This music room was often used for lessons and practice, but the space was cluttered and uninviting. The client requested that Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc. give her music room a more comfortable feel and a softer look. Rich, gold linen was selected for the drapery and the fun, red linen accent along the leading edge was chosen to blend with the client’s painting. Comfortable CR Laine chairs were added and a banana palm tree was chosen to brighten the space and add dimension. The clients love their new look and they all enjoy relaxing in their comfy new chairs while listening to the children practice and play in their updated music room. Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design Kansas City provided - Space planning, furniture, drapery, and accessories. Kansas City Interior Designer Arlene Ladegaard

Creating a warm and inviting make up studio in a small space doesn't have to feel stuffy or "break the bank". The "pièce de ré·sis·tance", light grey velvet tufted settee adds a truly luxe feel without overcrowding the space. White velvet drapes adorn the windows and doors to allow for much needed natural makeup light. A makeup day wouldn't be complete without "champs" stored on a glass & gold bar cart. The grey & white shag area rug welcomes naked toes. Plenty of product storage shelving and seating at the dining table for makeup parties and lessons.

Featured in Modern Luxury Magazine: “Sky High” by Maile Pingel (Fall 2021) Featured in Architectural Digest: “This Contemporary San Francisco Condo Is A Lesson In How To Live With Art” by Saiqa Ajmal (June 2022)

A childrens room for doing homework and study with a rolling chalkboard and beverage cooler for drinks and snacks and also for gaming and tv watching and hanging out with friends. It also has a small laundry area for washing kids cloths in a Frederick area home recently remodeled by Talon Construction

The music room is a space designed as a place where the family could practice the piano and French horn but could also accommodate a roll out dance mat and bar for virtual ballet lessons.

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets. The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate. While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home. What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment. The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge. Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture General Contractor: Kasten Builders Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022 Location: Point Richmond, CA

Always Love helping Clients enjoy their homes to the fullest! It is about now..... Covid taught us so many lessons, so many of my clients want to enjoy how hard they work in their own spaces. This is just another example of using every inch of your real estate. This new entertainment space has already gone for a couple of spins - Enjoy! # Golf Simulator/Workout Room. Conditioned Wine Cellar Space. Basement Bar for Game Night - Go Dawgs! #designbuild #designtransforms #uga

Example of a transitional home office design in Austin

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets. The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate. While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home. What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment. The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge. Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture General Contractor: Kasten Builders Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022 Location: Point Richmond, CA

Wrestling is this family’s sport. Applying lessons from the mat, this couple won their dream kitchen. Similar to pinning one’s opponent, the remodeling process takes visualization, determination, and keeping one’s eye on the prize. These clients came to us with a clear vision of their new kitchen. They knew what they wanted it to look like and how they needed the space to function for their family. Their goal was to transform an outdated floor plan that included a dark, small kitchen into a bright, open space with counters galore, an island with seating and room for a large dining table. The couple had recently purchased this home from the husband’s parents. This was where he was raised. The family home was very special to them and now it was time to make it ‘theirs’. Just as in focus as their vision, was their budget. They knew it was tight, but were willing to make reasonable concessions. Walls were removed, flooring changed and the new kitchen switched places with the dining area. This change allowed the sun porch to become more inviting, an unexpected bonus. Semi-custom cabinetry, in contrasting paint colors, and quartz counter tops brighten the space. The galley design with island seating makes cooking for the family and entertaining larger groups enjoyable. The entire process was smooth and the result aesthetically fabulous with all the function they desired. This project was one of our favorites because we were thrilled to be able to help provide this dream kitchen on a budget to some of the very nicest clients, a winning result for all. Matt Villano Photography

Modern Bathroom Design
Example of a minimalist bathroom design in Los Angeles

Wide Plank Hardwood Floors are the hallmark of the American Farmhouse. Our Antique Historic Plank Floors are harvested from century-old barns and wooden industrial structures, this floor transforms a room into a living history lesson filled with character marks earned from years of faithful use. With a rich mixture of reclaimed hardwoods, saw marks, natural checking, color and texture, this floor is unmatched in its ability to attract attention. The perfect solution for a truly unique floor, wall or ceiling treatment.

The approach to Edge House, a walk through verdant woodland abundant with ferns and moss, is a lesson in arrival. What appears is a woodsy yet contemporary dwelling divided into two volumes, framing an ocean view. Located on an island off Midcoast, Maine, Edge House is a low-slung cabin that hugs the rocky coast. The client commissioned Charles Rose Architects to design a simple cottage retreat that could take full advantage of the view, while also remaining inconspicuously nestled in the trees. The solution was a simple wood-shingled structure that features large glass windows, connecting both structure and inhabitant to the site. From the water’s edge, only a few hundred meters away, the house is barely visible. The selection of contextual materials, specifically cedar shingles, was meant to embed the structure in the landscape. For the interior, bedrooms are purposefully small, and beds were positioned close to the full-height windows, allowing occupants to immerse themselves in the view. Clerestory windows under the roof further amplify the quality of natural light and create a weightless effect on the roof from the outside. The stone fireplace, located in the living room, was crafted with stones gathered from the site as another way to bring the outdoors in.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Emmy nominated actress and comedian Cheryl Hines on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show CELEBRTIY IOU. In the Cheryl Hines Gifts a Garage Makeover episode, Cheryl surprises Sarita, her close friend of nearly 20 years, by transforming her underused detached garage into a gorgeous multi purpose guest suite and work space. Sarita started as Cheryl’s assistant, turned into a close friend as well as a nanny for her daughter Catherine. “Sarita is a part of the family and Catherine wouldn’t be who she is today without her.” said Hines. “She taught Cat so much.” Cheryl Hines learned a very important lesson about demolition from the Property Brothers. you can’t scream because all the stuff flies into your mouth. Hines wields a reciprocating saw and sledgehammer and knocks down shelves in the episode. The newly renovated garage features All Weather Series 8100 Multi Slide Doors and Counter Top Sliding Windows to allow natural light and fresh air in; a sophisticated kitchenette, spa inspired bathroom, built in desk, spacious walk-in closet and a Murphy Bed for the perfect mother-in law suite and personal retreat. Check out the Project Photos from this life-changing garage renovation. Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude to friends, family and mentors by giving them a surprise renovation courtesy of Drew and Jonathan Scott.

This lovely landscape sports a poured in place concrete slab patio with drought tolerant sedum plants between the slabs. This sedum mix is sold in sheets then cut to fit but it’s actually grown for green-roof application. It works perfectly in this hot environment too as it is extremely drought tolerant and can go a month without water. Because the water runoff is absorbed between the slabs the patio drainage works perfectly and there are no need for drains.The swimming pool is of the fiberglass variety. Though the initial investment is greater than that of vinyl pools the ROI is greater over a 10 year period. Fiberglass pools retains more heat as the pool shell is all one piece and they don’t ever require a new liner.. This fiberglass pool has cool built-in benching and steps. And there is even a swim jet built into one side great for those cardio blasting swims. The pool interior colour is grey though it shows a soft blue/grey when water is added due to the reflection of the sky and other surroundings. The pool coping is natural stone with rock face edge. The steel arbour was custom made. Metal (steel) was chosen for it’s slim strength as wood placed here would have been too chunky. The best rooms (indoors or our) have a subtle layering of textural elements. To me this landscape needed a structure here to define the “rooms” It will look even better in a few years when the vines reach the top and the Miscanthus on either side reaches its 7′ height!The 12′ x 16′ pavilion is also made of steel and houses an alfresco dining table and sofa set. The pavilions built in cupola makes the warm breezes comfortably pass through with no need for a fan. It’s also sunken 2′ from the pool/patio height and nestled nicely in the corner. I must also mention the large slim planters with “Red Shades” Canna lily within. They are the perfect boldness/balance!Step through the arbor and a linear pond with “floating” natural stone step is revealed! Two smooth flow scuppers are responsible for the quiet waterfalls either side. A wood deck overhangs the pond adding softness to the setting. A modern retaining wall with natural stone cap runs the full width of the pond and pool adding interest and dimension. In the covered outdoor living area this wall is the perfect seat wall - adding lots of extra party seating! The lesson to be learned here is that good design can be applied to any space. This backyard is only 50′ x 45′ and look what can be achieved! Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

Lesson learned There is a lot more work to do but slowly and steady we will get there. :) In this manner we can stick to a budget and have the discipline of saving and doing… This shows you that not everything has to be done immediately and that you can still have an amazing apartment that you call home.

This lovely landscape sports a poured in place concrete slab patio with drought tolerant sedum plants between the slabs. This sedum mix is sold in sheets then cut to fit but it’s actually grown for green-roof application. It works perfectly in this hot environment too as it is extremely drought tolerant and can go a month without water. Because the water runoff is absorbed between the slabs the patio drainage works perfectly and there are no need for drains.The swimming pool is of the fiberglass variety. Though the initial investment is greater than that of vinyl pools the ROI is greater over a 10 year period. Fiberglass pools retains more heat as the pool shell is all one piece and they don’t ever require a new liner.. This fiberglass pool has cool built-in benching and steps. And there is even a swim jet built into one side great for those cardio blasting swims. The pool interior colour is grey though it shows a soft blue/grey when water is added due to the reflection of the sky and other surroundings. The pool coping is natural stone with rock face edge. The steel arbour was custom made. Metal (steel) was chosen for it’s slim strength as wood placed here would have been too chunky. The best rooms (indoors or our) have a subtle layering of textural elements. To me this landscape needed a structure here to define the “rooms” It will look even better in a few years when the vines reach the top and the Miscanthus on either side reaches its 7′ height!The 12′ x 16′ pavilion is also made of steel and houses an alfresco dining table and sofa set. The pavilions built in cupola makes the warm breezes comfortably pass through with no need for a fan. It’s also sunken 2′ from the pool/patio height and nestled nicely in the corner. I must also mention the large slim planters with “Red Shades” Canna lily within. They are the perfect boldness/balance!Step through the arbor and a linear pond with “floating” natural stone step is revealed! Two smooth flow scuppers are responsible for the quiet waterfalls either side. A wood deck overhangs the pond adding softness to the setting. A modern retaining wall with natural stone cap runs the full width of the pond and pool adding interest and dimension. In the covered outdoor living area this wall is the perfect seat wall - adding lots of extra party seating! The lesson to be learned here is that good design can be applied to any space. This backyard is only 50′ x 45′ and look what can be achieved! Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

Pairs perfectly with the Layer Nesting Coffee Table Small (sold seperately) The Layer is an effortless lesson in contrast; its substantial timber upper sits atop an elegant three leg structure, placed at its extremities to provide a light, airy tone. The layer's two sizes nest perfectly together, adding versatility to any living room setting.