Light gray walls with a slate blue accent wall is punched up with this colorful patterned stair runner. Photo by Cinematic Homes
Example of a mid-sized transitional painted l-shaped staircase design in Columbus with painted risers

Kitchen - eclectic kitchen idea in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets and multicolored backsplash

JC Buck
Trendy freestanding desk study room photo in Denver with white walls

The client came to SFOSL with the need for more space in a fairly fatigued home on Potrero Hill. As expanding upward through the roof was the only option, the addition of 650 square feet would also take advantage of views overlooking Bernal Heights Park and the San Francisco Bay. The terraced garden in the back connects the more private and secluded sleeping and bathing areas on the 2nd floor to the living area on the 3rd level through a pathway of stairs and a new catwalk bridge. Public function space moved to the addition on the roof. To weave the house into the urban fabric the building was clad in the inexpensive Skatelite material, used to make skateboard ramps. As the residence is located on a designated historic block, built by one developer and comprised of identical façades, the existing façade had to remain unchanged. Image by Bruce Damonte Photography.

Photos by Joe Fletcher General Contractor: JP Builders, Inc. ( http://www.houzz.com/pro/jpbuilders/jp-builders-inc)

Existing 2-Ton Lennox Air Conditioner
Patio - small backyard patio idea in Orange County

Situated in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, we worked closely with a strong owner to transform a fatigued and inefficient 3-level townhouse, constructed in the 1980’s, into America’s first LEED Platinum (pending) townhome. Outdated systems, poor insulation, unbalanced & unclean air, worn finishes, and outdated kitchen and bathrooms required attention. Yet a replacement project did not address other high concerns. Though the home at 2,400SF offered the right amount and quantity of rooms, the home lacked a sense of openness and more was needed than high-efficiency systems, great insulation, and selection of no VOC finishes to create a warm, inviting and comfortable place to live and enjoy their art and photography collection. An oddly-located, creaky, carpet-covered stairway enclosed in drywall walls was on the list of items needing repairs. The stair seemed to disorient a person and disconnect the levels of the home. Our design focused on opening the core of the home to provide long diagonal views that visually connect adjacent rooms and levels of the home and beyond. An architectural skylight floods the void with light and opens to bring fresh air. A steel, glass and wood stairway suspends into the core- it’s every detail and every angle thoughtfully considered to create a feeling of connection, orientation and lightness. It seeks to solve the functional while daring to be more. It dares to be beautiful. It dares to bring delight to those who use it or simply look upon it. We long to create experiencially rich places where functional needs are solved with creativity and beauty. We search for meaning and believe that places can be both enjoyed and connect us to truth beyond ourselves. As we look upon the stairway in this home, we are drawn to consider beautifully designed objects in the natural world- a tree is one such example. To sustain life it needs to gather sunlight and keep the ground beneath cool and moist. As a result, we see wooden branches of great weight extend effortlessly from a trunk to hold leaves. This functional need is solved, so perfect, so mysterious, so beautiful. As we gaze upon, it has the capacity to move us to something more beautiful.

Shannon McGrath
Living room - contemporary living room idea in Melbourne

Knowing what we know about man’s innate connection with and love of nature and natural environments, if we’re not incorporating biophilic design principles into our own personal spaces, we’re depriving ourselves, and those with whom we share these spaces, of all the benefits that access to nature offers us. Click on the next picture to continue reading………..

At the heart of the kitchen stands a commanding focal point - a meticulously crafted kitchen island adorned with a charcoal soapstone countertop. The deep, rich hues of the soapstone exude a timeless sophistication, inviting tactile exploration with its smooth, matte surface. Surrounding this centrepiece, the cabinetry showcases the perfect marriage of organic warmth and contemporary flair. Whether you're gathering with loved ones for a casual brunch or honing your culinary skills with intricate recipes, this kitchen is sure to inspire moments of creativity and connection.

{Biophilia: [bahy-oh-fil-ee-uh]: man's innate connection with and love of nature and natural elements.} In this catalog, we will share with you a summary of the evidence that exists that illustrates how incorporating biophilic design elements, and specifically, biophilic, nature-based wall art into an interior space can and will have dramatic and extraordinary physical and emotional benefits for all those who call this space home. Click on the next picture to continue reading………..