Small bath remodel inspired by Japanese Bath houses. Wood for walls was salvaged from a dock found in the Willamette River in Portland, Or. Jeff Stern/In Situ Architecture

Photographer Chi Fang Decorative Painter Ted Somogyi
Example of an eclectic powder room design in San Francisco

Floor to ceiling glass draws the canyon into the home office for an introspective space.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary freestanding desk light wood floor study room remodel in Los Angeles with white walls and no fireplace

Photo by Tara Bussema © 2013 Houzz Chairs: Original '50s Z Chairs by Poul Jensen for Selig of Denmark, Xcape; cork flooring: Dorado by Celestial Cork; wall color: Velvashin, Vista Paint; fireplace paint color: Night Horizon, Vista Paint; wall clock: Nelson clock replica, Ebay; art piece: Original midcentury abstract by Hasenbein, Inretrospect; sofa: Vintage Gondola Style sofa, possibly by Adrian Pearsall, Xcape; coffee Table: Vintage Acclaim table in Walnut, Lane Furniture Company, Craigslist; rocking Chair: Vintage 1960s Kofod Larsen for Selig of Denmark, Xcape

Sometimes the unique challenges of a site dictate almost everything about the end design. This European-inspired mountain retreat is one classic example. Perched atop a ridge, the buildable area was long but very narrow. A single axial line connects from the initial approach straight through the house and shoots to the view of mountains at the far end. The architecture of the home was envisioned to feel like an old French monastery-turned-family-home which has been restored and added to over several centuries. It is a place of solace and introspection, where the repetition of stone in house and landscape feels imposing, yet safe. Lush plantings line the sun-soaked parking court and dot the back terrace areas, creating delicate play of light and movement. A stepped water rill between terrace levels completes the atmosphere with its soothing babble.

Gentleman's Gray (Benjamin Moore 2062-20) – When the sun sets on dark indigo blue it fades to a deep, mysterious gray. Introspection, intelligence and wisdom are equally entwined in this strong, complex neutral.

Example of an exterior home design in New York

A fresh take on a time-tested favorite can be risky, but the Carlton Shores design is an example of a risk worth taking. This sprawling cottage harkens back to the Arts & Crafts revival, while still managing to exude contemporary appeal. The home sits on the property like a great hunting lodge with its use of exposed wood trim and brackets. A striking array of windows gives the exterior an inviting look, as if to defy the elements and welcome nature right in. Simplicity rules the interior of the home, leaving the dramatic decorating to the outside views. A creative use of natural materials, such as wood and marble, compliment the flora-and-fauna focus of the home’s aesthetic. Every wall is dominated by glass. Windows of every shape and size allow residents to take in their surroundings, while creating a spacious, open atmosphere. The curving wooden staircase with its high ceilings gives the impression you are climbing into the trees. A soaring two-story vaulted ceiling covers the indoor pool area, which includes a kitchenette and sitting room. Glass doors open out to a vanishing pool and sundeck. All of this has been designed with the stunning lake vistas in mind. A beautiful deck and boardwalk lead from the house down to the shore, giving homeowners beach access.

Sometimes the unique challenges of a site dictate almost everything about the end design. This European-inspired mountain retreat is one classic example. Perched atop a ridge, the buildable area was long but very narrow. A single axial line connects from the initial approach straight through the house and shoots to the view of mountains at the far end. The architecture of the home was envisioned to feel like an old French monastery-turned-family-home which has been restored and added to over several centuries. It is a place of solace and introspection, where the repetition of stone in house and landscape feels imposing, yet safe. Lush plantings line the sun-soaked parking court and dot the back terrace areas, creating delicate play of light and movement. A stepped water rill between terrace levels completes the atmosphere with its soothing babble.

Remodeling to 1956 John Randall MacDonald Usonian home.
Inspiration for a 1960s living room remodel in Milwaukee

Leather wrapped contours form a relaxing position that equally invites introspection and socialization. The contrasting lumbar pillow slides to be where you want it and blackened steel base provides all the support needed to start your journey of taking a damn load off.

Styling the kitchen with a few colorful props. to break up the grey and white color palette. Photo Credit: Travis Mark
Enclosed kitchen - small contemporary l-shaped porcelain tile enclosed kitchen idea in New York with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, metal backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Located in a densely populated region just outside Beirut city this villa and garden are actually a villa and 4 gardens. Narrow and surrounded by walls, these patches of nature are not only introverted, but with the energy emanating from them, also introspective. The mazelike garden paths create a sense of wonder in what would otherwise be a space too small for amazement. Working on this project was a particular challenge, knowing that the garden was an afterthought, pushing the landscape architects into creating a one with a unique soul. As a small city garden, it left no room for chance and no detail too small, knowing full well that the sum total can add substantially to the overall energy of the garden. Special attention was paid to the volume of the plants, the size and texture of the foliage, as well as the color gradient, making sure everything was in perfect harmony to give one a sense of being embraced and cradled by the surroundings. The gardens radiate with an energy that cannot leave any visitor indifferent. Walking from one garden to another, the visitor goes through a succession of green spaces, where new elements appear, terraces planted with fruit bearing trees, big emerald green leafs juxtaposed with lime green shrubs, and, for a meditative pause, patios, pergolas, and built in sitting areas, all ideal to connect with this human sized garden.

The clients had built a magnificent Italianate 'villa' with spectacular views of the Santa Barbara coastline. They had assembled an impressive array of garden objects from around the world which were to be incorporated into the gardens. But the challenges were numerous. Object scale had to carefully managed in this 40 foot by 80 foot space -- The statuary, hardscape elements, and fountains were carefully separated throughout the landscape, in order to de-emphasize the disparate sizes. Objects included a six-foot high Buddha, a 12" high prayer bell, and a massive 1,500 pound stone urn. Additionally, spectacular tree specimens were chosen and carefully placed to provide a counterweight to the other objects in the garden. * Builder of the Year: Best Landscape and Hardscape, Santa Barbara Contractors Association

Living room - contemporary formal and open concept living room idea in San Francisco with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Sometimes the unique challenges of a site dictate almost everything about the end design. This European-inspired mountain retreat is one classic example. Perched atop a ridge, the buildable area was long but very narrow. A single axial line connects from the initial approach straight through the house and shoots to the view of mountains at the far end. The architecture of the home was envisioned to feel like an old French monastery-turned-family-home which has been restored and added to over several centuries. It is a place of solace and introspection, where the repetition of stone in house and landscape feels imposing, yet safe. Lush plantings line the sun-soaked parking court and dot the back terrace areas, creating delicate play of light and movement. A stepped water rill between terrace levels completes the atmosphere with its soothing babble.

Large Experimental Abstract Art Piece Titled: "Losing My Flow" In a luxurious, contemporary space, filled with tones of grey is the setting for this introspective abstract art piece titled, "Losing My Flow". Sophisticated grey marble floors and neutral grey walls allow the art to make a statement. Moody blues and yellows mesh with aquas and greens. Lines fall gracefully, giving a melancholic touch to this abstract piece. Feelings of contemplation, deep thought, or reflecting on the past may occur. All art is on a unique matte acrylic glass and floats off the wall. Art arrives ready to hang. Similar styles are available at www.ryanovsienko.com Sizes available: 48x32, 60x40, 72x48 Quantity Available: Only one total International Shipping Available

Sometimes the unique challenges of a site dictate almost everything about the end design. This European-inspired mountain retreat is one classic example. Perched atop a ridge, the buildable area was long but very narrow. A single axial line connects from the initial approach straight through the house and shoots to the view of mountains at the far end. The architecture of the home was envisioned to feel like an old French monastery-turned-family-home which has been restored and added to over several centuries. It is a place of solace and introspection, where the repetition of stone in house and landscape feels imposing, yet safe. Lush plantings line the sun-soaked parking court and dot the back terrace areas, creating delicate play of light and movement. A stepped water rill between terrace levels completes the atmosphere with its soothing babble.

Mid-sized mountain style built-in desk concrete floor and gray floor home office library photo in San Francisco with brown walls and no fireplace