the mother’s cooking habits, with specific elements including a farmer’s sink in the island and a stainless steel counter with an integrated sink for food preparation placed behind it on the counter. To improve storage in the much-used room, corner drawer units were installed instead of lazy Susan cabinets. Also, the homeowners were not interested in an open floor plan, but did want to improve access to the living room and yard beyond. This was achieved by expanding the opening between the two rooms allowing the cook to engage with family and guests and have a clear view when children are playing in the yard.
Photo by Shelly Harrison

This penthouse apartment has glorious 270-degree views, and when we engaged to complete the extensive renovation, we knew that this apartment would be a visual masterpiece once finished. So we took inspiration from the colours featuring in many of their art pieces, which we bought into the kitchen colour, soft furnishings and wallpaper. We kept the bathrooms a more muted palette using a pale green on the cabinetry. The MC Lozza dining table, custom-designed wall units and make-up area added uniqueness to this space.

In this natural backyard haven, four elegant grey chairs arranged around a table offer the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors. The setting is embraced by the majestic presence of natural mountains, tall trees, and lush plants, creating a serene ambiance that invites relaxation and connection with nature.
As you step into this enchanting space, you'll be greeted by the harmonious blend of the modern grey chairs and the rustic charm of the natural surroundings. The chairs' sleek design complements the organic beauty of the mountains, trees, and plants, adding a touch of contemporary comfort to the outdoor retreat.
Surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of the natural mountains, you'll find yourself captivated by their grandeur and beauty. The mountains stand tall and majestic, creating a sense of wonder and awe that elevates the entire backyard experience.
The lush trees and vibrant plants add a touch of life and freshness to the space, filling the air with the sweet scents of nature. The greenery envelops the seating area, creating a private oasis that feels like a seamless extension of the surrounding landscape.
The four chairs and table form an inviting seating area, beckoning you to unwind, savor a meal, or engage in heartfelt conversations with friends and loved ones. It's a space that fosters togetherness and connection, providing the ideal backdrop for cherished moments shared with those closest to you.
Whether it's enjoying a morning coffee, basking in the warm afternoon sun, or stargazing under a clear night sky, this natural backyard retreat offers a myriad of opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and find solace in the embrace of nature.
It's a place where you can unwind, recharge, and rediscover the simple joys of life amidst the beauty of the natural world. With the grey chairs, stunning mountain views, and the serenity of the surrounding trees and plants, this backyard sanctuary becomes an inviting space for rejuvenation and tranquility.
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At the core of this transformation was the client’s aspiration for an open, interconnected space.
The removal of barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas created an expansive, fluid layout, elevating the home’s ambiance and facilitating seamless interaction among spaces.
The new open layout is the perfect space to cook and entertain merging sophistication with functionality.
The journey began with the client’s exploration of colors, eventually embracing Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy blue as the cornerstone for the cabinetry. This choice set the stage for a harmonious palette that tied in with the living and dining room furniture and rugs.
Integrating a natural stone countertop became a focal point, incorporating these varied hues while gold fixtures added a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Throughout the design process, challenges were met with innovative solutions. Space optimization was key, requiring strategic placement of appliances like a smaller-width refrigerator alongside a pull-out pantry cabinet. The island, a central feature, not only provided additional seating but replaced the need for a separate table and chairs, optimizing the space for gatherings and enhancing the flow between the kitchen and the adjoining areas.
The revitalized kitchen now stands as a vibrant hub for social interaction. The homeowner seamlessly integrates into gatherings, no longer confined by kitchen walls, while guests engage effortlessly in the cooking process at the island. This transformation embodies the convergence of beauty and functionality, where every design element tells a story of thoughtful innovation and meticulous attention to detail.

These engaging homeowners are fortuitous enough to reside in a three level townhouse on a quiet street in
downtown Minneapolis. This couple loves to entertain and host family holidays. Spaces are tight in most
urban areas. This townhome is no exception. There was nothing horribly wrong with the way the home
was laid out, it just did not serve the needs of the family. The kitchen was tucked up front and forced into
a small space, making it difficult for multiple people to be in the space at the same time. The homeowners
also wished to upgrade to professional appliances. Due to size and mechanical code restrictions, this was just
not possible in the existing space. The back of the townhome had a large living room and good sized dining
room. Off this space is a shaded deck and swimming pool, which are used all the time. Traffic always ran from
the outdoor entertaining space directly to the kitchen in the front. Not only was this inconvenient, a mess was
dragged in from wet swimmers.
To alleviate these challenges, we moved the kitchen from the smaller space at the front of the home to the
larger space the under utilized living room furniture occupied. This allowed us to curate a large kitchen that
fits all their needs, wants, and aesthetic desires. Now there is plenty of room to cook, relax, and bustle about.
We also added a wet bar next to the patio door in the dining room. Right by the door is a beverage cooler from
which guests may grab beverages and snacks without dragging the outside in with them.
Being the homeowners and designer are all members of the creative community in the Twin Cities, it was important
to incorporate the work of local artists. This kitchen is fully curated with all Minnesota products (with the exception
of the appliances, which are manufactured in Wisconsin). The cabinets and countertops are from larger local
companies, while all the other features are hand made by near by artists. These artisan products include a custom
stainless steel range hood, black powder coated table base and fireplace mantel, hand made tile for the backsplash
and fireplace surround, wood elevated island table, and wood panel backsplash at the bar. Hand made tiles had
previously been installed in the existing kitchen. The color of these tiles is no longer available. It was the home-
owners desire to preserve these tiles somehow. We cut the tile off the walls and soaked the drywall from them.
We then installed them in the powder room as a feature behind the vanity and mirror.

These engaging homeowners are fortuitous enough to reside in a three level townhouse on a quiet street in
downtown Minneapolis. This couple loves to entertain and host family holidays. Spaces are tight in most
urban areas. This townhome is no exception. There was nothing horribly wrong with the way the home
was laid out, it just did not serve the needs of the family. The kitchen was tucked up front and forced into
a small space, making it difficult for multiple people to be in the space at the same time. The homeowners
also wished to upgrade to professional appliances. Due to size and mechanical code restrictions, this was just
not possible in the existing space. The back of the townhome had a large living room and good sized dining
room. Off this space is a shaded deck and swimming pool, which are used all the time. Traffic always ran from
the outdoor entertaining space directly to the kitchen in the front. Not only was this inconvenient, a mess was
dragged in from wet swimmers.
To alleviate these challenges, we moved the kitchen from the smaller space at the front of the home to the
larger space the under utilized living room furniture occupied. This allowed us to curate a large kitchen that
fits all their needs, wants, and aesthetic desires. Now there is plenty of room to cook, relax, and bustle about.
We also added a wet bar next to the patio door in the dining room. Right by the door is a beverage cooler from
which guests may grab beverages and snacks without dragging the outside in with them.
Being the homeowners and designer are all members of the creative community in the Twin Cities, it was important
to incorporate the work of local artists. This kitchen is fully curated with all Minnesota products (with the exception
of the appliances, which are manufactured in Wisconsin). The cabinets and countertops are from larger local
companies, while all the other features are hand made by near by artists. These artisan products include a custom
stainless steel range hood, black powder coated table base and fireplace mantel, hand made tile for the backsplash
and fireplace surround, wood elevated island table, and wood panel backsplash at the bar. Hand made tiles had
previously been installed in the existing kitchen. The color of these tiles is no longer available. It was the home-
owners desire to preserve these tiles somehow. We cut the tile off the walls and soaked the drywall from them.
We then installed them in the powder room as a feature behind the vanity and mirror.

Baby on the Way...and desperate need to update the existing home from dated model to bright, fun and modern. After Demo, we installed a new tub, with a much larger shampoo niche that accented the custom primary color tiles....Black fixtures add to the modern details, and with the custom mirror tiles, this restroom is fit for our clients new little Prince!!!
In addition to the remodel of the restroom, the door was always in the way, so we removed the door and converted it into a barn door which now allowed the entry into the restroom to be much easier without always bumping into the door. We also painted the room, and added the perfect client selected artwork to keep the new addition engaged and happy.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

At the core of this transformation was the client’s aspiration for an open, interconnected space.
The removal of barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas created an expansive, fluid layout, elevating the home’s ambiance and facilitating seamless interaction among spaces.
The new open layout is the perfect space to cook and entertain merging sophistication with functionality.
The journey began with the client’s exploration of colors, eventually embracing Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy blue as the cornerstone for the cabinetry. This choice set the stage for a harmonious palette that tied in with the living and dining room furniture and rugs.
Integrating a natural stone countertop became a focal point, incorporating these varied hues while gold fixtures added a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Throughout the design process, challenges were met with innovative solutions. Space optimization was key, requiring strategic placement of appliances like a smaller-width refrigerator alongside a pull-out pantry cabinet. The island, a central feature, not only provided additional seating but replaced the need for a separate table and chairs, optimizing the space for gatherings and enhancing the flow between the kitchen and the adjoining areas.
The revitalized kitchen now stands as a vibrant hub for social interaction. The homeowner seamlessly integrates into gatherings, no longer confined by kitchen walls, while guests engage effortlessly in the cooking process at the island. This transformation embodies the convergence of beauty and functionality, where every design element tells a story of thoughtful innovation and meticulous attention to detail.

We were engaged to give this small lounge a bit of TLC; our clients wanted to make the room feel inviting to sit in. A bit lost, it was acting more like a corridor than a room, as it connects the front door and hallway, to the inner hall and the kitchen.
One of a number of reception rooms, this room in the stunning Georgian property was more of a relaxing space for TV watching and reading for her. It was important that this space had a feminine and homely feel, one that would invite you to sit and relax, whilst being in keeping with the age and location of this country home.
To do this we added warm tones such as muted pinks and warm neutrals with delicate patterns, such as florals and damasks. Keen not to close the room down but have adequate seating, we made the footstool/ottoman the same height as the sofa, so it could be used either as a coffee table, chaise end to the sofa, or as additional seating. We are reliably informed that this is now the go to room in the house for relaxing, which is fantastic.

New Entry with engaged column and railing, covered by new Gable Roof. Nase Architects added columns to the existing porch beyond to 'tie-in' the design new to existing, and matched the existing stone to blend in.

This hillside home in Piedmont, CA was remodeled to change the style from a 1940's rancher with eight foot ceilings and dark interiors, into a modern geometric composition with vast white interiors for casual living and generous daylighting for displaying the artist-owner's works.
In a city known for rigorous and difficult design review, an addition, two variances, and a full stylistic change were unanimously approved on the first round. All sloped roofs and attics were eliminated and replaced by a series of stacked and overlapping flat roofs. This made the house taller on the inside and shorter on the outside, which helped earn design review cooperation in the community. Windows were concentrated toward the rear yard views or moved up high on the side walls for daylight and privacy, benefitting the owners as well as the neighbors.
At the start, the owner husband was so enthusiastic and engaged in transforming his house into something modern that he presented the architect with a scaled foamcore model, rather than the usual magazine clippings and wish list. He participated in the design decisions throughout the process. The owner wife is the artist who did all the artwork in the house. She had been craving a display space with large walls and good natural light. Both of them loved the location and great views.
The project was an opportunity to transform the style of an older traditional home into a modern one, while solving numerous problems. By rebuilding the 1800 ft2 top of the 3-story home it was possible to change the style of the whole building, since the lower floors were a neutral base, and also to change the lifestyle of the owners, who wanted to move their master suite upstairs and live primarily on the top floor as empty nesters.
Going into the project, the architect knew there were multiple encroachments into the setbacks and potential privacy issues with close by neighbors. He approached this as a complex puzzle made up of architectural and political pieces which all had to fit together elegantly. It took many careful moves, small and large, to arrive at a serene and cohesive result that tied old and new together seamlessly.
The design-build contractor worked closely with the owners and handled all of the construction phase documents and design adjustments, adding ideas of their own to make the project really sing.
The project was a collaboration in three acts. The owner had a strong design concept from the start. The architect developed it into a realistic project and garnered the design approvals. Then the contractor executed brilliantly

This hillside home in Piedmont, CA was remodeled to change the style from a 1940's rancher with eight foot ceilings and dark interiors, into a modern geometric composition with vast white interiors for casual living and generous daylighting for displaying the artist-owner's works.
In a city known for rigorous and difficult design review, an addition, two variances, and a full stylistic change were unanimously approved on the first round. All sloped roofs and attics were eliminated and replaced by a series of stacked and overlapping flat roofs. This made the house taller on the inside and shorter on the outside, which helped earn design review cooperation in the community. Windows were concentrated toward the rear yard views or moved up high on the side walls for daylight and privacy, benefitting the owners as well as the neighbors.
At the start, the owner husband was so enthusiastic and engaged in transforming his house into something modern that he presented the architect with a scaled foamcore model, rather than the usual magazine clippings and wish list. He participated in the design decisions throughout the process. The owner wife is the artist who did all the artwork in the house. She had been craving a display space with large walls and good natural light. Both of them loved the location and great views.
The project was an opportunity to transform the style of an older traditional home into a modern one, while solving numerous problems. By rebuilding the 1800 ft2 top of the 3-story home it was possible to change the style of the whole building, since the lower floors were a neutral base, and also to change the lifestyle of the owners, who wanted to move their master suite upstairs and live primarily on the top floor as empty nesters.
Going into the project, the architect knew there were multiple encroachments into the setbacks and potential privacy issues with close by neighbors. He approached this as a complex puzzle made up of architectural and political pieces which all had to fit together elegantly. It took many careful moves, small and large, to arrive at a serene and cohesive result that tied old and new together seamlessly.
The design-build contractor worked closely with the owners and handled all of the construction phase documents and design adjustments, adding ideas of their own to make the project really sing.
The project was a collaboration in three acts. The owner had a strong design concept from the start. The architect developed it into a realistic project and garnered the design approvals. Then the contractor executed brilliantly.

The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Timekeeping
Are you considering adding a touch of charm and elegance to your home decor? Look no further than the timeless and delightful cuckoo clock. Originating from the Black Forest region in Germany, these enchanting timepieces have captured the hearts of clock enthusiasts around the world. In this article, we will explore the top five reasons why you should buy a cuckoo clock today.
1. Immerse Yourself in German Culture
There's no better way to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of German craftsmanship and tradition than by owning an authentic cuckoo clock. With its intricate designs and meticulous craftsmanship, each cuckoo clock tells a story of German culture. From the beautifully carved wooden figurines to the enchanting melodies that accompany the cuckoo's call, these clocks are a true representation of German artistry.
Did you know? The Black Forest region in Germany has been renowned for its clockmaking since the 17th century. It is home to some of the most skilled artisans in the world.
2. Experience the Beauty of Mechanical Engineering
In today's digital age, where most timepieces are powered by batteries or electricity, owning a mechanical cuckoo clock is a delightful departure from the norm. Witnessing the intricate gears, levers, and pendulums in motion is an experience in itself. The rhythmic ticking and soothing sound of the cuckoo's call bring a sense of tranquility and nostalgia to your living space.
Fun Fact: The mechanical movement of a cuckoo clock is powered by weights that need to be wound manually. This interaction with the clock adds a tactile and engaging element to the overall experience.
3. Enhance Your Home Decor
A cuckoo clock is more than just a timekeeping device; it's a statement piece that adds character and warmth to any room. Whether you prefer a traditional chalet-style clock or a more contemporary design, there is a cuckoo clock to suit every taste and interior decor. Hang it on a prominent wall, and watch as it becomes a focal point, captivating the attention of guests and family members alike.
Pro Tip: Consider the size and color of your cuckoo clock to ensure it complements the existing elements in your room. Earthy tones like brown and black are popular choices that blend well with various decor styles.
4. Delight in the Charming Cuckoo Call
One of the most enchanting features of a cuckoo clock is, of course, the cuckoo's call itself. With each hour, the tiny bird emerges from its wooden abode and chirps the corresponding number of times. The gentle sound of the cuckoo's call evokes a sense of whimsy and nostalgia, transporting you to the idyllic Black Forest region. It's a delightful way to keep track of time and adds a touch of magic to your everyday routine.
Did you know? The cuckoo's call is produced by a small bellows system inside the clock. As air pressure changes, the bellows push air through two wooden pipes, creating the familiar "cuckoo" sound.
5. Pass Down a Cherished Heirloom
Investing in a cuckoo clock is not just a purchase; it's an investment in a cherished heirloom that can be passed down through generations. These meticulously crafted timepieces are built to stand the test of time, both in terms of durability and timeless appeal. By owning a cuckoo clock, you can create a legacy and leave a piece of your own history for your loved ones to treasure.
Pro Tip: Regular maintenance and care, such as oiling the gears and keeping the clock away from direct sunlight, can help ensure the longevity of your cuckoo clock.
FAQs about Cuckoo Clocks
Q1. How long do cuckoo clocks typically last?
Cuckoo clocks are known for their longevity. With proper care and maintenance, a well-crafted cuckoo clock can last for generations.
Q2. Do all cuckoo clocks have the same design?
No, cuckoo clocks come in various designs, ranging from traditional chalet-style clocks to more contemporary and whimsical designs. There is a wide variety to choose from, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Q3. Can I adjust the volume of the cuckoo's call?
Yes, most cuckoo clocks have a volume control feature that allows you to adjust the sound of the cuckoo's call to your liking.
Q4. Are cuckoo clocks difficult to set up and maintain?
While setting up a cuckoo clock requires some initial adjustments, it is not overly complicated. Regular maintenance, such as oiling the gears and keeping the clock clean, will ensure its smooth operation.
Q5. Are cuckoo clocks environmentally friendly?
Cuckoo clocks are generally considered environmentally friendly as they operate using mechanical movements and do not rely on electricity or batteries. However, it is important to ensure that the wood used in the clock is sourced responsibly.
Q6. Can I find cuckoo clocks with modern features, such as automatic night shut-off?
Yes, many modern cuckoo clocks offer additional features like automatic night shut-off to silence the clock during the nighttime hours, ensuring a peaceful sleep.
In Conclusion
Owning a cuckoo clock is a delightful way to bring a touch of German tradition and craftsmanship into your home. From immersing yourself in German culture to experiencing the beauty of mechanical engineering, a cuckoo clock offers much more than just timekeeping. So why wait? Indulge in the enchantment of a cuckoo clock today and create a cherished heirloom that will be treasured for years to come.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

A new-renovation of a Beacon Hill townhouse gets a new look. It was clear from the beginning we needed to seamlessly meld old and new to bring a fresh approach to the interiors of this new home for a young family. Our client owned beautiful antiques and some well-loved, but worn pieces that had the right lines but needed a style upgrade. With a wonderful, engaged client we artfully edited, re-covered and added many new pieces to create a cohesive style with classic forms. The new home is a perfect mixture of beautiful fabrics, functional custom millwork, unique decorative lighting and elegant wall coverings, carpets, and window treatments.
Eric Roth Photography

Here shown is the walnut interior of the glass cabinets in the kitchen.
THE SETUP
Our journey began with a familiar face — Alicia had previously transformed the client’s mother’s home, establishing a trusted relationship that naturally led to this personal project. The client desired a kitchen that truly reflected her own style while facilitating seamless entertaining.
Design Vision:
The original kitchen, segregated from the dining area by a wall, hindered the flow of interaction and space. Our client envisioned a unified area where she could engage with guests in both the kitchen and dining room simultaneously. Moreover, the space lacked a central island, relying instead on a floorplan anchored by cabinetry in a u-shaped layout.
Design Objectives:
Open up the space for an airy design conducive to entertaining large gatherings
Modernize the kitchen to be both stylish and functional
Integrate the design with the home’s new black-framed windows and doors
Relocate the cooktop to a central position to enhance usability and interaction
Design Challenges:
Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room would necessitate the rerouting of existing HVAC ductwork that services the upper floor
Limited pantry space in the existing kitchen
The existing u-shaped layout of the kitchen restricted functionality and storage options
Insufficient space for wine storage
The client desired a raised-furniture look for the island, but without showing a new downdraft vent
THE RENEWED SPACE
Design Solutions:
We added a second HVAC unit to the upper floor and rerouted the existing ductwork in that wall
Created tall pantry pullouts on either side of the fridge to maximize dry goods storage
Designed a long island to facilitate cooking stations and dining moments
Created a stylish open display cabinet for wine
Engineered a dual-design island with a footed floating aesthetic on one side, and a full floor reach on the other to conceal the new downdraft ventilation.
Paired with the newly opened adjacent dining room featuring a wet bar, the kitchen has become a stylish and highly functional space for cooking and entertaining. Following a large baby shower hosted by the client (which seamlessly accommodated an 80-person gathering!), it is clear that the new design not only meets but exceeds the needs for hosting and everyday living. This project was a harmonious blend of the client’s vision and Alicia’s innovative design solutions, resulting in a kitchen that truly embodies personalized elegance and functionality.

Baby on the Way...and desperate need to update the existing home from dated model to bright, fun and modern. After Demo, we installed a new tub, with a much larger shampoo niche that accented the custom primary color tiles....Black fixtures add to the modern details, and with the custom mirror tiles, this restroom is fit for our clients new little Prince!!!
In addition to the remodel of the restroom, the door was always in the way, so we removed the door and converted it into a barn door which now allowed the entry into the restroom to be much easier without always bumping into the door. We also painted the room, and added the perfect client selected artwork to keep the new addition engaged and happy.

New neutral pallet was introduced into this comfortable Living Room. The fireplace was refurbished and a new screen added. A picture frame flat panel TV looks like art when the TV programs are not playing. Swivel chairs make it easy to enjoy views through the glass slider or engage with others in the larger seating area. The sofa has two ends that recline for comfortable movie viewing. A comfortable chair and ottoman in the opposite corner makes a nice reading nook.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Structural Remodeling
Franklin County's Heavy Timber Specialists | Best of Houzz 2020!

The primary goal of this landscape design project was to create a serene and accessible patio area that is wheelchair friendly, enabling the homeowner to freely navigate, engage with planters, and savor outdoor moments.
To achieve this, we removed obtrusive posts and introduced a sturdy steel beam to open up the space, providing an unobstructed pathway. The homeowners expressed a preference for the timeless beauty of natural Pennsylvania bluestone, which we artfully incorporated into the design.
Incorporating a water feature into this unique diagonal lot added an extra touch of tranquility to the landscape. Emphasizing sustainability, we predominantly utilized native plants, weaving together all the desired elements. The result is a harmonious outdoor oasis, thoughtfully designed to cater to both aesthetics and accessibility, where the homeowners can cherish the beauty of their surroundings.

This hillside home in Piedmont, CA was remodeled to change the style from a 1940's rancher with eight foot ceilings and dark interiors, into a modern geometric composition with vast white interiors for casual living and generous daylighting for displaying the artist-owner's works.
In a city known for rigorous and difficult design review, an addition, two variances, and a full stylistic change were unanimously approved on the first round. All sloped roofs and attics were eliminated and replaced by a series of stacked and overlapping flat roofs. This made the house taller on the inside and shorter on the outside, which helped earn design review cooperation in the community. Windows were concentrated toward the rear yard views or moved up high on the side walls for daylight and privacy, benefitting the owners as well as the neighbors.
At the start, the owner husband was so enthusiastic and engaged in transforming his house into something modern that he presented the architect with a scaled foamcore model, rather than the usual magazine clippings and wish list. He participated in the design decisions throughout the process. The owner wife is the artist who did all the artwork in the house. She had been craving a display space with large walls and good natural light. Both of them loved the location and great views.
The project was an opportunity to transform the style of an older traditional home into a modern one, while solving numerous problems. By rebuilding the 1800 ft2 top of the 3-story home it was possible to change the style of the whole building, since the lower floors were a neutral base, and also to change the lifestyle of the owners, who wanted to move their master suite upstairs and live primarily on the top floor as empty nesters.
Going into the project, the architect knew there were multiple encroachments into the setbacks and potential privacy issues with close by neighbors. He approached this as a complex puzzle made up of architectural and political pieces which all had to fit together elegantly. It took many careful moves, small and large, to arrive at a serene and cohesive result that tied old and new together seamlessly.
The design-build contractor worked closely with the owners and handled all of the construction phase documents and design adjustments, adding ideas of their own to make the project really sing.
The project was a collaboration in three acts. The owner had a strong design concept from the start. The architect developed it into a realistic project and garnered the design approvals. Then the contractor executed brilliantly.

The Home
The Branson’s covered porch, with its sturdy tapered columns, decorative pediment gables and large picturesque window-scape, invites you to enjoy a refreshing approach to a two-story bungalow-style home. Upon entering, The Branson features a bright and open study with a double-door closure. Moving through the foyer into the adjoined, naturally-lit great room, the well-equipped café-style kitchen and flexible dining area instantly inspires the “Live, Laugh, Love” trifecta of family togetherness. In the kitchen, the oversized eat-in island commands attention while leading your eye up to the nine-foot ceilings, around to the cozy contemporary gas fireplace and along the durable plank flooring. Up the centrally located stairwell, guests will find the “family hub” with three large secondary bedrooms, an ample sized bonus room tucked into the corner of the second level for some recreation or relaxation, and a restful primary suite complete with walk-in spa shower, walk-in closet and separate water closet all adjoined to a spacious master bedroom. In the basement, there is prime space for added bedrooms, full bathroom and an “anything” room.
The Builder
As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that is unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life.
The Interior Design
With bright white walls as a jumping off point, accent colors of gray blue, blush and plum add in something for everyone. Dark woods ground the design and pops of metallic gold add interest and flair. Cozy soft goods and bedding soften the space making it approachable and welcoming for the whole family to grow into and enjoy together for many years.
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