Techo-Bloc

Juxtaposition: defined as two things placed close together with contrasting effect, the word epitomizes this downtown Chicago residence. A family home, it evinces comfort, calm, and connection. Here, chaise lounges nestle side-by-side, welcoming wine-sippers, book-readers, and fireplace-gazers. There, an upholstered kitchen banquette recalls the coziness of a favorite restaurant’s corner table. And yet – while an elegant refuge for a busy family, this home is also a place of work. Indeed, it is the worldwide headquarters of a lauded anti-aging skincare company, complete with full-time employees and their offices. To meld the dual functions the house serves so seamlessly, workspaces are lavished with the same hallmarks that distinguish family-oriented rooms: a focus on ease, an open-minded use of space, thoughtfully considered décor, and an imaginative use of color that awakens a mostly neutral palette with joyful visual interest. Lavender and chartreuse sing against black walls; tangerine and steel blue dot creamy hues with vivid punctuation. Still, quiet prevails, creating a timelessly tranquil backdrop for work, play, and everything in between. Photo: Dustin Halleck

Nicolock
Patio photo in Boston

Cambridge Pavers
Inspiration for a patio remodel in Boston

Nicolock
Example of a patio design in Boston

Nicolock
Patio photo in Boston

Entryway - contemporary entryway idea in Boise

Lark Gilmer-Smothermon
Example of a trendy living room design in Other with gray walls

Photo: Sean Litchfield
Example of a mid-sized trendy wooden curved staircase design in New York with metal risers

Nicolock
Patio photo in Boston

Juxtaposition: defined as two things placed close together with contrasting effect, the word epitomizes this downtown Chicago residence. A family home, it evinces comfort, calm, and connection. Here, chaise lounges nestle side-by-side, welcoming wine-sippers, book-readers, and fireplace-gazers. There, an upholstered kitchen banquette recalls the coziness of a favorite restaurant’s corner table. And yet – while an elegant refuge for a busy family, this home is also a place of work. Indeed, it is the worldwide headquarters of a lauded anti-aging skincare company, complete with full-time employees and their offices. To meld the dual functions the house serves so seamlessly, workspaces are lavished with the same hallmarks that distinguish family-oriented rooms: a focus on ease, an open-minded use of space, thoughtfully considered décor, and an imaginative use of color that awakens a mostly neutral palette with joyful visual interest. Lavender and chartreuse sing against black walls; tangerine and steel blue dot creamy hues with vivid punctuation. Still, quiet prevails, creating a timelessly tranquil backdrop for work, play, and everything in between. Photo: Dustin Halleck

Nicolock
Inspiration for a patio remodel in Boston

The Homeowner’s of this St. Marlo home were ready to do away with the large unused Jacuzzi tub and builder grade finishes in their Master Bath and Bedroom. The request was for a design that felt modern and crisp but held the elegance of their Country French preferences. Custom vanities with drop in sinks that mimic the roll top tub and crystal knobs flank a furniture style armoire painted in a lightly distressed gray achieving a sense of casual elegance. Wallpaper and crystal sconces compliment the simplicity of the chandelier and free standing tub surrounded by traditional Rue Pierre white marble tile. As contradiction the floor is 12 x 24 polished porcelain adding a clean and modernized touch. Multiple shower heads, bench and mosaic tiled niches with glass shelves complete the luxurious showering experience.

Juxtaposition: defined as two things placed close together with contrasting effect, the word epitomizes this downtown Chicago residence. A family home, it evinces comfort, calm, and connection. Here, chaise lounges nestle side-by-side, welcoming wine-sippers, book-readers, and fireplace-gazers. There, an upholstered kitchen banquette recalls the coziness of a favorite restaurant’s corner table. And yet – while an elegant refuge for a busy family, this home is also a place of work. Indeed, it is the worldwide headquarters of a lauded anti-aging skincare company, complete with full-time employees and their offices. To meld the dual functions the house serves so seamlessly, workspaces are lavished with the same hallmarks that distinguish family-oriented rooms: a focus on ease, an open-minded use of space, thoughtfully considered décor, and an imaginative use of color that awakens a mostly neutral palette with joyful visual interest. Lavender and chartreuse sing against black walls; tangerine and steel blue dot creamy hues with vivid punctuation. Still, quiet prevails, creating a timelessly tranquil backdrop for work, play, and everything in between. Photo: Dustin Halleck

Turquoise gives lift to the gray palette. Pearson velvet sofa. Ralph Lauren lamps. Floor lamp from West Elm. Garden stools from Gumps. Slipper chair reupholstered in Stroheim fabric. Roman shades in hand-blocked Galbraith & Paul fabric. Clarence House Chinoiserie throw pillows. Purple printed throw pillows in C&C Milano fabric. Client's old Chinese-frame chair lacquered in turquoise to match sofa. End tables by Lexington. Art from Susan Calloway Fine Art in Washington, DC. Photo by Erik Kvalsvik

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Patricia Bean Photography, Design Build by Brenda at Art a la Carte Design
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This new construction staircase makes a bold architectural statement with its sleek, floating design and modern material palette. Featuring thick wood treads paired with a minimalist steel stringer, the staircase appears to effortlessly cantilever through the space, creating a sense of openness and visual lightness. A frameless glass railing enhances the clean lines while maintaining unobstructed sightlines throughout the room. The combination of warm wood tones and dark structural elements adds contrast and depth, tying seamlessly into the surrounding interior finishes. Positioned as a central focal point, the staircase is complemented by a double-height ceiling and a contemporary chandelier above, amplifying the sense of scale and sophistication. Adjacent built-in shelving with integrated lighting and a modern fireplace further elevate the space, creating a cohesive and luxurious living environment.