Van Auken Akins Architects LLC designed and facilitated the renovation of a 1,876 square-foot suburban condo. VAA developed a palette of clean detailing, which allowed for the integration of the client's blue chip art collection. Rich materials, such as Carrera marble, liquid crystal privacy glass, Venetian plaster, and stained cherry serve as beautiful backdrops to define each space. A new bluestone patio extends the interior theme into the existing condominium landscape.

Located on a flat, open, grass-covered site amid wraparound views of the Teton and Gros Ventre ranges, the deliberately unobtrusive Tennican residence facilitates a clear dialogue between enclosed and natural space. Designed by Ward+Blake Architects in Jackson, Wyoming. Photo Credit: Douglas Khan

Although only 24" - the island has access from both sides. The design extended the entry and kitchen, raised ceilings and opened up small narrow hallways. Wide openings between the rooms facilitate interaction between kitchen, dining and living room Photo by Mark Pinkerton vi360

Today’s investment landscape in California features a surge in transforming single-family lots into vibrant multi-family residences, facilitated by recent SB9 and ADU laws. This project exemplifies how a modest 6,750-square-foot lot can accommodate a 1,500-square-foot primary home alongside a 2,500-square-foot duplex, seamlessly integrating design, functionality, and neighborhood aesthetics. The primary residence underwent a meticulous interior transformation, evolving from a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath layout into a spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home. Strategic reconfigurations centered around creating an expansive great room—an open-concept space adorned with vaulted ceilings—where the kitchen, dining, and living areas converge into a magnificent communal zone. Exterior updates further distinguish the property. The front and side yards are enclosed with fencing and privacy hedges, linked by concrete pathways that enhance outdoor functionality while compensating for backyard space lost during renovations. The exterior façade was refreshed with darker tones, deliberately contrasting with the duplex to emphasize architectural separation. Designed to preserve the suburban charm, the duplex visually mimics a single-family home from the street. Its facade creates an illusion of a two-story residence, maintaining harmony within the neighborhood fabric. The main unit, developed under SB9 guidelines, features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a luxurious parents’ suite situated upstairs. Downstairs, two bedrooms share a full bath, creating a balanced family-oriented layout. The duplex’s interior boasts 9-foot ceilings throughout, elevating the sense of space and openness. The design thoughtfully places the kitchen at the front, inviting guests into the home, while stairs on the right lead to the private upstairs bedroom suite. The ADU offers a two bedroom and two & half baths. the unit is accessible via a private side entrance with a dedicated walkway. Its layout includes a ground-floor living room, a galley kitchen, and a discreet powder room beneath the stairs, designed to contain guest traffic and maintain privacy upstairs. The upstairs bedrooms each feature luxurious bathrooms with expansive showers, adding an element of modern elegance. Both units enjoy thoughtfully landscaped outdoor spaces—private patios, backyard areas, and gated front yards—creating welcoming environments for residents and visitors alike. This project exemplifies innovative urban infill solutions, blending architectural elegance with legal compliance and community harmony—an inspiring blueprint for the future of residential development in California.

Photo by Barbara Wilson Landscape Architect, LLC A small residential, seaside property located on Fairfield Beach, Fairfield was renovated by the new owners and adapted for their active family. Barbara was the landscape architect in charge of all of the landscape elements upgrades. She designed new bluestone curving paths to access the front and side doors and designed new landscape lighting to enhance the walks. The existing trees were saved and she designed new shade and salt-tolerant plantings which were added to provide seasonal color and interest while respecting the existing plantings. Along the beach front additional native beach grasses were added to stabilize the dunes while removing some invasive plantings. This work will be phased over the next few years in an effort to keep the sand stable. Beach roses were incorporated into a hollow in the dunes. A small lawn area was renovated and the surrounding Black Pines pruned to provide a small play area and respite from the sun. Beautiful reblooming hydrangeas line the edge of the gravel driveway. Rounded beach stones were used instead of mulch in the island planting along the edge of the adjacent road planted with Miscanthus, Mugo pine and yucca. Barbara designed a custom kayak rack, custom garbage enclosure, a new layout of the existing wooden deck to facilitate access to the side doors, and detailed how to renovate the front door into only an emergency access with new railings and steps. She coordinating obtaining bids and then supervised the installation of all elements for the new landscape the project. The interiors were designed by Jack Montgomery Design of Greenwich, CT and NYC . Tree work was completed by Bartlett Tree Experts. Freddy’s Landscape Company of Fairfield, CT installed the new plantings, installed all the new masonry work and provides landscape maintenance services. JT Low Voltage and Electric installed the landscape lighting.

The homeowners wanted “communication station.” A place for keys and cell phone charging in the kitchen. The standing, glass door cabinet, was once a wall cabinet. The depth was decreased in order to facilitate the walking path. Photography by Leigh Ann Saperstone

Housing that is not very large has no chance of being used well without being well designed. It is definitely necessary to get architectural help in planning narrow areas. Rounded lines and soft corners facilitate ergonomic use and provide security, as well as evoke a feminine perception and contain references to the concepts of home-nest-family. In interior decoration, not only the walls but also the material change of the ceilings are effective in creating the desired environment.

This project was designed, and developed by Rhodes Architecture + Light while Josh Meharry was a team member. Nestled into a sloping site, the bridge residence is entered by a series of bridges which span over an entrance light well before meandering into and over an interior double height entry space. This entry space is flooded with natural light from the skylight above, and serves to create a buffer between the common living areas and the bedrooms/ office on the upper level, and between the master suite and the kids bedrooms below; a separation that was desirable to this three generation household. The main living spaces are screened from the entry with a vertical wood screen, and the space can be completely opened up to the large western deck with views of a grove of trees below. An exterior chimney ties the two levels together visually and provides fireplaces for warmth at both the upper and lower covered outdoor spaces. Nearly all of the spaces along the west spill out onto either the upper decks or lower continuous terrace, to facilitate a connection with the site and natural environment throughout the seasons. The exterior roof forms are a modern take on traditional shed roofs with large overhangs, often used in the Pacific Northwest for their ability to shed rain and provide covered areas outdoors. Exterior materials were selected for their durability, with muted dark panels accented by brighter colors and natural wood.

The ground floor living space of the double height extension. You can see the base of the 6m tall triple glazed doors used at the back of the building. The aluminium doors have a slim 26mm frame.

Four larger trees were preserved and cleaned up in the front lawn . New ornamental trees were added for interest and human scale including a Seven Sons Flower, a Fringetree and a Palibin Lilac on standard. Clean, simple groundcovers of Barren Strawberry flank the driveway and walk, drawing visitors to the front entry. Low plantings in front of the porch were designed to facilitate views from the oversize picture windows in the front.

DLH Design Studio, LLC -- Deborah Houseworth, ASID, NCIDQ -- In a riverfront Florida condo, a palette of white, rich caramel and shimmering silver-blue facilitates the seamless flow of interior and exterior spaces. -- INTERIOR DESIGN: DLH Design Studio, LLC -- See more at http://www.handd.com/deborahhouseworth

The clients enjoy entertaining guests in their home. They enjoy sports events, but don't necessarily enjoy the hustle 'n bustle of going to the stadium, finding a place to park, and in the case of football, freezing to death. They much prefer sharing the ambiance of their comfortable home, offering snacks and drinks from the bar, and enjoying a round of pool during intermissions and halftime, or watching halftime shows on a state-of-the-art home theater. These clients were so committed to this enterprise, they dedicated their 3,000 sq’ basement, except those areas already used for utility, storage, and mechanical needs, the renovation.To make sure the clients' every wish was met, a complete entertainment area was designed and constructed with ease of movement, lighting, and safety in mind. The area would include a home theater with totally wireless controls, a pool room, and a social area replete with a commercial-grade wet bar. The home theater consists of a screen within a custom cabinet system that also houses the complete audio-visual equipment center. Speakers are nestled in custom benches with the sound cones discretely hidden behind fabric panels. The motor for the panel that hides the screen when not in use is behind a similar fabric panel.The furniture style cabinet has Shaker style doors with walnut peg inlays and leaded glass panels. There are multiple lighting "scenes" for ambiance; low-voltage lighting inside the crown molding, and recessed can lights are discretely placed so that they can provide an extra level of illumination when required.The pool room was walled with a custom wainscot paneling with clear cherry stiles and rails finished with a clear satin lacquer. The panels are of Madagascar ebony with a light satin stain and a clear lacquer finish. A custom cue rack was constructed from clear cherry and backed with the Madagascar ebony panel.Drink rails were custom fabricated from cherry and custom crown molding was fabricated to match the rest of the house. The space is lit with a combination of recessed lights and a series of hidden lights behind crown molding for dramatic effect. The bar area is topped with a custom crown detail to contain the lighting. The bar is constructed in the same manner and fashion as the theater and pool rooms with Shaker style cabinetry with square walnut peg in the door corners and decorative leaded glass door fronts with more than enough front and back bar space to serve and enjoy drinks and snacks. Entry behind the bar is through custom, bi-directional butler doors. A custom bottle display and storage area takes up the bottom half of the bar's back wall. And, for the sake of convenience, a full size automatic dishwasher is installed under the bar for cleaning glasses and stemware. The bar is also tricked out with an espresso machine, its own flat screen TV and AmX video controller. The bar is lit with puck lights in the upper cabinets that illuminate downward through glass shelves, and low-voltage lighting is used behind the bottle display. The bar itself is lit by a series of earthen tone pendant lights.All three areas complement each other and are in total harmony with the remainder of the house. Moldings were matched, carpeting styles were chosen to complement rather than compromise, and muted, natural colors and textures were chosen that complement the surroundings. There is a seamless transition between the newer areas of the home and those already in everyday use. The entire area is a nebula of electrons operating servos, quietly opening and closing hidden switches, mysteriously dimming and brightening lights, and not only creating an alluring atmosphere, but one that is programmable, available at the touch of a finger to a heat sensitive screen, for an individual, or a group. At a single touch the lights in the theater and bar areas dim as the theater screen lowers into viewing position. Not only does the AMX controller open and close shades and window treatments to facilitate better viewing, but on an entirely different level it controls the very access to the property. It opens and closes entryways, external doors and gates as well.None of this magic came easily. Electrical circuits were at a premium. Over heating plagued the AV rack, and pesky rays of light seemed to creep in where and when they were least welcome. An exhaust fan was installed in the AV cabinet to dissipate the heat. New electrical outlets were scheduled and placed while others were moved. The bar area received custom wire chases hidden within the cabinetry. Exterior roll-a-way shutters, all controlled from the AMX controller, were installed and programmed as the answer to those pesky light rays.

The house dissolves the barriers between indoors and out by integrating sliding doors and operable windows to facilitate natural ventilation. (Photography by Lance Gerber)

The large screen entertainment system is facilitated by recessed storage shelves. The mini-split unit on the wall not only heats and cools the space as needed it controls humidity and air quality. The egress window ensures afety and also brings in a helathy amount of natural light.

As part of this comprehensive renovation, the entire floor plan underwent a remarkable transformation. The kitchen, living room, and dining area were seamlessly integrated into an open layout, enhancing the sense of spaciousness and facilitating effortless entertaining.

The kitchen was redesigned to include a spacious new island to facilitate entertaining and meal preparation. It is finished with Seville cabinetry painted in a dark, blackened blue called Nightfall and is topped with Sodalite Blue granite. The striking backsplash is an MSI Highland Park Bay Blue tile with the same color accent tile in an Arabesque-style pattern.

A dramatic yet challenging sloped site gave way to a stepped house design. The grade change facilitated that the garage align with the basement level and connected via a indoor link with the rest of the house being a floor higher. With the house set into the hill it gives two very different impressions from the public front to the private back of house while also providing for great views and natural light.

ENVIABLE JEWEL: Perched high on five private acres in the prominent Washington, D.C. suburb of Great Falls, EIGHT OAKS stands as the epitome of excellence, exceptional luxury and timeless elegance. The property is accessed through a gated entry and winding drive. Inspired by Virginia’s first plantation home, this architectural masterwork encompasses six bedrooms and 14 baths across four finished levels. A grand circular marble staircase rises through a skylit rotunda at the home’s heart. Marble floor medallions, gorgeous wall murals, detailed millwork and paneled arched doorways reveal the home’s spectacular craftsmanship and artistry. An elevator facilitates easy access. Twenty-inch thick exterior walls present deep windows and sills. French doors open to seven concrete and flagstone terraces off the living room, kitchen, master suite—even baths--offering charming places for full enjoyment of the glorious Virginia seasons. The traditional floor plan radiates from the center rotunda, presenting excellent flow for family and guests, while cleverly endowing most rooms with corners for optimal windows, light and views. The entrance hall’s hand-crafted coffered ceiling heralds the beauty throughout. To the left, the formal dining room features a corner fireplace, crystal chandelier, paneled wainscoting and hardwood floors—ensuring a classy yet comfortable setting for hosting dinner parties. The bright, gourmet country kitchen anchors the main level with a long granite-topped island, top appliances, desk alcove and plenty of space for informal dining or lounging before the brick fireplace. A storage closet and butler’s pantry lie between the kitchen and dining room. The living room wraps around the rear of the home, offering impeccable sitting areas with a marble fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows. Multiple sets of French doors to rear and side covered terraces effortlessly extend living and entertaining possibilities to the outdoors. A walnut and pine-clad library occupies the opposite front corner of the home -- large enough to accommodate a grand piano, yet possessing an element of coziness with its warm fireplace with sapphire marble surround. Both dining room and library can be closed off for privacy with pocket doors. The private spaces of the upper two levels encompass six bedrooms beginning with the luxurious master suite. Fireplace, a wet bar, roman columns and French doors adorn the bedroom and sitting room. An inside hallway with built-in storage leads to his and her baths, each with separate steam shower, and hers with raised marble spa tub and French doors to a private terrace. A spacious corner dressing room/closet completes the suite. A marble-floored family room with French doors to its own terrace, and a second bedroom and bath on this level, as well as four additional bedrooms with 3.5 baths on the second upper level -- offer beautiful private spaces featuring meticulous attention to detail. The recreation and leisure level of the home captivates with its combination media and game room—brightened by a wall of windows and French doors to the patio and pool deck beyond. A climate-controlled wine cellar and hand-hewn walnut and pine wet bar offer a place for refreshments. The opposite side of this level holds an oversized marble spa, fitness rooms and sauna, as well as laundry and storage rooms. Expansive private vistas of outdoor amenities, lush grounds and surrounding woodlands can be seen from every window. A sparkling pool and spa, foundation for a tennis court or helipad, and an apartment above the four-car garage share the magnificent setting. EIGHT OAKS offers 15,000 square feet of magnificently appointed interiors rich in comforts and character, for a lifestyle of tranquility and sophistication. See www.11206RichlandGrove.come for additional information and photos.

The interior concept - "Nature" Neighbourly and eco-friendly atmosphere, freshness and naturalness, innovation, self-sufficiency and integrity. Based on the nature richness of our country, a favorable, natural environment has been created using natural materials such as wood and stone, as well as new materials such as quartz agglomerate, HPL panels and tempered glass. The space is maximally filled with air and light, which is facilitated by panoramic glazing of facades and the use of light and warm finishing materials. In the interior, there are green zones in the form of separately standing islands and a vertical green garden wall. In addition to aesthetics, it allows you to clean the air of dust and harmful substances, saturate it with phytoncides and adjust the humidity. In the Departure Hall an upright garden of 38 m2 has more than 25 plant species. A fully automated control system includes watering, it also controls the chemical composition of the water and includes artificial lighting necessary for normal plant growth. There are some island waiting zones made in the form of ellipsoidal green beds and equipped with power and USB sockets for powering electronic devices. In the Arrivals Hall there is a "Video Wall" measuring 8.5 * 3.2 m, including 28 Samsung monitors, which, in addition to photos and video materials, broadcast time and weather in the selected world capitals.