Feature In: Visit Miami Beach Magazine & Island Living A nice young couple contacted us from Brazil to decorate their newly acquired apartment. We schedule a meeting through Skype and from the very first moment we had a very good feeling this was going to be a nice project and people to work with. We exchanged some ideas, comments, images and we explained to them how we were used to worked with clients overseas and how important was to keep communication opened. They main concerned was to find a solution for a giant structure leaning column in the main room, as well as how to make the kitchen, dining and living room work together in one considerably small space with few dimensions. Whether it was a holiday home or a place to rent occasionally, the requirements were simple, Scandinavian style, accent colors and low investment, and so we did it. Once the proposal was signed, we got down to work and in two months the apartment was ready to welcome them with nice scented candles, flowers and delicious Mojitos from their spectacular view at the 41th floor of one of Miami's most modern and tallest building. Rolando Diaz Photography

Jill Greer from AUGEO+GREER
Inspiration for a coastal living room remodel in Minneapolis

Architect Allard Jansen describes the home’s new floor plan as: “A central courtyard with two wings” Discussing the homes main features, he draws attention to the entrance of the home, the style of which is a specialty of the firm.. “One of the surprises we like to do is that you don’t step into the house when you come through the front door, instead you step into a courtyard,” he explains. This home invites the outdoors in and the central courtyard houses a gurgling fountain and outdoor furniture centered around a fireplace.

Dick Wood
Example of a cottage u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Charleston with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, granite countertops, green backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Home design - scandinavian home design idea in Minneapolis

Builder: BDR Executive Custom Homes Architect: 42 North - Architecture + Design Interior Design: Christine DiMaria Design Photographer: Chuck Heiney
Example of a huge minimalist l-shaped brown floor and dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Grand Rapids with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, quartzite countertops and white countertops

Vince Lupo
Example of a large trendy open concept concrete floor and gray floor family room design in Baltimore with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a media wall and a plaster fireplace

"When I first visited the client's house, and before seeing the space, I sat down with my clients to understand their needs. They told me they were getting ready to remodel their bathroom and master closet, and they wanted to get some ideas on how to make their closet better. The told me they wanted to figure out the closet before they did anything, so they presented their ideas to me, which included building walls in the space to create a larger master closet. I couldn't visual what they were explaining, so we went to the space. As soon as I got in the space, it was clear to me that we didn't need to build walls, we just needed to have the current closets torn out and replaced with wardrobes, create some shelving space for shoes and build an island with drawers in a bench. When I proposed that solution, they both looked at me with big smiles on their faces and said, 'That is the best idea we've heard, let's do it', then they asked me if I could design the vanity as well. "I used 3/4" Melamine, Italian walnut, and Donatello thermofoil. The client provided their own countertops." - Leslie Klinck, Designer See more photos of this project under 'Master Bathroom & Closet Combination'.

Inspiration for a contemporary staircase remodel in London

Full Exterior with driveway
Example of a huge tuscan beige two-story stucco exterior home design in Jacksonville

Modern luxury meets warm farmhouse in this Southampton home! Scandinavian inspired furnishings and light fixtures create a clean and tailored look, while the natural materials found in accent walls, casegoods, the staircase, and home decor hone in on a homey feel. An open-concept interior that proves less can be more is how we’d explain this interior. By accentuating the “negative space,” we’ve allowed the carefully chosen furnishings and artwork to steal the show, while the crisp whites and abundance of natural light create a rejuvenated and refreshed interior. This sprawling 5,000 square foot home includes a salon, ballet room, two media rooms, a conference room, multifunctional study, and, lastly, a guest house (which is a mini version of the main house).

Modern luxury meets warm farmhouse in this Southampton home! Scandinavian inspired furnishings and light fixtures create a clean and tailored look, while the natural materials found in accent walls, casegoods, the staircase, and home decor hone in on a homey feel. An open-concept interior that proves less can be more is how we’d explain this interior. By accentuating the “negative space,” we’ve allowed the carefully chosen furnishings and artwork to steal the show, while the crisp whites and abundance of natural light create a rejuvenated and refreshed interior. This sprawling 5,000 square foot home includes a salon, ballet room, two media rooms, a conference room, multifunctional study, and, lastly, a guest house (which is a mini version of the main house).

The Rustic Canyon Art Studio occupies a thin, triangular sliver of property close to the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California. Connected to the main residence by both a footbridge and an automobile bridge, the studio is a retreat for art and exercise. The long, triangular plan is formed by the property line and a hillside on the east and the Rustic Canyon Creek Channel on the west. A simple steel column and beam system placed on the interior of the studio allows the roof plane to be “lifted” off the building. The building’s columnar system corresponds to a subterranean system of large concrete caissons that extend 30-40 feet below grade. The building interior consists of an art studio and an exercise area, with sliding glass panels creating a partial separation wall between the two areas. Continuous Douglas Fir clerestory windows around the studio perimeter separate the walls from the roof plane. The high windows bring soft, diffuse light into the building interior, creating optimal natural lighting for the art studio. The exterior walls are 12”-14” thick, to allow for horizontal air distribution. The thick walls also accommodate pockets for oversized Douglas fir sliding glass door panels, thus allowing the doors to completely disappear into the walls and opening the studio directly toward the Rustic Creek Channel. The shed roof is covered with standing seam Rheinzink. The triangular plan causes the roof to rise from the south end to the north end, and the north end is further cut on the diagonal and lifted to create large, north-facing clerestory windows for the studio. The studio is an exercise in spatial and structural simplicity. Sustainable design was incorporated from the beginning. High clerestory windows provide extensive natural light and ventilation throughout the studio. Insulation values 60% higher than conventional construction were achieved by using double 2x4 walls. Photo: Tom Bonner

Of note in the nearly 1,000-square-foot master suite are materials and textures that subtly telegraph in the outdoors, a Lazar specialty. Among them: white shiplap and cut stone that extend along the walls and ceiling, and clear past a gallery of windows that let in grand views of Hermosa Beach, blue water and all. “The view is forever,” Lazar points out, explaining that neighboring homes have reached the maximum height at which they can be built. “It can never be taken away.” No matter the room, none of the property’s natural surroundings have been lost on the builder. Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Laura Hull

'Carmello' tomato growing in a 15-gallon terra-cotta pot, week 1. Photo by Steve Masley
Example of an eclectic home design design in San Francisco

A tiny desk area for messages and a few family notes. The corkboard is covered with blue fabric to match the walls and other décor. Nancy E. Hill
Example of a classic u-shaped eat-in kitchen design in New York with flat-panel cabinets and wood countertops

Modern luxury meets warm farmhouse in this Southampton home! Scandinavian inspired furnishings and light fixtures create a clean and tailored look, while the natural materials found in accent walls, casegoods, the staircase, and home decor hone in on a homey feel. An open-concept interior that proves less can be more is how we’d explain this interior. By accentuating the “negative space,” we’ve allowed the carefully chosen furnishings and artwork to steal the show, while the crisp whites and abundance of natural light create a rejuvenated and refreshed interior. This sprawling 5,000 square foot home includes a salon, ballet room, two media rooms, a conference room, multifunctional study, and, lastly, a guest house (which is a mini version of the main house).

Creating your outdoor living space means claiming your own little slice of nature and customizing it to suit your lifestyle and enhance your daily routine. Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than sitting on your favorite patio chair, feeling the warm sun mixed with a cool breeze, and smelling the fragrant flowers blossoming in your garden. Imagine how much more time you would spend outside if you had your very own cabana, bungalow, pergola, sunroom or pool house to enjoy! Think of all the ways an outdoor room could enhance your Southern California lifestyle and prime your home for entertaining guests year-round. Our knowledgeable and experienced team of landscape design professionals and outdoor living specialists will sit down with you and explain the features and benefits of each structure. Whatever your dreams may be, Western Outdoor Design & Build can turn them into reality. (800) 789-7510! Www.westernoutdoordesign.com