This modern family home models contemporary family living at its finest. Designed by a husband and wife team, (the latter is the founder and designer behind Brownstone Design & Co.) the breathtaking open-concept interior delivers modernist design principles with thoughtfully selected finishes throughout. The duo designed the home of their dreams themselves, drawing out inch by inch to specify exactly the look they wanted and picking all of the materials themselves including tiles, floorboards, siding, and of course, lighting. Brownstone Design & Co. worked with Zaneen to carefully select lighting solutions from all three divisions of Zaneen lighting - architectural, design and exterior – allowing for ease of coordination, quality and consistency by working with one brand. From the kitchen to the bathroom and every thoughtfully-designed space in between, all of the fixtures used are energy efficient, dimmable and customized in order to suit the needs and dimensions of the spaces. Since the specifications of their home were not standard, our experts provided the necessary knowledge and advice to install high-quality products to match the luxury home. Collaborating with Zaneen, Brownstone Design & Co. was able to turn lighting from just a functional element into art, bringing the overall interior design to life with the use of dark wood embellishments, gorgeous marble backdrops and more. The result is a magazine worthy home that is at once modern, comfortable, and conducive to raising a family.

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This exceptionally unique and fun family had grown out of their previous apartment largely due to their extensive collections—records, vintage art/icles, books, bags, and booze. The latter of which is due to the husband’s trade, he reviews liquor. Storage was imperative—a total of 6 (3 shown) custom millwork pieces were built to either hide or display their collections. And both color and black and white palettes appealed to this couple. Color adorned ceilings and floors to allow for unhindered visibility of their retro collection of art and articles. In the case of the monochromatic bathrooms, I found ways to add a unique touch—to honor the spirit of the homeowners.

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Inspiration for a kids' room remodel in Cincinnati

The goal of this project, completed in collaboration with Julie Dunfee Designs, was to achieve a layout and contemporary feel more in tune with the client’s needs. The original bathroom was very traditional, and the layout consisted of two spaces – the vanity area and a large makeup dressing room area, the latter not being something the new homeowner felt they would use. So, we dove in and eliminated the divider wall making one large open space which now feels open, airy and bright. In addition to new vanity cabinets, a custom dresser was designed to provide additional storage for the homeowner. New herringbone white Thasos marble covers the entire floor and provides a sparkly backdrop for the dark gray cabinets and polished nickel accents. The existing tub and shower were re-purposed, and a new heated towel bar was added at the shower area. Unique lighting, mosaic tile at the tub area and lighted mirrors add the modern touches the homeowner was looking for. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Interior Designer: Julie Dunfee Designs Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

A family of five moved into a lovely new home with one major problem: just one cramped bathroom to cope with their traditionally hectic mornings. They had two choices— either pull out the bathroom suite and start over, or turn one of the other more spacious rooms into a new bathroom. They decided on the latter, and picked an open room with an amazing fireplace. The family mainly wanted to combine both style and practicality. The style desired was something very English-looking with modern fittings and traditional styling. A black and cream theme with gilt and terracotta accessories for color and warmth was chosen. The most distinctive feature in this room is the black and white tile laid in a checkerboard design. We continued this Victorian-inspired style on the shower walls and the splashback above the sink. A new, beautiful Winchester roll-top bathtub was placed in front of the large window which has simple cream roller blinds and subtly striped curtains for an extra luxurious feel. A large double console sink unit was a perfect addition for this large family. The shelves above the fireplace were given a cream distressed paint effect and now serve as ample space for toiletries. Converting this extraneous room into a brand new, stylish bathroom suite helped perfect their new house and make it work better for their lifestyles.

In the Mirò living room there is a refined contrast between vertical and horizontal lines, embellished by decoration in crystal resin and floral interweaving. However, the repetition of the curved lines opens up like a fan articulating its leitmotiv, and combine with the transparencies and reflections of the window and mirror. In the Mirò living room, as with the other furniture from the collection, the singular element is the light, reflected on the surfaces and caught by the crystal details glimmering like gemstones. The latter can be handpicked, illuminating your Arredoclassic pieces with little LED lights, modulating and enhancing the environment to your taste.

Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in Portland

In the Mirò living room there is a refined contrast between vertical and horizontal lines, embellished by decoration in crystal resin and floral interweaving. However, the repetition of the curved lines opens up like a fan articulating its leitmotiv, and combine with the transparencies and reflections of the window and mirror. In the Mirò living room, as with the other furniture from the collection, the singular element is the light, reflected on the surfaces and caught by the crystal details glimmering like gemstones. The latter can be handpicked, illuminating your Arredoclassic pieces with little LED lights, modulating and enhancing the environment to your taste.

Modern updates include a gourmet suite of luxury appliances: Sub-Zero paneled dedicated refrigerator, freezer and wine storage and Wolf gas range, wall oven, steam oven and warming drawer. The latter has become a welcome and indispensable appliance for these clients.

It’s true in construction, and it’s true in life: sometimes, you have to get down to the bare bones and rebuild from there. A “full gut” is the complete and total rebuilding of a home from the inside out. And that’s what we did for this apartment in a 1921 home in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. Our team took up the floors, raised ceilings, and moved walls, with a new architectural space as the result. The finished apartment is a playful fusion of old and new. Gritty texture meets smooth surface as exposed brick and wood headers contrast with reclaimed wood and fresh paint. The open-flow floor plan blends historic touches with a modern sensibility; when the sliding barn doors are open, the kitchen and living area connects with the bedroom/playroom area. At the center of it all, the custom dining table serves as an elegant visual anchor. Natural light streams in through an uncovered window, affording a calming glimpse of the landscaped yard and garden. At the same time, new interior lighting illumines the kitchen and the bathroom. The latter is a luxury experience, featuring a drop-in tub with granite surround, a custom-tiled niche, and a towel warmer too. The formerly dim, cramped apartment is energized and illuminated; the process of peeling back the layers changed a sub-par space into something special. Want to peel back the layers of your space? Contact us today! Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

When full-time Massachusetts residents contemplate building a second home in Telluride, Colorado the question immediately arises; does it make most sense to hire a regionally based Rocky Mountain architect or a sea level architect conveniently located for all of the rigorous collaboration required for successful bespoke home design. Determined to prove the latter true, Siemasko + Verbridge accompanied the potential client as they scoured the undulating Telluride landscape in search of the perfect house site. The selected site’s harmonious balance of untouched meadow rising up to meet the edge of an aspen grove and the opposing 180 degree view of Wilson’s Range spoke to everyone. A plateau just beyond a fork in the meadow provided a natural flatland, requiring little excavation and yet the right amount of upland slope to capture the views. The intrinsic character of the site was only enriched by an elk trail and snake-rail fence. Establishing the expanse of Wilson’s range would be best served by rejecting the notion of selected views, the central sweeping curve of the roof inverts a small saddle in the range with which it is perfectly aligned. The soaring wave of custom windows and the open floor plan make the relatively modest house feel sizable despite its footprint of just under 2,000 square feet. Officially a two bedroom home, the bunk room and loft allow the home to comfortably sleep ten, encouraging large gatherings of family and friends. The home is completely off the grid in response to the unique and fragile qualities of the landscape. Great care was taken to respect the regions vernacular through the use of mostly native materials and a palette derived from the terrain found at 9,820 feet above sea level. Photographer: Gibeon Photography

Johannes Brahms began his career as a musician in his youth and rose to prominence as a composer in the latter half of his career. He is often considered the successor to Beethoven. The 11.5” wide Brahms oak hardwood floors feature elegant bowtie pegs, a high color variation, sand blasted and wire brushed. These engineered floors are sturdy enough to handle children and even large pets.

It’s true in construction, and it’s true in life: sometimes, you have to get down to the bare bones and rebuild from there. A “full gut” is the complete and total rebuilding of a home from the inside out. And that’s what we did for this apartment in a 1921 home in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. Our team took up the floors, raised ceilings, and moved walls, with a new architectural space as the result. The finished apartment is a playful fusion of old and new. Gritty texture meets smooth surface as exposed brick and wood headers contrast with reclaimed wood and fresh paint. The open-flow floor plan blends historic touches with a modern sensibility; when the sliding barn doors are open, the kitchen and living area connects with the bedroom/playroom area. At the center of it all, the custom dining table serves as an elegant visual anchor. Natural light streams in through an uncovered window, affording a calming glimpse of the landscaped yard and garden. At the same time, new interior lighting illumines the kitchen and the bathroom. The latter is a luxury experience, featuring a drop-in tub with granite surround, a custom-tiled niche, and a towel warmer too. The formerly dim, cramped apartment is energized and illuminated; the process of peeling back the layers changed a sub-par space into something special. Want to peel back the layers of your space? Contact us today! Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

This mid-sized kitchen packs a huge-sized punch! Contrasting textures and colors paired with striking features and patterns make for an eye-catching space. We removed a wing wall which opened the kitchen to family room and made room for a water fall edged peninsula with seating area. A large pantry, wide cabinets, deep drawers and lots of cubbies provide ideal storage space. The lower cabinets and side shelves are made from a high-pressure laminate in walnut hues. The upper cabinets, which raise and lower with the push of a button, are acrylic in a white gloss. For countertops we used a combination of Caesarstone quartz and Calacatta marble, the latter extending up the back walls. The existing tile floor was patched for the new layout and blends in seamlessly.

When it comes to finding inspiration for your house or apartment design, there are a variety of routes you can take. For some, it is important to dive into the latest trends in fashion and art, using only the most popular decor pieces and embracing the color palettes seen on runways or in home and garden magazines. But for others, it’s simply about discovering what feels most like “home.” Ashley Steele, the creator of A Styled Affair, was part of the latter group. “Since my husband and I were moving into a space that was previously owned, I needed a way to make it feel like it was truly ours, and unique to us,” she told our team. A Styled Affair sprang from Ashley’s passion for fashion, and need for a creative outlet. But it soon became more than that. She developed a following, and it quickly became a place where she could share her personal style, travel adventures, and lifestyle tips. “While the blogging industry has become overwhelmed with people sharing their favorite home decor or make-up tips, I think what sets A Styled Affair apart is my commitment to stay true to my unique taste. I have always marched to the beat of my own drum – and that carries through in the clothes I wear, the decor I select for our home, and the travels I plan.” Paintzen connected with Ashley as she was settling into her new home in Boston’s Seaport District. Although she and her husband have lived in Boston for almost 8 years, they were used to smaller, more traditional spaces. Their new home is much bigger, and more modern, than any place they lived before. “I wanted to select colors of comfort, simplicity, and sophistication so we could elevate the space and make it feel more like a home.” Ashley also accurately pointed out that new construction can sometimes feel a little cold and sterile, almost industrial. “I wanted our home to feel like a peaceful oasis after coming in from the bustling city.” Ashley chose soft white paint for her walls to bring a sense of comfort and zen. With lots of wall decor, art work and carefully selected furniture, the walls serve as a clean and comfortable palette, and allowed her more freedom when making her other design decisions throughout the space. Ashley kept the overall palette fairly neutral, and incorporated “modern bohemian” inspired decor throughout the home; the final product was clean and simple, and catered to her style. We asked Ashley what she was most excited for now. “I’m most excited to continue to find new decor pieces to compliment the paint colors and decor we’ve already found for the space. We have been really patient with decorating and selected each piece really careful to make sure it is cohesive and flows from room to room. I’m looking forward to enjoying the space with my husband and dog, and entertaining friends and family in the spring and summer!” A few final questions for Ashley on her experience with Paintzen: “I would highly recommend Paintzen to anyone, especially those that live in the city. There are so many different paint companies and contractors to choose from but going through Paintzen simplified the process and made me feel comfortable that we had the right team working on our space. Their platform for booking services and choosing paint colors made the process seamless and was a great way to keep track of what we booked and chose for colors. Most importantly, the customer service team was outstanding whenever we had a question or needed to make an adjustment.” And advice she would give someone repainting their home: “Patience. I would recommend taking your time and doing your research before selecting paint colors. Lighting changes every color so make sure to bring paint swatches and samples into the space and look at it throughout the day to see the different tones that the light will pick up. I would also recommend researching color trends and recommendations for colors in the family you are looking for. We found our living room color through a blog post listing top-used colors by interior designers and it looks amazing.”

A custom emergency window well guard railing with a latter for a commercial property fabrication and installation. (312) 912-7405
Elegant brown one-story brick exterior home photo in Chicago

In the residential periphery of Lisbon, two physicians are establishing a home to grow their family. The original interior was conscientiously updated to serve as a pristine haven for the pair of professionals with busy schedules. Neutral walls, left bare to the interplay between light and shadow, are humanized by a verdant leitmotif inspired by their love of outdoor travel. Custom furniture from local craftsmen features simple volumes in wood and white tones that evoke a sense of both the natural and the minimal. Robust yet luxurious, child- and pet-friendly materials dress the interior. The kitchen and dining room were united into one open entertaining space at the heart of the home. Composite countertops chosen to match the existing stone window sills allot ample workspace and serve as a buffet for the adjacent dining room. There, a custom-crafted table and floating shelf provide a neutral canvas for soirées, while mid-century chairs and a dry floral arrangement by a local ikebana artist add a spray of color. The kitchen entrance was transformed into a virescent, multi-purpose pantry corridor, complete with integrated refrigerator and freezer. A corner niche in the foyer features the ceramic sculpture Gato Assanhado (Hissing Cat) by Bordallo Pinheiro, and a bespoke mirror reflects upon double doors to a living room configured for both work and relaxation; a tailored desk and drawer unit support the former, an ample couch and welcoming armchairs the latter. A vintage wooden sideboard and finishing touches from Portuguese flea markets imbue the space with local soul. PHOTOGRAPHY: © ALEXANDER BOGORODSKIY