Search results for "Extremely tough" in Home Design Ideas

These tiny lights are the perfect finishing touch patio, walkway, driveway or pool deck and are designed to be walked upon. They install flush with the surface, are completely sealed, weatherproof, and waterproof. The lights are tough, able to withstand extreme weather: snow, rain, heat, cold, and salt air

Farmhouse Reinvented - Interior Design Project in Marlboro, New York
Design: Duncan Avenue // Maxwell & Dino Alexander
Construction: ToughConstruct | Hudson Valley
Welcome to the historic (circa 1870) Hudson Valley Farmhouse in the heart of legendary Marlboro, NY. It has been completely reimagined by the Award-Winning Duncan Avenue Design Studio and has become an inspiring, stylish and extremely comfortable zero-emissions 21st century smart home just minutes away from NYC. Situated on top of a hill and an acre of picturesque landscape, it could become your turnkey second-home, a vacation home, rental or investment property, or an authentic Hudson Valley Style dream home for generations to come.
The Farmhouse has been renovated with style, design, sustainability, functionality, and comfort in mind and incorporates more than a dozen smart technology, energy efficiency, and sustainability features.
Contemporary open concept floorplan, glass french doors and 210° wraparound porch with 3-season outdoor dining space blur the line between indoor and outdoor living and allow residents and guests to enjoy a true connection with surrounding nature.
Wake up to the sunrise shining through double glass doors on the east side of the house and watch the warm sunset rays shining through plenty of energy-efficient windows and french doors on the west. High-end finishes such as sustainable bamboo hardwood floors, sustainable concrete countertops, solid wood kitchen cabinets with soft closing drawers, energy star stainless steel appliances, and designer light fixtures are only a few of the updates along with a brand-new central HVAC heat pump system controlled by smart Nest thermostat with two-zone sensors. Brand new roof, utilities, and all LED lighting bring additional value and comfort for many years to come. The property features a beautiful designer pergola on the edge of the hill with an opportunity for the in-ground infinity pool. Property's sun number is 91 and is all set for installation of your own solar farm that will take the property go 100% off-grid.
Superior quality renovation, energy-efficient smart utilities, world-class interior design, sustainable materials, and Authentic Hudson Valley Style make this unique property a true real estate gem and once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity to own a turnkey second-home and a piece of the Hudson Valley history.

For generations, low-maintenance Mastic siding from Ply Gem has been the number 1 choice among homeowners, builders, and remodelers. Solid and tough, Mastic premium siding and Ply Gem Stone stands up to extreme weather, requires little maintenance, and is an eco-friendly choice for your family. Best of all, you are covered with an industry leading limited lifetime warranty backed by Ply Gem, the 75-year leader in pioneering performance home exteriors.
Find the right local pro for your project

The 10x16 Sentry is extremely tough and spacious! This vinyl shed is 10 ft. wide with 6'6" ft. sidewalls and an 9'4" ft. high peak. The 16-ft. depth allows you to store off-road vehicles or mowing equipment and garden/lawn tools. Thanks to the vinyl siding, this is one low maintenance shed.
Our sheds are designed to be easily customized online by you. Our vinyl sided sheds include vinyl siding with 8 colors to choose from. In addition, you can choose from 5 different shingle colors.
The Sentry also features a flexible door location so that you can choose whether to place the door on the eave or gable side. Next, you can add a window to invite extra light inside. If you plan on storing ATV's, bicycles or lawn tractors, be sure to add a wood ramp too. Let your inspirations set sail and we can handle the rest!
We have other sizes available: 10x8, 10x12 and 10x16.

A stunningly original and cutting-edge furniture set which will make a dramatic statement in any bathroom. Again, the inspiration is organic, the stacked cubist shapes redolent of the layered strata of a cliff edge or mountain face. This set is completed by a frameless rectangular mirror (900w x 700h mm / 35.5 x 27.5 in) with an overhead LED light, for makeup, shaving, and other vital bathroom functions.
Attractive ceramic composite top
The worktop and built-in lavatory has been crafted from superb Black Oxide composite. This innovative ceramic composite is made from a mixture of crushed clay, granite, rock and ceramic pigments that is combined under extreme temperature and pressure. The result is a state of the art material that is incredibly tough, with homogeneous color throughout. Here, the elemental black tones are the perfect choice for the deep, hard edged, angular design of this urban inspired top, with its large, rectangular built-in basin.
Staggered cabinetry
The design is deceptive in its simplicity. Wall-mounted, it creates a dynamic paradox between the solid, staggered shapes of the basin console and cabinetry which at the same time appear to float. The basin is ‘supported’ below by staggered cabinetry that features complementary dark brown veneer drawer fronts, beautifully offset by the blue grey lacquered top and side panels. The clip handles feature a slim, metallic, contrast top strip. ark brown veneer drawer cabinets is a new, elegant finish with a vintage twist, which gives a new interpretation of the typical veneers of sandblasted spruce wood in a wide range of colours. A pleasantly evocative solution, which maintains the the distinctive Cleaf style in the most traditional aesthetic modules, in a perfectly contemporary vision.

Mastic vinyl siding and TimberTech AZEK porches gave this New Bedford, MA multi-family a maintenance-free exterior!
The homeowner chose to install Mastic Carvedwood 44 vinyl siding in the color, Misty Shadow. Built to handle extreme New England weather, Mastic Carvedwood 44 vinyl siding has a 200 mph wind rating and exclusive Hang-Tough Technology to make sure your siding stays in place! This fade, crack, and chip resistant vinyl siding eliminates the need to paint every 4-5 years which saves homeowners the costly maintenance of painting. This low maintenance product comes in a wide variety of colors and styles to suit your personal style.
Additionally, with a VIP limited lifetime warranty and our 10 year workmanship guarantee homeowners can feel confident that their home is protected.
Urban properties have to make the most of their space. To give tenants on both floors an outdoor space, the homeowner chose to rebuild their front porches with Timbertech AZEK decking and rails. This capped polymer decking is rot, insect, scratch, and fade resistant. It’s the perfect product for rental properties – no need to worry about sanding, staining, or painting their porches! As one of the few TimberTech AZEK Platinum contractors in the area, you can trust our team to build the deck or porch of your dreams!
Thinking of having your own exterior makeover? With over 40 years of experience, we have thousands of satisfied customers throughout Cape Cod, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Eastern Rhode Island. In addition to an extensive list of industry awards and credentials, we have been an A+ rated, Accredited member of the Better Business Bureau for more than 25 years! Qualified homeowners can even take advantage of our affordable home improvement financing options.
Get started with a FREE quote by calling (508) 997-1111 or submit your information online and make your house a Care Free home!

After a decade of being bi-coastal, my clients decided to retire from the east coast to the west. But the task of packing up a whole lifetime in a home was quite daunting so they hired me to comb through their furniture and accessories to see what could fit, what should be left behind, and what should make the move. The job proved difficult since my clients have a wealth of absolutely gorgeous objects and furnishings collected from trips to exotic, far-flung locales like Nepal, or inherited from relatives in England. It was tough to pare down, but after hours of diligent measuring, I mapped out what would migrate west and where it would be placed once here, and I filled in some blank spaces with new pieces.
They bought their recent Craftsman-style home from the contractor who had designed and built it for his family. The only architectural work we did was to transform the den at the rear of the house into a television/garden room. My clients did not want the television to be on display, and sticking a TV in an armoire just doesn’t cut it anymore. I recommended installing a hidden, mirror TV with accompanying invisible in-wall speakers. To do this, we removed an unnecessary small door in the corner of the room to free up the entire wall. Now, at the touch of a remote, what looks like a beautiful wall mirror mounted over a Japanese tansu console comes to life, and sound magically floats out from the wall around it! We also replaced a bank of windows with French doors to allow easy access to the garden.
While the house is extremely well made, the interiors were bland. The warm woodwork was lost in a sea of beige, so I chose a deep aqua color palette for the front rooms of the house which makes the woodwork sing. And we discovered a wonderful art niche over the fireplace that the previous owners had covered with a framed print. Conversely, a warm color palette in the TV room contrasts nicely with the greenery from the garden seen through the new French doors.
Photo by Bernardo Grijalva

Solid and tough, Mastic premium siding stands up to extreme weather, requires little maintenance, and is an eco-friendly choice for your family. Best of all, you’re covered by an industry leading V.I.P. limited lifetime warranty backed by PlyGem, the 75-year leader in pioneering performance home exteriors. The timeless design of double hung windows complemented by the use of oval-shaped accent windows and colonial grille patterns contribute to the whimsical home design.

Thomas Valko of Reico Kitchen and Bath in King of Prussia, PA in collaboration with Hounddog Contracting, designed a transitional style kitchen featuring Masterpiece Cabinetry.
The kitchen cabinets are in the Martel 5-piece door style in Maple in a Shortbread finish, complimented by Classic Rock Tesora Vento quartz countertops.
“We love the new layout and design of our kitchen. It is both beautiful and functional! It was a challenge for us to visualize how the project would turn out, so it was extremely helpful to see the Reico 3D images while designing prior to the start of our work. We were very happy with the quality of both the cabinets and quartz we purchased from Reico,” said the client.
Thomas found it challenging to optimize the smaller layout for maximum functionality. "Our biggest hurdle was determining the best spot for the island in such a compact space. Choosing the perfect location was tough," he explained.
He expressed his admiration for the Shortbread color of the cabinetry, noting its consistency and ability to hold the stain well. Thomas also enjoyed the collaborative relationship with Dan from Hounddog Contracting, “The communication between all to ensure we were all on the same page. This was effective as the overall result of the kitchen was a huge success.”
Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Farmhouse Reinvented - Interior Design Project in Marlboro, New York
Design: Duncan Avenue // Maxwell & Dino Alexander
Construction: ToughConstruct | Hudson Valley
Welcome to the historic (circa 1870) Hudson Valley Farmhouse in the heart of legendary Marlboro, NY. It has been completely reimagined by the Award-Winning Duncan Avenue Design Studio and has become an inspiring, stylish and extremely comfortable zero-emissions 21st century smart home just minutes away from NYC. Situated on top of a hill and an acre of picturesque landscape, it could become your turnkey second-home, a vacation home, rental or investment property, or an authentic Hudson Valley Style dream home for generations to come.
The Farmhouse has been renovated with style, design, sustainability, functionality, and comfort in mind and incorporates more than a dozen smart technology, energy efficiency, and sustainability features.
Contemporary open concept floorplan, glass french doors and 210° wraparound porch with 3-season outdoor dining space blur the line between indoor and outdoor living and allow residents and guests to enjoy a true connection with surrounding nature.
Wake up to the sunrise shining through double glass doors on the east side of the house and watch the warm sunset rays shining through plenty of energy-efficient windows and french doors on the west. High-end finishes such as sustainable bamboo hardwood floors, sustainable concrete countertops, solid wood kitchen cabinets with soft closing drawers, energy star stainless steel appliances, and designer light fixtures are only a few of the updates along with a brand-new central HVAC heat pump system controlled by smart Nest thermostat with two-zone sensors. Brand new roof, utilities, and all LED lighting bring additional value and comfort for many years to come. The property features a beautiful designer pergola on the edge of the hill with an opportunity for the in-ground infinity pool. Property's sun number is 91 and is all set for installation of your own solar farm that will take the property go 100% off-grid.
Superior quality renovation, energy-efficient smart utilities, world-class interior design, sustainable materials, and Authentic Hudson Valley Style make this unique property a true real estate gem and once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity to own a turnkey second-home and a piece of the Hudson Valley history.

you could choose ceramic tiles for the flooring o the kitchen, that's certainly an exquisite idea. Kitchen flooring is victim of spills every day, which means that the kitchen floor's floor ought to be wiped clean every day. Then again, ceramic tiles have a tendency to be wiped clean without difficulty, and they're a notable option for kitchen flooring. The ceramic tiles do not absorb microorganism and smell, that's critical for the kitchen. Ceramic tiles are also excellent due to their water-resistant nature and are a crucial element for kitchen floors. What are ceramic tiles made up of? Ceramic tiles are defined to be made from clay, and they're also recognized to be very sincere and can be set up easily as kitchen flooring. It must be referred to that every one of the tile must be set up properly over the sub tiles if you choose a higher result at the stop. The subfloor must be very smooth and flat so that while you install the ceramic tiles within the kitchen, you must make certain that every one of the edges are instantly and make the technique of grouting, however, less difficult and quicker. The ceramic kitchen tiles in addition to the porcelain tiles
ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles do have a difference between them, however, the difference is very moderate. The porcelain can soak up water, and the ceramic tiles can take in more water in amount compared to the porcelain. It ought to be brought that the porcelain wood pattern tiles have sand in them, and it's far brought to the clay mixture easily. Those all were made essentially below stress and warmth to produce a robust, tough, and even dense tile with a view to be porous in comparison to the ceramic tiles present. It must be stated that the porcelain timber tiles are suitable for getting used inside the kitchens and bathrooms, and you may even use them exterior as nicely. The unique nature which could stand and tolerate the weather conditions and climate is remarkable. Ceramic tiles and natural stones like marble and slate are extremely good for the kitchen floors as they are very long-lasting and strong. The porcelain is likewise considered to be from the tile family, and as we understand, tiles are an excellent option with regards to kitchen and toilet floorings. What are the advantages of ceramic tiles for kitchen flooring? Ceramic tiles have multiple benefits, and consequently, it's miles considered to be perfect for the kitchen floorings including:
it's miles incredible information that the ceramic kitchen flooring does now not have a tendency to burn. The ceramic tiles can't be charged electrically and purpose no friction. The tiles for the kitchen floors do no longer have any health hazards and are subsequently very safe for people. In the end, it should be said that the ceramic kitchen tiles are very long-lasting and lengthy-lasting. After all those huge benefits and blessings of the ceramic tile kitchens, nevertheless, you are unsure about what to select for the kitchen floor?

Organized Living Classica. Durability, function, and elegance all in one.
Inspiration for a timeless closet remodel in Cincinnati
Inspiration for a timeless closet remodel in Cincinnati

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out.
“We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said.
After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction.
“There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said.
Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said.
A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”.
An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family.
The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together.
Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet.
Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said.
Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

Photo: Ashley K.
Shower Door: Shower Doors of Houston
Fixtures: Grohe and American Standard
Transitional gray tile and ceramic tile bathroom photo in Houston with an undermount sink, furniture-like cabinets, black cabinets, marble countertops and a one-piece toilet
Transitional gray tile and ceramic tile bathroom photo in Houston with an undermount sink, furniture-like cabinets, black cabinets, marble countertops and a one-piece toilet

Could a dreadful dishwasher leak be a blessing in disguise?
The Redding kitchen was very odd. The house was a beautiful brick house from the early 1900’s, but the kitchen had been renovated since then with an impractical layout. It worked, but, for as much time as Mr. and Mrs. spend in the kitchen, it left much to be desired. Because they enjoy cooking so much, they dreamed of having a functional kitchen that added to the character of the home and respected the history of it.
So that’s why Mr. and Mrs. went to a Lancaster Home Show where they meet ALL Renovation & Design. They were impressed with our process which guides clients through the design phase in a unique way that guarantees a customized remodel, tailored to their dreams. We really hit it off, but, since they were still in the idea stage, the years passed quickly.
Then one morning they discovered a puddle under the dishwasher. And, as is often the case, the damage had already spread to the surrounding cabinets and a large area of the floor. And upon further inspection, it was discovered that part of the floor was made with asbestos – which would require expert remediation. This was turning into a major rehab project.
That’s when they were faced with a tough call: do they patch it up now and rip it out in a few years when they remodel the entire kitchen, or, do they remodel now? They called ALL Renovation & Design.
First we worked with the insurance company to raise the damage claim to what it would have actually cost to repair the damage done by the leak… several thousand dollars higher than what they had initially appraised it.
Then we guided Mr. and Mrs. through the design process that carefully articulated the goals and vision for the new kitchen. Functionality and complementing the home’s character were top priority. They were extremely pleased with the help we provided in guiding them through the cabinet choices, layout, and color selections.
Communication was key. Especially when we got into the demolition and construction work. One thing you can be sure of when working with older homes is that there are almost always surprises between the walls. For the Redding kitchen it took the form of a steel support beam that we discovered on the second day of demolition. Because it prevented us from opening up the doorway, we had to pivot and adjust the cabinet spacing. Electrical access was also a serious problem that required added creativity to be sure the new space would include all the functionality of a modern kitchen. But all the challenges were overcome through creativity and almost constant communication.
At last, it was complete. Together we transformed the space into a beautiful transitional kitchen that is a joy to work in.
The maple cabinets with full-overlay doors were painted in matte white with copper hardware. The countertop and backsplash were Hanstone Quartz in the Strato color. It included a 30” single-basin sink in 14-gauge hammered copper. For the floor they chose Lauzan Maple Hardwood in the Sahara finish, installed in the herringbone pattern. And to really set off the kitchen, the old appliances were replaced with new GE Café appliances in their classy matte white with brushed copper accents.

Could a dreadful dishwasher leak be a blessing in disguise?
The Redding kitchen was very odd. The house was a beautiful brick house from the early 1900’s, but the kitchen had been renovated since then with an impractical layout. It worked, but, for as much time as Mr. and Mrs. spend in the kitchen, it left much to be desired. Because they enjoy cooking so much, they dreamed of having a functional kitchen that added to the character of the home and respected the history of it.
So that’s why Mr. and Mrs. went to a Lancaster Home Show where they meet ALL Renovation & Design. They were impressed with our process which guides clients through the design phase in a unique way that guarantees a customized remodel, tailored to their dreams. We really hit it off, but, since they were still in the idea stage, the years passed quickly.
Then one morning they discovered a puddle under the dishwasher. And, as is often the case, the damage had already spread to the surrounding cabinets and a large area of the floor. And upon further inspection, it was discovered that part of the floor was made with asbestos – which would require expert remediation. This was turning into a major rehab project.
That’s when they were faced with a tough call: do they patch it up now and rip it out in a few years when they remodel the entire kitchen, or, do they remodel now? They called ALL Renovation & Design.
First we worked with the insurance company to raise the damage claim to what it would have actually cost to repair the damage done by the leak… several thousand dollars higher than what they had initially appraised it.
Then we guided Mr. and Mrs. through the design process that carefully articulated the goals and vision for the new kitchen. Functionality and complementing the home’s character were top priority. They were extremely pleased with the help we provided in guiding them through the cabinet choices, layout, and color selections.
Communication was key. Especially when we got into the demolition and construction work. One thing you can be sure of when working with older homes is that there are almost always surprises between the walls. For the Redding kitchen it took the form of a steel support beam that we discovered on the second day of demolition. Because it prevented us from opening up the doorway, we had to pivot and adjust the cabinet spacing. Electrical access was also a serious problem that required added creativity to be sure the new space would include all the functionality of a modern kitchen. But all the challenges were overcome through creativity and almost constant communication.
At last, it was complete. Together we transformed the space into a beautiful transitional kitchen that is a joy to work in.
The maple cabinets with full-overlay doors were painted in matte white with copper hardware. The countertop and backsplash were Hanstone Quartz in the Strato color. It included a 30” single-basin sink in 14-gauge hammered copper. For the floor they chose Lauzan Maple Hardwood in the Sahara finish, installed in the herringbone pattern. And to really set off the kitchen, the old appliances were replaced with new GE Café appliances in their classy matte white with brushed copper accents.

Could a dreadful dishwasher leak be a blessing in disguise?
The Redding kitchen was very odd. The house was a beautiful brick house from the early 1900’s, but the kitchen had been renovated since then with an impractical layout. It worked, but, for as much time as Mr. and Mrs. spend in the kitchen, it left much to be desired. Because they enjoy cooking so much, they dreamed of having a functional kitchen that added to the character of the home and respected the history of it.
So that’s why Mr. and Mrs. went to a Lancaster Home Show where they meet ALL Renovation & Design. They were impressed with our process which guides clients through the design phase in a unique way that guarantees a customized remodel, tailored to their dreams. We really hit it off, but, since they were still in the idea stage, the years passed quickly.
Then one morning they discovered a puddle under the dishwasher. And, as is often the case, the damage had already spread to the surrounding cabinets and a large area of the floor. And upon further inspection, it was discovered that part of the floor was made with asbestos – which would require expert remediation. This was turning into a major rehab project.
That’s when they were faced with a tough call: do they patch it up now and rip it out in a few years when they remodel the entire kitchen, or, do they remodel now? They called ALL Renovation & Design.
First we worked with the insurance company to raise the damage claim to what it would have actually cost to repair the damage done by the leak… several thousand dollars higher than what they had initially appraised it.
Then we guided Mr. and Mrs. through the design process that carefully articulated the goals and vision for the new kitchen. Functionality and complementing the home’s character were top priority. They were extremely pleased with the help we provided in guiding them through the cabinet choices, layout, and color selections.
Communication was key. Especially when we got into the demolition and construction work. One thing you can be sure of when working with older homes is that there are almost always surprises between the walls. For the Redding kitchen it took the form of a steel support beam that we discovered on the second day of demolition. Because it prevented us from opening up the doorway, we had to pivot and adjust the cabinet spacing. Electrical access was also a serious problem that required added creativity to be sure the new space would include all the functionality of a modern kitchen. But all the challenges were overcome through creativity and almost constant communication.
At last, it was complete. Together we transformed the space into a beautiful transitional kitchen that is a joy to work in.
The maple cabinets with full-overlay doors were painted in matte white with copper hardware. The countertop and backsplash were Hanstone Quartz in the Strato color. It included a 30” single-basin sink in 14-gauge hammered copper. For the floor they chose Lauzan Maple Hardwood in the Sahara finish, installed in the herringbone pattern. And to really set off the kitchen, the old appliances were replaced with new GE Café appliances in their classy matte white with brushed copper accents.

These tiny lights are the perfect finishing touch patio, walkway, driveway or pool deck and are designed to be walked upon. They install flush with the surface, are completely sealed, weatherproof, and waterproof. The lights are tough, able to withstand extreme weather: snow, rain, heat, cold, and salt air

After a decade of being bi-coastal, my clients decided to retire from the east coast to the west. But the task of packing up a whole lifetime in a home was quite daunting so they hired me to comb through their furniture and accessories to see what could fit, what should be left behind, and what should make the move. The job proved difficult since my clients have a wealth of absolutely gorgeous objects and furnishings collected from trips to exotic, far-flung locales like Nepal, or inherited from relatives in England. It was tough to pare down, but after hours of diligent measuring, I mapped out what would migrate west and where it would be placed once here, and I filled in some blank spaces with new pieces.
They bought their recent Craftsman-style home from the contractor who had designed and built it for his family. The only architectural work we did was to transform the den at the rear of the house into a television/garden room. My clients did not want the television to be on display, and sticking a TV in an armoire just doesn’t cut it anymore. I recommended installing a hidden, mirror TV with accompanying invisible in-wall speakers. To do this, we removed an unnecessary small door in the corner of the room to free up the entire wall. Now, at the touch of a remote, what looks like a beautiful wall mirror mounted over a Japanese tansu console comes to life, and sound magically floats out from the wall around it! We also replaced a bank of windows with French doors to allow easy access to the garden.
While the house is extremely well made, the interiors were bland. The warm woodwork was lost in a sea of beige, so I chose a deep aqua color palette for the front rooms of the house which makes the woodwork sing. And we discovered a wonderful art niche over the fireplace that the previous owners had covered with a framed print. Conversely, a warm color palette in the TV room contrasts nicely with the greenery from the garden seen through the new French doors.
Photo by Bernardo Grijalva
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