Can you believe this was a garage conversion? Sticking with a circus theme the arcade games used in this room are to simulate attractions you might find at your local circus and fairs.

THEME The overall theme for this space is a functional, family friendly escape where time spent together or alone is comfortable and exciting. The integration of the work space, clubhouse and family entertainment area creates an environment that brings the whole family together in projects, recreation and relaxation. Each element works harmoniously together blending the creative and functional into the perfect family escape. FOCUS The two-story clubhouse is the focal point of the large space and physically separates but blends the two distinct rooms. The clubhouse has an upper level loft overlooking the main room and a lower enclosed space with windows looking out into the playroom and work room. There was a financial focus for this creative space and the use of many Ikea products helped to keep the fabrication and build costs within budget. STORAGE Storage is abundant for this family on the walls, in the cabinets and even in the floor. The massive built in cabinets are home to the television and gaming consoles and the custom designed peg walls create additional shelving that can be continually transformed to accommodate new or shifting passions. The raised floor is the base for the clubhouse and fort but when pulled up, the flush mounted floor pieces reveal large open storage perfect for toys to be brushed into hiding. GROWTH The entire space is designed to be fun and you never outgrow fun. The clubhouse and loft will be a focus for these boys for years and the media area will draw the family to this space whether they are watching their favorite animated movie or newest adventure series. The adjoining workroom provides the perfect arts and crafts area with moving storage table and will be well suited for homework and science fair projects. SAFETY The desire to climb, jump, run, and swing is encouraged in this great space and the attention to detail ensures that they will be safe. From the strong cargo netting enclosing the upper level of the clubhouse to the added care taken with the lumber to ensure a soft clean feel without splintering and the extra wide borders in the flush mounted floor storage, this space is designed to provide this family with a fun and safe space.

Scott Amundson Photography
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Minneapolis

Example of a transitional bathroom design in Los Angeles with a hinged shower door

Gaming area surrounded by large, lighted stone columns
Basement - huge transitional walk-out ceramic tile basement idea in Other

A close up of the Brizo Artesso Articulating Kitchen Faucet in Stainless 632225LF-SS and the Stainless Steel Franke Vector Triple Bowl Sink HFT4322-2. Note the air switch to the right of the faucet in brushed nickel.

Finished basements can become any space you desire. Especially this one with a full bathroom at rear wall.
Inspiration for a timeless basement remodel in New York

We discovered this wine barrel and table top at Round Top Antiques Fair in Texas and fell in love with their weathered charm and sense of history. We encircled the table with a banquette, upholstered in a modern, truffle-colored print with faux leather seats. The faux color-wash finish on the walls adds character and interest.

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

The upstairs rooms open onto a second floor landing, envisioned as a gathering space – part office, part reading room, part hangout area, providing a communal location for family and visitors to plan the day’s activities. Custom, built-in book shelves house games, vintage first edition classics (also found at the Alameda antique fair), family mementoes and objet d’art.

Inspiration for a transitional porcelain tile and gray floor bathroom remodel in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Sacramento for summer.

Indoor basketball/tennis/multi-game court - huge traditional light wood floor indoor basketball/tennis/multi-game court idea in Grand Rapids with white walls

Transitional master porcelain tile and gray floor freestanding bathtub photo in Los Angeles with white walls

Amy Bartlam
Example of a large trendy l-shaped ceramic tile and gray floor eat-in kitchen design in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

This vignette features a carnival, complete with functional rides. Along the wall is a colorful shelf to store extra trains. Photography: Memories, TTL

Television viewing and gaming area near large stone columns
Basement - huge transitional walk-out ceramic tile basement idea in Other with beige walls

This Symphony Showhouse was fairly small, but we made use of every square inch! Plenty of seating, storage and even a game table were used to maximize this room. Deep, rich furnishings were punched up with the use of fabrics, florals, accessories and oil paintings. Normally, we don't use mirrors above a fireplace, but this was a good choice because the mantel was fairly low. Two mirrors in place of the oils, and a vertical oil over the fireplace would work well too.

Design of this outdoor living addition is well synchronized with the original house design on a fairly small lot yet offers BIG benefits in the way of cooking, entertaining, game watching, morning coffee on the balcony overlook and relaxing in a hot tub. Photo: Dan Bawden