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!!

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!!

Hot tub - large modern backyard stone and custom-shaped hot tub idea in New York

Home design - eclectic home design idea in Austin

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

abode Design Solutions
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless white three-story stucco exterior home remodel in Minneapolis

Our clients requested an energy-efficient escape home on a 16-acre site in rural Elgin that would be maintenance friendly, age-in-place adaptable, and whose sculptural quality could harbor for their expressive family. With its dominant east-west axis, the maximizes control of solar gain control; its placement was carefully adjusted to allow all of the nearby trees to thrive. The standing seam roof’s pitch and azimuth provide optimal solar PV and fills a 20,000-gallon rainwater cistern. The age-in-place, step-less interior provides an expansive view at the south terrace. The cantilever of the board-formed foundation is a structurally expressive solution resolving an otherwise imposing mass. The curved prow of the north-pointing entry is a nod to local Elgin brick. A bowed and formally jubilant thermal chimney faces south for efficient passive ventilation. Photo credit: Chris Diaz General Contractor: Native (buildnative.com)

Clean lined luxury drapes completes the bathroom with fullness and warmth. Custom made, high end fabrics, interior designed drapery.
Inspiration for a modern bathroom remodel in Chicago

The Trapezoid with its imposing rusting walls and precipitous cascading waterfalls, mimics earth’s vast mountain ranges and rocky seaside cliffs. The organic nature of Corten steel made with copper, iron and chromium, fascinates as it ages; changing color and pattern, reminiscent of retreating waves on a sandy beach. This fountain can be a stand-alone architectural element or combined with the M-series fountains for a large scale installation. Low splash radius with soothing waterfall sound makes the Trapezoid fountain ideal for creating white noise in exterior space. Adjustable water flow to control splash radius and surface water tension. Available in: • Corten 3/16”architectural rusting steel • Stainless steel 304 • Corten or Stainless rectangular tube • Weight: 531 lbs. • Dimensions: 52"L x 52"W x 96"H • Every Fountain can be scaled up or down. Pricing quoted on the website is for dimensions as shown. Contact us for pricing on custom sizes.

This Italian estate boasts a grand entrance courtyard. As you pass through a beautiful archway, prepare to be enchanted by the majestic beauty that unfolds before you. A symphony of architectural splendor and natural allure welcomes you, with a meticulously manicured courtyard serving as the centerpiece of this Italian masterpiece. Imposing yet inviting, the courtyard beckons with its lush greenery, inviting you to pause and savor the moment.

It is not uncommon for the scope of work to change during a project. This is often the result of deficiencies in the framing or foundation. For this project, the changes were a result of uncovering original elements of the building and the clients desire to honor and celebrate this history. I realized that the gallery, the great hallway at the center of the home, is really the nexus of the project. After completing demolition, we discovered steel I-beams in slightly different locations than the building blue print suggested and some beautiful wire cut brick facades. Rather than imposing the first design on new conditions, our client and the design team recognized the potential.

Joseph Eichler developed his moderately priced houses for the mass-market starting in 1949. His homes were designed using affordable materials and simple construction techniques. Nearly 70 years later these homes are in need of updating and remodeling an Eichler home today can become an imposing and costly project if you’re not careful. For this project the clients, who had undergone several previous house renovations, were determined to stick with an established budget from the beginning. Klopf Architecture helped them modernize their Eichler with a premium appearance on a reasonable budget. The clients challenged the Klopf team to create a design that had a high-end feel and nicely done while adhering to their budget. That meant not all of the initial project scope could be built. Like many other Eichler homes, the original floor plan did not meet the family’s needs leaving them feeling disconnected from one room to another. While an early goal was to expand the house into a carport and create a larger garage, it did not survive the contractor pricing phase of the project. The goals that did survive through to the end of the project included blurring some of the boundaries and opening up some of the spaces, making them more functional and creating a smoother flow in the house. The Klopf team joined the former separate kitchen and formal living room into one large space and shift the dining room where it is now connected to the kitchen. Klopf swapped the family room to the front alongside the living room, so the spaces feel more cohesive and are now better suited for family activities. The functional layout of the master bathroom was changed to include a large, curbless shower. Installing a complete IKEA kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings was key to staying within budget. Bath fixtures in this house are also exclusively IKEA. Klopf Architecture has designed many homes using IKEA products, which are quite compatible offering an affordable, contemporary take on Eichler homes. The clients saved additional money from the simplicity and availability of IKEA products and by orchestrating the orders and purchases themselves. Following each construction meeting, the clients would make a run to IKEA and purchase items, pick up needed spare parts, and bring them back right away to stay ahead of the contractor’s schedule and minimize the chance of delays and bottlenecks. Klopf balanced material selections by retaining some of the original woodwork and simply refinishing the mahogany paneling. They were able to retain the original windows and sliding doors which were still in good shape, avoiding some of the most costly replacement expenses. Additionally interior doors were simply refinished and the exterior siding cleaned up and repainted. Formerly dark interiors are now illuminated with new slimmer semi-recessed lighting eliminating the need for costly roof work. Attention to design details allowed the Klopf team to ensure the house ended up with a high quality feel. Key visual elements were strictly aligned and Klopf worked with the clients to select a unified materials palette throughout the spaces so the house flows seamlessly together. Aligning the tile layout with the trusses and keeping it level with the concrete slab outside allowed them to achieve a level of quality that may otherwise be missed. The clients were able to keep their budget on track by determining clear goals and making critical decisions upfront, choosing materials and furnishings wisely, working with the right design and construction teams in place and to a large part, their willingness to participate throughout the process. In the end the clients were much happier with their reconfigured Eichler home and Klopf Architecture managed to keep their remodeling costs to about $325/sf – a good amount below the average Bay Area Eichler remodel. Project Team: John Klopf, Angela Todorova, Sherry Tan Contractor: Keycon Construction Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon Photography: Sabrina Huang Year Completed: 2020

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.

A close up of distressed cabinet doors with a black hardware pull and raised panel cabinet doors and drawer front. This kitchen design is a beautiful example of Mountain Resort styling. Soaring mountain peaks, rugged terrain, and old pine forests appeal to a large audience of outdoor adventures. Regardless of whether your mountain experience includes skiing, fly-fishing, hiking, or lounging by the fireplace, the majestic grandeur and awe of the mountains have inspired a unique, architectural style. Rustic woods and equally rustic finishes are a notable feature of “Mountain” architecture. A massive, stone fireplace is another definitive focal point. Furnishings are imposing and luxurious, design elements are grand scale, and natural textures and surfaces (stone, wood, burnished, metals, etc.) are expertly blended. Rustic woods and distressed finishes are a perfect complement to “Mountain Resort” styling. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator

The corten house demonstrates how jurisdictionally imposed restraints can create hardships which (no matter how intimidating) cannot, however, deny a property owner their legally established right-to-build and, subsequently, the corten house demonstrates how those hardships, through proper planning and perseverance, can be overcome. For the McLendon Av. house, the true challenge became how to build responsibly, economically and sustainably on an extremely difficult site. The streets of the neighborhood were originally surveyed as a few separate developments and were incorporated into the City of Atlanta one by one in the 1910’s. Although some developers built groups of houses, much of Lake Claire was sold as empty lots, with individuals constructing their own homes. The neighborhood of approximately 1,200 homes is, thus, an eclectic mix from Victorian to Tudor revival to more modern periods (Craftsman bungalows, 1950s salt box cottages, mid-century ranch styles, contemporary folk styles). Given the neighborhood’s unique character, the McLendon house was introduced to the site while maintaining and then restoring as much of the native ecological habitat as possible. For example, the site’s tree frogs and stream’s bullfrogs happily remain.

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.

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.