Search results for "Identify patterns" in Home Design Ideas

Mike and Anne of Barrington Hills desperately needed to update and renovate both their kid’s hall bath and guest bath, and in their 1980’s home each project presented a different set of unique challenges to overcome. When they set out to identify the right remodeling company to partner with, it was important to find a company that could help them to visualize design solutions for the bath renovations. When they came across Advance Design Studio’s website, they were immediately drawn to the solution-oriented remodeling process and the family friendly company.
They say they chose Advance Design because of the integrated approach of “Common Sense Remodeling”, making the design, project management and construction all happen in one place. When they met with Project Designer Michelle Lecinski, they knew they chose the right company. “Michelle’s excellent work on the initial designs made it easy to proceed with Advance Design Studio,” Mike said.
Like most homeowners anticipating a big renovation project, they had some healthy fears; with two bathrooms being remodeled at the same time they worried about timeframes and staying within budget. With the help of Michelle, and the “Common Sense” guidelines, they were confident that Advance Design would stay true, orchestrating all the moving parts to stay within both the estimated timeline and budget.
The guest bath offered the biggest design challenge. A dormer obstruction made the already cramped shower awkward to access. Mike and Anne also wanted the shower size to be expanded, making it more accommodating. Working with Advance’s construction expert DJ Yurik, Michelle relocated the shower concealing the original dormer and creating a larger, more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing guest shower.
The unsightly and not at all user-friendly closet was removed and replaced with elegant White Maple Dura Supreme cabinetry with much improved function featuring dual tall linen cabinets, a special makeup area and two sinks, providing a dual vanity which was extremely important for better guest use.
The Fossil Brown quartz countertop is in pleasing contrast to the white cabinetry, and coordinates nicely with the mocha porcelain tile gracing the shower for an accent. The decorative glazed turquoise tile backsplash, tile border, and bottle niche adds a taste of marine green to the room, while marble-looking porcelain tile makes guests feel they are staying in a 5-star hotel. Polished nickel Kohler plumbing fixtures were chosen to add a touch of sophistication. This renovated guest bath is comfortable and elegant, and Anne and Mike’s house guests may never want to leave!
“The end result was updated and restyled bathrooms that the client will enjoy and increase the value of their home,” Designer Michelle said.
The children’s hall bath had its own set of challenges. The current placement of the sink was not conducive to the best use of the existing space, nor did it allow for any visual interest, something Advance’s designers always work to achieve even within the tight confines of a small bath. Advance removed the linen closet and used the gain in wall space to create a dramatic focal point on the vanity wall. They also took additional space that wasn’t being used for new Storm Gray Dura Supreme tall built-in linen cabinets, creating functional storage space that the former bath lacked. A customized glass splash panel was created for the bath, and the high ceilings with skylights were accented with a custom-made track lighting fixture featuring industrial pipe and cage materials.
Authentic cement encaustic tile was used wall to wall surrounding the vanity to create a dramatic and interesting back drop for the new elegant and stately furniture-like double sink wall. Hand-made encaustic tile originated in Western Europe beginning in the 1850’s and reminded Mike and Anne of tile they had seen and loved from their travels overseas. Today, encaustic tile has made a re-appearance in today’s modern bath design with its wide array of appealing patterns and artistic use of color.
Oil rubbed bronze Kohler fixtures echo the black accents in the beautiful tile pattern and reflect the matte black of the unique lighting detail. Easy to maintain Blanca Arabescato Quartz countertops add practicality and natural beauty and compliments the warm wood porcelain tile floors. This handsome bath has generated praise from friends and family even before it’s complete unveiling as photos of the space leaked out on social media! It’s not only completely functional to use, but especially pretty to look at.
“Advance Design Studio did a terrific job for us. We really appreciated how easy it was to work with them on a complex project of the complete remodeling of two bathrooms. They very capably handled all the details from design, to project management, to construction. It is a great group of people to work with and we would welcome the opportunity to work with them again anytime,” Mike said.
Reworking a classic Boston Brownstone today always involves updated kitchen and baths. And if possible, adding a powder room and flexible room that could function as a guest room or office on the main floor. This project did not have an owner and was being remarketed for sale.
Creating an ideal space that prospective buyers would identify with requires the designer to research the target market for the home and detail/design spaces tailored to fit that niche.
Relocating the kitchen to the other side of the space provided for a small ¾ bath – yes, we were able to achieve a shower for a full Ensuite feel.
Pocket Three-Quarter Bath
Classic and formal marble tile patterns
Modern wall hung vanity and vessel sink
Master Bath
Well light double vanity with in room linen storage
Soaking tub and double shower
Class white and grey color scheme with floor to ceiling marble
Guest-Family Bath
Reworking the layout to add a linen closet along side the tub
Generous vanity with storage

Kitchen in 45th Place | Budget-Friendly Kitchen Remodel in Phoenix, AZ |
Room Type: Kitchen Remodel |
Project Name: 45th Place |
Key Feature: A transitional kitchen remodel that proves smart material selections and a clear design vision can deliver a high-impact result without a luxury budget.
Challenge: The kitchen needed a full refresh but the project had real budget constraints. The challenge was making intentional material choices that looked elevated and cohesive without overspending, while still delivering the clean, transitional aesthetic the clients wanted.
Solution: Living with Lolo approached this as a design problem first, identifying where to invest and where to pull back without sacrificing the overall look. Budget-friendly materials were selected strategically so the finished kitchen felt intentional and designed rather than value-engineered. The result is a space that punches above its price point because the design thinking behind it was sound from the start.
Materials: Budget-conscious cabinetry, transitional hardware and fixtures, and durable countertop surfaces selected for both value and visual impact.
Budget: $30,000 to $75,000 |
Timeline: Completed approximately 2019, roughly 2 to 4 months from design through completion.
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Kitchen in 45th Place | Budget-Friendly Kitchen Remodel in Phoenix, AZ |
Room Type: Kitchen Remodel |
Project Name: 45th Place |
Key Feature: A transitional kitchen remodel that proves smart material selections and a clear design vision can deliver a high-impact result without a luxury budget.
Challenge: The kitchen needed a full refresh but the project had real budget constraints. The challenge was making intentional material choices that looked elevated and cohesive without overspending, while still delivering the clean, transitional aesthetic the clients wanted.
Solution: Living with Lolo approached this as a design problem first, identifying where to invest and where to pull back without sacrificing the overall look. Budget-friendly materials were selected strategically so the finished kitchen felt intentional and designed rather than value-engineered. The result is a space that punches above its price point because the design thinking behind it was sound from the start.
Materials: Budget-conscious cabinetry, transitional hardware and fixtures, and durable countertop surfaces selected for both value and visual impact.
Budget: $30,000 to $75,000 |
Timeline: Completed approximately 2019, roughly 2 to 4 months from design through completion.
Reworking a classic Boston Brownstone today always involves updated kitchen and baths. And if possible, adding a powder room and flexible room that could function as a guest room or office on the main floor. This project did not have an owner and was being remarketed for sale.
Creating an ideal space that prospective buyers would identify with requires the designer to research the target market for the home and detail/design spaces tailored to fit that niche.
Relocating the kitchen to the other side of the space provided for a small ¾ bath – yes, we were able to achieve a shower for a full Ensuite feel.
Pocket Three-Quarter Bath
Classic and formal marble tile patterns
Modern wall hung vanity and vessel sink
Master Bath
Well light double vanity with in room linen storage
Soaking tub and double shower
Class white and grey color scheme with floor to ceiling marble
Guest-Family Bath
Reworking the layout to add a linen closet along side the tub
Generous vanity with storage
Reworking a classic Boston Brownstone today always involves updated kitchen and baths. And if possible, adding a powder room and flexible room that could function as a guest room or office on the main floor. This project did not have an owner and was being remarketed for sale.
Creating an ideal space that prospective buyers would identify with requires the designer to research the target market for the home and detail/design spaces tailored to fit that niche.
Relocating the kitchen to the other side of the space provided for a small ¾ bath – yes, we were able to achieve a shower for a full Ensuite feel.
Pocket Three-Quarter Bath
Classic and formal marble tile patterns
Modern wall hung vanity and vessel sink
Master Bath
Well light double vanity with in room linen storage
Soaking tub and double shower
Class white and grey color scheme with floor to ceiling marble
Guest-Family Bath
Reworking the layout to add a linen closet along side the tub
Generous vanity with storage
Reworking a classic Boston Brownstone today always involves updated kitchen and baths. And if possible, adding a powder room and flexible room that could function as a guest room or office on the main floor. This project did not have an owner and was being remarketed for sale.
Creating an ideal space that prospective buyers would identify with requires the designer to research the target market for the home and detail/design spaces tailored to fit that niche.
Relocating the kitchen to the other side of the space provided for a small ¾ bath – yes, we were able to achieve a shower for a full Ensuite feel.
Pocket Three-Quarter Bath
Classic and formal marble tile patterns
Modern wall hung vanity and vessel sink
Master Bath
Well light double vanity with in room linen storage
Soaking tub and double shower
Class white and grey color scheme with floor to ceiling marble
Guest-Family Bath
Reworking the layout to add a linen closet along side the tub
Generous vanity with storage

Kitchen in 45th Place | Budget-Friendly Kitchen Remodel in Phoenix, AZ |
Room Type: Kitchen Remodel |
Project Name: 45th Place |
Key Feature: A transitional kitchen remodel that proves smart material selections and a clear design vision can deliver a high-impact result without a luxury budget.
Challenge: The kitchen needed a full refresh but the project had real budget constraints. The challenge was making intentional material choices that looked elevated and cohesive without overspending, while still delivering the clean, transitional aesthetic the clients wanted.
Solution: Living with Lolo approached this as a design problem first, identifying where to invest and where to pull back without sacrificing the overall look. Budget-friendly materials were selected strategically so the finished kitchen felt intentional and designed rather than value-engineered. The result is a space that punches above its price point because the design thinking behind it was sound from the start.
Materials: Budget-conscious cabinetry, transitional hardware and fixtures, and durable countertop surfaces selected for both value and visual impact.
Budget: $30,000 to $75,000 |
Timeline: Completed approximately 2019, roughly 2 to 4 months from design through completion.
Reworking a classic Boston Brownstone today always involves updated kitchen and baths. And if possible, adding a powder room and flexible room that could function as a guest room or office on the main floor. This project did not have an owner and was being remarketed for sale.
Creating an ideal space that prospective buyers would identify with requires the designer to research the target market for the home and detail/design spaces tailored to fit that niche.
Relocating the kitchen to the other side of the space provided for a small ¾ bath – yes, we were able to achieve a shower for a full Ensuite feel.
Pocket Three-Quarter Bath
Classic and formal marble tile patterns
Modern wall hung vanity and vessel sink
Master Bath
Well light double vanity with in room linen storage
Soaking tub and double shower
Class white and grey color scheme with floor to ceiling marble
Guest-Family Bath
Reworking the layout to add a linen closet along side the tub
Generous vanity with storage

Photography by Carlos Esteva.
When this private client, a married couple, first approached Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón to build ‘the house of their dreams’ on the grounds of their sprawling family estate, the first challenge was to identify the exact location that would maximize the positive aspects of the topography while affording the most gracious views. Propped up on scaffolding, juggling digital cameras and folding ladders, the design team photographed the property from hundreds of angles before the ideal site was selected.
Once the site was selected, construction could begin.
The building’s foundation was raised slightly off the ground to disperse geothermal heat. In addition, the designers studied daily sunlight patterns and positioned the structure accordingly in order to warm the swimming pool during the cooler morning hours and illuminate the principal living quarters during the late afternoon. Finally, the main house was designed with functional balconies on all sides: each balcony meticulously planned ~ and precisely positioned ~ to
both optimize wind flow and frame the property’s most breath-taking views.
Stylistically, the goal was to create an authentic Spanish hacienda. Following Old World tradition, the house was anchored around a centralized interior patio
in the Moorish style: enclosed on three sides ~ yet
open on the fourth (similar to the Alcázar of Seville) ~ to reveal a reflecting pool ~ and mirror the water motif of the home’s magnificent marble fountain. A bell tower, horseshoe arches, a colonnaded,vineyard-style patio, and
ornamental Moorish mosaic tilework (“azulejos”) completed this picturesque portrait of a faraway fantasy world of castles, chivalry, and swordsplay, reminiscent of Medieval Spain.
Shortly after completion, this showcase home was showcased on the TVE Spanish television series Spaniards Around The World (Españoles Alrededor
Del Mundo) as a prime example of authentic Spanish architecture designed outside the peninsula. Not surprising. After all, the story of a fairy-tale retreat as
magical as this one deserves a happy ending.

Kitchen in 45th Place | Budget-Friendly Kitchen Remodel in Phoenix, AZ |
Room Type: Kitchen Remodel |
Project Name: 45th Place |
Key Feature: A transitional kitchen remodel that proves smart material selections and a clear design vision can deliver a high-impact result without a luxury budget.
Challenge: The kitchen needed a full refresh but the project had real budget constraints. The challenge was making intentional material choices that looked elevated and cohesive without overspending, while still delivering the clean, transitional aesthetic the clients wanted.
Solution: Living with Lolo approached this as a design problem first, identifying where to invest and where to pull back without sacrificing the overall look. Budget-friendly materials were selected strategically so the finished kitchen felt intentional and designed rather than value-engineered. The result is a space that punches above its price point because the design thinking behind it was sound from the start.
Materials: Budget-conscious cabinetry, transitional hardware and fixtures, and durable countertop surfaces selected for both value and visual impact.
Budget: $30,000 to $75,000 |
Timeline: Completed approximately 2019, roughly 2 to 4 months from design through completion.

Photography by Carlos Esteva.
When this private client, a married couple, first approached Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón to build ‘the house of their dreams’ on the grounds of their sprawling family estate, the first challenge was to identify the exact location that would maximize the positive aspects of the topography while affording the most gracious views. Propped up on scaffolding, juggling digital cameras and folding ladders, the design team photographed the property from hundreds of angles before the ideal site was selected.
Once the site was selected, construction could begin.
The building’s foundation was raised slightly off the ground to disperse geothermal heat. In addition, the designers studied daily sunlight patterns and positioned the structure accordingly in order to warm the swimming pool during the cooler morning hours and illuminate the principal living quarters during the late afternoon. Finally, the main house was designed with functional balconies on all sides: each balcony meticulously planned ~ and precisely positioned ~ to
both optimize wind flow and frame the property’s most breath-taking views.
Stylistically, the goal was to create an authentic Spanish hacienda. Following Old World tradition, the house was anchored around a centralized interior patio
in the Moorish style: enclosed on three sides ~ yet
open on the fourth (similar to the Alcázar of Seville) ~ to reveal a reflecting pool ~ and mirror the water motif of the home’s magnificent marble fountain. A bell tower, horseshoe arches, a colonnaded,vineyard-style patio, and
ornamental Moorish mosaic tilework (“azulejos”) completed this picturesque portrait of a faraway fantasy world of castles, chivalry, and swordsplay, reminiscent of Medieval Spain.
Shortly after completion, this showcase home was showcased on the TVE Spanish television series Spaniards Around The World (Españoles Alrededor
Del Mundo) as a prime example of authentic Spanish architecture designed outside the peninsula. Not surprising. After all, the story of a fairy-tale retreat as
magical as this one deserves a happy ending.

Mid-sized elegant galley limestone floor eat-in kitchen photo in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, beige cabinets, granite countertops, an island, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash and white appliances

Jackie and Sean loved the Algonquin neighborhood they lived in with the peaceful neighborhood and the close proximity to work and school. What they didn’t love was how outdated their home had become. With a cramped kitchen and an unused dining room, they decided a remodel was the perfect solution to their problem. They would be able to continue to live in the area they loved, while at the same time they could have the dream home they envisioned.
After a thorough search, Jackie came across Advance Design Studio. She was impressed by all of the positive reviews she saw on the internet and saw herself identifying with all of the project stories she saw on the website. Once they met with designer Scott Christensen and owner Todd Jurs, they knew Advance Design was the right company to make their dreams a reality.
The project consisted of four main areas: the kitchen/dining/powder room, the laundry room, the master bathroom, and the kid’s bathroom. They wanted to expand the kitchen into the seldom used dining room and add a large island for hosting parties and family gatherings. They also wanted new hardwood flooring throughout the first level. The laundry room needed to be more functional, and all three bathrooms were in dire need of updating.
The closed off kitchen was opened up to create a sweeping space between the new eating area and the much larger kitchen. A handsome dry bar complete with a beverage refrigerator and lighted glass door cabinetry makes an elegant transition across from a peninsula area filled with storage. An additional decorative cabinet lighting up elegant dishware through the mullioned glass sits directly across from the drybar.
An expansive island was critical to the kitchen plans. Jackie, Sean and Scott worked closely together to create just the right details for their design. They wanted the island to be functional in addition to being the centerpiece of the room. Added storage for the kid’s school supplies was hidden behind cabinet doors so the children could do their schoolwork right at the island, and a microwave drawer glides open with the touch of a finger hidden inconspicuously within the island space. The easy to care for Cambria Britannica Quartz island top with its sweeping grey and white marble look perched atop hand-carved Craftsman corbels was absolutely what they were hoping for, blending both beauty and function perfectly.
Adding a nice contrast to the brightness of the quartz and the white cabinetry, Kodiak - Leather granite countertops were used to balance the light and dark tones of the space. Dura Supreme Classic White painted cabinets grace the perimeter, while Maple Poppy Seed stained cabinets with a beautiful soft grey woodgrain were used in the beverage center and island. The two tones compliment the large space balancing it out nicely creating interest and elegance with the simple Craftsman style full overlay doors.
A deep warm Barnwood White Oak flooring was added throughout the lower level. The new floor brings additional contrast to the bright kitchen and provides unity with the now open floorplan as it rolls in to the foyer and family room. Final details like the show-stopping lunar like duo light fixtures complete the space and intermix expertly with crisscross details of the glass door mullions, the island bar seating and even accessories in the space.
The small cluttered laundry room needed more space and more storage. With a busy family it seemed to overflow daily and did not have anywhere to hide the families “in and out stuff.” Scott designed the new space with a stackable washer and dryer and much more efficiently organized cabinetry. Doing laundry is now (almost!) a pleasure and keeping everyone’s “stuff” hidden, but readily accessible is now a snap.
The master bath was not a place where the couple enjoyed spending time getting ready for their day. The tub almost never was used, so removing it made it possible to build an extra-large shower, replacing the small cramped cube of the previous shower they hated. Clean, horizontal lines softly draw your eye around the space with porcelain tile called Driftwood Sea spray. Full overlay cabinetry in a soft white vanity with double sinks makes getting ready for the day much more convenient for the busy couple.
Long floor planks made of porcelain tile mimic real hardwood floors in a soft grey to compliment the shower, but with the ease and care of a tile surface. Cambrian Black Granite counters with a matte finish and under mount porcelain sinks with handsome brushed chrome hardware complete the handsome space. A real bonus in any master bath; a custom built in storage nook was tucked in the corner of the space for linens and heavenly storage.
The kid’s bath was in sad shape because it was original to the house. To keep the budget in control, the tub which was in great condition was retained, but focus was on the new large brick style porcelain charcoal tile on the floor, crisp white new Craftsman style cabinetry with pretty furniture details on the corner base, a striking granite top with white under mount porcelain sinks and fresh hardware and faucets. Some beautiful soft grey wood mirrors to match mom and dads were custom sized and placed under new lighting, and 4 hooks were smartly arranged down the wall for kids’ towels.
This couple was determined not to move, and made their house their dream home. Not only does their home function greatly now, but Jackie says, “When the neighbors come to visit, they’re asking if they can “steal” the design”! The added functionality, elegance, and open floor plan were exactly what this family needed in order to stay.
Advance Design Studio, Joe Nowak

Photography by Carlos Esteva.
When this private client, a married couple, first approached Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón to build ‘the house of their dreams’ on the grounds of their sprawling family estate, the first challenge was to identify the exact location that would maximize the positive aspects of the topography while affording the most gracious views. Propped up on scaffolding, juggling digital cameras and folding ladders, the design team photographed the property from hundreds of angles before the ideal site was selected.
Once the site was selected, construction could begin.
The building’s foundation was raised slightly off the ground to disperse geothermal heat. In addition, the designers studied daily sunlight patterns and positioned the structure accordingly in order to warm the swimming pool during the cooler morning hours and illuminate the principal living quarters during the late afternoon. Finally, the main house was designed with functional balconies on all sides: each balcony meticulously planned ~ and precisely positioned ~ to
both optimize wind flow and frame the property’s most breath-taking views.
Stylistically, the goal was to create an authentic Spanish hacienda. Following Old World tradition, the house was anchored around a centralized interior patio
in the Moorish style: enclosed on three sides ~ yet
open on the fourth (similar to the Alcázar of Seville) ~ to reveal a reflecting pool ~ and mirror the water motif of the home’s magnificent marble fountain. A bell tower, horseshoe arches, a colonnaded,vineyard-style patio, and
ornamental Moorish mosaic tilework (“azulejos”) completed this picturesque portrait of a faraway fantasy world of castles, chivalry, and swordsplay, reminiscent of Medieval Spain.
Shortly after completion, this showcase home was showcased on the TVE Spanish television series Spaniards Around The World (Españoles Alrededor
Del Mundo) as a prime example of authentic Spanish architecture designed outside the peninsula. Not surprising. After all, the story of a fairy-tale retreat as
magical as this one deserves a happy ending.

Photography by Carlos Esteva.
When this private client, a married couple, first approached Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón to build ‘the house of their dreams’ on the grounds of their sprawling family estate, the first challenge was to identify the exact location that would maximize the positive aspects of the topography while affording the most gracious views. Propped up on scaffolding, juggling digital cameras and folding ladders, the design team photographed the property from hundreds of angles before the ideal site was selected.
Once the site was selected, construction could begin.
The building’s foundation was raised slightly off the ground to disperse geothermal heat. In addition, the designers studied daily sunlight patterns and positioned the structure accordingly in order to warm the swimming pool during the cooler morning hours and illuminate the principal living quarters during the late afternoon. Finally, the main house was designed with functional balconies on all sides: each balcony meticulously planned ~ and precisely positioned ~ to
both optimize wind flow and frame the property’s most breath-taking views.
Stylistically, the goal was to create an authentic Spanish hacienda. Following Old World tradition, the house was anchored around a centralized interior patio
in the Moorish style: enclosed on three sides ~ yet
open on the fourth (similar to the Alcázar of Seville) ~ to reveal a reflecting pool ~ and mirror the water motif of the home’s magnificent marble fountain. A bell tower, horseshoe arches, a colonnaded,vineyard-style patio, and
ornamental Moorish mosaic tilework (“azulejos”) completed this picturesque portrait of a faraway fantasy world of castles, chivalry, and swordsplay, reminiscent of Medieval Spain.
Shortly after completion, this showcase home was showcased on the TVE Spanish television series Spaniards Around The World (Españoles Alrededor
Del Mundo) as a prime example of authentic Spanish architecture designed outside the peninsula. Not surprising. After all, the story of a fairy-tale retreat as
magical as this one deserves a happy ending.

Photography by Carlos Esteva.
When this private client, a married couple, first approached Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón to build ‘the house of their dreams’ on the grounds of their sprawling family estate, the first challenge was to identify the exact location that would maximize the positive aspects of the topography while affording the most gracious views. Propped up on scaffolding, juggling digital cameras and folding ladders, the design team photographed the property from hundreds of angles before the ideal site was selected.
Once the site was selected, construction could begin.
The building’s foundation was raised slightly off the ground to disperse geothermal heat. In addition, the designers studied daily sunlight patterns and positioned the structure accordingly in order to warm the swimming pool during the cooler morning hours and illuminate the principal living quarters during the late afternoon. Finally, the main house was designed with functional balconies on all sides: each balcony meticulously planned ~ and precisely positioned ~ to
both optimize wind flow and frame the property’s most breath-taking views.
Stylistically, the goal was to create an authentic Spanish hacienda. Following Old World tradition, the house was anchored around a centralized interior patio
in the Moorish style: enclosed on three sides ~ yet
open on the fourth (similar to the Alcázar of Seville) ~ to reveal a reflecting pool ~ and mirror the water motif of the home’s magnificent marble fountain. A bell tower, horseshoe arches, a colonnaded,vineyard-style patio, and
ornamental Moorish mosaic tilework (“azulejos”) completed this picturesque portrait of a faraway fantasy world of castles, chivalry, and swordsplay, reminiscent of Medieval Spain.
Shortly after completion, this showcase home was showcased on the TVE Spanish television series Spaniards Around The World (Españoles Alrededor
Del Mundo) as a prime example of authentic Spanish architecture designed outside the peninsula. Not surprising. After all, the story of a fairy-tale retreat as
magical as this one deserves a happy ending.

The white kitchen opens up to this colorful sitting room with beautiful views of the screen porch over the sofa & the dining room to the left. Raspberry swivel chairs sit in front of a media cabinet & tv. The configuration creates an inviting conversational area for tv watching after dinner or during your morning coffee.

Photography by Carlos Esteva.
When this private client, a married couple, first approached Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón to build ‘the house of their dreams’ on the grounds of their sprawling family estate, the first challenge was to identify the exact location that would maximize the positive aspects of the topography while affording the most gracious views. Propped up on scaffolding, juggling digital cameras and folding ladders, the design team photographed the property from hundreds of angles before the ideal site was selected.
Once the site was selected, construction could begin.
The building’s foundation was raised slightly off the ground to disperse geothermal heat. In addition, the designers studied daily sunlight patterns and positioned the structure accordingly in order to warm the swimming pool during the cooler morning hours and illuminate the principal living quarters during the late afternoon. Finally, the main house was designed with functional balconies on all sides: each balcony meticulously planned ~ and precisely positioned ~ to
both optimize wind flow and frame the property’s most breath-taking views.
Stylistically, the goal was to create an authentic Spanish hacienda. Following Old World tradition, the house was anchored around a centralized interior patio
in the Moorish style: enclosed on three sides ~ yet
open on the fourth (similar to the Alcázar of Seville) ~ to reveal a reflecting pool ~ and mirror the water motif of the home’s magnificent marble fountain. A bell tower, horseshoe arches, a colonnaded,vineyard-style patio, and
ornamental Moorish mosaic tilework (“azulejos”) completed this picturesque portrait of a faraway fantasy world of castles, chivalry, and swordsplay, reminiscent of Medieval Spain.
Shortly after completion, this showcase home was showcased on the TVE Spanish television series Spaniards Around The World (Españoles Alrededor
Del Mundo) as a prime example of authentic Spanish architecture designed outside the peninsula. Not surprising. After all, the story of a fairy-tale retreat as
magical as this one deserves a happy ending.

Monarch Fumo European Oak pre-finished with Bona Traffic Naturale by Integrity Floors. Find a Bona Certified Craftsman for your flooring project: https://us.bona.com/bcc-landing.html
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