For their third Urbanology collaboration, longtime clients and close friends, the Songs, both physicians, envisioned a beautifully designed home in Dallas that exuded calm functionality and understated beauty. Rooted in their Asian heritage and Kim’s love for wabi-sabi simplicity, the design embraced clean lines, warm neutrals, and tactile materials that feel approachable yet elevated. The entry and living spaces were reimagined with textural millwork and a sculptural fireplace, creating cohesion and a serene rhythm between daily life and family gatherings. In the office, a once-awkward layout was transformed through custom millwork that turned the piano into a purposeful centerpiece, joined by a reading nook and seamless storage. The expansive primary bedroom gained intimacy and balance through built-in plaster planters, library-style cabinetry, and a curved sofa perfect for evening wine and conversation. Peter’s guest-turned-primary bath became a master class in function, featuring seamless, antimicrobial surfaces and smart hidden storage for his daily rituals. Through every detail, this third phase of the Midway Hollow residence reflects “the art of ease”: spaces that are clean but lived-in, practical but poetic. What began as functional refinements evolved into a warm, layered home—one that honors the couple’s rhythm, heritage, and pursuit of a life beautifully designed, but never overdone.

For a family putting down lasting roots in Park City, this 10,000-square-foot estate within the gated enclave of Quarry Mountain Ranch is conceived as both sanctuary and legacy. Designed to evolve alongside its owners, the home balances permanence with a deep sensitivity to the land it inhabits. Thoughtfully positioned within an alpine meadow shaped by the gentle flow of McLeod Creek, the residence embraces its setting. The waterway threads through the property, sustaining native grasses and drawing elk, deer, and migratory birdlife, grounding daily life in the rhythms of season and landscape. Broad planes of glass and sheltering rooflines frame uninterrupted views of ski slopes and distant ridgelines, while long sightlines pull natural light deep into the interior. Terraces and covered outdoor rooms mediate between house and meadow, creating spaces for gathering, reflection, and year-round connection to the outdoors. A restrained palette of wood and stone echoes the textures of the terrain, lending warmth and durability to the home’s contemporary expression. A separate guest house extends the architectural language, forming a discreet compound that supports family life, hospitality, and the enduring cadence of alpine living. Architecture: Advanced Design Interior Design: Erin Brewer Design

Part mirage, part miracle - this masterful modern evocation is in the best Louisiana vernacular tradition. It was conceived by architect Kevin Gossen (Gossen Architects Lafayette, Louisiana) for an unusual piece of property in Metairie whose cheated landscape gives the illusion of open country spaces. He has created a “cottage” that already looks as if it might be a survivor from a couple of centuries ago. Using reclaimed building materials, magnificent beams, beautiful old flooring with classically scaled rooms, it was a perfect project for Decorations Lucullus. Both architect and interior designers admit the real magic rested with the client whose highly developed aesthetic and extensive experience in design gave the process amazing vitality. Conceived as a “résidence secondaire” to be near grandchildren, she wanted something more snug than her large primary house out of town but without sacrificing the qualities of charm or elegance. While the project is still evolving, she can’t repress a smile when some passer-by stops to chat over the rose-heavy iron fence, perhaps peering into the gracious side hall, asking how this old house has managed to survive all the changes in the neighborhood. Photography by Sara Essex Bradly

This project began with a home rooted in a distinctly 1990s aesthetic that the client was ready to evolve. Their vision was a lighter, more contemporary West Coast–inspired interior, anchored by white oak floors and a warm, modern kitchen. We designed a fully custom white oak kitchen that balances clean lines with natural texture, along with a statement-scale dining room cabinetry piece that delivers both generous storage and visual impact. The result is a refreshed, transitional home that feels current yet timeless—blending modern restraint with warmth and livability.

This newly constructed custom family home was designed from the ground up to meet the evolving needs of a young family. The layout balances open-concept living with quiet, more private moments, creating a home that is both stylish and functional. Every detail has been considered for both day-to-day living and long-term enjoyment. A curated palette of natural materials ensures a sense of calm and continuity throughout the home. The thoughtful layout supports daily life, while layered materials and refined details create a calming atmosphere. Most importantly, it’s a home that the family can grow into—designed with both the present and future in mind.

As the first room you see upon entering our client’s Birmingham, MI home, their Dining Room needed to “wow” guests and visitors alike. Completed in September 2023, the previous dining space was painted dark, filled with old furniture used for crafts and multi-family gatherings, and had a dated chandelier from the prior homeowner. Our client really wanted this space to evolve, and “grow up”, now that their kids are older, and she envisioned a more dressed up space for entertaining. We lightened up the walls with a textured, shimmery wallcovering, refreshed the paneled wainscoting base, installed new wall sconces to provide more layered, dramatic lighting. We added a bold chrome chandelier with striking metal shades to act as the focal point of the space. With custom coffered ceilings, each surface of the room provides interest and sophistication. For the finishing touches, we laid the foundation of the room with a tailored, sophisticated Missoni area rug. We furnished the space with a semi-gloss lacquered dining table, stunning custom fabric dining chairs and eye-catching artwork! Our homeowners are now ready to entertain and host regular dinner parties and family gatherings.

At golden hour, this sprawling Minnesota barnhouse shows off the full range of its reclaimed wood exterior, Weathered Gray Barnwood Paneling on the main house and Antique Red Barnwood Paneling on the connected barn structure, unified by a base of natural granite stone. Multiple gabled rooflines, weathervanes, and cupolas nod to the simple farm buildings that inspired this design, while the contrast between the two reclaimed wood tones captures the eclectic, evolved character the homeowners set out to create. Weathered Gray Barnwood Paneling is milled from a mix of softwoods, hemlock to pine, salvaged from joists, roof boards, decking, and walls of late 19th and early 20th century structures, carrying a naturally aged patina that grows richer with time. Antique Red Barnwood Paneling is sourced from the quintessential red barns of the American Midwest, its faded crimson boards weathered by decades of sun, snow, and rain into a rustic rust color naturally resistant to warping and shrinkage. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner envisioning a true barnhouse exterior on a grand scale, Manomin Resawn Timbers can help bring this reclaimed wood look to your own home. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message.

Designed for a young creative with a love for art, books, and the color blue, this bedroom was thoughtfully transformed into a sophisticated space that feels both elevated and inspiring — a room she can continue to grow into for years to come. The design balances elegance and function through custom floor-to-ceiling millwork in a soft natural wood finish, paired with calming blue accents that reflect her personality in a refined and timeless way. Because creativity is a big part of her daily life, maximizing organization and usable workspace was essential. A large custom desk extends into the room to create an expansive work surface, allowing space for art projects, studying, and collaborative creativity with friends. Integrated cabinetry and generous drawer storage help keep supplies organized and easily accessible, while open shelving provides room to display meaningful pieces and evolving inspiration. To maintain a calm and visually clean environment, frosted glass cabinet doors were incorporated to softly conceal books, art materials, and treasured collections while minimizing visual clutter and dust collection. The result is a space that feels serene, polished, and highly functional without losing the warmth and personality of a young artist’s retreat. Soft textures, layered lighting, and carefully curated details complete the room, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages creativity, focus, and comfort in equal measure.

Beach style porch idea in Charleston

This North Shore residence captures commanding views of the ocean, while maintaining a sense of privacy for the homeowners. Their priorities focused on thoughtful design, evolving from a restoration of a small summer cottage into a new home, well sited on a narrow lot. SV Design worked within the constraints of conservation and a flood zone to create a masterpiece of charm and appeal. The home reflects the tastes of the owners, who remained involved through every step of the process. Natural light is well utilized, the open layout provides ease in entertaining and in day to day living, and the views are captured from assorted vantage points. Personalized accents abound throughout the property--- warm wood flooring, stone accents--- both inside and outside of the home, a kitchen with clean lines and efficient storage space, and a butler’s pantry. The design of the property is aesthetically pleasing, creative, and functional; most of all, it fulfilled the visions of the clients.

Not that long ago, the term “audio-video” or “AV” meant just that: audio and video. Today, the AV industry has evolved into something much bigger: smart homes with entertainment, wellness and sustainability features. In Montana, SAV Digital Environments and owner Cory Reistad are at the forefront of that movement.

What began as a dated primary bathroom and undersized closet evolved into a light-filled retreat designed around the homeowners' lifestyle. The original space featured a large built-in tub, oversized shower enclosure, limited storage, and an inefficient closet layout that no longer met the family's needs. Through extensive demolition and structural modifications, the bathroom and closet were completely reconfigured to maximize both function and beauty. Walls were removed, storage was reimagined, and every square foot was carefully planned to create a more open, luxurious experience. The finished space features a freestanding soaking tub positioned beneath expansive windows, a custom walk-in shower wrapped in marble-look porcelain, warm brass fixtures and hardware, custom cabinetry, and a fully tailored dressing room with dedicated storage for clothing, shoes, and accessories. Soft neutral finishes, elegant lighting, and thoughtfully layered details create a timeless primary suite designed to feel like a private retreat.

This guest bedroom was designed to evoke the romance and timeless elegance of a grand English estate. Inspired by the refined beauty of Bridgerton, the space features a dramatic scenic wallcovering, rich layered textiles, and classic furnishings that create a sense of old-world charm. Soft, moody tones and antique-inspired details add depth and sophistication, while curated accessories bring a collected feel that appears to have evolved over generations. The result is a luxurious guest retreat that feels both intimate and transportive—offering visitors a stay reminiscent of a stately countryside manor.

For their third Urbanology collaboration, longtime clients and close friends, the Songs, both physicians, envisioned a beautifully designed home in Dallas that exuded calm functionality and understated beauty. Rooted in their Asian heritage and Kim’s love for wabi-sabi simplicity, the design embraced clean lines, warm neutrals, and tactile materials that feel approachable yet elevated. The entry and living spaces were reimagined with textural millwork and a sculptural fireplace, creating cohesion and a serene rhythm between daily life and family gatherings. In the office, a once-awkward layout was transformed through custom millwork that turned the piano into a purposeful centerpiece, joined by a reading nook and seamless storage. The expansive primary bedroom gained intimacy and balance through built-in plaster planters, library-style cabinetry, and a curved sofa perfect for evening wine and conversation. Peter’s guest-turned-primary bath became a master class in function, featuring seamless, antimicrobial surfaces and smart hidden storage for his daily rituals. Through every detail, this third phase of the Midway Hollow residence reflects “the art of ease”: spaces that are clean but lived-in, practical but poetic. What began as functional refinements evolved into a warm, layered home—one that honors the couple’s rhythm, heritage, and pursuit of a life beautifully designed, but never overdone.

What started as a kitchen and two-bathroom remodel evolved into a full home renovation plus conversion of the downstairs unfinished basement into a permitted first story addition, complete with family room, guest suite, mudroom, and a new front entrance. We married the midcentury modern architecture with vintage, eclectic details and thoughtful materials.

For a family putting down lasting roots in Park City, this 10,000-square-foot estate within the gated enclave of Quarry Mountain Ranch is conceived as both sanctuary and legacy. Designed to evolve alongside its owners, the home balances permanence with a deep sensitivity to the land it inhabits. Thoughtfully positioned within an alpine meadow shaped by the gentle flow of McLeod Creek, the residence embraces its setting. The waterway threads through the property, sustaining native grasses and drawing elk, deer, and migratory birdlife, grounding daily life in the rhythms of season and landscape. Broad planes of glass and sheltering rooflines frame uninterrupted views of ski slopes and distant ridgelines, while long sightlines pull natural light deep into the interior. Terraces and covered outdoor rooms mediate between house and meadow, creating spaces for gathering, reflection, and year-round connection to the outdoors. A restrained palette of wood and stone echoes the textures of the terrain, lending warmth and durability to the home’s contemporary expression. A separate guest house extends the architectural language, forming a discreet compound that supports family life, hospitality, and the enduring cadence of alpine living. Architecture: Advanced Design Interior Design: Erin Brewer Design

A majestic addition to a modest cape home Tucked into a tree-lined street in Rockland County, this once-modest gambrel cape was reimagined to meet the evolving needs of a growing family while preserving its familiar charm. The transformation includes a new two-car garage with a gambrel-roofed addition above, a welcoming front porch, and a complete interior and exterior renovation. Together, these elements bring a new sense of balance, presence, and grace — a modern evolution of classic suburban form. Inside, walls were opened and rooms reconnected to invite light and ease of movement. The kitchen, once small and uninviting, now anchors the first floor — a warm and generous hub where family life unfolds from morning to night. Living, dining, and work spaces flow naturally, supporting both connection and quiet. Above the new garage, a serene primary suite offers retreat and rhythm, gently elevated above the hum of daily life. With its expanded front porch, refined roofline, and carefully layered materials, the home feels renewed yet rooted — a timeless composition of family, comfort, and place.

This newly constructed custom family home was designed from the ground up to meet the evolving needs of a young family. The layout balances open-concept living with quiet, more private moments, creating a home that is both stylish and functional. Every detail has been considered for both day-to-day living and long-term enjoyment. A curated palette of natural materials ensures a sense of calm and continuity throughout the home. The thoughtful layout supports daily life, while layered materials and refined details create a calming atmosphere. Most importantly, it’s a home that the family can grow into—designed with both the present and future in mind.

Designed to inspire imagination, movement, and independence, this custom boys’ bedroom transforms everyday functionality into an adventurous and highly personalized retreat. Every inch of the room was thoughtfully designed to maximize play, storage, and comfort while maintaining a clean and cohesive aesthetic that can evolve with the child over time. The custom built-in bed structure acts as the centerpiece of the room, combining sleeping, climbing, lounging, and storage into one integrated design. Inspired by the feeling of a treehouse or indoor fort, the elevated rope hammock introduces a playful architectural feature that encourages creativity, reading, and imaginative play while adding visual excitement overhead. Integrated climbing bars and bold red accent details bring energy and personality to the otherwise warm and natural material palette. Custom birch millwork throughout the room provides extensive built-in storage for books, toys, and collectibles while helping the space remain organized and functional for daily life. Deep storage drawers were seamlessly incorporated below the bed platform to maximize usable space without adding visual clutter. A built-in desk and shelving area near the window creates a dedicated zone for homework, reading, and creative projects while still allowing natural light and views to remain a central feature within the room. The overall design balances fun and sophistication by pairing playful elements with clean lines, warm wood tones, layered textures, and thoughtfully integrated functionality — creating a bedroom that feels adventurous, calming, and built to grow alongside its young owner.