This Boulder, Colorado remodel by fuentesdesign demonstrates the possibility of renewal in American suburbs, and Passive House design principles. Once an inefficient single story 1,000 square-foot ranch house with a forced air furnace, has been transformed into a two-story, solar powered 2500 square-foot three bedroom home ready for the next generation. The new design for the home is modern with a sustainable theme, incorporating a palette of natural materials including; reclaimed wood finishes, FSC-certified pine Zola windows and doors, and natural earth and lime plasters that soften the interior and crisp contemporary exterior with a flavor of the west. A Ninety-percent efficient energy recovery fresh air ventilation system provides constant filtered fresh air to every room. The existing interior brick was removed and replaced with insulation. The remaining heating and cooling loads are easily met with the highest degree of comfort via a mini-split heat pump, the peak heat load has been cut by a factor of 4, despite the house doubling in size. During the coldest part of the Colorado winter, a wood stove for ambiance and low carbon back up heat creates a special place in both the living and kitchen area, and upstairs loft. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. These windows also provide a seamless indoor/outdoor connection, with 9′ wide folding doors from the dining area and a matching 9′ wide custom countertop folding window that opens the kitchen up to a grassy court where mature trees provide shade and extend the living space during the summer months. With air-tight construction, this home meets the Passive House Retrofit (EnerPHit) air-tightness standard of

Example of a minimalist home design design in Los Angeles

This sleek, modern kitchen balances functionality and aesthetics with clean lines, minimalistic design, and state-of-the-art finishes. Custom cabinetry in matte finishes, integrated appliances, and quartz countertops create a seamless, sophisticated look. The open layout maximizes space and light, making it ideal for entertaining, while a spacious island serves as both a culinary workspace and a social hub. Thoughtfully placed LED lighting and smart storage solutions enhance convenience and ambiance, resulting in a streamlined yet inviting kitchen that’s perfect for both everyday living and special gatherings.

The young couple created a bedroom for their toddler reflective of their shared vision. The rocking chair is hand crafted by the Architect while studying in Copenhagen. The light fixture is from Ikea Alise O'Brien Photography

Trendy kitchen photo in San Francisco

Photography: Augie Salbosa
Example of an asian medium tone wood floor bedroom design in Hawaii with orange walls

The mood and character of the great room in this open floor plan is beautifully and classically on display. The furniture, away from the walls, and the custom wool area rug add warmth. The soft, subtle draperies frame the windows and fill the volume of the 20' ceilings.

Inspiration for a large transitional beige one-story stucco exterior home remodel in Tampa with a shingle roof

This 1960s split-level home desperately needed a change - not bigger space, just better. We removed the walls between the kitchen, living, and dining rooms to create a large open concept space that still allows a clear definition of space, while offering sight lines between spaces and functions. Homeowners preferred an open U-shape kitchen rather than an island to keep kids out of the cooking area during meal-prep, while offering easy access to the refrigerator and pantry. Green glass tile, granite countertops, shaker cabinets, and rustic reclaimed wood accents highlight the unique character of the home and family. The mix of farmhouse, contemporary and industrial styles make this house their ideal home. Outside, new lap siding with white trim, and an accent of shake shingles under the gable. The new red door provides a much needed pop of color. Landscaping was updated with a new brick paver and stone front stoop, walk, and landscaping wall.

Inspiration for a transitional formal living room remodel in San Francisco with a standard fireplace

On the same hall is the Laundry/Utility room. Beyond the laundry function, it houses items for the family pet, including storage of leashes, food, etc. and a sleeping space. The interior Dutch door to the room allows for temporary--but friendly--containment of the sometimes overly-enthusiastic pooch. The side door leads to an exterior porch, and either the back yard or the street. dutch door • 6" x 24" & 12" x 24" Stone Peak "Moon Sky" porcelain tile by Pangaea/Sky • "Crisp Linen" Wilsonart plastic laminate • stained oak trim • Swiss Coffee paint (flat) by Benjamin Moore at cabinets • Seattle Mist paint (flat) by Benjamin Moore at walls • Whirlpool washer & Dryer • Construction by CG&S Design-Build. Photography by Tre Dunham, Fine focus Photography

Silicon Valley ADU: modern living room with built-in cabinets and shelving. building Lab is a design build firm specialized in modern architecture.
Example of a large minimalist open concept porcelain tile, gray floor and vaulted ceiling living room design in San Francisco with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a 1950s blue split-level wood exterior home remodel in Seattle with a hip roof

This 1960s split-level home desperately needed a change - not bigger space, just better. We removed the walls between the kitchen, living, and dining rooms to create a large open concept space that still allows a clear definition of space, while offering sight lines between spaces and functions. Homeowners preferred an open U-shape kitchen rather than an island to keep kids out of the cooking area during meal-prep, while offering easy access to the refrigerator and pantry. Green glass tile, granite countertops, shaker cabinets, and rustic reclaimed wood accents highlight the unique character of the home and family. The mix of farmhouse, contemporary and industrial styles make this house their ideal home. Outside, new lap siding with white trim, and an accent of shake shingles under the gable. The new red door provides a much needed pop of color. Landscaping was updated with a new brick paver and stone front stoop, walk, and landscaping wall.

This project was designed to accommodate the client’s wish to have a traditional and functional barn that could also serve as a backdrop for social and corporate functions. Several years after it’s completion, this has become just the case as the clients routinely host everything from fundraisers to cooking demonstrations to political functions in the barn and outdoor spaces. In addition to the barn, Axial Arts designed an indoor arena, cattle & hay barn, and a professional grade equipment workshop with living quarters above it. The indoor arena includes a 100′ x 200′ riding arena as well as a side space that includes bleacher space for clinics and several open rail stalls. The hay & cattle barn is split level with 3 bays on the top level that accommodates tractors and front loaders as well as a significant tonnage of hay. The lower level opens to grade below with cattle pens and equipment for breeding and calving. The cattle handling systems and stocks both outside and inside were designed by Temple Grandin- renowned bestselling author, autism activist, and consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior. This project was recently featured in Cowboy & Indians Magazine. As the case with most of our projects, Axial Arts received this commission after being recommended by a past client.

Peter Peirce
Inspiration for a mid-sized cottage detached shed remodel in Bridgeport

This Urban Farmhouse custom home is located in an award winning mixed-use community just minutes from downtown Austin, TX. The client is a busy executive who travels weekly and, due to her busy schedule, she turned over the design of her home to us and asked us to make all of the decisions regarding finishes and furnishings. She wanted the home to be model-home ready when she moved in and wanted it all to be a surprise. We did require that she at least tell us what colors she liked and how she wanted the home to function. She told us that she loves turquoise, that she wanted her dog Daisy’s shower to be “special”, that the loft was going to be her dance studio and one of the bedrooms a home office. After that we were on our own. Daisy’s shower was at the end of the downstairs hallway so we had the walls painted with whimsical stripes that led to a turquoise barn door outside of the shower room - Daisy loves it and so does the client. The end result is an eclectic mix of colors and finishes that fit the owner’s personality and style. Photos by Rachel Kay

Home office - country built-in desk light wood floor home office idea in New York with white walls

Inspiration for a contemporary dining room remodel in New York with white walls