The client’s request was quite common - a typical 2800 sf builder home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living space, and den. However, their desire was for this to be “anything but common.” The result is an innovative update on the production home for the modern era, and serves as a direct counterpoint to the neighborhood and its more conventional suburban housing stock, which focus views to the backyard and seeks to nullify the unique qualities and challenges of topography and the natural environment. The Terraced House cautiously steps down the site’s steep topography, resulting in a more nuanced approach to site development than cutting and filling that is so common in the builder homes of the area. The compact house opens up in very focused views that capture the natural wooded setting, while masking the sounds and views of the directly adjacent roadway. The main living spaces face this major roadway, effectively flipping the typical orientation of a suburban home, and the main entrance pulls visitors up to the second floor and halfway through the site, providing a sense of procession and privacy absent in the typical suburban home. Clad in a custom rain screen that reflects the wood of the surrounding landscape - while providing a glimpse into the interior tones that are used. The stepping “wood boxes” rest on a series of concrete walls that organize the site, retain the earth, and - in conjunction with the wood veneer panels - provide a subtle organic texture to the composition. The interior spaces wrap around an interior knuckle that houses public zones and vertical circulation - allowing more private spaces to exist at the edges of the building. The windows get larger and more frequent as they ascend the building, culminating in the upstairs bedrooms that occupy the site like a tree house - giving views in all directions. The Terraced House imports urban qualities to the suburban neighborhood and seeks to elevate the typical approach to production home construction, while being more in tune with modern family living patterns. Overview: Elm Grove Size: 2,800 sf, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Completion Date: September 2014 Services: Architecture, Landscape Architecture Interior Consultants: Amy Carman Design

Kitchen - coastal light wood floor and beige floor kitchen idea in Portland Maine with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, gray countertops and granite countertops

Mid-sized trendy formal living room photo in Portland Maine with no tv

Nick Springett Photography
Mid-sized trendy light wood floor enclosed dining room photo in Los Angeles with a two-sided fireplace, beige walls and a tile fireplace

Tree house & bluestone steps over pond.
This is an example of a rustic water fountain landscape in New York.

Example of a southwest pool design in Phoenix

Photo: Lucy Call © 2013 Houzz
Trendy hallway photo in Salt Lake City with gray walls

Elizabeth Taich Design is a Chicago-based full-service interior architecture and design firm that specializes in sophisticated yet livable environments.

Architecture & Interior Design By Arch Studio, Inc. Photography by Eric Rorer
Open concept kitchen - small cottage l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen idea in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Pool - southwestern pool idea in Phoenix

Rising amidst the grand homes of North Howe Street, this stately house has more than 6,600 SF. In total, the home has seven bedrooms, six full bathrooms and three powder rooms. Designed with an extra-wide floor plan (21'-2"), achieved through side-yard relief, and an attached garage achieved through rear-yard relief, it is a truly unique home in a truly stunning environment. The centerpiece of the home is its dramatic, 11-foot-diameter circular stair that ascends four floors from the lower level to the roof decks where panoramic windows (and views) infuse the staircase and lower levels with natural light. Public areas include classically-proportioned living and dining rooms, designed in an open-plan concept with architectural distinction enabling them to function individually. A gourmet, eat-in kitchen opens to the home's great room and rear gardens and is connected via its own staircase to the lower level family room, mud room and attached 2-1/2 car, heated garage. The second floor is a dedicated master floor, accessed by the main stair or the home's elevator. Features include a groin-vaulted ceiling; attached sun-room; private balcony; lavishly appointed master bath; tremendous closet space, including a 120 SF walk-in closet, and; an en-suite office. Four family bedrooms and three bathrooms are located on the third floor. This home was sold early in its construction process. Nathan Kirkman

Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in Delhi

Gibeon Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary concrete floor living room remodel

Example of a transitional galley dark wood floor dining room design in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops and gray walls

Inspiration for a timeless exterior home remodel in Chicago

FIRST PLACE 2018 ASID DESIGN OVATION AWARD / MASTER BATH OVER $50,000. In addition to a much-needed update, the clients desired a spa-like environment for their Master Bath. Sea Pearl Quartzite slabs were used on an entire wall and around the vanity and served as this ethereal palette inspiration. Luxuries include a soaking tub, decorative lighting, heated floor, towel warmers and bidet. Michael Hunter

Rocky Mountain Steps and Stones of Luxury Backyard Home Environment
Design ideas for a large southwestern full sun backyard stone landscaping in Omaha.