VSI Our favorite photographers and stylists joined us in creating this wonderful space in the converted gristmill/barn that had been moved to the rear of this historic property many years ago. The 9-acre Mimosa Hall, built circa 1840, is a landmark of neoclassical design with extensive gardens in the vibrant historic district of Roswell, Georgia, 20 miles north of Atlanta. The 6,000-square-foot temple-style home has heart-of-pine floors throughout, a black-and-white marble hall, soaring ceilings, and 10 fireplaces. Famed architect Neel Reid made Mimosa his home in the 1920s, creating a double parlor and designing a long fieldstone driveway and courtyard. The gardens include century-old trees, imposing boxwood hedges, rare specimen trees, stone walls, paths, parterres, a swimming pool, and a 19th Century grist mill refashioned into a barn. In addition, 21 acres of adjoining woods are for sale, one of the few remaining tracts of developable land of its size within walking distance of Roswell’s old town square.

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.

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.

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.

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 powerful image showcases a magnificent brown bear standing tall on its hind legs, its imposing figure dominating the landscape. The bear's thick fur, sharp claws, and alert expression convey a sense of strength and wildness, while the serene backdrop of a misty forest adds a touch of tranquility. This captivating photograph would make a bold statement in any space, bringing the raw beauty of the wilderness into your home. Available in a variety of formats, including loose art prints, framed pieces, and classic canvas, this image is sure to be a conversation starter and a reminder of the power and majesty of the natural world. For print options, please visit:

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.

I am devoted to illuminating the carbon footprint a building leaves upon the planet. Therefore, my exterior and interior designs are focused on optimizing a building’s potential to react to, rather than impose upon, the landscape and surrounding elements. Each project is an opportunity to explore new avenues of state-of-the-art interior design, building science and construction methodologies. I like to state: “DESIGN IT SMART, BUILD IT STRONG, FINISH IT RIGHT!” Smart technology is factored into my designs so that a building can intuitively sense and change with the surrounding environment. Intuitive Smart Technology allows a building to perform as a self-contained and self-sustaining structure. For my residential clients, Intuitive Smart Technology provides a seamless integration of a home’s operational systems – and security rooms and safe haven is taking a lead in homes where privacy is of the utmost importance. My designers, planners and consultants, strive to achieve every project’s goal with a new and unique approach. We specialize in every aspect of design; ranging from branding to urban planning. Sandra Costa Design Group Is a firm with partners and networks all over the world. We have a global perspective, enhancing the outcome of our design. Our international reputation for innovative design and a unique view of design gives clients a new aperture to there project. I am always interested in hearing about a new project and can be reached at 310 874 3739 to discuss yours. Sandra Costa Exterior design and furniture by Sandra Costa Real Estate Images by Angelo Costa 310 985 5509

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!!

The Arts & Crafts Movement encompasses the work of the Greene Brothers, Gustav Stickley, and notably, the genius of Rene Mackintosh and his wife, M. McDonald. Their art informed and invigorated the spiritual and contemplative aspects of the movement. For this design our client imposed no boundaries on the project, except that the room serve as both library and guest room. The existing fireplace, squeezed into a corner, posed an initial challenge, but now appears well intended for the space. Warm butternut was used to soften the room. Organic details appoint the bookcase columns and the surrounding passages of paneling. Windows were framed with angled panels, and sills were deepened to invite a relaxed view of the yard. The bed is tucked in its own niche, limiting its intrusion upon the room’s other uses. Multi-function rooms require deft design, and exceptional craftsmanship. The art of renowned glass artisan, Wayne Cain, contributed masterfully to this room’s appeal. Design and detail are hallmarks of the craftsmanship from Jaeger and Ernst.

Emily Followill
Bedroom - large transitional master carpeted bedroom idea in Atlanta with beige walls

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!!

A beautiful example of rustic, traditional styled crown molding at the top of kitchen cabinets in a Mountain Resort Kitchen. 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

This extensive renovation of a 1980s Tudor-style residence made use of the original structure’s good “bones,” unique form, and excellent site orientation while shaping it to suit a modernist design sensibility and the family’s needs. Designed by Ward+Blake Architects Photo Credit: Roger Wade

Basket Platform Bed is ruled by nurturing warmth, larger scale enveloping shape and a refreshing new design. Designed by Mauro Lipparini for Bonaldo and manufactured in Italy, Basket Upholstered Bed is an imposing solution that transforms the modern bedroom into a stylish assembly of surprising experiences and exceptional sophistication.

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath was the remodeling contractor for this beautiful Waukesha first floor remodel. The homeowners recently purchased the home and wanted to immediately update the space. The old kitchen was outdated and closed off from the great room. The goal was to design an open-concept space for hosting family and friends. LAYOUT The first step was to remove the awkward dining room walls. This made the room feel large and open. We tucked the refrigerator into a wall of cabinets so it didn’t impose. Seating at the island and peninsula makes the kitchen very versatile. DESIGN We created an elegant entertaining space to take advantage of the lake view. The Waukesha homeowners wanted a contemporary design with neutral colors and finishes. They chose soft gray lower cabinets and white upper cabinets. We added texture with wood accents and a herringbone marble backsplash tile. The desk area features a walnut butcher block countertop. We also used walnut for the open shelving, detail on the hood and the legs on the island. CUSTOM CABINETRY Frameless custom cabinets maximize storage in this Waukesha kitchen. The upper cabinets have hidden light rail molding. Angled plug molding eliminates outlets on the backsplash. Drawers in the lower cabinets allow for excellent storage. The cooktop has a functioning top drawer with a hidden apron to hide the guts of the cooktop. The clients also asked for a home office desk area and pantry cabinet.

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath was the remodeling contractor for this beautiful Waukesha first floor remodel. The homeowners recently purchased the home and wanted to immediately update the space. The old kitchen was outdated and closed off from the great room. The goal was to design an open-concept space for hosting family and friends. LAYOUT The first step was to remove the awkward dining room walls. This made the room feel large and open. We tucked the refrigerator into a wall of cabinets so it didn’t impose. Seating at the island and peninsula makes the kitchen very versatile. DESIGN We created an elegant entertaining space to take advantage of the lake view. The Waukesha homeowners wanted a contemporary design with neutral colors and finishes. They chose soft gray lower cabinets and white upper cabinets. We added texture with wood accents and a herringbone marble backsplash tile. The desk area features a walnut butcher block countertop. We also used walnut for the open shelving, detail on the hood and the legs on the island. CUSTOM CABINETRY Frameless custom cabinets maximize storage in this Waukesha kitchen. The upper cabinets have hidden light rail molding. Angled plug molding eliminates outlets on the backsplash. Drawers in the lower cabinets allow for excellent storage. The cooktop has a functioning top drawer with a hidden apron to hide the guts of the cooktop. The clients also asked for a home office desk area and pantry cabinet.