Photo Credits: Interplay Design Unlike other design studios, Interplay has its own view of growing their interior design business. Since Taiwan is facing the low fertility issue, the team has noticed that instead of doing fancy design, creating and focusing on the senior-friendly home would be an advanced and primary market in the future. "A senior-friendly home" does not mean, putting the aids full of the home, but considering more about the dignity. They realized this point! But how? This project main designer - Kuan says: Creating the thoughtful space without reminding them - "This function is for you." Because even they need the supports, they hope there are no differences with others. Therefore, the senior-friendly homes they create will just look like other homes​. On the other hands, they also can be sustainable, design the homes without any concern in the future life,

An update was needed for an outdated kitchen with spacing and workflow issues. The revamped design not only addressed safety concerns and improved functionality but also introduced full-height pullouts and a corner pantry to maximize storage efficiency. Installing the same flooring throughout the main floor of the house created a sense of cohesion and enhanced the visual flow in the home. A new lighting plan was implemented to deliver light to crucial areas to improve visibility and visual comfort while working in the kitchen, as well as contributed to a sense of spaciousness. Ultimately, the remodel resulted in a stylish, inviting, and efficient kitchen with unencumbered pathways to the work areas.

Photo Credits: Interplay Design Unlike other design studios, Interplay has its own view of growing their interior design business. Since Taiwan is facing the low fertility issue, the team has noticed that instead of doing fancy design, creating and focusing on the senior-friendly home would be an advanced and primary market in the future. "A senior-friendly home" does not mean, putting the aids full of the home, but considering more about the dignity. They realized this point! But how? This project main designer - Kuan says: Creating the thoughtful space without reminding them - "This function is for you." Because even they need the supports, they hope there are no differences with others. Therefore, the senior-friendly homes they create will just look like other homes​. On the other hands, they also can be sustainable, design the homes without any concern in the future life,

Blocks from the beach, this ADU feels like an oasis in Santa Monica. The design of the ADU was centered around the concept of flexibility. With a 2-bed, 2-bath layout, the the ADU could allow for roommates or caregivers living in the ADU permanently, or could be used as an extension of the main house for music studio space and pool parties. Tucked away in the layout is also an owner's storage space, as the ADU replaced the garage. Additionally, the layout considered accessibility as a concern, allowing for wheelchair access into the first floor public spaces and downstairs bedroom and bathroom. Ultimately, this ADU is a dream come true--offering flexibility for multiple uses in an efficient yet serene package that maximizes the usability (and resale value!) of the property.

Our clients immediately recognized the potential of the home located in a highly sought-after section of Allentown. The dated kitchen needed significant rethinking but our clients knew it could be turned into something beautiful and inspiring. And, indeed, they were right. Busy professionals with an active social life, our clients wanted an inviting space to host both intimate dinner parties and large social gatherings. With this in mind, we worked to reimagine the flow of traffic from one room to another. Extraneous walls and a desk inconveniently positioned in the middle of the main kitchen thoroughfare needed to be removed and tight workspace aisles and narrow passageways demanded widening to help alleviate the problem. In addition to the kitchen’s flow concerns, the dark and dated space needed brightening. The wall between the kitchen and family room was opened up to unite the two spaces allowing more light into both rooms. Windows were also added at the sink wall so the room could be flooded with bright morning sun, while also offering a beautiful view of the park below. All-white cabinetry was selected to help reflect the additional light. An unfortunate challenge of expanding the windows meant there were fewer wall cabinets to store dishes. We turned to the island where we installed large dish drawers featuring wood pegged interiors. We also relied on wall-to-counter cabinets for additional storage to help keep the room clutter-free as appliances were neatly tucked behind doors. A new, built-in pantry was also added. The finished kitchen unites traditional with today and elegance with comfort to ensure perfection. We are thrilled for our clients who have an abundance of good taste, an eye for what is possible and a drive to see it accomplished. Jacqueline Powell Photography

Photo Credits: Interplay Design Unlike other design studios, Interplay has its own view of growing their interior design business. Since Taiwan is facing the low fertility issue, the team has noticed that instead of doing fancy design, creating and focusing on the senior-friendly home would be an advanced and primary market in the future. "A senior-friendly home" does not mean, putting the aids full of the home, but considering more about the dignity. They realized this point! But how? This project main designer - Kuan says: Creating the thoughtful space without reminding them - "This function is for you." Because even they need the supports, they hope there are no differences with others. Therefore, the senior-friendly homes they create will just look like other homes​. On the other hands, they also can be sustainable, design the homes without any concern in the future life,

To define the spaces of this semi-urban infill home, our clients asked for plenty of exposed concrete walls. We began the design process with a perfectly square black metal box that we cut into, sliced 127 feet of 10’ tall concrete walls through, and carved spaces, niches, nooks, and crannies out of. A flat roof plane with a wood ceiling cuts through the entire affair, offering a carport to start with, an entry, raised main living spaces, and a covered terrace in the backyard. To meet their contemporary concerns, we ensured to provide elegant office and craft studio nooks adjacent to the common spaces, easily hidden by room-high sliding panels.

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

This centrally located intersection to a main thoroughfare a block away was a concern because of the corner lot visibility issue for cars making a turn driving in either direction. The Quince tree bloomed annually for just a short time and was originally planted by the prior home owners decades ago. Keeping it maintained to a height of 4’ maximum, dictated for safety reasons, was still obstructing and limiting the visibility of oncoming traffic at this busy intersection. The existing roses planted in the same space as the Quince were a perfect backdrop to the new perennials and annuals planted to paint this corner with flowers. The project also included expanding the beautification to both corner areas in coordination with several other planting areas already seasonally updated on the property. With the Redwood Tree as a focal point and Roses, Daphnes, Iris, Azaleas, Fuchsias, Hydrangeas and Camilias highlighting the planting beds the addition of color, including around the driveway and side entrance, transformed the entire space. Painting With Flowers Is Adding Beauty to Benefit Homeowners & Neighbors! Kim Beber

Step Inside a Superb Altamount Residence by Hirsch Bedner Associates ⇒ Based in Santa Monica, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) is an international firm dedicated to hospitality design as well as residential projects. Since 1965, the leading design firm has been continuously concerned regarding the pulse of changing industry trends, which are mainly directed towards today’s modern traveller. Quite recently, HBA has designed a superb Altamount Residence that will be the focus of our article, so get ready to be inspired and step inside a beautiful residence.

Crystal installed at the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, Nevada
Minimalist bedroom photo in Los Angeles

This client had a large square backyard that wasn't particularly interesting and was way too hot most of the afternoon. She wanted to be able to enjoy the space, grow food, and was also very concerned with groundwater recharge. The downspouts from the roof were directed into a large dry creek for onsite water harvesting which also serves as a main visual feature as it curves through the garden. Meandering pathways of decomposed granite lead you wherever you might want to go - whether that's out to the patio to get some shade under the arbor in the hot afternoon sun, or to the elongated raised vegetable beds. Party guests can sit at one of two patios or even sit on the generous benches around the sides of the raised bed. Curving shapes allow all of the garden features to flow together. Plants were installed on large soil mounds which allow for excellent drainage as well as topographic interest. Client's existing heirloom roses were replanted throughout garden. This overgrown weedy space was transformed into a beautiful, multi-functional garden for entertaining, relaxing, growing food, and recharging groundwater.

This client was concerned with maximizing the available storage for their kitchen. With pull out spice racks, cutlery organizers, and dividers in every necessary location, the storage potential is efficient and elegant. Photo credit: Paul Grdina

Emily and Steve have remodeled several pieces of their home and because they love Kaufman’s process so much, they keep coming back. In past years, we’ve remodeled most of their main floor including an updated living space and staircase, and a completely remodeled powder room and kitchen with a nice big island that’s perfect for entertaining. Their most recent project was this year when we remodeled their deck. The major pain points Steve and Emily dealt with before the remodel was lack of functionality due to poor design and because the previous owners had built the deck themselves, there were quite a few safety concerns. Throughout the design process, we decided to remove the existing deck completely and start fresh with a screened in porch, Emily’s Porch, and a deck off the porch with stairs going down to the beautiful backyard – one of the factors that motivated them to make this house their home to begin with.

Dimension: 72" L X 16" D X 36" H The shabby-chic industrial-rustic look is the pinnacle of fashionable these days, and you can get the best of this aesthetic in your homes with our beautiful Tescott Handcrafted Rustic Reclaimed Wood 4 Drawer Large Sideboard Cabinet. This 72" Inch rustic sideboard is absolutely unique because it has been constructed out of salvaged wood, so each slat and board is one of a kind. This makes you appreciate the beauty of its handcraftsmanship even more. It has a bold, eye-catching presence, is functionally versatile and offers great heirloom quality. On top of it all, you can even personalize its placement. It would look just as great set up against a living room accent wall as it would in a large lobby or a foyer. You can even furnish it in your dining rooms as serve-ware storage. As far as the design of this reclaimed wood sideboard is concerned, it’s artfully simple. This lets the beauty of the wood texture shine. It starts with an extended top frame where you can showcase various decoration pieces. The main body is comprised of 4 pullout drawers that are perfect for storing small everyday objects in. Underneath each drawer is a corresponding single-door cabinet whose interior is divided into 2 compartments. Here, you can keep jars, books, documents, first-aid kits and more. The cabinet facades consist of simple wood planks that highlight their distinct grain and faded blue impressions. A smooth platform base completes the whole look. Special Features: • 100% handcrafted • Solid reclaimed wood craftsmanship • Eco-friendly • Extended top frame • 4 pullout drawers • 4 single-door cabinets with 2 organizational shelves each • Platform base • Heirloom quality • Artfully distressed finish • Visually versatile • Easy maintenance Note: Custom Options such as Size, Shape, Shade & Design are not applicable to this item. Furniture is subjected to have Slight Variations. Real wood is a product of nature, and as such, no two pieces are alike. Variations in solid wood grain patterns are to be expected and make each furniture uniquely beautiful, just like us humans.

Step Inside a Superb Altamount Residence by Hirsch Bedner Associates ⇒ Based in Santa Monica, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) is an international firm dedicated to hospitality design as well as residential projects. Since 1965, the leading design firm has been continuously concerned regarding the pulse of changing industry trends, which are mainly directed towards today’s modern traveller. Quite recently, HBA has designed a superb Altamount Residence that will be the focus of our article, so get ready to be inspired and step inside a beautiful residence.

Blocks from the beach, this ADU feels like an oasis in Santa Monica. The design of the ADU was centered around the concept of flexibility. With a 2-bed, 2-bath layout, the the ADU could allow for roommates or caregivers living in the ADU permanently, or could be used as an extension of the main house for music studio space and pool parties. Tucked away in the layout is also an owner's storage space, as the ADU replaced the garage. Additionally, the layout considered accessibility as a concern, allowing for wheelchair access into the first floor public spaces and downstairs bedroom and bathroom. Ultimately, this ADU is a dream come true--offering flexibility for multiple uses in an efficient yet serene package that maximizes the usability (and resale value!) of the property.

Blair Jones from Reico Kitchen & Bath in Woodbridge, VA, designed a transitional kitchen featuring Masterpiece Cabinetry in the Rockwell door style. The perimeter cabinets are a Dove White finish, while the island cabinets are in Midnight, complemented by Cambria Travella quartz countertops. The clients shared, “Our main goals were to create a more usable space for gatherings and improve the flow between the kitchen and family room for entertaining. We achieved this by adding a large island with counter-level bar stools and widening the opening between the two rooms. We're thrilled with the results and love entertaining in our new kitchen. We had a very positive experience with Reico on our kitchen remodel and would highly recommend them for any project. The team was professional and a pleasure to work with throughout the entire renovation process. Any questions or concerns were addressed promptly.” Blair added, “The clients had a clear vision but faced a few challenges along the way. We worked together to find the perfect solution, resulting in a kitchen that meets all their needs for hosting, socializing and more.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images.

A swooping charcoal-gray stone wall tells the story of this modern home in one gentle but generous gesture. Enveloping trees, entry, living room, and vistas all at once separates the main wing for two from an in-law suite and carefully guides this ensemble around a set of mature tress. Lightly placing this house on a heavily wooded Charlotte, NC site while keeping the natural setting intact, paired with concerns of privacy, sunlight, and views of nature has made the initial design phase especially fun and challenging.