Catherine Tighe
Trendy dining room photo in New York

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

MichaelChristiePhotography
Mid-sized country entryway photo in Detroit

Part of the Modin Vinyl Plank Collection, Available Exclusively From www.Flooret.com $3.49 / sq ft, 22.08 sq ft per box 50% WIDER. 25% LONGER. TWICE AS DURABLE Luxury Vinyl Plank, 5 mm x 9" x 60" (1.0 mm / 40 mil wear-layer) Lifetime Residential Warranty, 20 year Commercial Warranty Rich, luxurious, refined. A deep tone punctuated by a slight bleached wire-brush. Barin will lift any space, and can live up to the highest design requirements. REDEFINING DURABILITY The most important specification for determining the durability of vinyl flooring is the thickness of the wear-layer. The best wear-layers are made of thick, clear virgin PVC, which covers the paper print-film that gives the floor its unique appearance. Once the wear-layer wears through, the paper is damaged and the floor will need replacement. Most vinyl floors come with a 8-12 mil wear-layer (0.2-3 mm). The top commercial specs in the industry are higher, at 20-22 mil (0.5 mm). A select few manufacturers offer a "super" commercial spec of 28 mil (0.7 mm). For Modin, we decided to set a new standard: 40 mil (1.0 mm) of premium virgin PVC. This allows us to offer an industry-leading 20 year Commercial Warranty (Lifetime Residential), compared to nearly all other commercial vinyl floors' 10 year Commercial Warranty. Beyond our superior wear-layer, we also use a patented click mechanism for superior hold, and a ceramic-bead coating. SIZE MATTERS Wider and longer planks create a sense of space and luxury. Most vinyl floors come in 6" or 7" widths, and 36" or 48" lengths. For Modin, we designed our planks to be 9" wide, and 60" long. This extra large size allows our gorgeous designs to be fully expressed. DETAILS THAT COUNT We made sure to get all the details right. Real texture, to create the feel of wire-brushed wood. Low sheen level, to ensure a natural look that wears well over time. 4-sided bevels, to more accurately emulate the look of real planks. When added together they help create the unique look that is Modin. DESIGNS THAT INSPIRE We spent nearly a year just focusing on our designs, to ensure they provide the right mix of color and depth. Focusing on timeless wire-brush and European Oak styles, as well as more contemporary modern washes, our collection offers truly beautiful design that is both functional and inspiring.

Yagotimber presents the latest and stylish design of modular kitchen that is filled with the truly importance aspect of kitchen such as fun, food and life. To see more modular kitchen design inspiration, please visit http://www.yagotimber.com/modular-kitchen

The neutral mid-browns of this Pacific Northwest wood make for a timeless design, while the rustic knot detailing and manmade markings add aged character and charm, creating the ideal backdrop for traditional and vintage interiors. Get this vintage look without the maintenance hassle that comes with rustic hardwood floors.

The design of this master bathroom is set to compliment the natural stone slab floor that sets the tone for this room. Because the entire second floor of the house was renovated into a master suite, the client requested an open concept plan for the entire suite. This allowed Equilibrium to increase the floor area of the bathroom and design an incredible statement piece which is the floor. Honey onyx slabs were cut into oversized tiles to make them more manageable and installed in a diamond pattern preserving continuity of lines from tile to tile, and slab to slab. Furthermore, what otherwise would be waste cut material, it was chiseled, flamed, and fabricated into custom mosaic installed on the back wall of the bathroom and on shower floor. To ensure Client’s safety, slabs were treated with anti slippage treatment and shower floor was finished with matching mosaic. Client requested that the shower is oversized and feels like showering under a waterfall. This was accomplished by running four separate water lines to feed the shower plumbing. When the two oversized rain heads, two shower heads, and six water jets are all on, you get the feeling of being under a natural waterfall in the Amazon. Non of this would be possible in today’s water starved world if it wasn’t for harvesting and special filtration system installed on this property that allows recirculation of water. Variation of lighting types allows for various theme settings, and energy efficient LED lighting further enhance the beauty of this bathroom with minimum energy consumption. Even edges of slabs were polished to ensure maximum light refraction with beveled seams that create purposeful patterns instead of hiding seams. Shower doors were etched with a pattern that adds dimension and provides privacy while complimenting the mosaic pattern on the back wall. The double sink vanity was floated off the floor allowing for maximum visibility of this artistic installation. It was made of rosewood and designed with three sections for drawers and storage. The three levels create a scalloping effect allowing each to be illuminated by LED lights which reflect elegantly in the onyx slab floor. Complimented by honey onyx top, and placed against a 42” high onyx wainscot, it is a functional and beautiful millwork. This master bathroom is a testament to engineering, originality, and beauty seen in every detail. Interior Design, Decorating & Project Management by Equilibrium Interior Design Inc Photography by Craig Denis

As a Flagstaff custom home architect, our approach to every project is to balance innovative solutions with bold design aesthetics. The Micro Mini, a compact and modern accessory dwelling unit (ADU) nestled in the heart of Flagstaff, is the perfect example of how thoughtful design can solve space constraints while offering a stylish, functional, and delightful living environment. Our client came to us with a unique challenge: to create an additional living space on their property that was efficient, visually striking, and flexible in its function. They wanted to maximize a small footprint while incorporating pops of vibrant, monochrome color throughout the ADU to give it personality and make it feel like an extension of their larger home. The solution we provided, as your trusted Flagstaff custom home architect, was Micro Mini—a design that offers both efficiency and fun while making a big impact in a small space. The first challenge we tackled was how to make the most of the limited square footage. Our approach, rooted in the principles of modern architecture, was to keep the floor plan as open and flexible as possible. By eliminating unnecessary walls and creating multifunctional spaces, we were able to design an interior that feels spacious and airy, despite the small footprint. The living area, kitchen, and bedroom all flow seamlessly into each other, using strategic cabinetry, sliding doors, and built-in storage to keep the space uncluttered. The use of glass for windows and doors amplifies the sense of space, bringing in abundant natural light and connecting the interior to the outdoor landscape—a key consideration in any Flagstaff custom home architect project. One of the most striking elements of the Micro Mini is its creative use of color. The client wanted each space to feel distinct, while still maintaining a cohesive design language. To achieve this, we incorporated monochrome color schemes in various sections of the ADU, starting with the kitchen. The kitchen is a bold statement in shades of blue, with blue-stained cabinets, blue backsplash tile, and even blue fixtures. This color immersion gives the kitchen a distinctive identity while still blending harmoniously with the rest of the space. In other areas of the ADU, we played with pops of other fun colors—each carefully chosen to complement the modern aesthetic of the home while adding a personalized touch. As your Flagstaff custom home architect, we believe that color is an integral part of design, and Micro Mini is a testament to how thoughtful color application can elevate a space. The bold monochrome interiors are a fun, creative twist that make this ADU stand out while ensuring it remains functional and inviting. Beyond the bold use of color, the interior of Micro Mini is designed with simplicity and function in mind. We utilized clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and carefully selected materials to keep the overall look sleek and modern. Light wood floors contrast with the bold color accents and add warmth to the otherwise minimalistic design. Attention to detail is paramount in all of our projects, and as a Flagstaff custom home architect, we take pride in the craftsmanship and quality materials used throughout the Micro Mini. From the custom-built cabinetry to the thoughtfully designed storage solutions, every inch of the ADU was considered for both aesthetics and practicality. A key problem we solved for the client was how to make the ADU feel spacious and functional despite its small footprint. As your trusted Flagstaff custom home architect, we used a range of design solutions to achieve this. First, we incorporated high ceilings to enhance the sense of volume and space, creating an airy feel throughout the ADU. The placement of windows and the strategic use of sliding glass doors allow light to flood in, further opening up the interior and blurring the lines between inside and out. These elements not only make the ADU feel larger but also create a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Another key element was the use of built-in furniture and storage solutions to keep the space clutter-free. From hidden storage under the bed to custom cabinetry in the kitchen, every corner of the Micro Mini was designed with functionality in mind. This approach ensured that the ADU met the client’s needs for both comfort and practicality, while still adhering to the modern design aesthetic they desired. Being based in Northern Arizona, we are acutely aware of how important it is for our designs to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. As a Flagstaff custom home architect, we carefully consider the site’s natural beauty and how our projects can integrate with it. With Micro Mini, we focused on making sure that the ADU feels like a natural extension of the client’s existing property. The large windows and sliding glass doors bring in views of the surrounding landscape, while the outdoor deck extends the living space, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Whether you’re standing in the living room or on the deck, you are always connected to the beautiful Flagstaff setting. In line with our commitment to responsible design, sustainability was a key consideration for Micro Mini. As your Flagstaff custom home architect, we prioritize energy-efficient building methods and materials. The ADU was designed to be energy-efficient, with high-performance windows and insulation that keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Additionally, the color choices and materials used in the interior were chosen not just for their aesthetic appeal, but also for their durability and sustainability. Low-VOC paints and finishes were used throughout the ADU to ensure good indoor air quality, while the energy-efficient lighting and appliances help minimize the ADU’s overall environmental impact. At HEY! designs, we believe in a collaborative approach to architecture that puts the client’s needs and vision at the forefront. Whether designing a large custom home or a compact ADU like Micro Mini, we bring the same level of dedication, creativity, and attention to detail to every project. Our work is rooted in modern design principles but always infused with personality and a sense of fun. Micro Mini exemplifies this approach—a bold, colorful, and efficient ADU that meets the client’s needs while also reflecting their unique style. If you’re considering a custom home or ADU in Flagstaff, HEY! designs is here to help bring your vision to life. As a Flagstaff custom home architect, we specialize in creating spaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also responsive to the unique qualities of the site and the needs of the client. Micro Mini is a testament to how small spaces can still be big on style and function. By incorporating bold color schemes, maximizing space efficiency, and maintaining a strong connection to the outdoors, this ADU achieves everything the client wanted—a modern, fun, and functional space. As your Flagstaff custom home architect, we would be thrilled to help you create a unique and personalized space that meets your needs, no matter the size or scope of your project. Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring your vision to life.

Nestled along the base of the Snake River, this house in Jackson, WY, is surrounded by nature. Design emphasis has been placed on carefully located views to the Grand Tetons, Munger Mountain, Cody Peak and Josie’s Ridge. This modern take on a farmhouse features painted clapboard siding, raised seam metal roofing, and reclaimed stone walls. Designed for an active young family, the house has multi-functional rooms with spaces for entertaining, play and numerous connections to the outdoors. Photography & Styling: Leslee Mitchell

Our Seattle studio gave this dated family home a fabulous facelift with bright interiors, stylish furnishings, and thoughtful decor. We kept all the original interior doors but gave them a beautiful coat of paint and fitted stylish matte black hardware to provide them with that extra elegance. Painting the millwork a creamy light grey color created a fun, unique contrast against the white walls. We opened up walls to create a spacious great room, perfect for this family who loves to entertain. We reimagined the existing pantry as a wet bar, currently a hugely popular spot in the home. To create a seamless indoor-outdoor living space, we used NanaWall doors off the kitchen and living room, allowing our clients to have an open atmosphere in their backyard oasis and covered front deck. Heaters were also added to the front porch ensuring they could enjoy it during all seasons. We used durable furnishings throughout the home to accommodate the growing needs of their two small kids and two dogs. Neutral finishes, warm wood tones, and pops of color achieve a light and airy look reminiscent of the coastal appeal of Puget Sound – only a couple of blocks away from this home. We ensured that we delivered a bold, timeless home to our clients, with every detail reflecting their beautiful personalities.

Neutral shared baby and toddler bedroom
Transitional toddler room photo in Vancouver with white walls

Photo: Megan Hansen © 2017 Houzz
Nursery - transitional nursery idea in San Francisco

THE SETUP Client Background: Our clients, a couple who have transitioned into the empty nest phase, have cherished their home for over three decades without undergoing any significant renovations. With a newfound desire to adapt their living space to better suit their current lifestyle, they’ve embarked on a journey to reimagine their kitchen — the heart of their home. Their aspiration is to cultivate a serene, neutral-toned sanctuary on the first floor that seamlessly merges with their family room, ensuring a harmonious and inviting environment. Design Inspiration: The renovation is inspired by the couple’s penchant for soft, calming neutrals, using their cherished family room and the kitchen’s existing tile flooring as the cornerstone for the color scheme. This approach aims to foster a sense of warmth and tranquility throughout. Design Objectives: Harmonize the kitchen with the family room by adopting a soothing, neutral color scheme, ensuring a seamless flow across the first floor. Enhance kitchen functionality with thoughtfully designed cabinetry, providing a designated place for every item and maximizing storage efficiency. Cultivate an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that reflects the homeowners’ desire for a calm and relaxing space. Design Challenges: The homeowners wish to retain the existing kitchen tile flooring and integrate it into a refreshed, modern design. Accommodating a dining area spacious enough for family visits without compromising the kitchen’s open feel or functional layout. Despite liking the current placement of plumbing and appliances, the homeowners aspire for a more open floor plan to facilitate better movement and interaction. The need to amplify natural light in the kitchen, especially around the sink area, where existing lighting is insufficient. Preserving the half-wall between the kitchen and family room, a feature the homeowners want to keep, while ensuring it complements the new design. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: By choosing a neutral color palette that complements the existing tile, the design unifies the kitchen with the adjacent spaces. The tile’s grout was cleaned and restored, enhancing the floor’s appearance and integrating it seamlessly with the new kitchen aesthetic. The inclusion of a larger island with seating for two, alongside maintaining a substantial dining table, was achieved by optimizing the spatial layout. This allowed for a sociable yet functional kitchen, accommodating large family gatherings without feeling crowded. Minor adjustments to the kitchen’s layout maintained the preferred locations for plumbing and appliances while introducing an ‘open’ design concept. Strategic modifications, such as angling the pantry wall, improved the flow and accessibility within the space. Replacing the garden window with a broader, standard window significantly increased natural light, transforming the sink area into a bright, welcoming space with enhanced views of the outdoors. The decision to keep the half-wall was ingeniously leveraged to define the dining area while maintaining an open connection to the family room. This feature not only serves as a visual separator but also ties the two spaces together through the shared color scheme and design elements. The homeowners are thrilled with their newly remodeled kitchen, which has become a hub of warmth and hospitality. Hosting a wedding shower and a birthday party, they have shared their renewed space with friends and family, who have been equally enamored. This remodel has not only met their functional and aesthetic desires but has also enriched their home with a fresh sense of serenity and joy. The upstairs part of the home is shaping up nicely. Here’s their newly remodeled primary bathroom.

German Embassy in Pristina - Kosovo, contracted the architecture office “Ferizi + Ferizi Architects” to plan and implement an Annex Office building for their purposes. As detached part of this building is designed the waiting area, as alone standing structure. This Office Building is constructed by assembling of Eight used office containers that were delivered on trucks and set up after only a few hours on the basis of the LEGO principle, according to the planning on strip foundations. By removing the flexible exterior wall panels, a large room of 115 m² was created, with the counter wall as a room partition between two office spaces, each with seven workstations as well as three counters for agents on one side and a room for visitors on the other side. With this system, room solutions can be easily implemented in all dimensions. The container, seen as a geometric shape, is a simple, octagonal, solid box. The standardized perfection of its dimensions is striking: 2.44 meters wide, 2.59 meters high and 6.06 meters or 12.19 meters long. Since its introduction in 1956 by the American transport entrepreneur Malcom McLean, the container has become a standardized transport module worldwide, whether on ships, trucks or construction sites. The shipping containers have additionally revolutionized the transport industry, pushed the globalization noticeably, and thus directly or indirectly influenced all our lives. But after only a few years, when the first overseas containers wore out, many engineers recognized the positive properties of used shipping containers for building houses, especially since they are robust, flexible, multifunctional and second-hand relatively inexpensive to purchase. The time has long passed by to treat containers exclusively as transport objects. As a "measure of all things", containers can hardly be ignored in construction. Their use is no longer limited to temporary use since school containers, information containers, office containers or entire residential buildings are now part of our everyday life in the construction industry. However, current examples of the container architecture prove that even the most demanding solutions for container building are feasible. For their specific aesthetic and spatial qualities, containers also serve as design parameters for the development of new forms of architecture and urbanity. The office building as an extension of the visa section, characterized by modern materials and contemporary aesthetics has been designed and built mainly as a low-energy building. Extensive insulation to achieve a comfortable and sustainable constant temperature in the interior, high window quality and low energy consumption make the building energy-efficient. The sophisticated lighting technology, networks, heating systems and air-conditioning systems are also components of this equipment. It creates an overall harmonic picture and guarantees the highest standard in sustainable construction, taking into consideration the fact that environmentally friendly recycling and reutilization have become an increasingly important issue in our society. West and East side of the wooden facade is compact and has few openings, while the southern facade is completely open with lot of glass. Its spatial openness ensures a transparent, friendly work environment, which allows a lot of light into the space. This openness allows an uninterrupted, pleasant and close-to-nature view from interior spaces into the beautiful garden. During the installation of sophisticated light sources in the garden, emphasis was not only put on functionality and security, but also on the beauty of the garden shown through the illumination in the evening. Large, horizontal white “brisole” serve as external sun protection systems, mounted on the canopies of the entrance areas of the modular construction and the enclosure, adeptly cast shade on these areas and at the same time shape the entire architectural language. While on one hand, the two quadratic ledges suspended in the air, are docked with steel stairs and match the wooden façade, lead the staff to their office space, the artful modern interior, on the other hand, perfectly unites the functionality, innovative technology, culture and positive effects on the employees' efficiency and wellbeing. A lot of white, interjected by warm wooden and colored accents, determines the ambience. In the case of the lighting solution, the mainly linear ceiling lighting is used as the overlapping design element both for the offices of the visa section as well as for the counters and the waiting area for the visitors. They underline the puristic design in order to create a pleasant light for a desired general illumination and ensure optimal light conditions without causing disturbing reflections on the computer screens. In addition, precisely positioned pendant luminaires are installed at the workstations, which ensure pleasant room brightness. In the entrance area, the harmonic and uniform lighting effect from the ground highlights the integration of photography and architecture. Photographs of landscapes, people, places, expressing unforgettable, impressive moments and memories have been lovingly engraved on 8 x 8cm square oak blocks. The idea of an effective, impressive environment that stimulates and inspires the work was the premiss on which the whole design concept was based. Consequently, the modular construction was no longer viewed through its history of utilization and scars, but rather as a structure of work ambiance, art and elegance. FERIZI + FERIZI Architects Photo: Arben Llapashtica

Weathered and refined. Grey floors have become the hottest design trend, but not all greys are the same. For Nevis, we aim to provide a pattern that errs to the modern side, while still evoking some rustic elements. This isn’t outright reclaimed, but it’s just wild enough to not be monotone either. The most important specification for determining the durability of vinyl flooring is the thickness of the wear-layer. The best wear-layers are made of thick, clear virgin PVC, which covers the paper print-film that gives the floor its unique appearance. Once the wear-layer wears through, the paper is damaged and the floor will need replacement. Most vinyl floors come with a 8-12 mil wear-layer (0.2-3 mm). The top commercial specs in the industry are higher, at 20-22 mil (0.5 mm). A select few manufacturers offer a “super” commercial spec of 28 mil (0.7 mm). For Modin, we decided to set a new standard: 40 mil (1.0 mm) of premium virgin PVC. This allows us to offer an industry-leading 20 year Commercial Warranty (Lifetime Residential), compared to nearly all other commercial vinyl floors’ 10 year Commercial Warranty. Beyond our superior wear-layer, we also use a patented click mechanism for superior hold, and a ceramic-bead coating. SIZE MATTERS Wider and longer planks create a sense of space and luxury. Most vinyl floors come in 6” or 7” widths, and 36” or 48” lengths. For Modin, we designed our planks to be 9” wide, and 60” long. This extra large size allows our gorgeous designs to be fully expressed. DETAILS THAT COUNT We made sure to get all the details right. Real texture, to create the feel of wire-brushed wood. Low sheen level, to ensure a natural look that wears well over time. 4-sided bevels, to more accurately emulate the look of real planks. When added together they help create the unique look that is Modin. DESIGNS THAT INSPIRE We spent nearly a year just focusing on our designs, to ensure they provide the right mix of color and depth. Focusing on timeless wire-brush and European Oak styles, as well as more contemporary modern washes, our collection offers truly beautiful design that is both functional and inspiring.

When we drove out to Mukilteo for our initial consultation, we immediately fell in love with this house. With its tall ceilings, eclectic mix of wood, glass and steel, and gorgeous view of the Puget Sound, we quickly nicknamed this project "The Mukilteo Gem". Our client, a cook and baker, did not like her existing kitchen. The main points of issue were short runs of available counter tops, lack of storage and shortage of light. So, we were called in to implement some big, bold ideas into a small footprint kitchen with big potential. We completely changed the layout of the room by creating a tall, built-in storage wall and a continuous u-shape counter top. Early in the project, we took inventory of every item our clients wanted to store in the kitchen and ensured that every spoon, gadget, or bowl would have a dedicated "home" in their new kitchen. The finishes were meticulously selected to ensure continuity throughout the house. We also played with the color scheme to achieve a bold yet natural feel.This kitchen is a prime example of how color can be used to both make a statement and project peace and balance simultaneously. While busy at work on our client's kitchen improvement, we also updated the entry and gave the homeowner a modern laundry room with triple the storage space they originally had. End result: ecstatic clients and a very happy design team. That's what we call a big success! John Granen.

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Discerning, intelligent, European. A staff favorite, Noret captures the depth of color and texture that is expected with premium European Oak. A slight tan with a whitewash brush, Noret provides a luxurious template for any refined space. The most important specification for determining the durability of vinyl flooring is the thickness of the wear-layer. The best wear-layers are made of thick, clear virgin PVC, which covers the paper print-film that gives the floor its unique appearance. Once the wear-layer wears through, the paper is damaged and the floor will need replacement. Most vinyl floors come with a 8-12 mil wear-layer (0.2-3 mm). The top commercial specs in the industry are higher, at 20-22 mil (0.5 mm). A select few manufacturers offer a “super” commercial spec of 28 mil (0.7 mm). For Modin, we decided to set a new standard: 40 mil (1.0 mm) of premium virgin PVC. This allows us to offer an industry-leading 20 year Commercial Warranty (Lifetime Residential), compared to nearly all other commercial vinyl floors’ 10 year Commercial Warranty. Beyond our superior wear-layer, we also use a patented click mechanism for superior hold, and a ceramic-bead coating. SIZE MATTERS Wider and longer planks create a sense of space and luxury. Most vinyl floors come in 6” or 7” widths, and 36” or 48” lengths. For Modin, we designed our planks to be 9” wide, and 60” long. This extra large size allows our gorgeous designs to be fully expressed. DETAILS THAT COUNT We made sure to get all the details right. Real texture, to create the feel of wire-brushed wood. Low sheen level, to ensure a natural look that wears well over time. 4-sided bevels, to more accurately emulate the look of real planks. When added together they help create the unique look that is Modin. DESIGNS THAT INSPIRE We spent nearly a year just focusing on our designs, to ensure they provide the right mix of color and depth. Focusing on timeless wire-brush and European Oak styles, as well as more contemporary modern washes, our collection offers truly beautiful design that is both functional and inspiring.

Our Seattle studio gave this dated family home a fabulous facelift with bright interiors, stylish furnishings, and thoughtful decor. We kept all the original interior doors but gave them a beautiful coat of paint and fitted stylish matte black hardware to provide them with that extra elegance. Painting the millwork a creamy light grey color created a fun, unique contrast against the white walls. We opened up walls to create a spacious great room, perfect for this family who loves to entertain. We reimagined the existing pantry as a wet bar, currently a hugely popular spot in the home. To create a seamless indoor-outdoor living space, we used NanaWall doors off the kitchen and living room, allowing our clients to have an open atmosphere in their backyard oasis and covered front deck. Heaters were also added to the front porch ensuring they could enjoy it during all seasons. We used durable furnishings throughout the home to accommodate the growing needs of their two small kids and two dogs. Neutral finishes, warm wood tones, and pops of color achieve a light and airy look reminiscent of the coastal appeal of Puget Sound – only a couple of blocks away from this home. We ensured that we delivered a bold, timeless home to our clients, with every detail reflecting their beautiful personalities.