Open concept kitchen - mid-sized contemporary u-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Boston with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, terrazzo countertops, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and gray backsplash

From a distance, the forms appear heavy and monolithic, exuding an air of permanence and impenetrability. This initial perception provokes contemplation: is the finality of death merely an illusion? Yet, as you draw closer, subtle details emerge—textures of decay within these seemingly solid structures. This deliberate interplay between solidity and fragility invites deeper reflection on the impermanence of each phase of existence. The decay within the forms reveals the essence of transformation, challenging the notion of death as an ultimate end. Instead, it suggests a continuity—a pause in a greater, unending journey. These visual and spatial cues become a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life and death, offering solace in the understanding that what appears finite may, in fact, be part of an infinite process.

Bring the inside out with beautiful weather-safe furnishings from Grange Furniture, and outdoor fabrics for your pillows and cushions, all available at steve mckenzie's in Atlanta. Acrylic stemware looks luxurious, but you'll have no fear entertaining outside with these fabulous glasses! Christina Wedge Photography

After having lived in 22 different places all around the world, this family decided to settle in a Dutch colonial home in Harding Township. The house sits on a wonderful piece of property that is only challenged by the wetlands that surround it. For this reason, we had to work within the existing footprint and not consider any additions. The homeowners wanted to be able to host the holidays in their new home which meant we had an aggressive design and construction schedule. We started the design work in the Spring of 2012 and construction took place over the Summer and into the Fall. By Thanksgiving, the project was complete, with no meaningful cost overruns. Renovations included a new kitchen, mudroom, and office/library on the first floor and a new master suite, hall bath, home office, and laundry room upstairs. The challenge was creating comfortable space with clean lines that would accommodate the homeowner’s casual and worldly lifestyle, but would not feel out of place with the character of the existing house. The kitchen is a glorious hard-working space with lots of counter space, space for a giant farmer’s table, and symmetrical views through oversized double hung-windows out to the expansive yard. The master bath is outfitted with wood, stone, and metal, and also includes artifacts from some of their world travels. In a second phase of work, we designed some outbuilding to further enhance the character of the property. Currently we are working with the family to design a memorial to honor their child who died of Leukemia.

Jay Sifford
This is an example of an eclectic landscaping in Charlotte.

Staircase - modern staircase idea

34" W X 47.5" L X 2" D. This extraordinary spalted maple slab was discovered in the shape of a female torso. Although beautiful, much of the lower portion had been severely compromised by decay, making the piece as fragile as it was compelling. Rather than conceal its history, I carefully reconstructed the damaged areas using traditional inlay and marquetry techniques, allowing the natural form to emerge while preserving the character that time had written into the wood. The figure is suspended within a field of black resin bordered in white, creating the illusion that it quietly floats in space. Finished with a satin matte clear coat. Private Collection — Newport Beach, California

Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Miami

Photographer: Augie Salbosa
Inspiration for a large mediterranean beige floor kitchen pantry remodel in Hawaii with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, green backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

Black and gold are the perfect pair of colors for an Art Deco dining room as it can be kept simple or it could be elevated to something more luxurious. For this design, we chose something right in the middle to allow others to feel as though they could live in it without being afraid of anything being too fragile or even dramatic. The abstract rug perfectly frames the dining area tieing in those black and golds but bringing in a pop of color with the blues as well. A black and gold art deco chandelier really balances out the height of the table and chairs and gives the room that luxurious feel. A small wine cabinet was chosen as the sideboard' for this dining area so as not to overcrowd the space but still have it to serve a design purpose as well as functionality.

Black and gold are the perfect pair of colors for an Art Deco dining room as it can be kept simple or it could be elevated to something more luxurious. For this design, we chose something right in the middle to allow others to feel as though they could live in it without being afraid of anything being too fragile or even dramatic. The abstract rug perfectly frames the dining area tieing in those black and golds but bringing in a pop of color with the blues as well. A black and gold art deco chandelier really balances out the height of the table and chairs and gives the room that luxurious feel. A small wine cabinet was chosen as the sideboard' for this dining area so as not to overcrowd the space but still have it to serve a design purpose as well as functionality.

The Roof Medics www.theroofmedics.com Photo of tile roof replacement project in Scottsdale, AZ. The Roof Medics has already removed the old tile and underlayment. This is a photo of the new Eagle concrete roof tile being loaded onto the roof.

Aren’t these Fantasy Brown dolomite countertops fabulous? Dolomite is easily one of our top-selling stones, loved for its marble look and gorgeous gray and white hues. Many stone shops and fabricators sell dolomite as a granite, but it is a different stone entirely. Unlike granite, dolomite is a sedimentary rock made from limestone and lime mud coming into contact with groundwater rich in magnesium. It’s not as hard and durable as granite, but it’s also not as soft and fragile as marble. And while it’s less liquid absorbent and less sensitive to acids than marble, like granite it does require periodic sealing. Price-wise, dolomite is often more affordable than marble, quartz, and quartzite—and sometimes even granite.

A mixture of classic construction and modern European furnishings redefines mountain living in this second home in charming Lahontan in Truckee, California. Designed for an active Bay Area family, this home is relaxed, comfortable and fun.

Chrissy Sterling
Example of a trendy sunroom design in Denver

05-400-AWL - Valeo - LED Floor Lamp - Oiled Walnut, Brushed Aluminum - White Linen When reaching such a distance with a fixture, it is important that it feels visually efficient in its form but is still far from fragile; inviting one to linger under it. The adjustability in the reach and the height of the shade makes it possible to custom fit the piece to its surroundings; an important characteristic for such a large piece.

Exterior Painting: Sherwin Williams Fragile Beauty paint was the perfect choice to give this two story Treasure Island, FL home a true tropical feel. It compliments the paver driveway so nicely. We used Extra White for the trim to give the house an even brighter look. Can't you just imagine an ocean view in the background?

Photo: Jordana Nicholson © 2016 Houzz
Example of a farmhouse living room design in Kansas City

When full-time Massachusetts residents contemplate building a second home in Telluride, Colorado the question immediately arises; does it make most sense to hire a regionally based Rocky Mountain architect or a sea level architect conveniently located for all of the rigorous collaboration required for successful bespoke home design. Determined to prove the latter true, Siemasko + Verbridge accompanied the potential client as they scoured the undulating Telluride landscape in search of the perfect house site. The selected site’s harmonious balance of untouched meadow rising up to meet the edge of an aspen grove and the opposing 180 degree view of Wilson’s Range spoke to everyone. A plateau just beyond a fork in the meadow provided a natural flatland, requiring little excavation and yet the right amount of upland slope to capture the views. The intrinsic character of the site was only enriched by an elk trail and snake-rail fence. Establishing the expanse of Wilson’s range would be best served by rejecting the notion of selected views, the central sweeping curve of the roof inverts a small saddle in the range with which it is perfectly aligned. The soaring wave of custom windows and the open floor plan make the relatively modest house feel sizable despite its footprint of just under 2,000 square feet. Officially a two bedroom home, the bunk room and loft allow the home to comfortably sleep ten, encouraging large gatherings of family and friends. The home is completely off the grid in response to the unique and fragile qualities of the landscape. Great care was taken to respect the regions vernacular through the use of mostly native materials and a palette derived from the terrain found at 9,820 feet above sea level. Photographer: Gibeon Photography