Perched at the base of the steep bluff that ensures isolation, access is via a new tram for the main property eighty feet above.
Example of a small classic gray one-story mixed siding gable roof design in Seattle with a metal roof

Cozy loft writing desk updated with paint and tile. Tie dye water color art, red soft wool task chair and porcelain lamp
Family room library - small eclectic built-in desk carpeted and gray floor family room library idea in Orange County with white walls

Inspiration for a large contemporary enclosed carpeted and blue floor home theater remodel in New York with black walls and a projector screen

architect: Patrick Melancon interior designer: Monica Melancon photo credit: Adrianna Benjamin

To transform this Southeast Denver kitchen from a dark isolated space to an open and integrated living area, we removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room as well as the support beam that remained from a previous remodel. By removing the support beam – which would have otherwise broken the sleek flow of the kitchen – we achieved a smooth transition throughout the kitchen. The inclusive room hosts clean, fresh cream and white with a splash of dark in the arabesque random backsplash which perfectly integrates the two-toned look of the darker island with the extra thick quartz counter and the of the off-white cabinets. The enhanced, low voltage lighting mixed with the added sparkle geometric crystal chandelier completes the finished look for the main room of the home.

The design goal was that this finished lower level feels like a part of the home rather than an isolated basement space. The windows and lighting are vital to this design feature, as well as the way that all columns were hidden inside walls, keeping the flow and feel of the space very intentional. Only the soffits for ductwork reveal that this is a finished basement.

The site was 10 acres bordering a 15 acre lake. The clients were convinced by a business partner to move 10 miles west of town and share the lake he was excavating. They quickly became very excited about the emerging design, preliminary drawings were never finished, working drawings were brief and details were sketchy. Fortunately a favorite contractor with a gifted crew was available and all were OK with working it out as we went along. Several more rooms and outbuildings were added during construction. After the excitement of building and furnishing was over they found themselves unhappy with the isolation and by 1975 had sold the house to Malnik. In 1979 we began renovations and additions to the buildings and site that continued non-stop for 7 years. Again I had the luxury of the same building team, plus a very creative new client who never ran out of ideas for things to do. First stables for 20 horses and a recreation building which included 2 bowling alleys, squash court, weight gym, game room and a boat house. Then a 90' square & 30' high screened space frame that enclosed a swimming pool with 3 guest houses and a free form "cave" structure arranged around the four sides. Next a riding ring and viewing pavilion, and when 25 more acres were acquired the lake was extended into a series of waterways and the entrance was moved to the opposite side of the property, which resulted in a long meandering entrance road passing over three bridges. A new entrance building was fitted between the space frame and the recreation building. The last project was a 3000 sq. ft. master bedroom, bath and gallery addition to the main house completed in 1992. The entire complex was demolished in 2005 by a high end residential developer as Boca Raton had moved seriously westward.

This 3,000 sq. ft. West Village duplex, penthouse loft was designed as a one bedroom apartment. The space was created out of 2 factory buildings; the main floor is bisected by a three foot masonry wall. Rosenberg Kolb’s new design creates new openings in this wall and makes living, dining, kitchen and guestroom/study areas that are open to each other but can also be isolated with a series of cherrywood door-walls. With small windows on the main living floor, two large skylights bring daylight to the previously dark areas of the loft. Upstairs the master bedroom and bath have continuous windows with a spectacular view of the Hudson River. Rosenberg Kolb finished the bathroom floor and walls with glass mosaic tiles. The second level opens to two large deck areas commanding panoramic views of the Hudson River from the Statue of Liberty to the George Washington Bridge. The detailing here has a ‘nautical’ theme with weathered teak furniture and cedar decking, running lights, stainless cabling and circular steel stairs.

This typical late 20th Century home located in Fishers, IN had a somewhat open kitchen-living area.Because their extensive home-grown gardening, canning and wine making needs weren't accommodated by the small existing kitchen/dining areas, these clients hired Residential Architect LeeConstantine to improve their situation. Constantine separated the "wine making zone" from the everyday "family kitchen zone" striving to allow the zones to "flow" between the two without isolating one from the other. A small rear addition allowed the necessary expansion needed to create the different zones as well as provide for a new walk-in food pantry closet, the various prep and cooking centers, and the opportunity and space to entertain guests there to sample their delicious "creations".In addition, Constantine provided a design offering opportunities for the expression of the clients individual personalities and tastes. This was achieved by incorporating niches for artwork, arched stained glass components highlighting the "home-grown" concept and even a dumb waiter housed within a base cabinet accommodating the transport of 5 gallon "carboys" directly to the basement wine cellar.

If you must be home isolating at least have some fun doing it in style! This all in basement brings games and fun for all!
Transitional walk-out carpeted and beige floor basement photo in Baltimore with a bar and beige walls

Eichler X-100 Bathroom: A Study in Efficiency, Light, and Modern Living The bathrooms in the Eichler X-100 are a fascinating blend of innovation and restraint—spaces where efficiency, light, and thoughtful design come together in a way that feels both practical and ahead of its time. Designed by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, these rooms reflect a highly intentional approach to everyday living. A Unique Shared-Core Concept At the heart of the design is the X-100’s central utility core, where the bathrooms are arranged in a paired configuration. This innovative layout allows for: Efficient use of space Shared plumbing systems Simultaneous use by multiple occupants The result is a plan that minimizes wasted space while maximizing functionality—a hallmark of mid-century modern thinking. Light from Above Rather than relying on traditional windows, the bathrooms are illuminated by overhead skylights, bringing in soft, diffused natural light while maintaining complete privacy. This creates an atmosphere that feels: Bright, yet secluded Open, yet intimate Calm, yet visually engaging Light becomes the defining feature—transforming a functional space into something experiential. Clean Lines, Minimal Distraction The material palette is simple and intentional, emphasizing: Smooth, easy-to-maintain surfaces Clean geometric forms A lack of unnecessary ornamentation This minimalism allows the architecture—and the experience of the space—to take center stage. Thoughtful, Human-Centered Design Even the details reflect a deeper level of consideration. Features such as varied control placements and efficient layouts demonstrate a focus on usability and comfort, anticipating the needs of daily routines. Everything is designed to make life easier. Private, Yet Connected Though located within the central core, the bathrooms remain visually and experientially connected to the rest of the home through light and spatial flow. They feel integrated, not isolated. This continuity reinforces the X-100’s overarching philosophy: every space is part of a larger system. A Modern Approach—Decades Ahead What makes the X-100 bathrooms so compelling is how forward-thinking they remain. Concepts like efficient layouts, shared functionality, and natural-light-driven design are widely embraced today—but were radical in 1956. The bathrooms of the Eichler X-100 prove that even the most utilitarian spaces can be elevated through thoughtful design—where simplicity, innovation, and light create an experience that is both functional and refined.

This 1,400 sq. ft. studio, built in 2018 for Grammy Award–winning drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Adam Box, was one of the earliest full-scale NILES design–build projects. After years of session and touring work, Adam had a clear vision for his own creative home—a space that combined comfort, vibe, and technical precision. Our team partnered closely with him through every phase of the design and build process to bring that vision to life. The studio features a full Control Room, a spacious Live Room, two amp isolation booths, and a large dedicated ISO booth engineered specifically for dry drum capture. Each room is fully wired for a complete live-tracking environment, enabling an entire band to plug in and record seamlessly. The Live Room is sonically open and collaborative, while the Control Room is fine-tuned for long stretches of creative focus and accurate monitoring. Aesthetic direction played a major role in this project. Natural stonework, warm wood details, and a comfortable, lived-in feel create a distinctive character throughout the space. Adam added many of his own finishing touches, giving the studio an unmistakable personal identity that reflects his style and musical approach. The result is a studio that delivers both atmosphere and performance—an inspiring hub for writing, tracking, mixing, and producing at the highest level.

This 2022 project was a fully custom mix and writing suite designed for multi-Grammy and Dove Award–winning producer and songwriter Kyle Lee. The goal was to create an environment that mirrors his creative workflow—quiet, natural, highly accurate, and intentionally crafted for long sessions of collaboration and focused work. The layout is compact but feels open thanks to high ceilings, soft daylight from the surrounding windows, and a palette of warm textures and natural materials. The room maintains a clean, grounded aesthetic without sacrificing technical performance, balancing style and acoustical precision in a way that supports both creativity and accuracy. Acoustic isolation was a core priority. The suite is fully separated from the rest of the home using sound-reducing wall assemblies, custom bass management including a full soft-ceiling trap and a false rear wall trap, and full-lite doors designed for controlled leakage. The result is a private, self-contained environment that integrates seamlessly with the home’s flow yet transforms into a focused creative space the moment the doors close. Monitoring was built around Kyle’s preferred ATC SCM45A loudspeakers, paired with Dynaudio subwoofers and calibrated specifically to the room’s frequency response. Every treatment, material, and speaker position was selected to ensure what Kyle hears while mixing precisely translates to the final master. The finished suite delivers an effortless feel with professional-grade performance—an inspiring, accurate, and dependable space built to support Kyle’s work at the highest level.

This basement project is a masterclass in modern industrial design, utilizing an open-concept layout to seamlessly integrate high-end hospitality with functional family living. The design maintains a cohesive aesthetic through a monochromatic palette of black, white, and grey, warmed by extensive wood textures and strategic lighting. Social & Entertaining Hub The heart of the basement is designed for hosting, featuring a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor entertaining. Open Kitchen & Wine Storage: A sleek kitchen features a massive waterfall marble island that doubles as a buffet for guests. Behind it, custom black cabinetry and open wood shelving provide a sophisticated backdrop. A floor-to-ceiling glass-enclosed wine cabinet acts as a functional piece of art, showcasing a curated collection. Lounge Area: Positioned to overlook the backyard, the lounge features low-profile modular sectional sofas in neutral tones. The space is anchored by a large grey area rug and a minimalist glass coffee table, creating a comfortable yet refined conversation zone. Indoor-Outdoor Transition: The layout is oriented toward a large door that leads directly to the backyard and outdoor grill, making it the perfect "hub" for summer gatherings. Home Office: Tucked into a quiet corner, the office uses the same vertical wood slatting found throughout the basement to create a sense of privacy without the need for heavy walls. Home Gym: An industrial-inspired gym is located within the open plan, identified by exposed black support columns and overhead ductwork. This allows the client to exercise in a space that feels connected to the rest of the home rather than isolated. Integrated Play Area A dedicated small play area for the child is cleverly integrated into a large window alcove. It features: Architectural Nook: A built-in storage bench with mauve cushions and a playful black-and-white triangle feature wall that extends to the ceiling.

Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form.

This was a complete kitchen renovation. The remodel included removing skylights and installing a two story bump up adding no square footage to the room but creating a dramatic visual even for the most discriminating designer. When you enter this kitchen your eyes wander trying to absorb the immense planning and detail that went into the renovation but ultimately you find yourself positioned under the large Theresa Maria chandelier gazing into the sky. The kitchen was designed around the 48 inch Thermador stove. The 2 story inset cabinet creation around the stove flows up into the addition creating a visual masterpiece that is only rivaled by original pieces of art works created by the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso and Rembrandt. The sink was relocated from the exterior wall and into the island so that the stove wall would be isolated and not connected any other cabinets. The 36-inch-wide refrigerator and 36-inch-wide freezer were designed and installed next to a microwave cabinet that makes heating up items as convenient as 1,2,3. The outside cabinet wall section is perfect for entertaining with the 42 inch base cabinets. The massive two-tiered island of 124 inches long is perfect for everyday family living. A farmer’s sink adds the perfect touch to this traditional design. Renovating a kitchen without ceiling detail is one of the most overlooked parts of the renovation. The amount of money spent on the renovation depends on the budget of course but I highly recommend including ceiling detail as much as one considers the tile backsplash.

OAK Vulcano Herringbone 90° Oak wood with consistent colouring resulting from special heat treatment (without chemical additives). This treatment is intensifying the natural color play of the wood and leads to a variation in brown tones. Oak plank in 3-layer construction with small bevel on all sides and approx. 4 mm top layer, with approx. 4 mm backing in the same wood and middle layer conifer. Tongue and groove on all sides for easy installation. For the main part the planks have healthy knots, isolated repairs up to 25 mm diameter and tension cracks up to max. 30 cm are possible.

Kitchenpod: the Temporary Kitchen you HIRE when you need to be rescued from your Kitchen renovation Includes: • 2 burner electric cooktop • Cutlery drawer • Full size 60cm Oven • Microwave with griller • Single DishDrawer dishwasher • Full size sink with Hot water • Own pump and Isolated Circuit Board Just need to connect nearby to Cold water tap, and standard 10AMP powerpoint. Available currently for hire [minimum 4 weeks] within Sydney Metropolitan Area. Talk to Matt about franchise opportunities in other areas. For more information go to www.kitchenpod.com.au Proudly Designed and Manufactured in Australia – Patent Protected

Full renovation and renewal of the interior of a house dating 1956, including garden and new stone shed. House was enlarged from 80 sqm to 130 sqm to enlargment of de ground floor and attic through roof elevation. Energy performance from G-label (lowest) to A-label (highest), through isolation of walls, floors, windows (HR++), and roof. Total budget € 240.000.