J Designs Created this turnkey ski chalet located in Vail Colorado is a house full of primary colors and unique custom pieces. The house is laid out over five stories with a vertical feel and a central staircase connecting everything. To break up the thoroughfare we added a funky striped runner that leads you through the spaces and adds a unique pop of texture and color. Throughout the house each space is full of custom designed furniture pieces by J Designs, mixed with an extensive art collection and a stunning view. + The original architecture and finishes of the chalet were by Interior Design Hall of Fame member Orlando Diaz-Azcuy. J Designs worked to create spaces that were full of color but also played nicely with the white oak paneled walls and the slate floors. + The great room was transformed into the heart of the house, with lounging, dining and a nice area for playing games and relaxing on a custom curving bench, the perfect place for watching skiers come down the mountain through the full height windows overlooking Vail Mountain. + I was inspired by the colors of the bathrooms which helped to create cohesiveness in the bedrooms and to determine the color palette for each room. + In the lower level we transformed an unused workout room into a movie room that has a big enough sofa for the whole family with extra floor cushions for any guests.

J Designs Created this turnkey ski chalet located in Vail Colorado is a house full of primary colors and unique custom pieces. The house is laid out over five stories with a vertical feel and a central staircase connecting everything. To break up the thoroughfare we added a funky striped runner that leads you through the spaces and adds a unique pop of texture and color. Throughout the house each space is full of custom designed furniture pieces by J Designs, mixed with an extensive art collection and a stunning view. + The original architecture and finishes of the chalet were by Interior Design Hall of Fame member Orlando Diaz-Azcuy. J Designs worked to create spaces that were full of color but also played nicely with the white oak paneled walls and the slate floors. + The great room was transformed into the heart of the house, with lounging, dining and a nice area for playing games and relaxing on a custom curving bench, the perfect place for watching skiers come down the mountain through the full height windows overlooking Vail Mountain. + I was inspired by the colors of the bathrooms which helped to create cohesiveness in the bedrooms and to determine the color palette for each room. + In the lower level we transformed an unused workout room into a movie room that has a big enough sofa for the whole family with extra floor cushions for any guests.

Modern exterior home idea in Other

This landmarked brownstone on Prospect Park West already had extraordinary bones—and the rare advantage of windows on three sides. That natural light allowed us to rethink the traditional parlor-floor layout into something more open, connected, and reflective of the way the family lives today, while still honoring the building’s historic character. The original sequence—a front parlor, a formal dining room in the center, and a closed-off kitchen at the rear—was replaced with a single, flowing main level anchored by a generous slate-blue kitchen. The cabinetry forms a C-shaped configuration that maximizes storage, creates a natural dining zone, and maintains easy circulation to the backyard through the existing glass French door. A full-height marble backsplash with brass inlay adds subtle drama, extending to the ceiling around the windows, and a built-in desk niche creates a casual workspace that feels fully integrated into the design. Because storage was a priority, the kitchen includes multiple pantry cabinets and deep pull-outs to keep daily life efficient and uncluttered. The living room now occupies the center of the plan, serving as a shared hub between the kitchen and the front of the home. Just inside the entry, we designed a custom reading nook framed by floor-to-ceiling bookcases with integrated bench seating—an intentional space for the couple and their teenage daughter, who value reading and wanted their books to be both displayed and actively used. The entry itself was also reimagined. Now separated from the main living space by a wall and door, it functions as a true vestibule with a built-in storage wall for coats and shoes. Tucked beside it is a playful powder room featuring a green vanity, floral wallpaper, and a grey-and-white mosaic tile floor—continued throughout the entry to visually tie the front of the house together and add a moment of personality within the historic shell. The result is a garden level that remains rooted in its 19th-century architecture but fully supports modern life—light-filled, functional, and thoughtfully layered.

Lincoln Lighthill Architect employed several discrete updates that collectively transform this existing row house. At the heart of the home, a section of floor was removed at the top level to open up the existing stair and allow light from a new skylight to penetrate deep into the home. The stair itself received a new maple guardrail and planter, with a Fiddle-leaf fig tree growing up through the opening towards the skylight. On the top living level, an awkwardly located entrance to a full bathroom directly off the main stair was moved around the corner and out of the way by removing a little used tub from the bathroom, as well as an outdated heater in the back corner. This created a more discrete entrance to the existing, now half-bath, and opened up a space for a wall of pantry cabinets with built-in refrigerator, and an office nook at the rear of the house with a huge new awning window to let in light and air. Downstairs, the two existing bathrooms were reconfigured and recreated as dedicated master and kids baths. The kids bath uses yellow and white hexagonal Heath tile to create a pixelated celebration of color. The master bath, hidden behind a flush wall of walnut cabinetry, utilizes another Heath tile color to create a calming retreat. Throughout the home, walnut thin-ply cabinetry creates a strong contrast to the existing maple flooring, while the exposed blond edges of the material tie the two together. Rounded edges on integral pulls and door edges create pinstripe detailing that adds richness and a sense of playfulness to the design. This project was featured by Houzz: https://tinyurl.com/stn2hcze

Intentional. Elevated. Artisanal. With three children under the age of 5, our clients were starting to feel the confines of their Pacific Heights home when the expansive 1902 Italianate across the street went on the market. After learning the home had been recently remodeled, they jumped at the chance to purchase a move-in ready property. We worked with them to infuse the already refined, elegant living areas with subtle edginess and handcrafted details, and also helped them reimagine unused space to delight their little ones. Elevated furnishings on the main floor complement the home’s existing high ceilings, modern brass bannisters and extensive walnut cabinetry. In the living room, sumptuous emerald upholstery on a velvet side chair balances the deep wood tones of the existing baby grand. Minimally and intentionally accessorized, the room feels formal but still retains a sharp edge—on the walls moody portraiture gets irreverent with a bold paint stroke, and on the the etagere, jagged crystals and metallic sculpture feel rugged and unapologetic. Throughout the main floor handcrafted, textured notes are everywhere—a nubby jute rug underlies inviting sofas in the family room and a half-moon mirror in the living room mixes geometric lines with flax-colored fringe. On the home’s lower level, we repurposed an unused wine cellar into a well-stocked craft room, with a custom chalkboard, art-display area and thoughtful storage. In the adjoining space, we installed a custom climbing wall and filled the balance of the room with low sofas, plush area rugs, poufs and storage baskets, creating the perfect space for active play or a quiet reading session. The bold colors and playful attitudes apparent in these spaces are echoed upstairs in each of the children’s imaginative bedrooms. Architect + Developer: McMahon Architects + Studio, Photographer: Suzanna Scott Photography

J Designs Created this turnkey ski chalet located in Vail Colorado is a house full of primary colors and unique custom pieces. The house is laid out over five stories with a vertical feel and a central staircase connecting everything. To break up the thoroughfare we added a funky striped runner that leads you through the spaces and adds a unique pop of texture and color. Throughout the house each space is full of custom designed furniture pieces by J Designs, mixed with an extensive art collection and a stunning view. + The original architecture and finishes of the chalet were by Interior Design Hall of Fame member Orlando Diaz-Azcuy. J Designs worked to create spaces that were full of color but also played nicely with the white oak paneled walls and the slate floors. + The great room was transformed into the heart of the house, with lounging, dining and a nice area for playing games and relaxing on a custom curving bench, the perfect place for watching skiers come down the mountain through the full height windows overlooking Vail Mountain. + I was inspired by the colors of the bathrooms which helped to create cohesiveness in the bedrooms and to determine the color palette for each room. + In the lower level we transformed an unused workout room into a movie room that has a big enough sofa for the whole family with extra floor cushions for any guests.

J Designs Created this turnkey ski chalet located in Vail Colorado is a house full of primary colors and unique custom pieces. The house is laid out over five stories with a vertical feel and a central staircase connecting everything. To break up the thoroughfare we added a funky striped runner that leads you through the spaces and adds a unique pop of texture and color. Throughout the house each space is full of custom designed furniture pieces by J Designs, mixed with an extensive art collection and a stunning view. + The original architecture and finishes of the chalet were by Interior Design Hall of Fame member Orlando Diaz-Azcuy. J Designs worked to create spaces that were full of color but also played nicely with the white oak paneled walls and the slate floors. + The great room was transformed into the heart of the house, with lounging, dining and a nice area for playing games and relaxing on a custom curving bench, the perfect place for watching skiers come down the mountain through the full height windows overlooking Vail Mountain. + I was inspired by the colors of the bathrooms which helped to create cohesiveness in the bedrooms and to determine the color palette for each room. + In the lower level we transformed an unused workout room into a movie room that has a big enough sofa for the whole family with extra floor cushions for any guests.

J Designs Created this turnkey ski chalet located in Vail Colorado is a house full of primary colors and unique custom pieces. The house is laid out over five stories with a vertical feel and a central staircase connecting everything. To break up the thoroughfare we added a funky striped runner that leads you through the spaces and adds a unique pop of texture and color. Throughout the house each space is full of custom designed furniture pieces by J Designs, mixed with an extensive art collection and a stunning view. + The original architecture and finishes of the chalet were by Interior Design Hall of Fame member Orlando Diaz-Azcuy. J Designs worked to create spaces that were full of color but also played nicely with the white oak paneled walls and the slate floors. + The great room was transformed into the heart of the house, with lounging, dining and a nice area for playing games and relaxing on a custom curving bench, the perfect place for watching skiers come down the mountain through the full height windows overlooking Vail Mountain. + I was inspired by the colors of the bathrooms which helped to create cohesiveness in the bedrooms and to determine the color palette for each room. + In the lower level we transformed an unused workout room into a movie room that has a big enough sofa for the whole family with extra floor cushions for any guests.

Lincoln Lighthill Architect employed several discrete updates that collectively transform this existing row house. At the heart of the home, a section of floor was removed at the top level to open up the existing stair and allow light from a new skylight to penetrate deep into the home. The stair itself received a new maple guardrail and planter, with a Fiddle-leaf fig tree growing up through the opening towards the skylight. On the top living level, an awkwardly located entrance to a full bathroom directly off the main stair was moved around the corner and out of the way by removing a little used tub from the bathroom, as well as an outdated heater in the back corner. This created a more discrete entrance to the existing, now half-bath, and opened up a space for a wall of pantry cabinets with built-in refrigerator, and an office nook at the rear of the house with a huge new awning window to let in light and air. Downstairs, the two existing bathrooms were reconfigured and recreated as dedicated master and kids baths. The kids bath uses yellow and white hexagonal Heath tile to create a pixelated celebration of color. The master bath, hidden behind a flush wall of walnut cabinetry, utilizes another Heath tile color to create a calming retreat. Throughout the home, walnut thin-ply cabinetry creates a strong contrast to the existing maple flooring, while the exposed blond edges of the material tie the two together. Rounded edges on integral pulls and door edges create pinstripe detailing that adds richness and a sense of playfulness to the design. This project was featured by Houzz: https://tinyurl.com/stn2hcze

J Designs Created this turnkey ski chalet located in Vail Colorado is a house full of primary colors and unique custom pieces. The house is laid out over five stories with a vertical feel and a central staircase connecting everything. To break up the thoroughfare we added a funky striped runner that leads you through the spaces and adds a unique pop of texture and color. Throughout the house each space is full of custom designed furniture pieces by J Designs, mixed with an extensive art collection and a stunning view. + The original architecture and finishes of the chalet were by Interior Design Hall of Fame member Orlando Diaz-Azcuy. J Designs worked to create spaces that were full of color but also played nicely with the white oak paneled walls and the slate floors. + The great room was transformed into the heart of the house, with lounging, dining and a nice area for playing games and relaxing on a custom curving bench, the perfect place for watching skiers come down the mountain through the full height windows overlooking Vail Mountain. + I was inspired by the colors of the bathrooms which helped to create cohesiveness in the bedrooms and to determine the color palette for each room. + In the lower level we transformed an unused workout room into a movie room that has a big enough sofa for the whole family with extra floor cushions for any guests.

Inspired by the majesty of the Northern Lights and this family's everlasting love for Disney, this home plays host to enlighteningly open vistas and playful activity. Like its namesake, the beloved Sleeping Beauty, this home embodies family, fantasy and adventure in their truest form. Visions are seldom what they seem, but this home did begin 'Once Upon a Dream'. Welcome, to The Aurora.

Inspired by the majesty of the Northern Lights and this family's everlasting love for Disney, this home plays host to enlighteningly open vistas and playful activity. Like its namesake, the beloved Sleeping Beauty, this home embodies family, fantasy and adventure in their truest form. Visions are seldom what they seem, but this home did begin 'Once Upon a Dream'. Welcome, to The Aurora.

Transitional laundry room photo in Other

Inspired by the majesty of the Northern Lights and this family's everlasting love for Disney, this home plays host to enlighteningly open vistas and playful activity. Like its namesake, the beloved Sleeping Beauty, this home embodies family, fantasy and adventure in their truest form. Visions are seldom what they seem, but this home did begin 'Once Upon a Dream'. Welcome, to The Aurora.

Inspired by the majesty of the Northern Lights and this family's everlasting love for Disney, this home plays host to enlighteningly open vistas and playful activity. Like its namesake, the beloved Sleeping Beauty, this home embodies family, fantasy and adventure in their truest form. Visions are seldom what they seem, but this home did begin 'Once Upon a Dream'. Welcome, to The Aurora.

Inspired by the majesty of the Northern Lights and this family's everlasting love for Disney, this home plays host to enlighteningly open vistas and playful activity. Like its namesake, the beloved Sleeping Beauty, this home embodies family, fantasy and adventure in their truest form. Visions are seldom what they seem, but this home did begin 'Once Upon a Dream'. Welcome, to The Aurora.

Todd Wright
Small eclectic freestanding desk medium tone wood floor home office photo in Other with beige walls

Inspired by the majesty of the Northern Lights and this family's everlasting love for Disney, this home plays host to enlighteningly open vistas and playful activity. Like its namesake, the beloved Sleeping Beauty, this home embodies family, fantasy and adventure in their truest form. Visions are seldom what they seem, but this home did begin 'Once Upon a Dream'. Welcome, to The Aurora.