Many recent renovations had already taken place at this phenomenal old Tudor home. The kitchen redo was saved for last. Our mission, imposed by our client, was to create a jaw-dropping, ultra-functional space for family and friends to gather in for years to come. Naturally, the new kitchen would have to reflect the style of the home seamlessly. One challenge was to incorporate very large professional style appliances into the space while keeping the feel of a stately, yet warm home. Custom wood panels were designed for the refrigerator units to give a furniture feel. A copper hood was designed to bring in an old world element. Wood panels were applied to all other appliances – two dishwashers, a wine refrigerator, and a beverage refrigerator. An iron I-beam that separated the original kitchen from the butler’s pantry and back entry was covered in wood with chamfers to match the other ceiling beams in the home by a local woodworker. Due to the age of the home, the outside walls are concrete block. This necessitated chiseling troughs into the concrete for electrical wiring. Ceilings were studded randomly, so finding openings for recessed lighting was hit or miss. A large cluster of wiring and plumbing to the second floor had to be hidden behind cabinetry to the left of and above the refrigerators. HVAC wasn’t straight forward either. Toe kick heaters from the old kitchen had to be replaced with other sources. A propane tank had to be added to fuel the large dual fuel, double oven range. The homeowner wanted to add a walk-in pantry for extra storage, so space was taken from an existing exterior space. This created the need for extra insulation, supplemental heat and added lighting. Needless to say, mechanicals were a big challenge. Natural stone was added in backsplash areas to the ceiling to mimic the rectangular stone on the exterior of the home. Wood panels fill the backsplash areas under wall cabinets. Large chandeliers light the space. Open shelves at the wet bar/prep area offer convenient storage for grab and go service items. A built-in pantry with antique mirrored mullion doors hides a microwave, several other small appliances as well as dishes and food items. This pantry was tucked into an alcove for an added architectural element. Herringbone wood floors are classic and timeless. Wrought iron hardware and shelf brackets fit right in. Large Barley twist legs ground the island giving a nod to the Tudor style. Mission accomplished. Matt Villano Photography

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.

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

Many recent renovations had already taken place at this phenomenal old Tudor home. The kitchen redo was saved for last. Our mission, imposed by our client, was to create a jaw-dropping, ultra-functional space for family and friends to gather in for years to come. Naturally, the new kitchen would have to reflect the style of the home seamlessly. One challenge was to incorporate very large professional style appliances into the space while keeping the feel of a stately, yet warm home. Custom wood panels were designed for the refrigerator units to give a furniture feel. A copper hood was designed to bring in an old world element. Wood panels were applied to all other appliances – two dishwashers, a wine refrigerator, and a beverage refrigerator. An iron I-beam that separated the original kitchen from the butler’s pantry and back entry was covered in wood with chamfers to match the other ceiling beams in the home by a local woodworker. Due to the age of the home, the outside walls are concrete block. This necessitated chiseling troughs into the concrete for electrical wiring. Ceilings were studded randomly, so finding openings for recessed lighting was hit or miss. A large cluster of wiring and plumbing to the second floor had to be hidden behind cabinetry to the left of and above the refrigerators. HVAC wasn’t straight forward either. Toe kick heaters from the old kitchen had to be replaced with other sources. A propane tank had to be added to fuel the large dual fuel, double oven range. The homeowner wanted to add a walk-in pantry for extra storage, so space was taken from an existing exterior space. This created the need for extra insulation, supplemental heat and added lighting. Needless to say, mechanicals were a big challenge. Natural stone was added in backsplash areas to the ceiling to mimic the rectangular stone on the exterior of the home. Wood panels fill the backsplash areas under wall cabinets. Large chandeliers light the space. Open shelves at the wet bar/prep area offer convenient storage for grab and go service items. A built-in pantry with antique mirrored mullion doors hides a microwave, several other small appliances as well as dishes and food items. This pantry was tucked into an alcove for an added architectural element. Herringbone wood floors are classic and timeless. Wrought iron hardware and shelf brackets fit right in. Large Barley twist legs ground the island giving a nod to the Tudor style. Mission accomplished. Matt Villano Photography

Michael Wilkinson The existing home has stucco siding. Matching the exterior of the addition to the Tudor home's stucco was outside the client's budget. Instead, we used Hardiepanel that has a stucco pattern. Wide Tru Exterior trim matches the width of the trim on the existing house. We mimicked the trim pattern of the existing house. We removed the existing rear deck as well as a 4-foot wide segment along the side of the house that led to a sliding door to a small office. The clients didn’t need outdoor access from the office, so we replaced the sliding door with a casement window. The foundation of the addition is piers. The pizza oven base acts as one of the piers. A large chimney was necessary for venting for the pizza oven. However, our designer used exterior elements and visual tricks to down-scale the tall chimney so it does not seem as imposing.

Michael Wilkinson The existing home has stucco siding. Matching the exterior of the addition to the Tudor home's stucco was outside the client's budget. Instead, we used Hardiepanel that has a stucco pattern. Wide Tru Exterior trim matches the width of the trim on the existing house. We mimicked the trim pattern of the existing house. We removed the existing rear deck as well as a 4-foot wide segment along the side of the house that led to a sliding door to a small office. The clients didn’t need outdoor access from the office, so we replaced the sliding door with a casement window. The foundation of the addition is piers. The pizza oven base acts as one of the piers. A large chimney was necessary for venting for the pizza oven. However, our designer used exterior elements and visual tricks to down-scale the tall chimney so it does not seem as imposing.

I was asked to design a new family home, for a lot that is third row back from the beach. As you can see the lot had numerous trees, all leaning in various directions, had to be accounted for. Besides the neighborhood restrictions the town, imposes even tighter guidelines on the mass and size of the building. The collaberation with my client has ended up with thise lovely new home, just waiting for memories to be made. Hee we can see the covered front porch with an open air second porch above. To help with the efficiency of the floor plan, due to site limitation, that fromt entry door is tucked around on the left side of the home. We wanted a the home to have a "beachy" vibe to the architecture style. I incorporated a number of "low country architectural" design elements to provide the beach cottage feel. We used NuCedar shingle siding for ease of maintance and Hardie trim, for the some reason. The home owner choose a bronze standing seam metal roof to compliment the soft grey shingle color.

After the fire, the retired couple wanted an open space in place of their galley kitchen; re-use the mosaic backsplash and fill the imposing void of the new, soaring 16 foot ceiling. Cabinets arranged in a harmonious pattern leading to the focal point create sculpture. 1- Hood angle parallels the ceiling towards refrigerator, similar to connecting the stars of a constellation. 2- The refrigerator cabinet angles to the ceiling at the spot where the right side of the hood points to the ceiling. 3- Unifying the sculpture, both cabinets intersect at the ceiling . 4- The focal point is the negative space between cabinets. 5- The glass cabinet doors are Golden Rectangles 15”x 24-½” with square cut outs. The 42” Sub-Zero paneled with Golden Rectangle inserts unifies the arrangement. The Wolf cook top is discrete.

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.

Serenity Farm, where celebrations and purposeful can come alive in a the most peaceful setting, surrounded by the best Sonoma has to offer and grazing donkeys and other invited wildlife. It’s contemporary farm style exterior and interior exudes warmth, with soaring interior ceilings and exposed glulam beams, mezzanine walkways, and steel open staircase, all create an inviting atmosphere, mixed with intelligent building design aimed at sustainability, resiliency, durability and energy and resource efficiency. Adjacent to the barn, a sun-kissed bocce ball court invites friendly competition under the California sky. The adjoined guest house seamlessly marries contemporary design with farmhouse sensibilities. Clean lines, expansive windows, and a standing-seam metal roof define its character. The barn spills onto a vast covered patio with heaters and BBQ area and fire table a seating for many A dedicated section of the barn houses miniature ponies. Children and adults alike delight in their playful presence. Outdoor pastures provide ample space for the ponies to roam freely. The orchard, with its fruit-laden trees, adds to the bucolic charm. A meandering brook winds through the front of the property, providing a soothing soundtrack that echoes through its serpentine old olive tree grove. Deliberately modest, tucked into the hillside for minimal impact, the structure and hardscaping embraces its surroundings without imposing on it. But just walk to the edge of the gardens one can contemplate the Sonoma Valley all the way down to San Francisco. Both in terms of design and construction, Serenity Farm invites you to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. Designed by EAG Studio | Built by Character Builders

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

Despite the restrictions imposed by the local zoning ordinances, we were able to build a generously sized kitchen in the classic New England lake cottage style.

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.

This project was driven by a commitment to sustainability and repurposing existing materials, seamlessly blending the old with the new while minimizing waste. The goal was to transform the backyard into a lush garden oasis with a low-water and low-maintenance design. Despite challenges posed by the property's proximity to the golf course and specific guidelines, a harmonious integration of desert plant life and low-water lush plants was achieved. Reusing existing materials and replacing natural grass with synthetic turf minimized water usage, while strategic plant placement utilized run-off water for sustainable irrigation. Navigating the constraints imposed by the Country Club, the project created a cohesive outdoor space and repurposed cobblestones to bridge the gap between the golf course and the rear of the property. This project achieved a balance between ecological consciousness and aesthetic beauty, allowing the garden oasis to coexist harmoniously with the golf course backdrop, providing the clients with a serene and vibrant landscape that aligns with their vision and respects the natural resources of the community.

“Fashion is well known as a reliable reflection of cultural trends and historical events. On a personal level, it has become my creative vehicle for exploring the emotional roller coaster of life. My inspiration arose from contemplating the dichotomy between the perception of women as fragile, delicate creatures, and the reality that most women are defined by resiliency and steely resolve. I employ a juxtaposition of extremes such as lightness and gravity, suppleness and intransigence, to convey feminine sensibilities. Crafted of steel and embellished with flourishes of wire mesh, screening, cut-outs and bits of found objects, the dresses are at once both elegant and imposing. I like the duplicitous nature of steel which can be manipulated to appear feminine and soft while actually maintaining its strength and rigidity—an expression in contrasts and complements.” -Donna McCullough

A downstairs kitchen boasts lots of counter space. A simple pair of "his & hers" coffee mugs make the space personal without imposing the name of the homeowners onto potential homebuyers.

A natural transition between structure and landscape, this outdoor space is designed to feel integrated rather than imposed. Expansive bluestone paving establishes a clean, architectural foundation, while softened edges and layered planting guide movement through the space. The pathway draws the eye upward, leading through a gently tiered sequence of steps framed by ornamental grasses, perennials, and low, textural groundcover. The planting palette is intentionally restrained—favoring greens with subtle seasonal blooms—to create continuity and a calm, cohesive experience. Multi-stem trees provide filtered shade and vertical structure, allowing light to move through the canopy while maintaining a sense of enclosure. The result is a landscape that feels immersive yet organized—where every element, from grading to planting, works together to support both function and atmosphere. Designed to evolve naturally over time, this space balances precision with softness, offering a quiet, refined approach to outdoor living.

Hyatt Regency hotels have chosen the city of Aqaba in Jordan, for its recent luxury opening at the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort. Located in the newly built Marina Village, the famous hotel chain worked with interior designer Yabu Pushelberg and the architecture studio Arcadia Design to create a peaceful retreat set between imposing mountains and turquoise lagoons. The perfect home for two of the most iconic pieces of Boca do Lobo’s collection.

Double-height hollow entrance hall uses walnut veneer + large gray marble as the wall splicing material, super large panoramic glass window connects indoor space with outdoor pine forest landscape. Equipped with modular fabric sofa, combined double solid wood coffee tables, abstract canvas paintings and vertical art sculptures, showing the imposing sense of top villa entrance space.