September, Date and Time TBD | Saratoga Blackwell Hillside Garden by Rebecca Dye and Hank Helbush of Design Focus International Each detail of this spectacular Saratoga landscape was considered with its hillside site in mind, from the size of the pool to the choice of antique stone masonry. Working closely with the owner, the landscape architects created a series of intimate garden spaces on three terraces. At the top of the site, entertainment is the name of the game where a bocce ball court and a fire pit take advantage of the site’s commanding views of the Santa Clara Valley. Below the house, a jewel-like pool captures the eye, with its intricate glass-tile and bronze water jets. At its end, a seating area and fireplace are shaded by an arbor covered with climbing roses, adding both fragrance and hue. Visitors descend a series of terraced stone stairs set into the hillside, punctuated by raised beds of strawberries, lavender, artichokes, and citrus. A formal parterre flower garden on the terrace is replanted periodically with colorful blooms in acknowledgment of the changing seasons. Photo by Lauren Devon

The Challenge: Create a rugged yet warm farmhouse feel in a high rise tower. Start with an entire 9600 gross square foot penthouse floor of raw concrete floor, walls and ceiling. Devise inventive ways to address intractable existing conditions including a plumbing layout inconsistent with our Client program, a relatively low ceiling and a massive elevator core and yet take of advantage of panoramic views of the city from all sides. For example, rather than make a bulky drywall enclosure for existing pipes that poke thru the kitchen counter, they are wrapped with antique painted galvanized sheet metal to keep sight lines around the corner as open as possible. Or, transform an unattractive and inconveniently located 24” diameter vertical duct in the middle of Samantha’s and Hannah’s (grandchildren’s) guest bedroom into part of a lovely arched top bed nook. Or, disguise a chase for above floor plumbing runs as the base for an open buffet counter. The oppressive elevator lobby was shortened; terminating in handmade glass and steel garden doors at both ends. Custom details include a groined vaulted ceiling and arched openings with stone pilasters (for future trompe-l’oeil images of a Tuscany countryside). To maximize a feeling of height, the ceilings start low and get higher as they progress to the outside walls. The Program: Create a five bedroom condo for an elderly couple with specific and different needs. Mr. likes his privacy and to stay up late into the night on the internet. He likes order. Mrs. has some physical limits that have been addressed in various ways such as shorter travel distances, a step down shower, raised dishwasher and custom cast (to ensure that they won’t rust) iron grab bars. She prefers more disorder. Spaces should be visually arresting, full of detail and easy to maintain. Private spaces include separate master bathrooms, his and her offices and a multi screened Media Room. The balance of the floor must link spaces into one continuous open room along the south and east elevations using large elements yet keeping an intimate scale, sound control and privacy. For example, a substantial fireplace made of old barn timber framing, country stone and a hammered iron grill is strategically located at the critical Southeast corner. Above, black iron offset pintel hardware allow custom double doors to hide a large flat screen TV. High technology is in place for inconspicuous yet easy use. Icon driven key pads operate lighting, window treatments, audio visual systems with multiple sources and access to movie and music databases and five HVAC zones with independent humidity controls. Outstanding Features: Exterior masonry walls have stone culled from five quarries. Sprinkled throughout are surprises - bricks with words as messages from the past, wood trimmed niches and colored glass. Glass pieces set in window corners offer bursts of color when backlit by the sun. These materials are assembled in a rough irregular fashion to look like the work of a mason from the Italian countryside. Interior ceilings and walls have overlapping layers of two plaster colors. Perimeter ceilings are made of smooth random width cedar. Rough planed cedar beams hide ductwork and allow the maximum ceiling height between them. Custom details are everywhere-consider the ten foot barn doors on overhead track at the service elevator, cedar benches/storage areas that run below window banks, antique air registers, acid washed piano hinges and transom window operators and existing concrete piers that are featured instead of hidden. The floors are made of random width wide plank old oak with hand planed faces and edges. Overall, the elements were carefully selected or painted/stained to form a soft muted gray palate The Country kitchen features an old fashioned style ice box appearance for the refrigerator/freezer, a tin ceiling, a distressed assortment of cabinets in multiple heights, colors and woods such as the cherry wood buffet cabinet with sliding glass doors on both sides. A backlit breakfast counter, a hammered copper hood and chicken wire inserts are part of the effort to make a comfortable, eclectic old fashioned looking Kitchen while containing the latest appliances and storage systems. Awards: This project has won several kitchen and bath awards: Felman Kitchen Awards 2009 St. Louis Homes and Lifestyles Kitchen of the Year – Gold Award 2008-2009 SubZero Wolf Kitchen Design Contest – Regional Winner, Regional Designer’s Choice 2010 NKBA Art of the Industry – Pinnacle of Design Award 2010 NKBA Art of the Industry – First Place Medium Kitchen 2010 NKBA Art of the Industry – Consumer’s Choice Award 2010 K&BB Kitchen of the Year Award Felman Bath Awards 2010 Ladue News Award—Master Bathroom

This visionary homeowner found an idyllic property surrounded by gorgeous pastoral views, fertile soil perfect for a Truffle farm, and an easy distance to downtown Corvallis, Oregon. What was not ideal, however, was the existing house. Built in the 1980’s, this ranch had some undesirably unique features that were not at all the style that our client was imagining for her dream farmhouse. She came to us with the challenge of transforming this dated ranch into a classic southern style farmhouse complete with covered porches and wood burning fireplaces. She had dreams of hosting large parties as well as intimate family gatherings, requiring a modern open concept layout alongside more secluded areas, all while preserving the traditional aesthetic that she desired. Having lived in a wide variety of homes around the country, there were some features this homeowner knew she wanted to incorporate into this major rebuild. We thoughtfully considered how to include those elements in the design while addressing several structural challenges, remaining within budget, and creating a final product that would be both stunning and practical. Historic trim work, white oak flooring, and warm white walls provide the ideal backdrop for showcasing her treasured heirloom rugs and artwork. Incorporating numerous windows on every exterior wall possible, we were able to maximize natural light, and access panoramic views of the countryside, while allowing the fresh air to breeze through. Multiple sets of French doors lead onto the expansive front veranda that wraps around the main living room. This deep, full-length porch is an inviting, shady spot to enjoy the outdoors. The combination of these design features provided the framework to capture the vision she had for her home.

The Breakers Palm Beach is a historic, Renaissance Revival style luxury hotel with 534 rooms. The current structure, is the third version of The Breakers, as the previous hotel buildings on the site burnt down two times. The actual hotel became the primary resort in Palm Beach, hosting many famous guests throughout the years and today it offers also The Flagler Club: a more intimate, exceptionally customized stay as an ultra-exclusive boutique hotel of 21 rooms and suites following a complete transformation by renowned Tihany Design in collaboration with us and Misuraemme for the closets scope. Those areas are the inarguably their most luxurious and exclusive offering and we projected 21 closets, mixed between free-standing closets with London leather doors and open walk in closet. The linear closet is an important character of the design scope, with also the presence of a freestanding dresser and a glossy lacuqered boiserie with recessed mirror, that gives to the space a touch of luxury. The remaining rooms have a walk in closet system with dresser and a safe compartment included, also in that case, the space is made brighter and luxurious thanks to the LED and the choice of the finishes.

SKU 1586-90002A-GLD1 Mirrored and gold-framed landscape dresser is finished with jewel-like hardware: opalescent stones set in reeded gold. Top drawers are velvet-lined for personal items and intimates. Material Poplar and Hardwood Solids with Birch Veneers, Gold Leaf, Gold Powder, Antique Mirror and Felt Number of Drawers 9 Style Transitional Features Nine drawers Top left drawer has drop-in felt liner Top right drawer has drop-in felt jewelry tray All drawer interiors are in matching gold finish Finish Golds Finish GLD1 gold finish, antique mirror, gold round knob pulls and gold knobs with stone center *Also shown: Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Bedroom Twiggy Mirror SKU 1586-90003-GLD1 Mirror frame is an asymmetrical network of twig-like metal dusted in gold. Organic meets sophisticated. Width 38 3/4", Depth 1 1/2", Height 53"

Exterior spaces include a dining area with a limestone fireplace, built-in fire pit, intimate sunken dining area with a pergola above, and open yard space for bocce. Landscaping and planters were all designed by Scott Byron & Co.

This renovated basement is a moody, elevated entertaining space designed for gathering, unwinding, and lingering a little longer. A rich black paneled wall sets a dramatic backdrop, balanced by light wood floors, warm neutral upholstery, and sculptural brass accents that add a subtle glow. The mix of tailored furnishings and organic elements creates a refined yet relaxed atmosphere—equally suited for bourbon tastings, game nights, or shooting pool in the billiards room. Thoughtful lighting and bold artwork bring depth and personality, while the open layout allows the space to flow effortlessly from bar to game table to lounge. The result is a sophisticated retreat that feels intimate, inviting, and unmistakably cool.

Laura Beeler: I recently took a call from a customer looking for a designer. The mission was to help him create a wonderful, new living space in his downtown Des Moines loft. Matt & I had an instant connection. Since he had been in by Design before, we quickly set up a house call. An additional challenge was time — he was hosting a big party in 4 weeks! We chose the Tristan sofa for it’s retro look. We love how it appears to “float” over the stainless sleigh base. (Light & airy pieces were important as we didn’t want to overpower the intimate space). We anchored the room with a deep pile, chunky shag rug and topped it with a large storage ottoman. The two George chairs can span the decades and certainly have a personality all their own. The repetition of the metal and tufting in all of the pieces gives continuity to the design – an important consideration when designing a space this eclectic. The open shelving offered more storage as well as giving a great silhouette against the original white brick wall. I think the end result suits him to a tee, whether he is relaxing or entertaining. The best part was that we had it all in place in the allotted time frame.

The custom office was designed as a richly layered retreat with a sense of quiet confidence. Warm wood tones from the custom cabinetry set the foundation, while the curved executive desk, black stone slab accent wall, and integrated LED lighting layer in texture and depth—creating a space that feels both grounded and inspiring. Moody furnishings, including a black tufted leather sofa, velvet lounge chair, and charcoal-toned rug, add to the room’s intimate atmosphere. Modern picture lights and custom wall moldings frame their curated artwork, bringing personality and polish to the space. Framed by black steel French doors, this office is equal parts functional and dramatic—a refined retreat built for focus and creativity.

Tucked beneath the main level, this immersive lower-level retreat was designed for elevated entertaining and everyday escape. A dark, dramatic palette sets the tone, with natural stone, rich textures, and statement fixtures defining each space. At the heart of it all is Crystal Thunder, a rare natural quartzite that brings depth and movement to the bar and lounge, adding a luminous contrast to the moody surroundings. The layout flows from a custom bar and lounge to a home theater and golf simulator, balancing luxury with livability. Every detail was curated to feel intimate, indulgent, and distinctly underground.

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choreographed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside, the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture, and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel, and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a McKay Otto sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

TIEMPO, Designed by JORGE PENSI DESIGN STUDIO, Debuts Exclusively for JANUS et Cie; Modular Lounge Collection Redefines Luxury Teak Furnishings Tiempo, the striking new teak collection designed by architect and designer Jorge Pensi exclusively for JANUS et Cie, delivers sophisticated seating that allures and endures in most any setting. “Tiempo is a dream come true. Jorge Pensi exceeded my expectations, creating a collection that is grand on every level, from style and engineering to functionality,” said JANUS et Cie president and CEO Janice Feldman. The artistry of Tiempo can be found in its sleek architectural design, impeccably crafted from premium solid teak and innovative teak veneer into beautiful geometric angles. The immaculately finished surfaces provide a rich, contemporary backdrop for the extensive choices of more than 200 textiles. These range from velvety solids and vivid stripes to textured florals and patterns. “Our aim is always to excite as many senses as possible,” said Pensi with reference to his Barcelona-based design studio team. “In Tiempo, we got there by challenging the usual logic, using as few resources as possible to create something that is at once exotic and refined, solid with a feeling of lightness.” The legs are made of electro-polished stainless steel with a unique finish for exterior use. The Modules are joined together using a special bracketed leg to create seamless seating ensembles. Assembly requires minimal connector legs, which helps to reduce visual clutter. The Modules and Tables mix and match into endless configurations, and arrangement possibilities range from intimate to expansive. All of these collection details establish Tiempo as a game-changer in the industry. “Tiempo translates as ‘time’ in Spanish,” said Feldman. “Jorge and I hope this seating not only has longevity, but also inspires great moments and memories.” The Tiempo collection, which is designed for indoor and outdoor use, features a Lounge Chair, Right End and Left End Modules which feature teak sides and available with and without soft-close drawers, upholstered Left End and Right End Modules, a Corner Module, a Center Module, a Double Center Module, a Cocktail Table, and an Grande Cocktail Table.

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choreographed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside, the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture, and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel, and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a McKay Otto sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

Inspired by the charm and unhurried rhythm of the French countryside, this commercial restaurant project in Kazakhstan brings the essence of Provence to an urban setting. Rachelle Design Lab focused on creating a light-filled, airy atmosphere that invites guests to relax and linger. Key Design Features: Spatial Planning: The layout features diverse seating zones, from cozy booth arrangements along the panoramic windows to dynamic center tables, ensuring a comfortable experience for both large groups and intimate dining. Texture & Palette: The design relies on a fresh, authentic palette: white-washed wood cladding on structural columns and the bar counter, paired with soft French-blue seating and natural oak tables. Atmospheric Details: Lush biophilic elements seamlessly divide the space, while thematic decor—including vintage-style posters, decorative wall plates, and lavender accents—completes the Mediterranean narrative. The result is a highly functional commercial space that successfully marries operational efficiency with a warm, romantic aesthetic.

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choregraphed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a Page Kempner sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

September, Date and Time TBD | Saratoga Blackwell Hillside Garden by Rebecca Dye and Hank Helbush of Design Focus International Each detail of this spectacular Saratoga landscape was considered with its hillside site in mind, from the size of the pool to the choice of antique stone masonry. Working closely with the owner, the landscape architects created a series of intimate garden spaces on three terraces. At the top of the site, entertainment is the name of the game where a bocce ball court and a fire pit take advantage of the site’s commanding views of the Santa Clara Valley. Below the house, a jewel-like pool captures the eye, with its intricate glass-tile and bronze water jets. At its end, a seating area and fireplace are shaded by an arbor covered with climbing roses, adding both fragrance and hue. Visitors descend a series of terraced stone stairs set into the hillside, punctuated by raised beds of strawberries, lavender, artichokes, and citrus. A formal parterre flower garden on the terrace is replanted periodically with colorful blooms in acknowledgment of the changing seasons. Photo by Lauren Devon

Welcome to a modern oasis by the tranquil shores of Lake Buchanan—a bespoke farmhouse that seamlessly merges the timeless allure of rural living with the sleek elegance of contemporary design. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the lake, this custom-built residence transcends the ordinary and redefines lakeside living. With 2,816 square feet of carefully crafted conditioned living space, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom sanctuary offers an open floor plan that invites natural light to dance gracefully throughout. The heart of the home, a spacious living area, is adorned with clean lines and modern finishes, offering a warm and inviting space for family gatherings and intimate soirées alike.

Client Goal: To provide a large area for entertaining that allows individual settings for more intimate gatherings of small groups of guests. This open, 2-story cathedral ceiling great room offers a dual staircase that splits the room into defined gathering areas. In the first area, guests can begin their evening with a cocktail from the bar tucked into the corner of the staircase. This sitting room includes wing chairs upholstered in a classic stripe to complement the floral loveseat. The herringbone fireplace on the opposite side is accented with deep plum walls that reflect the color in the wing chair stripes and provide contrast to the two windows on either side of the fireplace, thereby drawing attention to the wonderful exterior view.

Studio IAAD | Hines Conscient Elevate, Gurugram A tranquil retreat from city-life Located in the plush suburbs of Gurugram in NCR, Elevate is a co-venture housing project marking the collaboration of Hines and Conscient, two major league developers in the Indian real estate sector. Spread across an area of about 10,000 sq.ft., the design scope comprised architecture, interiors, landscaping and FFE, skillfully realized by Studio IAAD. The holistic design brief allowed for a versatile and flexible intervention; the idea was to 'elevate' the person entering the condominiums from the chaos of the noisy world's frantic pace to a quieter, peaceful space where they can relax and take a breath of fresh air. The biophilic approach, a signature of Studio IAAD's brand, nurtures an intimate connection of the user with nature without foregoing modern comforts, whilst employing greenery as a buffer to mute the clangour of the cosmopolitan city, enabling well-being. Nestled in a forest-like setting, the approach to the house evokes tranquility. The visitor is greeted with a narrow pathway on entry, wrapped in an enclosing thicket of overarching trees. It trails up to a circular courtyard with a sculpture at its nucleus, that embodies the aesthetics of grace, harmony and serenity. This courtyard connects to the building through a dynamic walkway peppered with abundant tropical trees and blossoming petunia flower beds on either side, activating the pedestrian experience and crafting a blissful forest-like environment. Encompassed within green canopies, the building seems to emerge from the verdant landscape, akin to the trees that surround it. Steeped in a contemporary theme, the design also nods to rustic simplicity and examples of European aesthetics in the interiors. The structure metaphorically manifests itself as a glass box at the ground level, wrapped in transparent ribbons of glazing and holding up the levitating opaque mass that houses the private enclosed spaces on top. The expansive glass walls offer unhindered views of the scenic splendour around, enriching the visual experience. A sleek metal skeleton supports the structure, framing the glass facade and giving it a modern edge, thereby reducing the need for boxy columns. An open courtyard that forms the nexus of the project creates a niche in the building mass, dividing it into two distinct parts that remain visually connected. A conscious intervention places multiple human-form sculptures by Mukul Goyal to adorn the courtyard space with their faces directed towards the sky, representing the notion of being liberated and 'elevated'. Within the main dwelling, the ground floor accommodates the experience centre, a lounge, a café and the audio-visual room leading up to the show apartment, kids’ room, a lounge and meeting rooms at the top level. The seating spaces of the reception, outdoor deck, café and lounge are stitched together around the central courtyard in an unceasing dialogue with each other and the infinite open sky. The spaces flow into one another and unfold as one moves along, enabling a gradual unwinding of the sensory experience instead of making a colossal impact instantly. Careful planning allows the optimization of spaces and an easy concourse of commodious rooms. The audio-visual room is a theatrical experience that allows the visitors to watch a movie when the screen is down and reveals the model room as the screen lifts, unravelling an added dimension. For experience centres, it is imperative to hold the visitor's attention, so the spaces have been designed cohesively in tandem with this intent. A specially designed kids’ room allows young families to explore the building in uninterrupted peace while their kids indulge in recreational activities. The staircase is designed using opulent chandeliers to usher the visitors from the lifts towards the stairs in order to make the ascent a part of the enchanting experience. The three-bedroom show apartment is finished in inconspicuous, neutral tones and materials, allowing potential home-buyers to layer their personalities onto the house. Each user can relate to their own space, making it a unique selling point for the apartment. Taking a cue from the natural surroundings, a soothing play of textures by ribbed wooden cladding and mirror panelling in subdued browns forms the highlight of the living room, accentuated by flooring and furniture in pristine white. A wrap-around balcony ties two bedrooms and a corner of the living room, creating a sizable spill-out space for relaxation and recreation, enabling transcendence into the enveloping quietude. A juxtaposition of course, with the fine, awe-inspiring artworks adorn the walls of the house, leaving a solid and lingering impression on the minds of the visitor with a recall factor long after they have left. The artistry conjoined with carpets and lighting accessories in fresh and vibrant hues comes together and serenades the space with a warm, welcoming vibe- constituting a harmonious whole that exceeds the sum of its parts. A view gallery outside the apartment frames the sylvan panoramic vistas beneath the blue banner of the sky, acting as the epitome of the experience of 'Elevate' housing. Many accessories, including lighting fixtures and furniture, have been reused from a previous project, facilitating a sustainable approach to waste management. The sculptures will also become a part of the landscape in the housing project. Concentric cut-outs in the ceiling are designed to achieve a minimal yet elegant look, integrating both HVAC and lighting services into one. The structure is designed with metal, glass and wood as principal materials for quick construction, deconstruction and reuse. The design corroborates a dialogue between the experience centre and the show apartments through a similar theme and vocabulary. Envisioned as a boutique hotel, the building is averse to the prevailing treatment of experience centres as an afterthought to housing developments. The ethereal slow-burn experience compels the visitor to sit and ponder, escaping in the forest's therapeutic solitude, away from the outer world, becoming a placid haven that people want to connect to, engage with and inhabit.