Wainscot Greatroom Builder: Platt Builders design team: Tim Hess, Design Director Tricia Upton, Interior Decorator both for Platt Builders photographs: Greg Premru featured in the November/December issue of Design New England magazine. design challenge: shape and organize the irregular and awkward central great-room space built in the 1980s to connect the original 18th century house to the 19th century barn. add interior wrapper and intermediate transitional spaces to serve the primary adjacent space

An old client and inveterate wine collector had purchased a new home and had asked MH Akers Custom Homes to transform an oversized upstairs closet into a wine cellar. He was looking for perfect wine storage conditions and functionality as well as a little jewel box of a space. We created, together with the client, a rough sketch of the layout and specifications then stripped the walls and ceiling of their drywall and the floor of its carpet and subfloor. A vapor barrier was installed on the warm sides of the walls, floor, and ceiling then polyurethane to seal cracks and finally blown cellulose insulation. Grand_Wine_CellarFaced with an isolated second floor space, we didn’t have the luxury of access to the outside for placement of the cooling condenser unit. Working with our HVAC contractor and WineGuardian wine specialists, we chose a package unit to be placed in the attic above the wine storage room. In order to manage the ventilation of the unit itself, we ducted in from the shaded eaves of the home condenser intake air. Condenser exhaust air was ducted out of the attic through an existing large gable louver. A humidifier was added to the unit in order to optimize storage conditions, and a remote sensor was placed inside the storage space, while a thermo/humidistat was located in the hallway outside to allow easy monitoring and adjusting of the readings and settings…55 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% relative humidity last time I looked. Storage cabinet design and selection of materials were finalized. We had vacillated between old growth heart pine and clear, all-heart redwood but chose the redwood in the end. We wanted to allow water vapor transmission all the way between the room itself and the warm-side barrier, so we clad walls and ceilings with unsealed 3/4” beaded tongue and groove redwood rather than glued up materials which might create an unwanted intermediate vapor barrier. The entire conditioned wine storage space actually consists of the principal room plus a bulk storage area behind. In order to access the bulk storage area we fashioned the center section of the U-shaped cabinetry into an access door. Approximately 800 pounds loaded with wine, this seven foot high by five feet wide section pivots on two Igus slewing rings with the additional support of two heavy-duty rigid casters . . . a minor feat of engineering and completely imperceptible. We made double sure that the new stone floor was dead flat level and that the structural support under the bearing points was completely solid. Steel library ladder, grape-cluster adorned chandelier, and nifty LED accent lighting completed the effect. A most satisfying project and a testament to the collaboration between client, builder, cabinetmaker, and sundry other tradesmen. A wine cellar de grand luxe and a little gem of a space. Let us help you create your very own special place.

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard concrete paver formal garden in Boston.

"Laura" Style stainless steel railings feature square posts and flat bar intermediate posts for maximum visibility. The ideal choice for seaside decks with stunning panoramic views. G&E Steel stainless steel railings are made with grade 316 (marine grade) materials and they are meticulously polished for maximum durability in harsh sea-spray environments.

Dark green summer foliage and bronze winter foliage, with exceptional flower quality and color. Bloom Color: Pink Plant Size: Intermediate Height: 4.5 feet Spread: 4 feet Bloom Span: 2.5" across Bloom Form: Semi-double USDA Zones: 6a, 6b, 7, 8, 9

"Laura" Style stainless steel railings feature square posts and flat bar intermediate posts for maximum visibility. The ideal choice for seaside decks with stunning panoramic views. G&E Steel stainless steel railings are made with grade 316 (marine grade) materials and they are meticulously polished for maximum durability in harsh sea-spray environments.

The original Encore Azalea. Its dark lustrous foliage accentuates its beautiful semi-double flower. Bloom Color: Pink Plant Size: Intermediate Height: 4 feet Spread: 4.5 feet Bloom Span: 2" across Bloom Form: Semi-double USDA Zones: 6b, 7, 8, 9

Wallin project: Janet's bath before and after: we removed an intermediate wall separating vanity from toilet/tub area giving the bath a larger more open feeling. Tub was replaced with a "curbless shower pan" surrounded by a frameless glass shower enclosure. A heated floor was installed as well as shaker cabinetry by crown of SLC. vanity features of quartz countertop with a vessel sink and a wall mount black plumbing fixture. Black hardware and plumbing fixtures contrasted nicely with the white vanity cabinets. cabinet included two pull out shelves for makeup and bath accessories Cabinet included two pull out shelves for makeup and bath accessories, custom ceramic tile throughout adjacent to the bathroom we installed new linen cabinetry with the beverage cooler and much more

Layering a variety of materials helps defines separate spaces. An wooden bench cantilevers off the formed-in-place concrete retaining wall. The intermediate level is a patio of full-range Connecticut bluestone. The lower, waterfront level has a wooden deck. When barefoot, the variety of materials underfoot adds to one's sensual experience. The careful combination of wood, concrete Bluestone paving, loose gravel, boulders and plants with interesting textures and tones creates a rich visual palette.

Mangaris Red decking with single picture frame border. Stainless steel cable railing with Mangaris 4x4 posts, 2x23 intermediate pickets and 5/4x6 top cap. Cables are Feeney Brand 1/8"

"Laura" Style stainless steel railings feature square posts and flat bar intermediate posts for maximum visibility. The ideal choice for seaside decks with stunning panoramic views. G&E Steel stainless steel railings are made with grade 316 (marine grade) materials and they are meticulously polished for maximum durability in harsh sea-spray environments.

CHANTAL design by Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas The imposing shape of Chantal seems to be modeled from a single volume, a laborious weft in impalpable portions, such as the one of the honeycomb, allowing concentric hexagonal shapes to have an ever new perspective from every point of observation. The light from the LEDs of Chantal suspension lamp reminds us of the movement of waves and the transparency of the moment when they dwindle, they dematerialise diffusing interminable drops of brightness. Chantal is available in 3 different sizes (from 36 cm in diameter in the smaller version to the 66 of the large, passing through the intermediate version of 50 cm) all available in white, orange and blue.

Wallin project: Janet's bath before and after: we removed an intermediate wall separating vanity from toilet/tub area giving the bath a larger more open feeling. Tub was replaced with a "curbless shower pan" surrounded by a frameless glass shower enclosure. A heated floor was installed as well as shaker cabinetry by crown of SLC. vanity features of quartz countertop with a vessel sink and a wall mount black plumbing fixture. Black hardware and plumbing fixtures contrasted nicely with the white vanity cabinets. cabinet included two pull out shelves for makeup and bath accessories Cabinet included two pull out shelves for makeup and bath accessories, custom ceramic tile throughout adjacent to the bathroom we installed new linen cabinetry with the beverage cooler and much more

Staircase - contemporary staircase idea in Singapore

Example of a small minimalist galley light wood floor enclosed kitchen design in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, wood backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and gray countertops

With a super modern design and dimension, the central part of the AF66 bioethonal fireplace insert allows the flames to develop freely and in a very natural way without constraints. The intermediate solution for a dynamic fire which remains compatible with the medium-sized rooms.Really great for modern home interior design decorations.Share Leisure time and happiness with family.I believe it is Magic!!!

Inspiration for a contemporary garage remodel in Singapore

Inspiration for a contemporary marble floor dining room remodel in Singapore with white walls

The Keu Nomad is designed for those seeking more than just a home – it's a way to live fully. This intermediate model blends comfort and style in a design that adapts to the most challenging landscapes, from a quiet corner in the mountains to the heart of the city. Inside, every detail is thoughtfully arranged to create a seamless experience: a private bathroom offering intimacy, a bedroom that invites restful sleep, a kitchen ready to inspire moments, and a living area where each day becomes a memorable chapter. Its timeless design emphasizes harmony, making the essential feel extraordinary. The Keu Nomad is more than just a space; it's a lifestyle that invites you to live with purpose, enjoy every destination, and feel at home wherever you are. This is your chance to choose a place that reflects who you are. Limited units available for those who seek something special. Keu Nomad: when home is the world.