In coming to Minnesota from Iceland, the owners of Home 4 found themselves more than 3,000 miles away from home, hoping to build something new – literally and figuratively – that would feel like home for their family of five. They purchased a scenic piece of land in Rochester and identified a general idea of the spaces they would need, but they struggled with how to define a sense of character that would incorporate their culture and identity into the design. The architect-led design team was tasked with creating a house that would help establish the homeowners’ roots in a new country while still recalling familiar comforts of their heritage. The result is a warm family home that combines elements of Nordic design with a touch of American farmhouse aesthetic. Gracious proportions, custom woodworking, and cheerful details create a welcoming atmosphere, while modern conveniences like a large mudroom and second-floor laundry help day-to-day life feel easy. Around each corner, a new detail greets the eye, from the Lundie-inspired column at the staircase, to the double-heart detail inscribed in the woodwork, to the custom table designed for the breakfast nook. Each element is lovely individually, but experiencing the holistic effect as the details intentionally pair and play together helps to craft a house that feels like home. Most important, the homeowners’ history, heritage, and hopes are melded together into a home that represents their family. Each unique element and carefully considered material combine to form a house that feels as if it could have belonged to this family for generations, even though it is brand new.

This living room started out with dusty rose carpeting and walls and a mish mash of cheap furniture. It needed a complete overhaul. The first step was to identify the room's purpose. While technically it is a living room, it is connected via open space to the dining room, kitchen, and family room...thus, it was really more of an extension of the most used, common areas of the home. It was also the first room that visitors see when entering the home, and thus, it needed to be beautiful. While the space is more refined than the other common areas of the home, it is still relaxed enough to be used everyday, and it is. It's TV is used regularly to watch the big sporting events of the week and its also a cozy place with comfortable, oversize chairs and sofas to curl up and read a book or play a card game by the gas fireplace. Wall to wall custom built-in cabinetry and mantle were designed and installed that create a beautiful focal point for the room. Tracey Ayton Photography

Inspiration for a large contemporary open concept concrete floor, gray floor and exposed beam living room remodel in Vancouver with white walls, a two-sided fireplace and a metal fireplace

This living room started out with dusty rose carpeting and walls and a mish mash of cheap furniture. It needed a complete overhaul. The first step was to identify the room's purpose. While technically it is a living room, it is connected via open space to the dining room, kitchen, and family room...thus, it was really more of an extension of the most used, common areas of the home. It was also the first room that visitors see when entering the home, and thus, it needed to be beautiful. While the space is more refined than the other common areas of the home, it is still relaxed enough to be used everyday, and it is. It's TV is used regularly to watch the big sporting events of the week and its also a cozy place with comfortable, oversize chairs and sofas to curl up and read a book or play a card game by the gas fireplace. Wall to wall custom built-in cabinetry and mantle were designed and installed that create a beautiful focal point for the room. Tracey Ayton Photography

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

In coming to Minnesota from Iceland, the owners of Home 4 found themselves more than 3,000 miles away from home, hoping to build something new – literally and figuratively – that would feel like home for their family of five. They purchased a scenic piece of land in Rochester and identified a general idea of the spaces they would need, but they struggled with how to define a sense of character that would incorporate their culture and identity into the design. The architect-led design team was tasked with creating a house that would help establish the homeowners’ roots in a new country while still recalling familiar comforts of their heritage. The result is a warm family home that combines elements of Nordic design with a touch of American farmhouse aesthetic. Gracious proportions, custom woodworking, and cheerful details create a welcoming atmosphere, while modern conveniences like a large mudroom and second-floor laundry help day-to-day life feel easy. Around each corner, a new detail greets the eye, from the Lundie-inspired column at the staircase, to the double-heart detail inscribed in the woodwork, to the custom table designed for the breakfast nook. Each element is lovely individually, but experiencing the holistic effect as the details intentionally pair and play together helps to craft a house that feels like home. Most important, the homeowners’ history, heritage, and hopes are melded together into a home that represents their family. Each unique element and carefully considered material combine to form a house that feels as if it could have belonged to this family for generations, even though it is brand new.

This living room started out with dusty rose carpeting and walls and a mish mash of cheap furniture. It needed a complete overhaul. The first step was to identify the room's purpose. While technically it is a living room, it is connected via open space to the dining room, kitchen, and family room...thus, it was really more of an extension of the most used, common areas of the home. It was also the first room that visitors see when entering the home, and thus, it needed to be beautiful. While the space is more refined than the other common areas of the home, it is still relaxed enough to be used everyday, and it is. It's TV is used regularly to watch the big sporting events of the week and its also a cozy place with comfortable, oversize chairs and sofas to curl up and read a book or play a card game by the gas fireplace. Wall to wall custom built-in cabinetry and mantle were designed and installed that create a beautiful focal point for the room. Tracey Ayton Photography

This living room started out with dusty rose carpeting and walls and a mish mash of cheap furniture. It needed a complete overhaul. The first step was to identify the room's purpose. While technically it is a living room, it is connected via open space to the dining room, kitchen, and family room...thus, it was really more of an extension of the most used, common areas of the home. It was also the first room that visitors see when entering the home, and thus, it needed to be beautiful. While the space is more refined than the other common areas of the home, it is still relaxed enough to be used everyday, and it is. It's TV is used regularly to watch the big sporting events of the week and its also a cozy place with comfortable, oversize chairs and sofas to curl up and read a book or play a card game by the gas fireplace. Wall to wall custom built-in cabinetry and mantle were designed and installed that create a beautiful focal point for the room. Tracey Ayton Photography

front door photography Focused on creating an inspiring and stress free experience for clients, Emily and her talented rolodex of contractors, architects and consultants take projects of all sizes from dream to reality. Emily personally works one-on-one with each client to first discover how they want their space to feel. She then helps them identify the needs of the space, both aesthetically and functionally. About Emily: Fashion designer turned interior designer, Emily Wallach, fuses West Coast simplicity with East Coast glamour for spaces that are luxurious and liveable. After her successful career in fashion, Emily’s passion for creating stylish, contemporary spaces led her to start her eponymous interior design firm in 2012. Since then, she has brought her design simplicity to fabulous New York apartments, New Jersey manors and commercial hospitality venues. Emily’s refreshing design sensibility results in interiors that evoke a welcoming sense of peace and impeccable taste. Planning an upcoming project? Give us a call now at (646) 320-1561 to get started!

A renovation project doesn’t come cheap. Even if you have a lot of money, it is still considered practical that you set a budget when giving your landed house a makeover. The question is, what should you keep and what should you restore when doing a renovation project? If you are keen on giving your landed house interior design an upgrade, planning early is considered crucial. That means you need to figure out the right budget, employ the right team, and identify a timeline for completion ahead of time. During the planning stage, it is also vital that you identify which areas in your house to keep as is and which ones to repair and restore. If you need some beneficial guidance, here’s what some experts have to say: Retain the existing flooring when it doesn’t have major cracks or damage In landed house interior design, floors are not only considered the foundation of every landed home, they are also expected to be the most resilient. While it can be tempting to add floor embellishments like tiles to enhance your home’s aesthetic value, it shouldn’t be a priority if it does not have any massive damage or cracks. This is especially true if you’re trying to keep your spending to a minimum. If anything, there are other options you can look into to keep your flooring attractive. For instance, ensure they are cleaned and polished regularly. You will not only make them look well-maintained, you will also help boost their longevity. Replace plumbing fixtures when needed Plumbing fixtures belong to a list of items in the house that are most exposed to wear and tear. Even when not in use, water passes through the pipes, faucets, and other bathroom and kitchen plumbing accessories. Hard water also passes through plumbing fixtures. When the water has high mineral content, dried up water might create mineral deposits such as limestone, mildew, and rust. These minerals are not only difficult to remove, they can also eventually eat into the metal and steel pipes. That being said, plumbing fixtures need to be replaced on a routine basis. Also, a broken faucet or a leaking pipe will not only cause a possible disruption in the household, they can also cause some damage if not attended to right away. Save yourself from the headache by having them checked regularly and replaced right away when needed. Always check the doors Among the most underrated parts of the house are the doors. We open and close them several times a day. We sometimes bang them shut, leave them ajar, or let the breeze close them with a loud thud. While they are often made to last for years, doors and their fixtures are also prone to warping. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise if one day you’ll discover you cannot close the door anymore because the door itself no longer fits and locks. To avoid a similar scenario, check your doors every now and then. If the door itself doesn’t fit anymore, then ensure you include it in your renovation list. In addition, knobs and handles, including hinges, that are already deformed or no longer functional should be immediately replaced as well. Also, if your doorknob is prone to jamming or if your key no longer fits and turns, consider it your cue to have them replaced.

This living room started out with dusty rose carpeting and walls and a mish mash of cheap furniture. It needed a complete overhaul. The first step was to identify the room's purpose. While technically it is a living room, it is connected via open space to the dining room, kitchen, and family room...thus, it was really more of an extension of the most used, common areas of the home. It was also the first room that visitors see when entering the home, and thus, it needed to be beautiful. While the space is more refined than the other common areas of the home, it is still relaxed enough to be used everyday, and it is. It's TV is used regularly to watch the big sporting events of the week and its also a cozy place with comfortable, oversize chairs and sofas to curl up and read a book or play a card game by the gas fireplace. Wall to wall custom built-in cabinetry and mantle were designed and installed that create a beautiful focal point for the room. Tracey Ayton Photography

In coming to Minnesota from Iceland, the owners of Home 4 found themselves more than 3,000 miles away from home, hoping to build something new – literally and figuratively – that would feel like home for their family of five. They purchased a scenic piece of land in Rochester and identified a general idea of the spaces they would need, but they struggled with how to define a sense of character that would incorporate their culture and identity into the design. The architect-led design team was tasked with creating a house that would help establish the homeowners’ roots in a new country while still recalling familiar comforts of their heritage. The result is a warm family home that combines elements of Nordic design with a touch of American farmhouse aesthetic. Gracious proportions, custom woodworking, and cheerful details create a welcoming atmosphere, while modern conveniences like a large mudroom and second-floor laundry help day-to-day life feel easy. Around each corner, a new detail greets the eye, from the Lundie-inspired column at the staircase, to the double-heart detail inscribed in the woodwork, to the custom table designed for the breakfast nook. Each element is lovely individually, but experiencing the holistic effect as the details intentionally pair and play together helps to craft a house that feels like home. Most important, the homeowners’ history, heritage, and hopes are melded together into a home that represents their family. Each unique element and carefully considered material combine to form a house that feels as if it could have belonged to this family for generations, even though it is brand new.

This living room started out with dusty rose carpeting and walls and a mish mash of cheap furniture. It needed a complete overhaul. The first step was to identify the room's purpose. While technically it is a living room, it is connected via open space to the dining room, kitchen, and family room...thus, it was really more of an extension of the most used, common areas of the home. It was also the first room that visitors see when entering the home, and thus, it needed to be beautiful. While the space is more refined than the other common areas of the home, it is still relaxed enough to be used everyday, and it is. It's TV is used regularly to watch the big sporting events of the week and its also a cozy place with comfortable, oversize chairs and sofas to curl up and read a book or play a card game by the gas fireplace. Wall to wall custom built-in cabinetry and mantle were designed and installed that create a beautiful focal point for the room. Tracey Ayton Photography

A moment of pure relaxation, inviting you to unwind with a glass of bubbly. A bottle of Bellante Prosecco, easily identified by its gold label with bold black script, rests casually on its side on a light wooden table. The green glass allows a glimpse of the pale yellow color of the sparkling wine within, hinting at its refreshing character. To the right of the Bellante, a sleek silver ice bucket with a black handle sits ready. Ice cubes peek out from its top, promising to keep the bottle perfectly chilled. A crystal-clear wine glass with a thin stem stands poised behind the ice bucket. Beside it, a white napkin, neatly folded in half, completes the elegant table setting. In the background, a touch of greenery provided by a blurred leafy plant adds a subtle connection to nature, creating a sense of tranquility for this delightful moment.

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 guest/office. Boston Red-brick chimney became the focal point of the new kitchen with closed door storage and walnut countertop and floating shelves. Keeping the line of sight to the original back metal bay-window with stained glass insert at the back of the unit complimented the crisp white cabinets and quartz stone tops Removing a series of built-ins and bookcases to the right of the fireplace freed up space for a large built-in Subzero along with a wet bar and wine fridge Mixing stainless steel appliances with brass faucets and light fixtures keep the space transitional

Gut renovation of a triplex apartment in New York city meat packing area. In this project, we identified the challenge of renovating a triplex as finding a way to integrate the stairs, so as to not take up the entire width of a narrow house, as well as to minimize the feeling of constantly having to run up and down to connect floors. This twelve-foot-wide townhouse consists of a cellar living room, a master bedroom suite on the upper floor, and a kitchen and dining area on the entry level. In trying to weave together these different floors, the aim of the project was to transform the stairs and steps into a fluid space that combines transition and rest. The steps were designed to be integrated with the architecture, cantilevering from the wall and almost disappearing. The living room on the ground plane folds into the garden through steps and a full-window wall, effectively extending the garden into the living room. From the garden to the entry level, the stairs were transformed into a platform and space for meditation within the open-space living room, dining room and kitchen. The introduction of a skylight midway through the length of the triplex permits natural light to flow to the back of the home, blending into the natural light coming in through the window facing the garden. The skylight also revealed a view of the trees hanging over the townhouse, framing the master bedroom suite from above and extending down with a view towards the garden

front door photography Focused on creating an inspiring and stress free experience for clients, Emily and her talented rolodex of contractors, architects and consultants take projects of all sizes from dream to reality. Emily personally works one-on-one with each client to first discover how they want their space to feel. She then helps them identify the needs of the space, both aesthetically and functionally. About Emily: Fashion designer turned interior designer, Emily Wallach, fuses West Coast simplicity with East Coast glamour for spaces that are luxurious and liveable. After her successful career in fashion, Emily’s passion for creating stylish, contemporary spaces led her to start her eponymous interior design firm in 2012. Since then, she has brought her design simplicity to fabulous New York apartments, New Jersey manors and commercial hospitality venues. Emily’s refreshing design sensibility results in interiors that evoke a welcoming sense of peace and impeccable taste. Planning an upcoming project? Give us a call now at (646) 320-1561 to get started!

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.

This living room started out with dusty rose carpeting and walls and a mish mash of cheap furniture. It needed a complete overhaul. The first step was to identify the room's purpose. While technically it is a living room, it is connected via open space to the dining room, kitchen, and family room...thus, it was really more of an extension of the most used, common areas of the home. It was also the first room that visitors see when entering the home, and thus, it needed to be beautiful. While the space is more refined than the other common areas of the home, it is still relaxed enough to be used everyday, and it is. It's TV is used regularly to watch the big sporting events of the week and its also a cozy place with comfortable, oversize chairs and sofas to curl up and read a book or play a card game by the gas fireplace. Wall to wall custom built-in cabinetry and mantle were designed and installed that create a beautiful focal point for the room. Tracey Ayton Photography