Search results for "Familiarization" in Home Design Ideas

Slipped Shed Studio
South Dartmouth
Builder: Scoop Jones
design team:
Tim Hess, Design Principal
Nathan Sawyer, Justin Mellow
all for DSA Architects
photographs: Tim Hess
This simple painting studio includes living quarters for the artist and frequent weekend guests. A familiar vocabulary of traditional forms and materials slants gently toward the sun and views up the Slocum River. The cantilevered roof and upper story shelter the glass from high summer sun. The concrete floor absorbs energy from low winter sun during the daytime to release it at night. Walls of exposed studs inside are wrapped and sealed with a continuous plane of insulation applied outside the structural sheathing.
This project was recognized in 2015 with an award from our AIA chapter.

Elegant, eclectic, timeless villa interior design for a family with two small children, in cozy - familiar style associations, with artful, contemporary touches and subtly integrated, sophisticated details.

Constructed in two phases, this renovation, with a few small additions, touched nearly every room in this late ‘50’s ranch house. The owners raised their family within the original walls and love the house’s location, which is not far from town and also borders conservation land. But they didn’t love how chopped up the house was and the lack of exposure to natural daylight and views of the lush rear woods. Plus, they were ready to de-clutter for a more stream-lined look. As a result, KHS collaborated with them to create a quiet, clean design to support the lifestyle they aspire to in retirement.
To transform the original ranch house, KHS proposed several significant changes that would make way for a number of related improvements. Proposed changes included the removal of the attached enclosed breezeway (which had included a stair to the basement living space) and the two-car garage it partially wrapped, which had blocked vital eastern daylight from accessing the interior. Together the breezeway and garage had also contributed to a long, flush front façade. In its stead, KHS proposed a new two-car carport, attached storage shed, and exterior basement stair in a new location. The carport is bumped closer to the street to relieve the flush front facade and to allow access behind it to eastern daylight in a relocated rear kitchen. KHS also proposed a new, single, more prominent front entry, closer to the driveway to replace the former secondary entrance into the dark breezeway and a more formal main entrance that had been located much farther down the facade and curiously bordered the bedroom wing.
Inside, low ceilings and soffits in the primary family common areas were removed to create a cathedral ceiling (with rod ties) over a reconfigured semi-open living, dining, and kitchen space. A new gas fireplace serving the relocated dining area -- defined by a new built-in banquette in a new bay window -- was designed to back up on the existing wood-burning fireplace that continues to serve the living area. A shared full bath, serving two guest bedrooms on the main level, was reconfigured, and additional square footage was captured for a reconfigured master bathroom off the existing master bedroom. A new whole-house color palette, including new finishes and new cabinetry, complete the transformation. Today, the owners enjoy a fresh and airy re-imagining of their familiar ranch house.
Photos by Katie Hutchison
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“In reality, I really don’t feel as if the house is truly mine,” reflected Ruth. “I consider myself its current caretaker. I plan to own it until I drop dead and hope that the next owners feel the same way about it as Tom and I do. It really is a fun space and everyone who comes here feels that good energy and welcoming feeling. When I walk inside now, I feel as if I am getting a comforting and familiar hug.”
Photo by Matt Kocourek, http://www.mattkocourek.com/

Modern and rustic themes work beautifully together in the Colorado Springs lighting collection by Feiss. Clear Crystals floating in metal rings are threaded onto chain and strung into drum shades. This unusual marriage of dark and light fashioned into a familiar, transitional silhouette brings a bit of glamour to the ultimate mountain luxe cabin or urban loft. The Chestnut Bronze finish is common across the assortment which includes a 4-light and 6-light chandelier, a 4-light pendant, a 6-light foyer piece, a 1-light mini-pendant, a 1-light sconce and a 2-light flush mount ceiling fixture.
Dimensions:D: 16'' H: 5 3/4''
Lamping: (3) Fluorescent GU24 Self Ballasted CFL 13w Max. (Bulbs included)

Elevate Your Chicago High-Rise: Expert Painting and Drywall Repair
Looking for a professional painter near me in downtown Chicago? From the sleek glass towers of the Loop and Lakeshore East to the historic loft conversions in the West Loop, our team delivers premium craftsmanship tailored to the heart of the city. This recent project in a luxury downtown condo highlights our expertise in blending modern aesthetics with the structural demands of urban living.
We specialize in high-end finishes, utilizing premium Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams coatings specifically selected for Chicago’s unique interior environments. Whether it's refreshing a contemporary penthouse or performing seamless drywall repair in a River North flat, we ensure a flawless finish every time.
OUR PROCESS: PRECISION IN THE HEART OF CHICAGO
1. Expert Drywall Repair & Prep
Living in downtown Chicago means dealing with building vibrations and settling. Our thorough surface inspection often reveals hairline cracks or settling gaps. As a leading Chicago painting contractor, we perform expert drywall repair, patching, and sanding to ensure a perfectly smooth "Level 5" finish before a drop of paint even touches the wall.
2. Specialized Priming
High-rise walls often feature various textures or previous high-gloss finishes. We apply specialized, low-VOC primers to ensure maximum adhesion and color vibrance while keeping your indoor air quality clean—a must for city dwellers.
3. Professional Paint Application
Using a combination of precision brushwork and specialized rollers, we apply multiple coats to achieve rich, even depth. Our techniques are designed to highlight the architectural lines of modern Chicago floor plans.
4. Meticulous Final Review
The "Windy City" standard means no mess left behind. Our team performs a rigorous final inspection and deep cleanup, ensuring your downtown home is move-in ready the moment we finish.
WHY CHICAGO DOWNTOWN HOMES REQUIRE SPECIALISTS
Urban painting presents specific challenges that suburban contractors might miss:
Building Regulations: We navigate strict HOA rules, freight elevator bookings, and insurance requirements (COIs) common in Loop high-rises.
Climate Control: Managing humidity and temperature fluctuations in glass-walled units to ensure proper paint curing.
Drywall Integrity: Addressing cracks caused by the natural swaying and settling of Chicago’s tallest buildings.
Pro Tip: When hiring a Chicago painter, always verify they carry the high-limit liability insurance required by downtown property management companies.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why choose a painter near me for downtown Chicago?
A: Local contractors are familiar with the logistical hurdles of the Loop and Gold Coast, including parking, building access, and specific structural challenges of high-rise units.
Q: Can you handle drywall repair and painting in one project?
A: Yes! As a full-service painting contractor, we handle everything from water damage repair and settling cracks to the final decorative coat, providing a seamless experience.
Q: Are your paints safe for small condo spaces?
A: Absolutely. We prioritize low-VOC and Zero-VOC premium paints that are odorless and safe for high-density living environments.
Q: How do I get an estimate for my downtown unit?
A: We offer flexible scheduling for on-site consultations throughout the West Loop, Streeterville, and the South Loop.
Ready to transform your urban space?
See more of our work and request a free estimate at windypainters.com.
Windy City Painters | Chicago’s Premier Painting & Drywall Specialists

Note how the mid-green tone of the cupboards and the muted wood accents, sit quietly alongside the leafy scenes outside, whilst the gently rippling worktop emulates the mossy cover found on boulders and stones.
I was keen to contrast the nature-inspired elements with some simple architectural shapes, so here you also see two divine angular peninsula pendants, which are intended to just break up the view and draw a little attention – a bit like a punctuation mark.
Weaving a unique concept through a home, is what leads to cohesion, personality and a feeling of familiarity.

Example of a large classic red two-story mixed siding exterior home design in Other with a shingle roof

Mixing contemporary style with traditional architectural features, allowed us to put a fresh new face, while keeping the familiar warm comforts. Multiple conversation areas that are cozy and intimate break up the vast open floor plan, allowing the homeowners to enjoy intimate gatherings or host grand events. Matching white conversation couches were used in the living room to section the large space without closing it off. A wet bar was built in the corner of the living room with custom glass cabinetry and leather bar stools. Carrera marble was used throughout to coordinate with the traditional architectural features. And, a mixture of metallics were used to add a touch of modern glam.

If you are familiar with our work, at Berry Design Build, you know that to us each project is more than just sticks and mortar. Each home, each client, each family we have the privilege to work with becomes part of our team. We believe in the value of excellence, the importance of commitment, and the significance of delivery. This renovation, along with many, is very close to our hearts because it’s one of the few instances where we get to exercise more than just the Design Build division of our company. This particular client had been working with Berry for many years to find that lifetime home. Through many viewings, agent caravans, and lots of offers later she found a house worth calling home. Although not perfectly to her personality (really what home is until you make it yours) she asked our Design Build division to come in and renovate some areas: including the kitchen, hall bathroom, master bathroom, and most other areas of the house; i.e. paint, hardwoods, and lighting. Each project comes with its challenges, but we were able to combine her love of mid-century modern furnishings with the character of the already existing 1962 ranch.
Photos by Nicole Cosentino

Interior Design Show 2016, Toronto, ON, Canada
The windrow table and imbue light were designed and built to showcase our studios unique and adventurous operation.
These pieces of sculptural furniture are inspired by elements found in our Manitoba landscape, by the raw material of nature, and our intimate understanding of process.
Every component to these pieces was made in house, from the milling and drying of salvaged trees to the forging and machining of custom aluminum parts.
The aim is to constantly stretch the limits of materials and seek new methods of making.
Imbue Light--200 year old white bur oak salvaged from development sites (trees in areas of development typically are land filled), cast aluminum in wood molds, cast and machined aluminum.
The Oak is cut green on our sawmill and then bent into the beautiful folding continuous rings and then dried. The oak is left raw to celebrate the color and strength that this wood has.
The aluminum is cast in wood molds, a technique Wood Anchor developed from countless hours of experimenting and becoming familiar with our materials. This leaves the aluminum with a beautiful purple/blue coloring and a texture that is reminiscent rough stone. Areas of the aluminum are polished to contrast the cast pieces and pay homage to the countless hours that we spend perfecting our craft.
Windrow Table--150 year old black ash salvaged from urban development (trees in areas of development typically are land filled), sheet aluminum is sculpted and seam welded by hand, the ground and polished.
The Ash is selected based on it’s suitability for the piece. It’s then cut on our sawmill, kiln dried and machined into a perfect table top.
The aluminum is cut and sculpted by hand using heat. There is no pattern for the piece; the artist creates it from his mind, studying the form as it develops. It is seam welded and the ground and polished by hand paying attention to every detail.
2016 © Ray Chan Photo, All Rights Reserved

This bright classic traditional white kitchen remodel by Performance Kitchens & Home brings together timeless design and modern function. Crisp white cabinetry, elegant crown molding, and a farmhouse apron-front sink create a warm, familiar feel, while polished quartz surfaces and a sleek stainless-steel appliance package add an updated, contemporary edge.
A subway-tile backsplash with soft gray grout enhances texture and keeps the space feeling fresh and clean. Glass-front display cabinets and an eat-in breakfast area make the room both beautiful and practical for daily living. Carefully planned lighting and improved workflow transform this kitchen into an inviting, efficient centerpiece of the home. Text us at (484) 278-1764 or Call us (215) 482-0700 to get more info about Design, Design-Build and other ways we can help you make your dream a reality!

A Modern home that wished for more warmth...
An addition and reconstruction of approx. 750sq. area.
That included new kitchen, office, family room and back patio cover area.
The custom-made kitchen cabinets are semi-inset / semi-frameless combination.
The door style was custom build with a minor bevel at the edge of each door.
White oak was used for the frame, drawers and most of the cabinet doors with some doors paint white for accent effect.
The island "legs" or water fall sides if you wish and the hood enclosure are Tambour wood paneling.
These are 3/4" half round wood profile connected together for a continues pattern.
These Tambour panels, the wicker pendant lights and the green live walls inject a bit of an Asian fusion into the design mix.
The floors are polished concrete in a dark brown finish to inject additional warmth vs. the standard concrete gray most of us familiar with.
A huge 16' multi sliding door by La Cantina was installed, this door is aluminum clad (wood finish on the interior of the door).

Richmond Commercial Painting provides full-service Milwaukee commercial interior painting for commercial buildings.We are skilled at applying all types of floor and wall coverings. We perform electrostatic painting for heat registers, bathroom stalls, or elevator doors and frames.
There is a lot more to commercial interior painting than just brushing, rolling or spraying a coating on a substrate. Preparation for painting, particularly on rehabilitation jobs, can be very involved and require elaborate equipment and technical expertise. In commercial painting and repaints there is usually production and office equipment and furniture to protect. There is a need for project coordination to assure the smooth, non-disruptive flow of the work.
Milwaukee commercial interior painting often calls for specialized coatings because of environmental and high traffic concerns. The right equipment and expertise are required for the proper application of highly technical coatings. Unlike some of the other painting companies in the area, these production elements are readily available at Richmond Painting. The highly experienced staff of project coordinators and applicators is familiar with the equipment and coatings materials to assure owners of the best possible experience in any commercial interior painting project.
Our commercial painting pros apply coatings to ceilings, walls and floors with attention to detail and care for the surrounding elements of the room. They apply acrylic ceiling and wall textures as well as latex paints. They finish floors in a wide variety of materials formulated to provide attractive, durable, high-traffic surfaces. Richmond Painting is a one-stop source of all commercial interior painting projects, large or small.
Our successfully completed projects list includes schools, hospitals, hotels, nursing homes, office complexes, warehouses, factories, high-rise apartment buildings and a host of others. We have experience in every type of commercial structure between Racine and Milwaukee.
commercial interior painting in milwaukeeRichmond Painting is in Racine, WI and from this central point we dispatch crews to projects throughout the Milwaukee area, including the northern suburbs of Washington Mequon, Grafton, Cedarburg, and southern areas like Pleasant Prairie, Sommers , Racine, Oak creek, and even as far south as Libertyville, IL in some cases. We serve any professional commercial coatings needs within Racine, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Waukesha , Walworth, Washington and Ozaukee counties.
The estimating and project coordination experts at Richmond Painting and Decorating are available to assist in every step of a Milwaukee commercial interior painting project. We work with owners on budgeting, with general contractors on the critical flow chart for the coatings part of their contracts and with designers on materials and color selections. Where coatings are the majority of a contract, we assume the overall project coordination and completion responsibilities. We take pride in our work and do everything humanly possible to assure a successful completion of the job.
When a project is done right the first time, the proper material is used by highly qualified applicators and the job is done with a minimum of disruption to an active business, it is well worth the money spent. It really costs no more to get the very best.
Again, we provide commercial painting services to a wide local area including; but not limited to: Bethesda, Alexandria, Potomac, Arlington, Great Falls, Vienna, Silver Spring, Fairfax, McLean, Rockville, and Woodbridge.

A Modern home that wished for more warmth...
An addition and reconstruction of approx. 750sq. area.
That included new kitchen, office, family room and back patio cover area.
The floors are polished concrete in a dark brown finish to inject additional warmth vs. the standard concrete gray most of us familiar with.
A huge 16' multi sliding door by La Cantina was installed, this door is aluminum clad (wood finish on the interior of the door).
The vaulted ceiling allowed us to incorporate an additional 3 picture windows above the sliding door for more afternoon light to penetrate the space.
Notice the hidden door to the office on the left, the SASS hardware (hidden interior hinges) and the lack of molding around the door makes it almost invisible.

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present
An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today.
A Remodel That Balances Past and Present
What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form.
Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility
Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner.
A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it.
Navigating Challenges With Precision
The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved.
Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly.
Details That Respect the Eichler DNA
The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness.
At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence.
The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving.
Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process.
The Value of Evolving Scope
As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun.
The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA.
Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa.
Contractor: Golden Cove Construction
Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2024
Location: Sunnyvale, CA

Three generations have shared summers together at this very special place called Merry Hill. Recognizing their shifting needs and looking forward to future generations, the clients wanted to both drastically change their beloved family lake house and yet not change it at all. This new iteration of the cottage is nearly double the size of the original, transforming their summer home into a four-season getaway while evoking the character of the original house in a new and fresh way.
The main cottage, boathouse and sleeping cabin all have broad, shallow-pitched roofs with generous overhangs that derive their form from their mid-century predecessor. Expansive openings, wood interiors, operable clerestories, and local stone double-stacked fireplaces are all familiar to the clients but rendered in different scales. Designed for resiliency and sustainability, the new retreat employs an integrated generator, geothermal heating, solar arrays, and battery storage as well as incorporates passive strategies such as sun orientation, earth sheltering, and cross ventilation to keep the interior at an ideal temperature all year round. The resulting form, detailing, and material selections of this new build allows for the seamless continuity of memory-making for a sentimental family.

Elegant, eclectic, timeless villa interior design for a family with two small children, in cozy - familiar style associations, with artful, contemporary touches and subtly integrated, sophisticated details.

The purchasers of this Roland Park home had a long standing relationship with PBA, having successfully completing several projects on two previous homes with the firm. Therefore, the level of trust and familiarity allowed for a very aggressive design and construction schedule. The project included the creation of a new mud room within the footprint of an existing covered porch, the renovation of 4 bathrooms within the house, the re-tasking of various rooms throughout the house, introduction of new lighting and building systems, the renovation of a laundry, the creation of a “bunk room” on the third floor, restoration and repair of various exterior elements, significant landscaping, and creation of a spectacular “man cave” in a previously dreary basement.
Photographer: Anne Gummerson
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