This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Inspiration for a small transitional master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, black floor and double-sink alcove shower remodel in Chicago with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, quartzite countertops, white countertops, a niche and a built-in vanity

Perched above the beautiful Delaware River in the historic village of New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania sits this magnificent custom home designed by OMNIA Group Architects. According to Partner, Brian Mann,"This riverside property required a nuanced approach so that it could at once be both a part of this eclectic village streetscape and take advantage of the spectacular waterfront setting." Further complicating the study, the lot was narrow, it resides in the floodplain and the program required the Master Suite to be on the main level. To meet these demands, OMNIA dispensed with conventional historicist styles and created an open plan blended with traditional forms punctuated by vast rows of glass windows and doors to bring in the panoramic views of Lambertville, the bridge, the wooded opposite bank and the river. Mann adds, "Because I too live along the river, I have a special respect for its ever changing beauty - and I appreciate that riverfront structures have a responsibility to enhance the views from those on the water." Hence the riverside facade is as beautiful as the street facade. A sweeping front porch integrates the entry with the vibrant pedestrian streetscape. Low garden walls enclose a beautifully landscaped courtyard defining private space without turning its back on the street. Once inside, the natural setting explodes into view across the back of each of the main living spaces. For a home with so few walls, spaces feel surprisingly intimate and well defined. The foyer is elegant and features a free flowing curved stair that rises in a turret like enclosure dotted with windows that follow the ascending stairs like a sculpture. "Using changes in ceiling height, finish materials and lighting, we were able to define spaces without boxing spaces in" says Mann adding, "the dynamic horizontality of the river is echoed along the axis of the living space; the natural movement from kitchen to dining to living rooms following the current of the river." Service elements are concentrated along the front to create a visual and noise barrier from the street and buttress a calm hall that leads to the Master Suite. The master bedroom shares the views of the river, while the bath and closet program are set up for pure luxuriating. The second floor features a common loft area with a large balcony overlooking the water. Two children's suites flank the loft - each with their own exquisitely crafted baths and closets. Continuing the balance between street and river, an open air bell-tower sits above the entry porch to bring life and light to the street. Outdoor living was part of the program from the start. A covered porch with outdoor kitchen and dining and lounge area and a fireplace brings 3-season living to the river. And a lovely curved patio lounge surrounded by grand landscaping by LDG finishes the experience. OMNIA was able to bring their design talents to the finish materials too including cabinetry, lighting, fixtures, colors and furniture.

Inspiration for a small transitional master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, black floor and double-sink alcove shower remodel in Chicago with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, quartzite countertops, white countertops, a niche and a built-in vanity

Builder: Boone Construction Photographer: M-Buck Studio This lakefront farmhouse skillfully fits four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms in this carefully planned open plan. The symmetrical front façade sets the tone by contrasting the earthy textures of shake and stone with a collection of crisp white trim that run throughout the home. Wrapping around the rear of this cottage is an expansive covered porch designed for entertaining and enjoying shaded Summer breezes. A pair of sliding doors allow the interior entertaining spaces to open up on the covered porch for a seamless indoor to outdoor transition. The openness of this compact plan still manages to provide plenty of storage in the form of a separate butlers pantry off from the kitchen, and a lakeside mudroom. The living room is centrally located and connects the master quite to the home’s common spaces. The master suite is given spectacular vistas on three sides with direct access to the rear patio and features two separate closets and a private spa style bath to create a luxurious master suite. Upstairs, you will find three additional bedrooms, one of which a private bath. The other two bedrooms share a bath that thoughtfully provides privacy between the shower and vanity.

Modern kitchen with mosaic backsplash, rustic wood and white cabinets, and eclectic pendant lighting
Large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Chicago with white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Inspiration for a small transitional master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, black floor and double-sink alcove shower remodel in Chicago with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, quartzite countertops, white countertops, a niche and a built-in vanity

View into kitchen with wall-mounted rolling door entry into a new mudroom. An existing mid-century ranch was given a new lease on life with a whole house remodel and addition. An existing sunken living room had the floor raised and the front entry was relocated to make room for a complete master suite. The roof/ceiling over the entry and stair was raised with multiple clerestory lights introducing light into the center of the home. Finally, a compartmentalized existing layout was converted to an open plan with the kitchen/dining/living areas sharing a common area at the back of the home.

River stone is the common thread of accent flooring. Starting in the foyer, down the breezeway, up to the second floor landing. Teak wood paneling contnues around into the master bedroom. Photo Credit: Donna Dotan Photography

Juxtaposing modern silhouettes with traditional coastal textures, this Cape Cod condo strikes the perfect balance. Neutral tones in the common area are accented by pops of orange and yellow. A geometric navy wallcovering in the guest bedroom nods to ocean currents while an unexpected powder room print is sure to catch your eye.

Bedroom - transitional bedroom idea in Chicago

The common wall between the bath and the bedroom was moved toward the bedroom by one foot.
Mid-sized trendy master beige tile and ceramic tile brown floor bedroom photo in Milwaukee with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, a one-piece toilet and red walls

Bedroom in warm and natural colors with a view into the park.
Closet - mid-sized modern guest closet idea in Amsterdam with white walls

Master bathroom remodel by Advance Design Studio. This remodel features a double vanity with ample storage by Medallion Cabinetry, a wet room with a freestanding tub and rain shower, and a private toilet room.

Builder: Boone Construction Photographer: M-Buck Studio This lakefront farmhouse skillfully fits four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms in this carefully planned open plan. The symmetrical front façade sets the tone by contrasting the earthy textures of shake and stone with a collection of crisp white trim that run throughout the home. Wrapping around the rear of this cottage is an expansive covered porch designed for entertaining and enjoying shaded Summer breezes. A pair of sliding doors allow the interior entertaining spaces to open up on the covered porch for a seamless indoor to outdoor transition. The openness of this compact plan still manages to provide plenty of storage in the form of a separate butlers pantry off from the kitchen, and a lakeside mudroom. The living room is centrally located and connects the master quite to the home’s common spaces. The master suite is given spectacular vistas on three sides with direct access to the rear patio and features two separate closets and a private spa style bath to create a luxurious master suite. Upstairs, you will find three additional bedrooms, one of which a private bath. The other two bedrooms share a bath that thoughtfully provides privacy between the shower and vanity.

A serene primary bathroom wrapped in bookmatched marble creates a spa-like retreat in this reimagined Lincoln Park duplex. The freestanding soaking tub and walk-in shower with cantilevered bench offer a refined balance of sculptural form and everyday comfort. Subtle layering—textural rug, abstract artwork, and minimal fixtures—elevates the space with quiet luxury.

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath. Joe Nowak

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath. Joe Nowak

Nautical Themed Bath with a Steam Shower. Dating back to ancient Greece, a steam room is a common amenity in pools. Renowned Renovation combined this shower with a steam room powered by Kohler Technology.