Our client’s goal was to create a small, high-performance, healthy home for herself and her teenage son while providing a place for her father to age in place. An attached private accessory dwelling provides a space for him as well as flexibility in the future. The new home was designed to minimize its footprint on site, made smaller than the original 1930’s house. Embracing adaptability and efficiency, the residence includes two dwellings: a one-bedroom 795 square-foot accessory dwelling at the lower grade and a two-story 1330 square-foot primary dwelling located above. Involved in all aspects of project execution, our client oversaw the process by living in a used trailer parked in the backyard throughout the project’s construction. Family-Share focused on maximizing the footprint’s performance, access to natural light and the health of the occupants. Sustainable features include high-performance glazing, solar preheat for domestic and hot water in-floor heating and reclaimed fir car decking rainscreen siding.

This interior design project involved a comprehensive renovation that completely transformed the appearance and features of an apartment located on the Costa del Sol, Spain. The goal was to modernize the space, enhance functionality, and create a more sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere, aligned with a Nordic style that emphasizes warmth and natural elements. ### Space Redistribution: Originally, the apartment had only one bedroom and one bathroom. The first phase of the renovation involved redistributing the space to add a second bathroom, with one of them becoming an en-suite connected directly to the master bedroom. This addition significantly improved comfort and privacy, allowing each bedroom to have its own bathroom. Additionally, a new laundry area was created, providing a dedicated space for the washing machine, water heater, and cleaning supplies, optimizing the home's functionality without compromising aesthetics. ### Flooring and Visual Continuity: The old dark, square-patterned flooring was replaced with porcelain tiles that mimic the texture and tone of wood. This new material was extended from the interior to the terrace, creating a sense of continuity and spaciousness. This change not only modernized the apartment's appearance but also reinforced the visual harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces, inviting residents to enjoy the natural light and views offered by the coastal location. ### Bathroom Renovation: With the addition of a second bathroom, both spaces were completely renovated. The old tiles and bathtub were removed in favor of a more modern and functional design. Light-colored ceramics reflecting the Nordic style were installed, along with contemporary fixtures and clean lines. The en-suite bathroom was designed to offer an intimate and luxurious space, while the second bathroom, though equally modern, provides comfort and accessibility for the rest of the home. ### Style and Décor: The predominant Nordic style was reflected in the choice of materials and colors. The walls were adorned with wooden slats, a detail that adds texture and warmth to the space, while the décor focused on natural elements like wood, linen, and plant fibers, creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere. Neutral tones and simple lines prevail, achieving a perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. ### Final Result: The result is an apartment that not only looks more spacious and modern but also exudes a sense of tranquility and comfort. The renovation has transformed the space into a home that invites you to enjoy sunny days on the Costa del Sol, with a terrace seamlessly integrated with the interior and living spaces that reflect a sophisticated, functional, and inviting lifestyle. Este proyecto de interiorismo consistió en una reforma integral que transformó por completo el aspecto y las características de un apartamento ubicado en la Costa del Sol, España. El objetivo era modernizar el espacio, mejorar la funcionalidad y crear un ambiente más sofisticado y acogedor, alineado con un estilo nórdico que resalta la calidez y la naturalidad. ### Redistribución del Espacio: Inicialmente, el apartamento contaba con una sola habitación y un solo baño. La primera fase de la reforma implicó una redistribución del espacio, añadiendo un segundo baño, de los cuales uno se convirtió en suite, conectado directamente con la habitación principal. Esta ampliación mejoró significativamente la comodidad y privacidad, permitiendo que cada habitación tuviera su propio baño. Además, se creó una nueva zona de lavadero, un espacio dedicado para la lavadora, el termotanque y los elementos de limpieza, optimizando la funcionalidad del hogar sin sacrificar la estética. ### Suelos y Continuidad Visual: Se reemplazaron los antiguos suelos de color oscuro, de apariencia cuadrada, por un porcelánico que imita la textura y el tono de la madera. Este nuevo material se extendió desde el interior hasta la terraza, creando una sensación de continuidad y amplitud. Este cambio no solo modernizó el aspecto del apartamento, sino que también reforzó la armonía visual entre los espacios interiores y exteriores, invitando a disfrutar de la luz natural y las vistas que ofrece la ubicación costera. ### Renovación de Baños: Con la adición de un segundo baño, ambos espacios fueron completamente renovados. Se eliminaron los viejos azulejos y la bañera en favor de un diseño más moderno y funcional. Se instalaron cerámicas de tonos claros que reflejan el estilo nórdico, junto con elementos contemporáneos y líneas limpias. El baño en suite, en particular, fue diseñado para ofrecer un espacio íntimo y lujoso, mientras que el segundo baño, aunque igualmente moderno, ofrece comodidad y accesibilidad para el resto de la casa. ### Estilo y Decoración: El estilo nórdico predominante se reflejó en la elección de materiales y colores. Las paredes fueron adornadas con palillería, un detalle que aporta textura y calidez al espacio, mientras que la decoración se basó en elementos naturales como madera, lino y fibras vegetales, creando una atmósfera serena y relajante. Los tonos neutros y las líneas simples predominan, logrando un equilibrio perfecto entre sofisticación y comodidad. ### Resultado Final: El resultado es un apartamento que no solo se ve más amplio y moderno, sino que también transmite una sensación de tranquilidad y confort. La reforma ha transformado el espacio en un hogar que invita a disfrutar de los días soleados en la Costa del Sol, con una terraza que se integra perfectamente con el interior, y unos ambientes interiores que reflejan un estilo de vida sofisticado, funcional y acogedor.

Phil and Rocio, little did you know how perfect your timing was when you came to us and asked for a “small but perfect home”. Fertile ground indeed as we thought about working on something like a precious gem, or what we’re calling a NEW Jewel. So many of our clients now are building smaller homes because they simply don’t need a bigger one. Seems smart for many reasons: less vacuuming, less heating and cooling, less taxes. And for many, less strain on the finances as we get to the point where retirement shines bright and hopeful. For the jewel of a home we wanted to start with 1,000 square feet. Enough room for a pleasant common area, a couple of away rooms for bed and work, a couple of bathrooms and yes to a mudroom and pantry. (For Phil and Rocio’s, we ended up with 1,140 square feet.) The Jewel would not compromise on design intent, envelope or craft intensity. This is the big benefit of the smaller footprint, of course. By using a pure and simple form for the house volume, a true jewel would have enough money in the budget for the highest quality materials, net-zero levels of insulation, triple pane windows, and a high-efficiency heat pump. Additionally, the doors would be handcrafted, the cabinets solid wood, the finishes exquisite, and craftsmanship shudderingly excellent. Our many thanks to Phil and Rocio for including us in their dream home project. It is truly a Jewel! From the homeowners (read their full note here): “It is quite difficult to express the deep sense of gratitude we feel towards everyone that contributed to the Jewel…many of which I don’t have the ability to send this to, or even be able to name. The artistic, creative flair combined with real-life practicality is a major component of our place we will love for many years to come. Please pass on our thanks to everyone that was involved. We look forward to visits from any and all as time goes by." –Phil and Rocio Read more about the first steps for this Jewel on our blog. Reclaimed Wood, Kitchen Cabinetry, Bedroom Door: Pioneer Millworks Entry door: NEWwoodworks Professional Photos: Loren Nelson Photography

Sleek and contemporary ‪Crown Point Kitchen‬ finished in Ellie Gray. An 18” wide stainless cabinet with two doors was fit between the two Sub-Zero 30” fridge and freezer panels. Photo by Crown Point Cabinetry

Example of a mid-sized classic l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen design in DC Metro with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite countertops, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Middlefork was retained to update and revitalize this North Shore home to a family of six. The primary goal of this project was to update and expand the home's small, eat-in kitchen. The existing space was gutted and a 1,500-square-foot addition was built to house a gourmet kitchen, connected breakfast room, fireside seating, butler's pantry, and a small office. The family desired nice, timeless spaces that were also durable and family-friendly. As such, great consideration was given to the interior finishes. The 10' kitchen island, for instance, is a solid slab of white velvet quartzite, selected for its ability to withstand mustard, ketchup and finger-paint. There are shorter, walnut extensions off either end of the island that support the children's involvement in meal preparation and crafts. Low-maintenance Atlantic Blue Stone was selected for the perimeter counters. The scope of this phase grew to include re-trimming the front façade and entry to emphasize the Georgian detailing of the home. In addition, the balance of the first floor was gutted; existing plumbing and electrical systems were updated; all windows were replaced; two powder rooms were updated; a low-voltage distribution system for HDTV and audio was added; and, the interior of the home was re-trimmed. Two new patios were also added, providing outdoor areas for entertaining, dining and cooking. Tom Harris, Hedrich Blessing

Published in Coastal Lifestyle Magazine, March 2021 www.coastallifestylemagazine.com/alys-beach-home Photography by Colleen Duffley When Marianne Temple and Robyn Prince, the principals of Home Design Group of Atlanta and Santa Rosa Beach, were brought in to work their magic on a home in Alys Beach, the design phase and much of the construction was complete. They welcomed the opportunity to get involved in the important final stage and to bring fun and whimsy along with casual elegance to the project. The owners – a young family with children and dogs – knew what they were looking for in a long-term vacation destination. They had engaged the services of Domin Bock Architects of Rosemary Beach and general contractor Hufham Farris Construction of Santa Rosa Beach to design and build a home that is child-friendly and low maintenance, but timeless and welcoming at the same time. When Temple and Prince came aboard, their mission was to make the Alys Beach home a reflection of the owners’ personality and lifestyle. “I like to think we were successful,” says Temple. “We were able to source all the bedding, draperies, and other soft goods, and to assist in selecting lighting, art, and accessories throughout the home.” The home is located on the south side of 30A and enjoys access to all of the Alys Beach amenities. In addition, it has a pool, which quite literally seems to be the center – and the heart – of the home. The square pool can be accessed directly by steps from the private courtyard patio and is anchored by a stunning water wall and oversize stepping stones along one side. The expansive great room has unobstructed views of the pool through floor-to-ceiling glass panels. The room is furnished with low, plush upholstered pieces with rich blue accents, and an oval dining table with a stunning chandelier above. The bleached pecky cypress ceilings by E.F. San Juan are punctuated with substantial white-painted beams. Set apart by a sleek oversized island with a farmhouse sink, the open kitchen provides plenty of room for gathering or dining and is topped off by three matching gold-trimmed white pendant lights. The restaurant-quality six-burner cooktop in the arched wall opposite is flanked by tall cabinets and topped by four clerestory windows that admit wonderful light to the entire space. There is one guest bedroom on the main level, with a full bath, spacious closet, and a private sitting area. E. F. San Juan of Youngstown, Florida, supplied all the woodwork details that provide finishing touches to the residence’s crisp white canvas in this quintessential courtyard home. Like many of the community’s buildings, this private residence contains minimal woodwork, maintaining the clean, elegant Alys Beach vision; still, the interior and exterior trim and brackets offer a sleek yet natural feel reflecting the beaches that are steps away from the front door. Their team worked with Weather Shield to provide stunning and functional custom impact-rated windows and Loewen to create custom doors that protect the house from the Gulf Coast elements. “We have had the privilege of creating wood parts and custom doors, railings, and gates for many of the gorgeous homes in Alys Beach,” says E. F. San Juan president Edward A. San Juan. “This home’s minimal trim makes the other wood elements stand out, like the pecky cypress ceilings. The windows and doors are often-overlooked elements that we love collaborating on with our vendors like Loewen and Weather Shield because they make such good-looking products. They open up this home to the beautiful natural light, the courtyard pool, and the stunning views of the town just outside while also protecting from high winds, rain, and U.V. rays.” The broad wooden staircase with open metal handrails leads to the sleeping quarters. The second floor houses the master suite with custom barn doors, also by E.F. San Juan, leading into the master bathroom with its luxurious bath and unique freestanding tub. A second guest room with a king-size bed and full bath also occupy the second floor. “The master bath is definitely my favorite feature of the home,” says Temple. “It is beyond all expectation – a true luxury.” The adult bedrooms are serene and sophisticated, with sleek lines and restful blue hues throughout. Cathedral ceilings, arched openings for the beds, sun-drenched sitting areas, plenty of natural light, and luxurious baths contribute to the feeling of peaceful elegance. The children’s areas are in direct and happy contrast to the adults’ retreats. The bunk room, also on the second level, is just plain fun, with two sets of custom-built marine blue bunks piled high with pillows and whimsical stuffed animals, flanking a tall set of shelves full of toys and books. Oversize baskets provide storage for more toys, and colorful throw rugs provide plenty of sitting space for floor playtime. This kid-friendly space can grow and change with the children who occupy it – it will work well for tweens, teens, and beyond. “We designed the bunk room,” says Prince, “and I think it is a huge success. It may be my favorite feature of the home.” The top floor is dedicated to the children’s den/playroom/media room and the dramatic rooftop lounge. The children’s space is furnished with beanbag chairs, a low game table, a big-screen television mounted on a custom-fabricated aqua wall, and arched French doors leading to the rooftop lounge area. “This area is, quite literally, the icing on the cake,” says Temple. “It boasts a view of the Gulf and great views down South Charles Street.” This secluded deck features a gas fireplace and comfy furnishings for enjoying beautiful evenings year-round. HOME DESIGN GROUP (229) 347-6052 homedesigngrp.com E.F. SAN JUAN (850) 722-4830 efsanjuan.com

Photography by Giovanni Photography
Example of a mid-sized beach style blue one-story vinyl exterior home design in Tampa with a hip roof

This project was quite involved (and lots of fun). We poured an 8" thick concrete wall; filled in the patio area with 50 tons of gravel; poured a cap in a dark gray integral color, and stamped it with seashell impressions. Then we filled in the patio and step areas with Clay Red integral colored concrete stamped in the Roman Slate pattern, and cut it decoratively into 5' squares. We finished things off by overlaying the wall with a stamped modified mortar to replicate stacked stone.

Inspiration for a country home office remodel in San Francisco

Renovation of a master bath suite, dressing room and laundry room in a log cabin farm house. Project involved expanding the space to almost three times the original square footage, which resulted in the attractive exterior rock wall becoming a feature interior wall in the bathroom, accenting the stunning copper soaking bathtub. A two tone brick floor in a herringbone pattern compliments the variations of color on the interior rock and log walls. A large picture window near the copper bathtub allows for an unrestricted view to the farmland. The walk in shower walls are porcelain tiles and the floor and seat in the shower are finished with tumbled glass mosaic penny tile. His and hers vanities feature soapstone counters and open shelving for storage. Concrete framed mirrors are set above each vanity and the hand blown glass and concrete pendants compliment one another. Interior Design & Photo ©Suzanne MacCrone Rogers Architectural Design - Robert C. Beeland, AIA, NCARB

On this project, Equine Facility Design used the conceptual drawings created by Owen Homes to complete this 8,000 square foot 12 stall horse barn design. The project includes a 150' x 300' outdoor riding horse arena design, mechanical exerciser, and layout of paddocks on this 11 acre site.

Open, bright and flowing Living room with coffered ceiling, stone fireplace and wood modlings
Transitional living room photo in Minneapolis

This project was quite involved (and lots of fun). We poured an 8" thick concrete wall; filled in the patio area with 50 tons of gravel; poured a cap in a dark gray integral color, and stamped it with seashell impressions. Then we filled in the patio and step areas with Clay Red integral colored concrete stamped in the Roman Slate pattern, and cut it decoratively into 5' squares. We finished things off by overlaying the wall with a stamped modified mortar to replicate stacked stone.

The 7,600 square-foot residence was designed for large, memorable gatherings of family and friends at the lake, as well as creating private spaces for smaller family gatherings. Keeping in dialogue with the surrounding site, a palette of natural materials and finishes was selected to provide a classic backdrop for all activities, bringing importance to the adjoining environment. In optimizing the views of the lake and developing a strategy to maximize natural ventilation, an ideal, open-concept living scheme was implemented. The kitchen, dining room, living room and screened porch are connected, allowing for the large family gatherings to take place inside, should the weather not cooperate. Two main level master suites remain private from the rest of the program; yet provide a complete sense of incorporation. Bringing the natural finishes to the interior of the residence, provided the opportunity for unique focal points that complement the stunning stone fireplace and timber trusses. Photographer: John Hession

Michael Hunter photography
Entryway - mid-sized transitional light wood floor entryway idea in Dallas with beige walls and a white front door

The kitchen was phase two for this cottage rental. We were involved from the concept right through the renovation, building of cabinets and full execution of the plan. The concept for the whole house which was built in the 1800s was to freshen it up with a nod to Scandi style which to me is clean, white with minimal adornment but lots of wood warmth. We went with a Shaker style cabinet, simple design and minimal uppers.

Renovation of a master bath suite, dressing room and laundry room in a log cabin farm house. Project involved expanding the space to almost three times the original square footage, which resulted in the attractive exterior rock wall becoming a feature interior wall in the bathroom, accenting the stunning copper soaking bathtub. A two tone brick floor in a herringbone pattern compliments the variations of color on the interior rock and log walls. A large picture window near the copper bathtub allows for an unrestricted view to the farmland. The walk in shower walls are porcelain tiles and the floor and seat in the shower are finished with tumbled glass mosaic penny tile. His and hers vanities feature soapstone counters and open shelving for storage. Concrete framed mirrors are set above each vanity and the hand blown glass and concrete pendants compliment one another. Interior Design & Photo ©Suzanne MacCrone Rogers Architectural Design - Robert C. Beeland, AIA, NCARB

Middlefork was retained to update and revitalize this North Shore home to a family of six. The primary goal of this project was to update and expand the home's small, eat-in kitchen. The existing space was gutted and a 1,500-square-foot addition was built to house a gourmet kitchen, connected breakfast room, fireside seating, butler's pantry, and a small office. The family desired nice, timeless spaces that were also durable and family-friendly. As such, great consideration was given to the interior finishes. The 10' kitchen island, for instance, is a solid slab of white velvet quartzite, selected for its ability to withstand mustard, ketchup and finger-paint. There are shorter, walnut extensions off either end of the island that support the children's involvement in meal preparation and crafts. Low-maintenance Atlantic Blue Stone was selected for the perimeter counters. The scope of this phase grew to include re-trimming the front façade and entry to emphasize the Georgian detailing of the home. In addition, the balance of the first floor was gutted; existing plumbing and electrical systems were updated; all windows were replaced; two powder rooms were updated; a low-voltage distribution system for HDTV and audio was added; and, the interior of the home was re-trimmed. Two new patios were also added, providing outdoor areas for entertaining, dining and cooking. Tom Harris, Hedrich Blessing