The perfect paints for masonry are now available through Acme Brick. Romabio offers both limewash and masonry paint for those that want to change the look of their brickwork. Classico Limewash creates that charming old world feel with a freshly painted look, but because some of the brick remains exposed, the warmth and quality endues. All it takes is a single coat for absorbant, unpainted brick, stone or other masonry, with no primer needed. Specially formulated to be easily manipulated in the first 5 days of application, you can test the product and see the results with no risk. Once it calcifies to the surface, it is breathable and will not seal the brick or stone, ensuring that it it doesnt peel, chip, or flake off. BioDomus I & II are mineral based, breathable paints that will not seal the masonry surface. Unlike acrylic or latex, they will not peel, chip, or flake off. Both BioDomus I and BioDomus II are high performing paints that are inherently the same except for the finish they create. BioDomus I produces a flat finish. BioDomus II has a slight aggregate in it to create a textured look on smooth brick, or a smoother finish on a rough surface. Color possibilites are almost unlimited as you can match other color palettes or choose from over 200 colors in the Romabio color deck. With a high UV resistance, a breatheable wall, and a 20 year warranty, the performance of these products is made to last.

Natural modernism for a home on the park. A prominent Chicago lawyer and his beloved dogs live in this Modern Chicago Greystone. We consulted with Wheeler Kearns Architecture to create a warm and welcoming interior architecture that integrates seamlessly with the home’s modernist exterior and natural surroundings. Natural light and earthy materials, such as active limestones, warm woods, and reflective glass tiles, are used to comforting effect in the interior spaces. Wood window frames manipulate the play of light and highlight unobstructed views to Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan. The result is a uniquely integrated experience—from exterior to interior, modern to traditional.

Asked by her client to review a typically mundane South Hampton ‘50s saltbox because “the last designer they talked to said they would have to add on to make the house anything,” Ms. Cohen approached the renovation in exactly the opposite manner. To refine the small building footprint, precise architectural gestures were used with a series of finely calibrated moments make the space more gracious and welcoming. Architectural acts were bold in concept but not in actual construction work; such as capturing the car garage to add a hyper modern sunroom/den along with a powder room and laundry. Reconfiguring one side of the house’s roofline to manipulate the space into a sensational master suite saved the north side of the house from remaining an un-useful attic space. This inner sanctum of bedroom and master bath is reminiscent of a Hampton’s beachscape in all its elegance and minimalism. The only square footage actually added was a tiny 4X4 corner as an addition to the front entry, oddly an essential piece of real estate to make an actual vestibule. All these refinements make for a crafted, articulate result rather than bowing to the bigger is better theme, which is more prevalent in the Hamptons. The function of the plan and the accompanying finishes are impressive. The Jack and Jill bathroom, an invention of the American post-war housing boom, was outfitted in handsome walnut Duravit vanity cabinets and neutral finishes. The master bath, with its expansive skylights, might be mistaken for a conceptual art installation due to its evocative marble countertop in striped ethereal hues. Finally, Ms. Cohen uses wallpaper like a museum curator, hanging an iconic Knoll pattern to punctuate the dining/media space. Each room in the house was sculpted via a palette of watercolor blue of varying saturations. Fabrics were culled from the greats of modernist textiles, Maharam’s Quatrefoil pattern in blue and Knoll classic Sway pattern in sea shades. The blue on white “beach” scheme runs from a soft cotton candy sky in the girl’s room to an immersive David Sutherland Park Bark wallpaper in the powder room. This intellectual inquiry as to what are the true colors at the beach belays the sophistication that surpasses the usual nautical curse of the average beach house. Out of the corner of your eye, in almost every quadrant of the house, is a burst of colorful expression and delight; this serves as Ms. Cohen’s painterly gift to the client. Ms. Cohen’s hidden strength is her ability to choreograph a seating area. Whether it is a formal living room or the ultimate hang out spot, each space has the right amount of distance, intimacy and dare I say intrigue to make the arrangements inviting. Each conversation, because it really looks like a fine chat can be had, has an elegant side table ready for duty and all tête-à-têtes are regulated to a sumptuous area rugs. Habitants in Ms. Cohen’s world only work through deep discourse.

Inspired by Scandinavian design, Loki pairs a graceful arc with a horizontal platform that resulted in a RedDot award for product design. The unique sliding handle system invites the user to engage with it to manipulate water pressure and temperature.

Rehme Steel Windows & Doors Architect: Ryan Street & Associates Builder: Michael Deane Homes Photography: Ryann Ford
Example of a trendy kitchen/dining room combo design in Austin

Yankee Barn Homes - A step-down into the living room manipulates an otherwise open floor plan. Chris Foster Photography
Living room - large contemporary open concept light wood floor living room idea in Boston with gray walls and a hanging fireplace

Kitchen looking towards Dining Room and Living Room beyond. Photo by Clark Dugger
Small trendy galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, wood countertops, paneled appliances, brown backsplash, wood backsplash and no island

ThinkGreen LLC http://www.thinkgreenllc.com Project Entry: Lafayette Hill Residence 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $120,000&over Award Level: Gold Photo Description: This project was located on a ridge that overlooks the Wissahickon Creek and surrounded by acres of undeveloped land. The design and construction goals were to aesthetically and ecologically integrate an existing home and property into its surrounding natural setting. Natural stormwater patterns of the site were bulldozed during the intial construction of the home and an existing swale was heavily scoured and contributing to the sedimentation of sensitive local waterways. The backbone of the site improvements was restoring the swale by adding gentle undulating curves, installing boulders to slow the rate at which stormwater flowed, and heavily plantingitwithnativeplantingssuchasIrisversicolorandLobeliacardinalis. Additionalgentle manipulation of the grades and the use of low dry-laid retaining walls and boulder retaining walls allowed a series of outdoor rooms to be created around the house. The pool area features a stone bond beam which extends below the surface of the water, diving rocks, and a rustic white oak pergola. Adjacent to the pool is a large stone terrace for dining and entertainment. Low dry-laid fieldstone seat walls retain the grades and provide additional seating. The large terrace is easily accessed from the house as well as the rustic white oak tree house. Several solid bluestone risers lead to a smaller more intimate terrace is outside of the pool area. Throughout the site a predominately native plant palette using plants such as Magnolia virginiana, Ilex verticillata, and a variety of ferns were used to mimic the undisturbed areas of woodland and meadows adjacent to the site. Collectively the site improvements have benefitted the local waterways by capturing and slow releasing stormwater and limiting further sedimentation. Additional habitat was created for the local fauna, and the client’s children were provided with a natural haven to explore and learn from nature.

Evolve Stone is the first stone cladding that can be face nailed in the same fashion as traditional siding, reducing installation complexity and time dramatically. Shown here in “Morning Aspen” the Georgetown Run style features simple to follow pattern, making it our quickest installing style. Like real stone, it is colored throughout, allowing it to be cut to fit on-site while maintaining the highest appearance standards. The ease and workability of the product is unprecedented. No specialty tools and training are needed to install Evolve Stone. Easily manipulate, cut, and texture the product with your standard woodworking tools. This stone is lightweight, at just 2 lbs per square foot, but extremely durable, standing up to impossible wind speeds, salt spray, UV exposure, and freeze-thaw cycles. Each box is pre-portioned with engineered shapes allowing the pattern to appear naturally as you install. No need to sort and lay out the stones beforehand. We offer a class B fire rated product in each style and color.

This home is dedicated to the idea that beauty can be found in the artistic expression of hand-made processes. The project included rigorous material research and close partnership with local craftspeople in order to realize the final architecture. The timeless quality of this collaboration is most visible in the ribbon stair and the raked stucco walls on the exterior facade. Working hand in hand with local artisans, layers of wood and plaster were stapled, raked, sanded, bent, and laminated in order to realize the curve of the stair and the precise lines of the facade. In contrast to the manipulation of materials, a garden courtyard and spa add an intimate experience of nature within the heart of the home. The concealed space is a case study in contrast from the lush vegetation against the stark steel, to the shallow hot plunge and six-foot deep cold plunge. The result is a home that elevates the integrity of local craft and the refreshment of nature’s touch to augment a lifestyle dedicated to health, artistry, and authenticity.

Example of an eclectic dark wood floor living room design in Miami with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

The Flagstone slab is a mosaic of carefully sculpted stone which appears to be the work of a highly skilled stonework mason. Its natural stone look comes from its random pattern where no two stones seem to be alike. By manipulating the carvings on the surface of each unit, we have created a multitude of shapes and sizes without affecting the productivity of installation; granting you with all the glory of a natural-stone look without the exorbitant installation costs. Flagstone is part of the dry cast collection. Check out our website to shop the look! https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/slabs/flagstone-60/

Rolling Shutters are the ultimate solution when you want to protect what’s behind your windows and doors. With Rolling Shutters, enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home has a sturdy layer of hurricane protection and storm protection. Rolling shutters shield against wind-blown debris, sand blasting and water penetration. Strong, secure, and durable, our Rolling Hurricane Shutters are proven to reduce energy and maintenance costs while making your home more comfortable to live in. Hurricane Shutters Hurricane Shutters are the premier protection against snow and ice storms, driving rain, high winds, and flying debris. We have huge selection of Hurricane Protection products for all types of applications. We specialize in new construction, retrofit projects and custom applications designed around more complex installations. Hurricane Shutters protect your windows and doors from water penetration and breakage during hurricanes and Nor’easters bringing you comfort and protection. Even when you are not physically at the location of the storm, rolling shutters can offer you peace of mind. Homes and businesses not equipped with rolling shutters may experience glass breakage and door failures during high winds. Ultimately, those openings in the structure’s envelope can cause complete devastation to the home or business. Once the air pressure enters a building, no matter the type of construction, the likelihood of other windows and doors failing rises. If the pressure grows beyond a certain point, walls and and roof components begin to fail. Security Shutters Security Shutters are one of the best ways to discourage intruders from attempting to enter your home or business. This deterrent measure is just where rolling shutters start. While in the down position, rolling shutters can be locked in place by a motor, a gear, a keyed switch or by a separate locking device. Rolling Shutters have been used as security shutters all over the world for decades with incredible success. Sometimes labeled as metal shutters and metal security shutters, they all have subtle differences, and the differences can’t be seen with the rolling shutter in the down position. Security Shutters typically have end-retention pins that lock into the guide rails from the top. These pins are located throughout the entire curtain and are protected from manipulation while the curtain is in the close position. Storm Shutters Storm Shutters are the broad category of Storm Protection products. Of course, they come in all types of sizes, features and functionality. We have a full line of rolling shutters, hinged storm shutters and storm panels for you to to explore on our website or we would love for you to swing by one of our showrooms to see live demo models. Storm Shutters are specifically engineered and designed for high hinds, flying debris protection and ultimately given a rating for Hurricane Protection. A little known fact: The most damaging type of wind value is not the force of the wind blowing directly on your home. This force is called positive pressure, and typically, many believe this is the strongest force against their home or business. Believe it or not, the negative pressure, or, the air passing by your windows and doors, has far greater power. Many low-grade storm shutters and hurricane protection products fail under this pressure. Solar Shutters Solar Shutters have a double wall construction and filled with a specialized polyurethane foam designed to increase R-factor and deflect solar penetration. Many rolling shutters can perform this function, but not all are created equal. The energy efficiency of exterior rolling shutters is up to 95% more effective than interior solar shades. Solar Shutters have many unique and positive “side effects” from their dense foam-filled curtain profile. Many homeowners have taken advantage of energy savings by using these types of rolling shutters in both the summer and winter seasons. Reducing heating and air conditioning expenses throughout the entire year is not always our first thought, but many home and business owners have expressed massive savings. Not only do they block up to 90% of heat gain and loss, they also provide incredible noise control opportunities. Privacy Shutters Privacy Shutters are a great way to close of areas of your home or business from others. Some rolling shutters are equipped with perforations allowing ambient light to pass through when needed. Privacy Shutters have many uses and are creatively used throughout the world in homes and businesses for all kinds of reasons. Close off food preparation areas, work shops, stock rooms, gun safes, closets, liquor cabinets and bars. Some business owners use rolling shutters to close off the outside world after working hours, to protect the last few employees as they finish money counts, paperwork, and prepare bank deposits. If you have any questions or need additional information, our Product Specialists are available 800-522-1599

Natural modernism for a home on the park. A prominent Chicago lawyer and his beloved dogs live in this Modern Chicago Greystone. We consulted with Wheeler Kearns Architecture to create a warm and welcoming interior architecture that integrates seamlessly with the home’s modernist exterior and natural surroundings. Natural light and earthy materials, such as active limestones, warm woods, and reflective glass tiles, are used to comforting effect in the interior spaces. Wood window frames manipulate the play of light and highlight unobstructed views to Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan. The result is a uniquely integrated experience—from exterior to interior, modern to traditional.

Calista Chandler Photography
Eclectic dining room photo in San Francisco

All images appearing in the C. O'Brien Architects Inc. web site are the exclusive property of Cheryl A. O'Brien and are protected under the United States and International Copyright laws. The images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Cheryl A. O'Brien. Use of any image as the basis for another photographic concept or illustration (digital, artist rendering or alike) is a violation of the United States and International Copyright laws. All images are copyrighted © 2001 - 2014 Cheryl A. O'Brien.

The project is a single-family home designed to amplify the awareness of nature through the manipulation of key viewpoints. Photo credit: Ben Hill
Inspiration for a contemporary landscaping in Houston.

This home is dedicated to the idea that beauty can be found in the artistic expression of hand-made processes. The project included rigorous material research and close partnership with local craftspeople in order to realize the final architecture. The timeless quality of this collaboration is most visible in the ribbon stair and the raked stucco walls on the exterior facade. Working hand in hand with local artisans, layers of wood and plaster were stapled, raked, sanded, bent, and laminated in order to realize the curve of the stair and the precise lines of the facade. In contrast to the manipulation of materials, a garden courtyard and spa add an intimate experience of nature within the heart of the home. The concealed space is a case study in contrast from the lush vegetation against the stark steel, to the shallow hot plunge and six-foot deep cold plunge. The result is a home that elevates the integrity of local craft and the refreshment of nature’s touch to augment a lifestyle dedicated to health, artistry, and authenticity.

Example of a built-in desk light wood floor home office library design in New York with white walls