Originally the formal living room that was not used, was transformed into a fabulous dining room with a warm and intimate feeling. Acacia hardwood floors were introduced, sterile walls were replaced with a large arabesque patterned metallic wallpaper. A large crystal chandelier was hung to add presence and ground the room. A carved gold mirror provided reflection and more natural light. Full height silk drapes with a custom cornice were added to complete the room. Velvet corner chairs were introduced to be pulled up as head of table chairs during dinner events. Justin Schmauser Photography

Guru of Luxury | Interior Design + 3D Renderings CLUB NORTHLAND HOTEL NORTHLAND | Green Bay, Wisconsin Housed in the lower level of Hotel Northland, Club Northland will be the venue’s new members’ only lounge and will offer a full bar and entertainment parlor. Designed for opulence, Club Northland will indulge members’ senses with innovative cocktails, delectable food, legendary music, and a swanky environment that will exude both historical authenticity and lavish modern comfort. Members will also enjoy the club’s focus on gaming camaraderie; gaming features will include billiards and a two-lane bowling alley. Membership in Club Northland will provide an exclusive opportunity to experience the lavish lifestyle of the 1920s in a contemporary era. Membership Benefits Will Include: Private club lounge access; complimentary monthly wine tasting receptions; discounts at Hotel Northland restaurants, bars, and spa; preferred pricing for monthly interactive cooking luncheons and select hotel events; exclusive hotel charging privileges

This growing family of six was struggling with a dysfunctional kitchen design. The center island had been installed at an odd angle that limited accessibility and traffic flow. Additionally, storage space was limited by poor cabinet design. Finally, doorways in and out of the kitchen were narrow and poorly located, especially for children dashing in and out. Other design challenges included how to better use a 10’ x 12’ room for children’s jackets and toys and how to add a professional-quality gas range in a neighborhood were natural gas wasn’t available. The new design would address all of these issues. DESIGN SOLUTIONS The new kitchen design revolves around a more proportional island. Carefully placed in the center of the new space with seating for four, it includes a prep sink, a second dishwasher and a beverage center. The distressed ebony-stained island and hutch provides a brilliant contrast between the white color cabinetry. White Carrera marble countertops and backsplash top both island and perimeter cabinets. Tall, double stacked cabinetry lines two walls to maximize storage space. Across the room there was an unused wall that now contains a 36” tower fridge and freezer, both covered with matching panels, and a tall cabinet that contains a microwave, steam unit and warming drawer. A propane tank was buried in the back yard to provide gas to a new 60” professional range and cooktop. A custom-made wood mantel hood blends perfectly with the cabinet style. The old laundry room was reconfigured to have lots of locker space for all kids and added cabinetry for storage. A double entry door separated the new mudroom from the rest of the back hall. In the back hall the back windows were replaced with a set of French door and added decking to create a direct access to deck and backyard. The end result is an open floor plan, high-end appliances, great traffic flow and pleasing colors. The homeowner calls it the “kitchen of her dreams.”

irst rule of Italian-Style IKEA kitchens is: don’t let anyone know it’s a kitchen! Justyna was struggling with the IKEA Home Planner, and couldn’t figure out how to add in the custom cabinets she wanted. Luckily she found IKD on Pinterest (hey, check out our IKEA kitchen inspiration boards!). “I wanted my kitchen to be like a piece of artwork,” said Justyna. “We entertain a lot, and our guests always seem to congregate in the kitchen. It needed to look good without screaming ‘kitchen!’”

It appears the boy was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Or was he? His face explodes with enthusiasm; as if he’s having the time of his life. In Kansas tornadoes are a yearly event, it’s as predictable as clouds, you are just going to have them. Perhaps the boy saw the tornado and conceived the idea on the spot. Instead of running for cover, he embraced the challenge! He is going to have fun, always; not mater the circumstances.

The Marine Studies Building is heavily engineered to be a vertical evaluation structure with supplies on the rooftop to support over 920 people for up to two days post a Cascadia level event. The addition of this building thus improves the safety of those that work and play at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and in the surrounding South Beach community. The MSB uses state-of-the-art architectural and engineering techniques to make it one of the first “vertical evacuation” tsunami sites in the United States. The building will also dramatically increase the Hatfield campus’ marine science education and research capacity. The building is designed to withstand a 9+ earthquake and to survive an XXL tsunami event. The building is designed to be repairable after a large (L) tsunami event. A ramp on the outside of the building leads from the ground level to the roof of this three-story structure. The roof of the building is 47 feet high, and it is designed to serve as an emergency assembly site for more than 900 people after a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. OSU’s Marine Studies Building is designed to provide a safe place for people to gather after an earthquake, out of the path — and above the water — of a possible tsunami. Additionally, several horizontal evacuation paths exist from the HMSC campus, where people can walk to avoid the tsunami inundation. These routes include Safe Haven Hill west of Highway 101 and the Oregon Coast Community College to the south.

The exterior of what looks like a vernacular shingle cottage, designed by architect Blaze Makoid, is intentionally deceiving. For the interiors, Axis Mundi typically decided not to play by the rules. Instead of de rigeur nautical artifacts, floppy sofas and wicker furniture, the firm responded to Makoid’s all-white interior envelope by injecting rooms with comfortable modern elegance that’s more contemporary Cap Ferrat than Eastern Long Island. Clean furniture silhouettes—from Cassina, Poltrona Frau and B&B Italia—a Massimo Vitali beach scene, a Moooi chandelier and industrial finishes (such as the steel of the fireplace surround and the anodized aluminum of a sleek Bulthaup kitchen) spark a creative tension between indoors and out. The gray palette provides a quiet backdrop for the nature outside, except for the master suite, where custom oak panels and blue shades create a reassuring warmth conducive to sleep. Size: 1,920 sf Project Team: John Beckmann, Nick Messerlian and Richard Rosenbloom Architect: Blaze Makoid Architecture Contractor: Greg D'Angelo Construction Inc. Photographer: Mark Roskams © Axis Mundi Design LLC.

Transitional bathroom photo in Austin

The Marine Studies Building is heavily engineered to be a vertical evaluation structure with supplies on the rooftop to support over 920 people for up to two days post a Cascadia level event. The addition of this building thus improves the safety of those that work and play at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and in the surrounding South Beach community. The MSB uses state-of-the-art architectural and engineering techniques to make it one of the first “vertical evacuation” tsunami sites in the United States. The building will also dramatically increase the Hatfield campus’ marine science education and research capacity. The building is designed to withstand a 9+ earthquake and to survive an XXL tsunami event. The building is designed to be repairable after a large (L) tsunami event. A ramp on the outside of the building leads from the ground level to the roof of this three-story structure. The roof of the building is 47 feet high, and it is designed to serve as an emergency assembly site for more than 900 people after a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. OSU’s Marine Studies Building is designed to provide a safe place for people to gather after an earthquake, out of the path — and above the water — of a possible tsunami. Additionally, several horizontal evacuation paths exist from the HMSC campus, where people can walk to avoid the tsunami inundation. These routes include Safe Haven Hill west of Highway 101 and the Oregon Coast Community College to the south.

Contained in a small courtyard, this intimate garden includes a full sized lounge chair along with an outdoor shower and full bath. The Herbert S. Frank Special Award recognizes exceptional design, unique use of materials and quality of construction in a residential landscape. Granted at the discretion of the California Landscape Contractors Association judges, this award is not necessarily given each year at the Trophy Awards event. In 2014, Confidence Landscaping, Inc. earned this important honor that carries the highly respected name of one of the founding members of the CLCA - San Francisco Bay Area chapter.

Richard Herman is in the hospitality business and owns several upscale hotels in Florida and in other states as well as cattle ranches in both Florida and Missouri. Their farm in Ocala is by farm their most unique. The property serves as a 4-H demonstration project for the purpose of children’s education. They have been working with the Academy Prep of St. Pete which is dedicated to inner-city youths that are selected on the basis of need and achievement. Wife Diane spends her time on the farm raising Gypsy Vanners, a diminutive draft horse named after the job they did in Eastern Europe, pulling the wagons (vans) for gypsies that wandered across the continent. On the Ocala farm, there are several mules with a unique profession. Richard had visited the Hearthstone display at a Log & Timber Home Shows at the Orlando Convention Center many years ago. He was impressed that Hearthstone had stayed in touch with him over the years by mailings, invitations to shows, and periodic phone calls. When the time came to start serious consideration of the design of barn, Hearthstone responded promptly and professionally to Richard and Diane’s requests for information and a review of their ideas for their barn, which would serve as the centerpiece for their new farm. They wanted a multipurpose facility that could accommodate an educational environment and a large hall suitable for the fundraising events for his charities. Richard wanted a barn that reflected the look and feel of barns built at the dawn of the 20th century. Besides the rustic chicken houses and vegetable gardens, they have completely renovated a 1020’s era farmhouse to be as historically correct as possible and serves as the entry to the farm. “They very careful to feel us out, get comfortable with our capabilities, and be convinced that we could perform as promised,” said Project Manager John Ricketson of Hearthstone. Design Process There were some initial drawings that gave us a start on the basic shape and size of the barn. From there, it was a process of narrowing down the uses of each area and the spans that could be achieved. The barn was going to have the traditional “board & batten” exterior siding and a metal roof. There is a cantilevered ‘hay hood” on the north gable end above the large sliding barn doors that open into the foyer and horse stalls. The wings house a combination of areas, beginning with the large restrooms to accommodate crowds for events. Other parts of the wings have garage areas for the farm vehicles, feed room, tack room, wash rack, storage, offices, and smaller restrooms. Keeping with the look and feel of the turn of the century, Hearthstone developed a process for giving the timbers a surface texture that mimicked the circular cuts of timbers that had just come out of an old sawmill. This was easier said than done. Randy Giles guided his millwright (Wolfgang) in designing a machine that would do this effectively. The barn was delivered in October of 2014 and was erected over the course of two weeks, thanks to a hardworking crew (Eric Foster) and near-perfect weather. After the Hearthstone crew completed the erection and roof dry-in, it was time for the local carpenters to step up and install some light conventional framing on the gable ends before applying the roof fascia and exterior board & batten siding. Next came the big sliding barn doors, plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling. Large rustic fixtures were hung from the great hall roof timbers. Exterior The board & batten siding was cypress and allowed to turn color naturally as rain hit it and the sun started working on it with UV rays. This method causes a much grayer look closer to the ground and less so where the roof overhang provides protection. The North end has some large limestone boulders and planters arranged around the pad with tall pampas grass. The planters provide casual seating before events and during outside receptions. The entire area was sodded with lush St. Augustine grass and split rail fences were added to enclose the barn area. The corrugated metal roof was a special order material that immediately rusted after being exposed to moisture. The layer of rust protects the metal from the elements. Interior The board & batten theme was carried throughout most of the interior with the timbers left natural to show off the circular saw texture. All of the tongue & groove decking was shipped in advance to allow the local painter to pre-stain it with a dark brown transparent stain that is a beautiful background to the light color Eastern White Pine timbers. “Everything was unique in this project” said Project Manager John Ricketson. “The setting on a small demonstration farm close to Ocala, the multipurpose design, the circular saw texture on the timbers.” The Hermans are very proud of their farm’s outcome. Richard sent a note to Randy Giles, owner of Hearthstone: “The Barn is fantastic, not a single problem, period. Next month, we have Jo Dee Messina coming in to help with a fundraiser for a local center for abused kids. Folks love the farm, ...... but that barn gets all of the attention. I would encourage you to use me as a reference for your sales team, feel free to extend my cell phone to any prospective purchasers.”

Jalapeno Photography © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a farmhouse exterior home remodel in DC Metro

The exterior of what looks like a vernacular Hamptons shingle cottage, designed by architect Blaze Makoid, is intentionally deceiving. For the interiors, Axis Mundi typically decided not to play by the rules. Instead of de rigeur nautical artifacts, floppy sofas and wicker furniture, the firm responded to Makoid’s all-white interior envelope by injecting rooms with comfortable modern elegance that’s more contemporary Cap Ferrat than Eastern Long Island. Clean furniture silhouettes—from Cassina, Poltrona Frau and B&B Italia—a Massimo Vitali beach scene, a Moooi chandelier and industrial finishes (such as the steel of the fireplace surround and the anodized aluminum of a sleek Bulthaup kitchen) spark a creative tension between indoors and out. The gray palette provides a quiet backdrop for the nature outside, except for the master suite, where custom oak panels and blue shades create a reassuring warmth conducive to sleep. Size: 1,920 sf Project Team: John Beckmann, Nick Messerlian and Richard Rosenbloom Architect: Blaze Makoid Architecture Photographer: Mark Roskams © Axis Mundi Design LLC

The Marine Studies Building is heavily engineered to be a vertical evaluation structure with supplies on the rooftop to support over 920 people for up to two days post a Cascadia level event. The addition of this building thus improves the safety of those that work and play at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and in the surrounding South Beach community. The MSB uses state-of-the-art architectural and engineering techniques to make it one of the first “vertical evacuation” tsunami sites in the United States. The building will also dramatically increase the Hatfield campus’ marine science education and research capacity. The building is designed to withstand a 9+ earthquake and to survive an XXL tsunami event. The building is designed to be repairable after a large (L) tsunami event. A ramp on the outside of the building leads from the ground level to the roof of this three-story structure. The roof of the building is 47 feet high, and it is designed to serve as an emergency assembly site for more than 900 people after a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. OSU’s Marine Studies Building is designed to provide a safe place for people to gather after an earthquake, out of the path — and above the water — of a possible tsunami. Additionally, several horizontal evacuation paths exist from the HMSC campus, where people can walk to avoid the tsunami inundation. These routes include Safe Haven Hill west of Highway 101 and the Oregon Coast Community College to the south.

This once traditional bedroom received a modern update by the team at Perceptions. Transforming this space into a corporate hub was no small feat! Sliding glass doors create a work out nook to house the family's bulky treadmill. A multi-function media wall helps the homeowners keep up with world events, while a sleek walnut table serves as a conference center for meetings. When hosting visitors cozy seating and a comfy sleeper sofa instantly transform the space into a visitors retreat.

The exterior of what looks like a vernacular shingle cottage, designed by architect Blaze Makoid, is intentionally deceiving. For the interiors, Axis Mundi typically decided not to play by the rules. Instead of de rigeur nautical artifacts, floppy sofas and wicker furniture, the firm responded to Makoid’s all-white interior envelope by injecting rooms with comfortable modern elegance that’s more contemporary Cap Ferrat than Eastern Long Island. Clean furniture silhouettes—from Cassina, Poltrona Frau and B&B Italia—a Massimo Vitali beach scene, a Moooi chandelier and industrial finishes (such as the steel of the fireplace surround and the anodized aluminum of a sleek Bulthaup kitchen) spark a creative tension between indoors and out. The gray palette provides a quiet backdrop for the nature outside, except for the master suite, where custom oak panels and blue shades create a reassuring warmth conducive to sleep. Size: 1,920 sf Project Team: John Beckmann, Nick Messerlian and Richard Rosenbloom Architect: Blaze Makoid Architecture Contractor: Greg D'Angelo Construction Inc. Photographer: Mark Roskams © Axis Mundi Design LLC.

This Farmhouse style home was designed around the separate spaces and wraps or hugs around the courtyard, it’s inviting, comfortable and timeless. A welcoming entry and sliding doors suggest indoor/ outdoor living through all of the private and public main spaces including the Entry, Kitchen, living, and master bedroom. Another major design element for the interior of this home called the “galley” hallway, features high clerestory windows and creative entrances to two of the spaces. Custom Double Sliding Barn Doors to the office and an oversized entrance with sidelights and a transom window, frame the main entry and draws guests right through to the rear courtyard. The owner’s one-of-a-kind creative craft room and laundry room allow for open projects to rest without cramping a social event in the public spaces. Lastly, the HUGE but unassuming 2,200 sq ft garage provides two tiers and space for a full sized RV, off road vehicles and two daily drivers. This home is an amazing example of balance between on-site toy storage, several entertaining space options and private/quiet time and spaces alike.