Modern minimalism as a basis for unusual, expressive art objects and author’s painting. This is what determined the main style of the living space. The concept was based on such materials as concrete and plaster, natural wood and stone. The interior had to be as natural as possible, reflecting the architectural image of the residential complex and the beauty of the surrounding nature. “The most important thing for me in this project is the result. Customers say that the interior has become their place of power! They want to return home, invite guests, spend a lot of time in their house and enjoy life here! It is very valuable and important that the project was realized almost 100%, while the customers themselves were interested not to deviate even a millimeter from the project, but to do everything exactly as the Author intended,” emphasized project designer Ksenia Mitskevich. Coswick oak Cinnamon hardwood flooring was used in the project. Designer: Ksenia Mitskevich. Photo by Sergey Pilipovich. Coswick’s partner: Domani.

After a decade of being bi-coastal, my clients decided to retire from the east coast to the west. But the task of packing up a whole lifetime in a home was quite daunting so they hired me to comb through their furniture and accessories to see what could fit, what should be left behind, and what should make the move. The job proved difficult since my clients have a wealth of absolutely gorgeous objects and furnishings collected from trips to exotic, far-flung locales like Nepal, or inherited from relatives in England. It was tough to pare down, but after hours of diligent measuring, I mapped out what would migrate west and where it would be placed once here, and I filled in some blank spaces with new pieces. They bought their recent Craftsman-style home from the contractor who had designed and built it for his family. The only architectural work we did was to transform the den at the rear of the house into a television/garden room. My clients did not want the television to be on display, and sticking a TV in an armoire just doesn’t cut it anymore. I recommended installing a hidden, mirror TV with accompanying invisible in-wall speakers. To do this, we removed an unnecessary small door in the corner of the room to free up the entire wall. Now, at the touch of a remote, what looks like a beautiful wall mirror mounted over a Japanese tansu console comes to life, and sound magically floats out from the wall around it! We also replaced a bank of windows with French doors to allow easy access to the garden. While the house is extremely well made, the interiors were bland. The warm woodwork was lost in a sea of beige, so I chose a deep aqua color palette for the front rooms of the house which makes the woodwork sing. And we discovered a wonderful art niche over the fireplace that the previous owners had covered with a framed print. Conversely, a warm color palette in the TV room contrasts nicely with the greenery from the garden seen through the new French doors. Photo by Bernardo Grijalva

https://pipafineart.com/products/before-the-first-slice-tomato-photorealism-digital-artwork-loose-art-print. Savor the vibrant simplicity of "Before the First Slice," an artwork that captures the essence of a ripe, red tomato in its purest form. This photorealistic print showcases the tomato's smooth, glistening skin, its vibrant hue contrasting beautifully with the soft pink background. The delicate green stem and subtle imperfections add a touch of natural realism, inviting you to appreciate the simple beauty of this culinary staple. Printed on high-quality photo paper with premium inks, "Before the First Slice" brings a touch of understated elegance and vibrant color to any space. Hang "Before the First Slice" in your kitchen, pantry, dining room, or restaurant to add a touch of freshness and vibrancy. This artwork is a celebration of the beauty found in everyday objects, a reminder to appreciate the simple pleasures of life and the artistry of nature. The minimalist composition and bold color palette create a striking visual impact, while the familiar subject matter evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia. "Before the First Slice" is made in the USA and printed on demand, ensuring a high-quality piece that will be cherished for years to come. Available in a variety of sizes, it makes a perfect gift for art enthusiasts, food lovers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of minimalist art and the simple elegance of natural forms.

THE SETUP This client lives in a great high-rise condo in downtown Chicago. Alicia has already remodeled a few areas of her home, including her kitchen and home office. The bathroom is one of the last big places the client wanted to update. The existing bathroom had a large, outdated whirlpool tub in the corner. It was a darker space that had a lack of natural light. There are no windows (due to the bathroom’s location within the high-rise building). So, the idea was to brighten up the space and give the client an updated, elegant primary bathroom that is more her style and tailor-made for her routines. Design Objectives: - Make the space brighter. - Create different daily routine stations to maximize functionality while keeping things clutter-free – a makeup station, a blow-dry station, and a sink-needs station. - Achieve the client’s specific style and function needs while also keeping the look and design open to future possibilities: different users of the space/resale clients. Design Challenges: - Toilet cannot be moved. (In a high-rise, you can’t really move plumbing around too much when reimagining a space) - Existing bathroom had a soffit that hid a lot of electrical wiring, so completely removing the soffit wasn’t an option. - The blow-dry station needs to accommodate the client’s preference for standing up. - Finding a place for the make-up station, which the client wants oriented for sitting. - Create storage within the shower that can eliminate the clutter of personal care products that are actually needed every day. Do this, while keeping the client’s favorite things about the existing shower: the shower bench, a tub filler faucet (for rinsing shaving cream when shaving legs) and a low niche for placing her foot when shaving her legs. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: - Extended a bit of wall near the toilet to give the commode its own area within the space, but without closing it off into a claustrophobic WC. - Worked within the reality of the existing soffit situation, reshaping it to align with the new shower. Can lights were also added. Installed a beautiful ceiling light fixture that works within the new soffit shape, commanding attention and adding light, as if the sofit shape was chosen for it. - Created a nice, furniture-looking 42”-high cabinet with pullout drawers to be the blow-dry station, complete with a mirror and a nice top. The pullout drawers are all powered, concealing a Dyson dryer and curling iron (and all the accoutrements) while keeping them plugged in, which is ideal for easy usage and put away. A stylish mirror on the wall above the cabinet, and proper lighting, make this the perfect blow-dry station. The top has a grommet that can accommodate a power cord should the client ever want to have a powered device on top of the cabinet. - Put the sit-down makeup station where the tub used to be, putting the mirror back into a new recessed wall just a bit, allowing the area to have more room. - Created a niche in the shower’s inner wall so that you can’t see it unless you are literally inside the shower. At the client’s request, it also has a hook so she can hang her loofa. Hiding the utility niche in this way allowed us to use the full main wall of the shower as a canvas for a beautiful accent stripe of raised decorative tile. The new shower has her old favorites, too: the tub filler, foot niche and bench. Alicia’s client loves her new primary bathroom, especially the blow dry area. It is very accommodating for her, as a tall lady, while being very easy to use. The drawers store everything. Being powered, they make using already-plugged in appliances very easy to use and put away. Her previous makeup station was a freestanding vanity with a single drawer, so beauty products were all over the surface top. With her new makeup station, everything is nicely tucked away and organized in drawers. The new lighting is fantastic and the colors are light and soft. The clients loves the overall look and feel of her new bathroom and raves about how well the functionality-minded design makes her morning routine – and her life – easier and enjoyable!

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

This new custom house, completed in late 2012, was designed with an accessory dwelling unit to take advantage of an allowance in the single family zoning code in Seattle. The primary dwelling, 1300 square feet on the upper two stories houses a mother and teenager. The accessory dwelling, 750 square feet, provides a leasable smaller space that can be for a tenant or downsizing in the future. Seattle based RE Store began by completely deconstructing the original home so that its salvaged parts could have a new life in other design applications. The new design for the home is modern with a sustainable theme, incorporating a palette of natural materials. The Paperstone, wood and steel staircase connects the open-plan living, dining areas and kitchen to the upstairs bedrooms and open library. Exterior decks extend the main interior living spaces while sliding glass panels allow the primary bedroom to connect. Stylishly visible from all rooms in the open interior living spaces are two complementary objects, both lit from within, a frosted lexan pantry and a slatted reclaimed fir bathroom, with wood sourced from Windfall Lumber. Throughout the home, finishes are simple and minimal: polished concrete flooring, bright-white walls, and formaldehyde-free sapele and maple cabinetry. The main kitchen is outfitted with Ecotop counters and a custom sapele wood island that has large, handle-free pullout drawers on the cooking side and a built-in wine rack on the other. Maximizing storage, a custom built-in apple plywood bench and open wooden box shelves provide extra space. A model of efficiency, the home maximizes the performance of the envelope of the building. The reclaimed fir car decking wrapped around the exterior from Windfall Lumber, creates the rainscreen siding and is sourced locally from a deconstructed warehouse in Tacoma WA. In addition, access to daylight through high-performance glazing, solar preheat for domestic hot water needs, in-floor radiant heating and a green roof created by the owner adds to the efficiency. Photo Credit & Design: b9 architects URL http://www.windfalllumber.com Photographer: Ed Sozinho

Modern minimalism as a basis for unusual, expressive art objects and author’s painting. This is what determined the main style of the living space. The concept was based on such materials as concrete and plaster, natural wood and stone. The interior had to be as natural as possible, reflecting the architectural image of the residential complex and the beauty of the surrounding nature. “The most important thing for me in this project is the result. Customers say that the interior has become their place of power! They want to return home, invite guests, spend a lot of time in their house and enjoy life here! It is very valuable and important that the project was realized almost 100%, while the customers themselves were interested not to deviate even a millimeter from the project, but to do everything exactly as the Author intended,” emphasized project designer Ksenia Mitskevich. Coswick oak Cinnamon hardwood flooring was used in the project. Designer: Ksenia Mitskevich. Photo by Sergey Pilipovich. Coswick’s partner: Domani.

THE SETUP This client lives in a great high-rise condo in downtown Chicago. Alicia has already remodeled a few areas of her home, including her kitchen and home office. The bathroom is one of the last big places the client wanted to update. The existing bathroom had a large, outdated whirlpool tub in the corner. It was a darker space that had a lack of natural light. There are no windows (due to the bathroom’s location within the high-rise building). So, the idea was to brighten up the space and give the client an updated, elegant primary bathroom that is more her style and tailor-made for her routines. Design Objectives: - Make the space brighter. - Create different daily routine stations to maximize functionality while keeping things clutter-free – a makeup station, a blow-dry station, and a sink-needs station. - Achieve the client’s specific style and function needs while also keeping the look and design open to future possibilities: different users of the space/resale clients. Design Challenges: - Toilet cannot be moved. (In a high-rise, you can’t really move plumbing around too much when reimagining a space) - Existing bathroom had a soffit that hid a lot of electrical wiring, so completely removing the soffit wasn’t an option. - The blow-dry station needs to accommodate the client’s preference for standing up. - Finding a place for the make-up station, which the client wants oriented for sitting. - Create storage within the shower that can eliminate the clutter of personal care products that are actually needed every day. Do this, while keeping the client’s favorite things about the existing shower: the shower bench, a tub filler faucet (for rinsing shaving cream when shaving legs) and a low niche for placing her foot when shaving her legs. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: - Extended a bit of wall near the toilet to give the commode its own area within the space, but without closing it off into a claustrophobic WC. - Worked within the reality of the existing soffit situation, reshaping it to align with the new shower. Can lights were also added. Installed a beautiful ceiling light fixture that works within the new soffit shape, commanding attention and adding light, as if the sofit shape was chosen for it. - Created a nice, furniture-looking 42”-high cabinet with pullout drawers to be the blow-dry station, complete with a mirror and a nice top. The pullout drawers are all powered, concealing a Dyson dryer and curling iron (and all the accoutrements) while keeping them plugged in, which is ideal for easy usage and put away. A stylish mirror on the wall above the cabinet, and proper lighting, make this the perfect blow-dry station. The top has a grommet that can accommodate a power cord should the client ever want to have a powered device on top of the cabinet. - Put the sit-down makeup station where the tub used to be, putting the mirror back into a new recessed wall just a bit, allowing the area to have more room. - Created a niche in the shower’s inner wall so that you can’t see it unless you are literally inside the shower. At the client’s request, it also has a hook so she can hang her loofa. Hiding the utility niche in this way allowed us to use the full main wall of the shower as a canvas for a beautiful accent stripe of raised decorative tile. The new shower has her old favorites, too: the tub filler, foot niche and bench. Alicia’s client loves her new primary bathroom, especially the blow dry area. It is very accommodating for her, as a tall lady, while being very easy to use. The drawers store everything. Being powered, they make using already-plugged in appliances very easy to use and put away. Her previous makeup station was a freestanding vanity with a single drawer, so beauty products were all over the surface top. With her new makeup station, everything is nicely tucked away and organized in drawers. The new lighting is fantastic and the colors are light and soft. The clients loves the overall look and feel of her new bathroom and raves about how well the functionality-minded design makes her morning routine – and her life – easier and enjoyable!

Our clients purchased a condo in the heart of Chicago after deciding it was time to move from their longtime suburban home and embrace their dream of living downtown. Leaving their family home where their children grew up meant that our work needed to do two things for the family: help make the most of their new city life and create a warm and welcoming home for their two college-aged children. We wanted to make sure the children felt connected to their new home when visiting from school, so they were involved in the design of their bedrooms. By introducing new textures, like a fur stool in one bedroom and a brightly colored zig-zag headboard in the other, we were able to balance the children’s youthful tastes with the rest of the space, forming a cohesive concept that made the whole family feel right at home. Modern amenities, such as power-operated window treatments and an electric fireplace, were seamlessly integrated into the home, ensuring that the client can enjoy their space with a flip of a switch. The personalized, comfortable atmosphere meant that the clients live and entertain with effortlessness and joy. Ted Glasoe Photography

THE SETUP Senior Designer Diana Burton’s client loved her sixties-era home – it just needed some work. The cozy galley kitchen was narrow and mostly closed off from the family room. A pass-through window served as a limited pipeline for treats and chatter. The appliances were failing, too. It was simply time for an overhaul. Design Objectives: Remove load bearing wall and open kitchen to the family room Omit large unused fireplace in family room Increase work surfaces and overall storage solutions Dedicated small countertop appliance storage Seating for 3 or 4 at island Add pantry storage Offer solution for lack of mudroom Upgrade all appliances THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Finding a location to hide structural support for new beam Reworking awkward configuration of existing walls Adding a walk-in pantry Creating mudroom storage Allowing room for large sectional in family room Design Solutions: Add a discreet column by the fridge to hide essential support Flush out wall by bath to be even with the range wall, where the new walk in pantry exists Use void space behind new wall for large appliance garage Create combination walk in pantry/mudroom by adding bench with shoe storage and hooks Maintain island depth for comfortable seating without infringing on space for the sectional THE RENEWED SPACE This cramped, dated kitchen has a new lease on life! Opening it to the family room dramatically transformed the space. Diana’s client now has plenty of storage, a big island for food prep, and an open-concept space that’s perfect for entertaining and hanging out with friends and family.

This living space from the Marfa’s Modern project blends mid-century sophistication with curated, lived-in warmth. A striking wood bookshelf serves as both room divider and design statement, displaying an artful mix of books, collected objects, and natural textures. The palette of warm woods, deep charcoal, and earthy tones grounds the space while vibrant accents—like patterned ceramics and fresh sunflowers—add personality and life. Each furnishing, from the sculptural armchairs to the marble-topped table, contributes to a carefully balanced composition of comfort and artistry. The result is a layered, modern environment that celebrates both functionality and soul.

2012 NARI CAPITAL COTY, FINALIST AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL EXTERIOR UNDER $100,000 The outdoor life means the world to this couple and their three children in Springfield, Virginia. Sports and having friends over are a big part of their lives so having a nice outdoor living space off their home is very important. Unfortunately, the home they purchased had not only a small, crumbling deck, but the backyard landscaping left much to be desired. The main objectives of their outdoor living renovation were to be able to have a large enough patio, deck and screen porch so they could all be outside enjoying their own activities at the same time. Working with Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, the homeowners decided to add a large deck on the right side of the back of the house and a 20’ x 20’ octagonal screen porch on the left side. In order not to interfere with windows and the placement of utilities on the lower level, the Michael Nash team created a brick walkway which leads to double sided stairways. Maintenance-free decking and accessories are used throughout. A high cathedral ceiling with beaded panels, recessed lights and a ceiling fan make the screened-in porch a family favorite. On the lower level, several trees were removed and the yard was graded level for a new flagstone patio with short stone seating walls. A bed for plants and flower with stone rocks was placed around the utility meters to create a more desirable appearance. The sound of kids playing soccer in backyard while dad is grilling and mom is relaxing on the deck is a dream come true for this family.

Relocating from San Francisco, this young family immediately zeroed in on the wonderful historic homes around downtown Chicago. Most of the properties they saw checked a lot of wish list boxes, but none of them checked every box. The house they landed on had beautiful curb appeal, a dramatic entry with a welcoming porch and front hall, and a really nice yard. Unfortunately, it did not have a kitchen that was well set-up for cooking and entertaining. Reworking the kitchen area was the top priority. The family had met with a few other designers and even had an architect take a crack at the space, but they were not able to come up with a viable solution. Here’s how Senior Designer Diana Burton approached the project… Design Objectives: Respect the home’s vintage feel while bringing the kitchen up to date Open up the kitchen area to create an open space for gathering and entertaining Upgrade appliances to top-of-the-line models Include a large island with seating Include seating for casual family meals in a space that won’t be a replacement for the adjacent formal dining room THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Remove a load-bearing wall and combine smaller rooms to create one big kitchen A powder room in the back corner of the existing kitchen was a huge obstacle to updating the layout Maintain large windows with views of the yard while still providing ample storage Design Solutions: Relocating the powder room to another part of the first floor (a large closet under the stairs) opened up the space dramatically Create space for a larger island by recessing the fridge/freezer and shifting the pantry to a space adjacent to the kitchen A banquette saves space and offers a perfect solution for casual dining The walnut banquette table beautifully complements the fridge/freezer armoire Utilize a gap created by the new fridge location to create a tall shallow cabinet for liquor storage w/ a wine cubby Closing off one doorway into the dining room and using the “between the studs” space for a tall storage cabinet Dish organizing drawers offer handy storage for plates, bowls, and serving dishes right by main sink and dishwasher Cabinetry backing up to the dining room offers ample storage for glassware and functions both as a coffee station and cocktail bar Open shelves flanking the hood add storage without blocking views and daylight A beam was required where the wall was removed. Additional beams added architectural interest and helped integrate the beams into the space Statement lighting adds drama and personality to the space THE RENEWED SPACE This project exemplifies the transformative power of good design. Simply put, good design allows you to live life artfully. The newly remodeled kitchen effortlessly combines functionality and aesthetic appeal, providing a delightful space for cooking and spending quality time together. It’s comfy for regular meals but ultimately outfitted for those special gatherings. Infused with classic finishes and a timeless charm, the kitchen emanates an enduring atmosphere that will never go out of style. This photo illuminates the gorgeous La Cornue range, and the custom stainless and brass range hood.

THE SETUP Senior Designer Diana Burton’s client loved her sixties-era home – it just needed some work. The cozy galley kitchen was narrow and mostly closed off from the family room. A pass-through window served as a limited pipeline for treats and chatter. The appliances were failing, too. It was simply time for an overhaul. Design Objectives: Remove load bearing wall and open kitchen to the family room Omit large unused fireplace in family room Increase work surfaces and overall storage solutions Dedicated small countertop appliance storage Seating for 3 or 4 at island Add pantry storage Offer solution for lack of mudroom Upgrade all appliances THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Finding a location to hide structural support for new beam Reworking awkward configuration of existing walls Adding a walk-in pantry Creating mudroom storage Allowing room for large sectional in family room Design Solutions: Add a discreet column by the fridge to hide essential support Flush out wall by bath to be even with the range wall, where the new walk in pantry exists Use void space behind new wall for large appliance garage Create combination walk in pantry/mudroom by adding bench with shoe storage and hooks Maintain island depth for comfortable seating without infringing on space for the sectional THE RENEWED SPACE This cramped, dated kitchen has a new lease on life! Opening it to the family room dramatically transformed the space. Diana’s client now has plenty of storage, a big island for food prep, and an open-concept space that’s perfect for entertaining and hanging out with friends and family.

Here are some practical tips for creating a beautiful, comfortable and thoughtful living room design. The living room in the house is the place where, as the name suggests, receives guests. However, the owners themselves relax here, spending time in front of the TV or a book, with drinks, pleasant conversation and other activities. Therefore, the living room should be the most comfortable place in your home. The place of the sofa in the design of the living room The sofa does not need to be placed in a draft. This means that it should not be on an imaginary line from window to door - if you drew a floor plan, it will just be easy to trace. 1. The sofa in front of the TV, diagonally from the door, is a great location. As if inviting you to sit down :) 2. Sofa near the door. A good solution if you often have overnight guests. 3. Corner sofa in the living room. Best placed in the farthest corner from the door. This will make the room look more spacious. Correct opening of the door in the living room. Inward or outward? Open inward or outward? There is no clear rule here, because everything depends on the layout and on the furniture placed. The main thing is that the door leaf opens freely and does not interfere with entering and exiting the room. Also, the door should not interfere with free access to the closet or dressing room. TV in living room size and location. Location. The TV is placed on the wall opposite to the sofa - this is the most logical and reasonable place for it in the living room. Moreover, the distance to it does not really matter: modern TV models can be placed close to the sofa. Cabinet or bracket? To your taste. The main thing is that the television zone looks neat and presentable. Provide in advance a cable channel in which all the wires and numerous sockets for the receiver, modem, set-top box, sound bar will hide. Nothing spoils a design like sticking wires! Height from the floor. It is optimal to place the TV 1 m from the floor to the middle of the screen - this is exactly the level of the eyes of a seated person. Diagonal size. If there is a financial opportunity, consider options from 50 inches - smaller screens look lonely and lonely on an empty wall. Living room furniture. Armchair. Often the chair becomes an accent item in the interior, then its shade, and sometimes its shape, differ from the rest of the furniture. When choosing a chair, be guided also by your habits: for example, it will be more convenient to climb up with your feet and read a book in an armchair with dimensions of 90x90 cm, and you can “just sit comfortably” in a fireplace chair with a high back, comfortable armrests and with a seat 80x80 cm. TV stand. Large TV stands are no longer as relevant as they used to be, when it was necessary to store a player, cassettes and discs there. For now, a console table or a narrow elegant pedestal is enough. Coffee table. Nice piece of furniture that creates a cozy atmosphere. Some models, if necessary, can be transformed into a more spacious table for receiving guests - however, finding comfortable and beautiful specimens is not easy, plus they usually cost a lot. Rack. An extremely useful type of furniture. :) Firstly, a large number of decor items can be beautifully placed on the rack. And secondly, it can also play the role of a light through partition, which divides the room into zones and does not select light at the same time. This is a very big plus for small apartments. Fireplace. Here we are talking about electric fireplaces. Some of them come with a humidifier and heated, so 3-in-1 models can be very helpful. Fireplace portals have different styles: classic, antique, modern. Inconsistency with the general style of the living room can greatly spoil the impression of the room, so be careful with creativity. Sizing is an important issue. A large wall with a high ceiling also needs a proportionate fireplace; in horror, a small portal will look lonely and ridiculous. What do you think about our new living room project? https://www.ferriss.co #ferriss #We_bring_objects_to_life #3drendering #architecture #San_Francisco

This door was designed with the objective of universal appeal; a unique and beautiful element to sell to potential home buyers, commissioned by architect Cheri Belz in Boulder, Colorado. Raleigh Renfree chose to draw on the ancient rhythms of Celtic design, and expand those same ideas into a modern home. These Celtic knots have ubiquitous appeal because they are intrinsically recognized symbols of eternity as well as quaternary patterns found in all life and history. The closed loop of the knot has neither beginning nor end, though four distinct motions are created, which in turn create further motion. By grouping these knots into a pattern of three, Raleigh also balanced masculine and feminine elements, enriching the door’s universal appeal yet again. To harmonize the ancient heartbeat of these knot patterns with the modern flair of the architectural style of the home, Raleigh included a very skillfully inlaid pattern of slate. The geometric slate not only mirrors the curves and edges of the home’s exterior, it also tells a story of geometric creation only found through balancing the masculine with the feminine. The circle as mother, the triangle as father, and the square as child, all joined in harmony to create a flow of energy through all aspects of the self. In truly brilliant fashion, Raleigh expressed timeless knowledge harmonizing two rather diverse styles, and eased this entryway into a truly inviting and appealing “welcome home” for any buyer.

Modern Citi Group worked with Robyn on remodeling her newly purchased professional space in Murray Hill. This exciting renovation project included a full remodel of two bathrooms, kitchen, and three offices as well as the main waiting area. The primary objective was to modernize the space for professional aesthetics and functionality while adhering to the strict timeline and budget. Every renovation project starts with the planning phase led by the project planners. During the in-person visit, Anna captured a 360 tour of the space to get accurate measurements and fast-track the project as well as align with the client on their design vision, remodeling priorities and budget. The design challenge was to deliver modern aesthetics and functionality for a professional office while keeping the project within budget. The designers worked on several layouts and design visualizations so the client had options. Finally, the choice was made and Robyn felt confident in her decision. The construction team transformed every corner of the space, breathing new life into it. They replaced the floors, refinished the walls and ceilings, installed new doors and windows, upgraded plumbing and electrical systems, and redesigned the office layout for optimal functionality and flow. Updated closet configuration with custom shelving, light fixtures and sliding barn doors enhanced the ergonomics of the work space. The newly remodeled kitchen featured sleek matte white cabinetry and stunning quartz countertops, enhancing both functionality and storage. The bathrooms were masterfully renovated with exquisite new tiling, stylish fixtures, and upgraded plumbing and lighting. In just a few weeks, Modern Citi Group has redefined the old apartment, transforming it into a sophisticated and professional space through this meticulous remodel. The result is a stunning blend of style, comfort, and efficiency. This remodel enhanced both employee satisfaction and new business for Robyn.

This basement remodel in a classic mid-century home was designed to seamlessly extend the elegance and functionality of the main floor. Preserving the iconic design flow of the era, B&B transformed the basement into a cohesive, livable space that honors the home’s original architectural intent. The homeowner, an architecture enthusiast and passionate collector of mid-century objects from around the world, brought their unique vision to life through carefully selected furnishings and decor. Clean lines, warm wood tones, and carefully curated materials create a harmonious extension, blending modern functionality with timeless mid-century design principles.