Warm, modern, and masterfully balanced, this kitchen blends Scandinavian-inspired wood cabinetry with bold contrast and sleek utility. The full-height oak cabinets provide seamless storage while maintaining a clean, vertical visual flow. A navy blue island with waterfall-edge quartz countertop anchors the space, surrounded by caramel leather barstools and globe glass pendants that add sculptural elegance. Matte black hardware and a dark herringbone backsplash introduce depth and drama, beautifully complementing the warm wood tones and luxury vinyl plank flooring.

This custom playroom built-in cabinetry project was designed to create both organization and visual structure in a busy family space. The wall-to-wall built-ins feature open shelving for books and toys, closed cabinets for hidden storage, and a central vertical paneled wall that anchors the television. The integrated bench with deep drawers adds additional storage while creating a comfortable spot for reading or relaxing. By combining open shelving with concealed cabinetry, the design allows everyday playroom items to stay accessible while maintaining a clean and organized appearance. Every piece was custom built to fit the room perfectly, maximizing storage while creating a cohesive architectural feature that blends seamlessly with the home’s interior.

This custom glass-enclosed wine cellar in Wilmette, IL was designed and built as a turnkey luxury residential wine cellar project, combining modern architecture with professional-grade wine storage. The frameless glass wine enclosure creates an open, contemporary feel while showcasing the cellar as a focal design element within the home. The cellar features custom wine racks finished in a deep petrol-teal sprayed lacquer with a satin to semi-gloss sheen, creating a bold and original backdrop for the wine collection. Satin brushed brass metal wine racks add warmth and contrast, elevating the overall design and reinforcing the high-end, custom nature of the space. Integrated LED wine cellar lighting highlights the unique finishes, rack layout, and bottle presentation. Designed for a combination of wine display and functional wine storage, the cellar is equipped with a professional climate-controlled wine cooling system to maintain proper temperature and humidity for long-term preservation. From design and fabrication to full installation, this project reflects a seamless, one-stop approach to custom wine cellar construction for luxury homeowners and wine collectors throughout Wilmette, the North Shore, and the greater Chicago area.

This luxury San Diego backyard remodel features a custom pool and spa, entertainer’s outdoor kitchen, porcelain paver patio, and drought-tolerant landscape design. At the heart of the design is a beautifully remodeled swimming pool and spa, surrounded by expansive outdoor living spaces that seamlessly connect the home to the landscape. Large-format porcelain pavers create a clean, modern terrace around the pool while natural flagstone walkways add warmth and character throughout the property. The pool deck flows effortlessly into multiple seating areas, including intimate lounge spaces and fire features that create inviting gathering points in the evening. A custom entertainer’s outdoor kitchen anchors the main patio and was designed for both functionality and style. The space features premium appliances, generous preparation areas, and a striking decorative tile backsplash that adds texture and visual interest. Adjacent dining and lounge areas allow guests to gather comfortably while enjoying views of the pool and surrounding gardens. The front and rear landscapes were designed with a low-maintenance planting palette that feels both elegant and natural. Sculptural succulents, citrus trees, ornamental grasses, and layered plantings are set within river rock and gravel beds, creating a drought-conscious landscape that complements the architecture of the home while maintaining year-round visual interest. Carefully integrated lighting throughout the property highlights architectural elements, specimen trees, and pathways, allowing the outdoor spaces to transition beautifully from day to evening. The result is a cohesive outdoor environment that blends resort-style comfort with timeless landscape design, perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying Southern California living.

We honored the building’s history where possible, keeping original bones and character wherever possible, then layered in the clients’ distinct creative identity. On the main floor, we designed spaces that shift seamlessly from workday to reception-ready. Lighting was planned with intention, to preserve the original plaster ceilings and spotlight rotating installations without sacrificing ambient warmth. Custom built-ins maximize functionality while maintaining a distinctly un-officey feel. Upstairs, the artist apartment is a thoughtful retreat: adaptable, light-filled, and comfortable, with just enough quirk to spark inspiration. Even the basement—home to a full photography studio and workroom—balances technical needs with aesthetic ease. Throughout, we used color, texture, and collected pieces to ensure each room feels curated, not staged. Personal, not polished.

We honored the building’s history where possible, keeping original bones and character wherever possible, then layered in the clients’ distinct creative identity. On the main floor, we designed spaces that shift seamlessly from workday to reception-ready. Lighting was planned with intention, to preserve the original plaster ceilings and spotlight rotating installations without sacrificing ambient warmth. Custom built-ins maximize functionality while maintaining a distinctly un-officey feel. Upstairs, the artist apartment is a thoughtful retreat: adaptable, light-filled, and comfortable, with just enough quirk to spark inspiration. Even the basement—home to a full photography studio and workroom—balances technical needs with aesthetic ease. Throughout, we used color, texture, and collected pieces to ensure each room feels curated, not staged. Personal, not polished.

Seeking a personal retreat by the Atlantic coast, our client found a new home in Lisbon, overlooking the water. The centuries-old building had been revived by a local architect some years prior, preserving its elegant historical features while updating the structures and fixtures. Our team uplifted the interior with new finishes, and furnished it with a refined composition of walnut and slender black metalwork, softened by cream and anthracite fabrics that recall the architectural stonework. The outcome aspires to an understated, welcoming warmth, while maintaining a bright, graceful interior suitable to the airy views. The living area revolves around a locally-designed travertine coffee table, situated in conversational balance by sofas that appear suspended just beneath the horizon. The arrangement seamlessly blends with the porous stone hearth, set upon a hand-tufted New Zealand wool rug. A walnut dining set bestows a Scandinavian dualism: elegance for formal dinners, yet sturdy practicality for quick meals. Beyond, an Italian-made buffet also serves as a media cabinet. Marble consoles punctuate the river view, their frames complementing the slender rods of the ceiling fixtures. Handmade in Portugal, the sleeping setups feature beds with textured upholstery upon joinery, matching walnut and marble nightstands, light linens, and contrasting woven bedside rugs. Iconic bedside lamps with thin black metal supports finish the scene.

This new construction pool showcases a sleek, modern design centered around clean lines and open outdoor living. The rectangular pool features a crisp geometric layout with light-toned coping and a shallow sun shelf, creating both visual appeal and functional lounging space. Surrounded by expansive, manicured lawn areas, the setting feels spacious and balanced. Minimalist landscaping lines the perimeter with evenly spaced greenery along a privacy wall, enhancing the sense of symmetry while maintaining a fresh, contemporary aesthetic. A row of cushioned lounge chairs provides a resort-style atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. In the background, a covered pavilion offers shaded seating and a seamless extension of the outdoor living space. Mature trees, including tall palms, frame the yard and add vertical interest, completing this refined Southern California-style backyard retreat.

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views. The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private. Reimagining the Urban Envelope The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression. Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views. At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides. Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors. Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow. Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways. A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space. A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls. Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere. Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas. Kitchen as Architectural Furniture The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich. Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash. Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface. A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette. Dining With a Living Backdrop Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset. A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience. Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation. The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop. The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space. Bathing Above the City In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops. The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials. Entertaining Above the Park Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art. Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline. Cinema and Retreat The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing. Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above. Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth. Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth. The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human. A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living. It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky. What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

Joey desired a spacious and functional kitchen suitable for cooking and entertaining. He envisioned an open layout with ample seating around an enlarged island, improved storage, and a dedicated pantry. To fulfill this vision, significant changes were made to the existing kitchen layout. The original island was replaced with a larger, dual-sided island featuring white shaker cabinets and a matching granite/quartz countertop. An 80-inch countertop overhang was installed, supported by sturdy legs and brackets, providing additional seating space. A pantry was seamlessly added into the adjacent office space, complete with new framing, drywall, texture, and pocket doors for easy access. Contemporary pendant lights illuminate the expanded island and dining areas, while recessed lighting enhances pantry visibility. Sleek floating shelves were added for extra storage and visual interest. Matching luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed in impacted areas to maintain consistency and elegance. This remodel exceeded expectations, resulting in an inviting and cohesive kitchen space. Thoughtful integration of storage, contemporary elements, and an expanded layout has greatly enhanced both functionality and appearance.

The outdoor courtyard and entertaining area serves as the centerpiece of this Arizona indoor-outdoor living retreat. The original landscape was completely reimagined with new turf, modern desert landscaping, and thoughtfully designed outdoor gathering spaces that support both everyday living and entertaining. The redesigned courtyard now includes an outdoor dining area, a counter-height bar at the kitchen pass-through, a modern fire pit seating area, and a covered ramada complete with lounge seating, an outdoor TV, and a sleek linear gas fireplace. Together, these spaces create a seamless extension of the home’s interior living areas. The original pool shape was maintained, while the overall design was elevated with a custom water feature, Baja ledge for lounging and viewing the outdoor TV, and a refreshed pool finish. Existing brick pavers were removed and replaced with large-format travertine, creating a cleaner and more sophisticated foundation throughout the courtyard.

The unique design concept of A139 is rooted in the basic geometric idea of two interlocking rectangles. This distinctive feature, along with the incorporation of rectangular geometries into the natural environment, sets it apart. The deliberate placement of a few windows in the front enhances privacy, while the addition of wooded and water elements to the facade creates a sober and elegant aesthetic. The project maintains a common language in its materiality: apparent concrete, steel, and wood. The three materials are presented sincerely from the outside of the house and continue on a constant journey through the interior. A139 is adjacent to the spring forest, privileged in its geographical position. We considered that the project’s purpose was that from any point of the house, we would have panoramic views that would serve as ambiance for itself and thus generate “natural pictures.” Our design philosophy for A139 was to seamlessly integrate the forest into the house. To achieve this, we created interior courtyards and spaces, blurring the boundary between the exterior and the interior. This approach not only enhances the living experience but also fosters a harmonious relationship with the natural surroundings. The house’s program is characterized by its social areas on the first floor, which can be combined to generate larger spaces if necessary. On the first floor are four bedrooms, each with a dressing room, bathroom, and terraces overlooking the spring forest. Casa A139 speaks for itself and presents itself honestly, subtly setting the views and ample spaces in the hierarchy by the natural textures of the materials.

We honored the building’s history where possible, keeping original bones and character wherever possible, then layered in the clients’ distinct creative identity. On the main floor, we designed spaces that shift seamlessly from workday to reception-ready. Lighting was planned with intention, to preserve the original plaster ceilings and spotlight rotating installations without sacrificing ambient warmth. Custom built-ins maximize functionality while maintaining a distinctly un-officey feel. Upstairs, the artist apartment is a thoughtful retreat: adaptable, light-filled, and comfortable, with just enough quirk to spark inspiration. Even the basement—home to a full photography studio and workroom—balances technical needs with aesthetic ease. Throughout, we used color, texture, and collected pieces to ensure each room feels curated, not staged. Personal, not polished.

This thoughtfully designed space is the perfect blend of function and aesthetics, seamlessly serving as both a hardworking laundry room and a practical mudroom. Designed with busy family life in mind, every inch is optimized with smart storage solutions—custom cabinetry, built-in cubbies, and concealed compartments ensure everything has its place, from seasonal gear to laundry essentials. Architectural details elevate the design, with timeless millwork, paneling, and refined finishes bringing character and charm to the space. Durable yet beautiful materials were carefully selected to withstand daily wear while maintaining a polished look. Whether tackling laundry day or transitioning from the outdoors, this multi-purpose space proves that practicality and sophistication can go hand in hand.

Built on a steep lakeside terrain, the Tsuga residence by Appareil Architecture is an ambitious project that required meticulous planning and flawless execution. Nestled within the rugged landscapes of Brownsburg-Chatham, Tsuga elevates a complex site to offer a seamless immersion in nature. Balancing the site’s constraints with a high level of finish, every phase of the project was designed to reconcile technical challenges with precision. Modulor expertly managed all collaborators, ensuring a level of detail that defines a project of this scale. On the exterior, the building envelope combines durability with refinement. Carefully selected natural wood cladding interacts with a perforated screen that filters light and adds depth to the façade. The integration of openings was strategically planned to maximize views while maintaining a cohesive architectural expression. Inside, the materials and finishes reflect the same commitment to quality. Wooden paneling wraps the spaces, creating visual continuity and a warm atmosphere. The stainless steel kitchen, with its clean lines and custom design, introduces a striking contrast between modernity and natural textures. Every junction, every material transition was meticulously crafted to ensure a flawless result, with no compromises on durability or functionality. Designed for an architectural historian and a musician and opera singer, Tsuga is the result of meticulous craftsmanship. A home built to stand the test of time, with an unwavering attention to detail.

This custom closet remodel transforms storage into a luxury, organized, and highly functional space. Featuring built-in cabinetry, custom shelving, and dedicated compartments for shoes, accessories, and clothing, the closet keeps every item perfectly in place while maintaining a clean, refined look. High-quality materials, including sleek hardware, durable finishes, and thoughtful lighting, elevate the space and create a bright, inviting environment. The layout maximizes storage efficiency without sacrificing style, offering a seamless blend of functionality and designer appeal. Whether used as a master wardrobe or specialty storage, this closet demonstrates how custom design, strategic organization, and high-end finishes can turn an everyday necessity into a statement of luxury and practicality.

We honored the building’s history where possible, keeping original bones and character wherever possible, then layered in the clients’ distinct creative identity. On the main floor, we designed spaces that shift seamlessly from workday to reception-ready. Lighting was planned with intention, to preserve the original plaster ceilings and spotlight rotating installations without sacrificing ambient warmth. Custom built-ins maximize functionality while maintaining a distinctly un-officey feel. Upstairs, the artist apartment is a thoughtful retreat: adaptable, light-filled, and comfortable, with just enough quirk to spark inspiration. Even the basement—home to a full photography studio and workroom—balances technical needs with aesthetic ease. Throughout, we used color, texture, and collected pieces to ensure each room feels curated, not staged. Personal, not polished.

This new construction staircase makes a bold architectural statement with its sleek, floating design and modern material palette. Featuring thick wood treads paired with a minimalist steel stringer, the staircase appears to effortlessly cantilever through the space, creating a sense of openness and visual lightness. A frameless glass railing enhances the clean lines while maintaining unobstructed sightlines throughout the room. The combination of warm wood tones and dark structural elements adds contrast and depth, tying seamlessly into the surrounding interior finishes. Positioned as a central focal point, the staircase is complemented by a double-height ceiling and a contemporary chandelier above, amplifying the sense of scale and sophistication. Adjacent built-in shelving with integrated lighting and a modern fireplace further elevate the space, creating a cohesive and luxurious living environment.

This kitchen remodel blends modern sophistication with timeless functionality, creating a space that is both practical for everyday living and visually stunning. The heart of the kitchen features custom cabinetry and millwork, carefully designed to maximize storage while maintaining clean, elegant lines. A striking island serves as both a workspace and gathering point, topped with natural stone countertops that add texture and warmth. Premium materials and finishes, including high-end appliances, sleek metal accents, and bespoke hardware, enhance the overall luxury feel. Open shelving and integrated storage solutions allow for beautifully curated displays, while thoughtful layout decisions create a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. Large windows bring in natural light, highlighting the refined finishes and architectural details throughout the space. This kitchen exemplifies how custom design, high-quality materials, and functional layout can come together to create a modern yet timeless centerpiece for the home.