This gorgeous summer retreat was in need of a complete overhaul! After SuperStorm Sandy renovations to the lower level, my clients were ready to tackle the 3 upper floors. The home is chock full of original beauty with its custom bead board and moldings. Walnut banisters and solid five panels interior doors - adorned with crystal knobs. We took advantage of the amazing exposed ceiling beams in living and dining rooms. Incredible wavy leaded glass doors are found in both the foyer and bar rooms. Imposing interior walls were removed to make way for this dream kitchen! A classic 9" subway tile sets the tone for the white shaker front cabinets and quartz counter top. While the contrasting soft gray island carries an almost black dropped miter edge quartz top. For that old world charm, we added a pair of open shelves to showcase the dinnerware and glasses. Custom furnishings and window treatments are found through the home. Our goal was to create an amazingly cozy home that our clients could enjoy for generations to come!!

These homeowners love to entertain family, friends and work colleagues but their existing floor plan kept hosts and guests awkwardly separated. By removing the preexisting imposing offending wall entirely, the design team was able to create an appropriate environment for entertaining. Perimeter cabinetry in Alabaster White adds to the sense of light and openness in a once-confined space. The contrasting Pecan finished island serves as a focal point for the room. Cambria Berwyn quartz countertops are highlighted by gorgeous Walker Zanger gray ceramic backsplash tile. Calcutta marble and wood water-jet mosaic add just the right amount of visual interest to this kitchen. 205 Photography

'Miloš Otić / @Meelowsh'
Example of an urban home bar design in Chicago

Giza in Pyramid by Shaw Floors. Like its namesake, the Giza porcelain tile collection offers similar appeal, ready to transform your room with magnificence. And part of that magnificence is due to Giza’s size, an imposing 12“x24”, which gives rooms a sense of grand scale. Made in America, the Giza collection also offers the ideal finish with beautiful mosaic and bullnose trim pieces.

CARNEGIE HOMES Features •Imposing Romanesque Architecture •4525 square feet ( 5 Br/4.5 Bath) •Spacious Rooftop Terrace with Fireplace and Kitchen •Ornate detailing •Master Retreat with fireplace •Coffee Bar and Steam Shower •Media Room •Private Elevator •Home Automation •Alleyway access to Garage •Custom Shoe Closets •Custom Master Closet •Energy Star Certified •Wolf/Subzero Appliances •Custom Designed Wrought Iron Stairs •Open Floor Plan •Grand Kitchen Island •Sink in Utility Room •Game room with Bar •Exotic Granite Countertops •Custom Stained Red Oak Flooring

Built in 1926, this home has remained in the same family since its construction, and is a textbook example of 1920’s California style. Designed by famed architect George Washington Smith and furnished by the original owner and her consultant Arthur Byne, a noted historian of Spanish antiques, it featured many of the original furnishings including prime examples from 17th century Spain and 19th century China. By today’s standards, however, it was very dark and imposing. When this gem was put up for sale, we were hired to give the home a fresh look while honoring the original character of the house. With major editing, working with many of the choice antiques, and incorporating updated elements, we breathed new life into this classic Grande Dame.

This dramatic remodel reinvigorated mid-century modern with an updated contemporary vibe after earlier updates had traditionalized the home. Completed in 2022, a significant reorganization of the space removed an existing fireplace and reallocated a living room to create a centrally located open-concept Kitchen and Dining Room. Dominating the kitchen is the spectacular emerald-toned glass cabinetry. Vivid and rich, the matte glass provides a depth and softness unmatched by painted cabinetry. Natural quartzite slabs wrap the waterfalled island and backsplashes, the unique graining provides interest without competing against the bold cabinetry. The home’s unique butterfly floorplan is reflected in the various angles incorporated into the architectural elements of the island, new walls and directing paths through offset openings. A series of interconnected beams, soffits, and columns impose spatial order and break the space into digestible visual components. The gas range is incorporated into a niche that contains a generous backbar, full-height backsplash and integrated spice storage. The island features brass inlays at slab breaks and a contrasting granite backchannel with an inconspicuous ‘scrubby-dubby cubby’ at one end for concealing cleaning supplies. The knee space is clad in the white oak planks of the floor, aligned and turned vertically as if folded. A distinctive black stained buffet with touch latch drawers is comprised of strips of cherry repurposed from paneling found in den. Matching woodwork is incorporated into the Foyer and wraps the Fireplace.

Sometimes the unique challenges of a site dictate almost everything about the end design. This European-inspired mountain retreat is one classic example. Perched atop a ridge, the buildable area was long but very narrow. A single axial line connects from the initial approach straight through the house and shoots to the view of mountains at the far end. The architecture of the home was envisioned to feel like an old French monastery-turned-family-home which has been restored and added to over several centuries. It is a place of solace and introspection, where the repetition of stone in house and landscape feels imposing, yet safe. Lush plantings line the sun-soaked parking court and dot the back terrace areas, creating delicate play of light and movement. A stepped water rill between terrace levels completes the atmosphere with its soothing babble.

Built in 1926, this home has remained in the same family since its construction, and is a textbook example of 1920’s California style. Designed by famed architect George Washington Smith and furnished by the original owner and her consultant Arthur Byne, a noted historian of Spanish antiques, it featured many of the original furnishings including prime examples from 17th century Spain and 19th century China. By today’s standards, however, it was very dark and imposing. When this gem was put up for sale, we were hired to give the home a fresh look while honoring the original character of the house. With major editing, working with many of the choice antiques, and incorporating updated elements, we breathed new life into this classic Grande Dame.

Designed and built by Otogawa-Anschel Design+Build. The shower tile has a recess that contains the essential items. This functional compartment inspired the cubby motif we repeated in the shower stall and throughout the room. The bold color blocks break up the monotony of a single-tile theme, while avoiding the heaviness a border or accent stripe can impose. The frosted French windows add to the playful aesthetic, and stay water tight courtesy the neoprene gasket. Even the toilet paper has its own recess. The pedestal sink maximizes floor space, and the extra-long medicine cabinet mirror accommodates the entire family.

This modern home, originally used as a corner-lot butcher’s shop, is centered around a self-standing, poured concrete fireplace that greets you upon entering the property. Incorporated into the building’s design as part of the owner’s major remodeling project, this detail creates an imposing yet elegant feature within the old commercial space. The use of concrete is intentional; it speaks to the industrial character of the home, while its modeled form reflects the level of precision and refinement present throughout the home's interior. A Grand ARDA for Design Details goes to Dixon Projects Designer: Dixon Projects From: New York, New York

This 7 year old carriage home was in excellent condition, yet dated with builder special finishes. I removed several pieces within the kitchen, including dated appliances, a few gingerbread valances, brass knobs, yellow paint, and a boring chandelier above the kitchen table area. I added a mixed materials backsplash, new oil rubbed bronze hardware throughout the home on all cabinetry and doors with the exception of the newly remodeled master bathroom. Large imposing faux pillars dominated the dining area, and once removed, allowed the open floor plan to flow. Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter paint was used throughout the house except in the master bath where I used Sherwin Wms. Pediment. I added custom window treatments to all bedrooms and the living room, and the client opted for new furniture in the kitchen, living room and dining room, rounding out a most lovely new, and improved, transitional style. New lighting was added throughout the three bedroom home, and a covered room pergolas was added to the exterior patio area. The client, newly relocated to the Pittsburgh area from New York wanted a very specific master bathroom, and that is what was delivered: a top of the line, sleek, spa-like space that will allow seamless aging in place. Overall, the project went flawlessly and my client is very pleased with the results.

2016. "African Room" Interior Design Project by #OxaKovalli. The most exotic of all existing styles is the African style. A passion for the unfamiliar is so human. Decorating the interior in the African style excites the imagination and creates a sense of touching a mystery, something special. Maximum exotic and grotesque, it breaks the clichéd notions of how the interior should be. To give your home an African flavor, a global rearrangement of the apartment to arrange not necessarily. This style - is the very embodiment of dynamics, expression, and pounding vital energy. A neatly chosen game of contrasts can achieve an interesting visual effect in this interior. For example, for decorating the room, you can choose warm, soft, muted colors: sandy, terracotta, pale, the color of melted milk, ochre, or wood bark. Against this background, the items of decor, curtains, and drapery of saturated hues will look very impressive: scarlet or lemon-yellow finishing cloth of upholstered furniture, orange fixtures, and motley carpets with characteristic ornaments. In terms of colors, the African style imposes the only restriction: you should not use obviously synthetic, fluorescent colors.

High-quality turnkey bathroom renovation is a guarantee of comfort for apartment owners. This room requires a special approach, since a huge number of engineering communications are concentrated in a limited space, and humidity and active vaporization impose increased requirements on finishing materials.

Inca slabs from Techo-Bloc impart your landscape with the beauty and mystery of ancient South America. An eye-catching stone ideal for the creation of imposing walkways, side paths, patios, and poolsides. From Mediterranean to contemporary, Inca blends well with any landscape design.

Nestled in a home in Thrapston, this stunning kitchen was the result of a chance connection over golf, and it turned into something simply perfect for a lovely family. There’s a great story behind this kitchen. It might never have happened if not for a few golf lessons with a brilliant local pro, who, as it turned out, needed a kitchen. The result is a beautiful room that we’re proud to have delivered from start to finish. We used Crown Imperial’s Midsomer range for this project, painted in Sage and Blush. The Royal Calacatta Gold Quartz worktops bring a soft, luxurious feel to the space, and the Karndean herringbone floor adds warmth and texture underfoot. Bosch appliances and a standout gold Quooker tap bring both function and flair. That Quooker, especially, was a decision that took a bit of bravery, but it paid off. There are a few design details that really make this kitchen special to us. The tall units in Blush add a soft accent, with matching tiles at the opposite end of the room to tie the whole space together. A curved pilaster helps soften the corner, making the tall units feel less imposing. And the centralised hob with integrated canopy hood gives the room a far cleaner, more balanced finish, even if it did require a bit of head scratching during the design stage. We handled the entire project, from removing the old kitchen to the final finishing touches. That included plumbing, electrics, plastering, and the new flooring—every step was taken care of by our team. This kitchen is more than just a pretty space – it’s full of considered design choices and lovely touches that really suit the family who lives here. We adore how it turned out. A truly lovely room for a lovely family.

Design work started with a modest design focused on improving the kitchen, living, dining and outdoor living areas. However, a feasibility study determined that a better option was to fully remodel the existing dwelling, resulting in reclaiming some of the front veranda to increase the size of the living and dining areas. The remaining section created an alcove to the main bedroom, increasing privacy and creating a dedicated outdoor area. A large awning, cantilevered so as not to impose on the existing septic, created a separate outdoor living area. A teak facade, that will weather to grey in the salty sea air over time, was added to extend high above the box gutter, conceal the solar panels and cap the ends of the separation walls. The roof was repitched and the internal ceilings raked upwards from the teak facade, thereby increasing the internal volume and allowing for the addition of high-light windows in rooms on the ridge side of the dwelling to capture the vista, increase natural light, ventilation and sense of space. A skillion roof outside the back kitchen area was strategically positioned out of sight from the inside of the home and created a second outdoor area in the rear courtyard, serving as the main entry point. A gate house was incorporated in the rear fence to enhance the entry. The rear courtyard reclaimed an existing parking bay to create space for the cellar/music room.

Located in the picturesque landscape of Limassol, Cyprus, residence showcases our experience in blending modern architecture with the rugged beauty of the mountainous terrain. Our approach to this project was guided by the principle of enhancing the natural landscape, rather than imposing on it. The uniqueness of Stone lies in its partial integration into the mountain itself. This design choice not only pays respect to the local geography but also serves practical purposes, offering improved thermal insulation and structural stability. Thoughtful planning of the residence reflects our understanding of the client’s lifestyle and needs. For example, the main entrance, garage, and a dedicated workspace suited for remote work - an increasingly common aspect of modern life - are located on the ground floor. The first floor emphasizes privacy and comfort. The master bedroom, kids‘ bedrooms provide personal space for retreat while a shared terrace connects these spaces, offering stunning mountain views. The basement is where architectural ingenuity truly shines. Envisioned as a space for relaxation and entertaining, this floor seamlessly transitions between indoor and outdoor living. One side of the basement is partially integrated into the mountainside, creating a cozy nook for relaxation, while the other side opens onto a spacious terrace with an open pool and outdoor theater. Size / 810 sq.m. Year / 2024 Location / Limassol, Cyprus

Single-family new construction in Albinea (RE), Italy, certified Class A by CasaClima Agency for high energy efficiency. This single-family home was designed as part of an existing development plan near Albinea (in the province of Reggio Emilia), for which there were prescribed traditional design guidelines imposed. The architectural form, therefore, references a traditional Emilian farmhouse with a central "porta morta" area that acts as the entrance and stairwell. The color palette blends in with the surrounding hay fields, and the rear of the house offers decks and balconies overlooking the hills of the Reggiano Apennines. Our challenge was to focus on the efficiency of the building envelope, without changing the orientation of the building. Despite the fact that the shorter side of the house is facing South and through careful design calculations and testing during construction, we were able to achieve Class A in the CasaClima rating scheme, one of the highest Italian certifications available. This project is a joint development with Roverella SRL and is now for sale: httpa//www.immobiliare.it/44731806-Vendita-Villa-via-Conte-6-Albinea.html::: http://www.immobiliare.it/44731806-Vendita-Villa-via-Conte-6-Albinea.html photos by Sara Salsi