Apartment Therapy: Monica Wang
Example of a small eclectic master medium tone wood floor bedroom design in Los Angeles with beige walls and no fireplace

Cathedral ceilings and seamless cabinetry complement this home’s river view. The low ceilings in this ’70s contemporary were a nagging issue for the 6-foot-8 homeowner. Plus, drab interiors failed to do justice to the home’s Connecticut River view. By raising ceilings and removing non-load-bearing partitions, architect Christopher Arelt was able to create a cathedral-within-a-cathedral structure in the kitchen, dining and living area. Decorative mahogany rafters open the space’s height, introduce a warmer palette and create a welcoming framework for light. The homeowner, a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, wanted to emulate the famed architect’s use of reddish-brown concrete floors, and the result further warmed the interior. “Concrete has a connotation of cold and industrial but can be just the opposite,” explains Arelt. Clunky European hardware was replaced by hidden pivot hinges, and outside cabinet corners were mitered so there is no evidence of a drawer or door from any angle. Photo Credit: Read McKendree

Beautiful updates to dated spaces. We updated the master bathrooms and 2 guest bathrooms with beautiful custom vanities with recessed fronts. The beautiful gray finish works wonderfully with the Carrara marble and white subway tile. We created recessed soap niches in the guest bathrooms and a deluxe recessed niche with shelves in the master bathroom. The lovely gray and white palate gives a fresh calming feeling to these spaces. Now the client has the bathrooms of their dreams.

Within the framework of the old house, there existed an elegance, a comprehension of a life less than ordinary; it is not to be found in the contemporary vernacular. Here, the new designs were placed, against the backdrop of the old, that they might each serve in contrast to the other, and in so doing, be enlivened.

4 Steps to Achieving a Rewarding Cost Effective Home Renovation 1 Home Renovation an Introduction A home renovation due to changes in family needs and space requirements can be a challenging, but also a rewarding experience. As a homeowner, gathering and coordinating resources and possibly help from professional consultants are required. Once the construction phase has started, patience, endurance and commitment to follow through are necessary. Despite the challenges, the rewards of a well-planned and successfully completed project are meaningful, adding aesthetic and economic value, also providing the opportunity to personalize a home, encompassing the function, comfort and aesthetics to accommodate individual taste and lifestyle. A renovation of an existing home is a viable alternative to moving or building a new home, assuming that a home is structurally sound, the expenditure to enlarge or improve can be a cost effective alternative. A home possessing charm, style, historical significance, established landscaping or an exceptional location could be a significant motivation to consider purchasing another home with the intent to renovate. The complexity of a project could be relatively simple, changing the use of a room, consolidating two rooms into one, or opening up a room to the outdoors. It could also be a more involved task requiring planning, design and construction documents to build a second floor addition, the addition of a new wing or completely gutting the interior. Some projects could be completed in a weekend’s work or more complex projects, using a “Master Plan”, a plan which provides overall guidance; a renovation can be accomplished all at once or divided into manageable projects over a period of time. With the home evolving gradually allowing the renovation to be planned, timed and tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances. The due diligence phase should precede the decision to renovate whether it’s an existing home or a home that is purchased with the intent to renovate. The due diligence phase will reveal the factors affecting the nature and scope of the project or if a renovation makes sense. Every renovation project is unique relative to personal requirements, architectural style & construction type. This guide will be helpful in developing an understanding of the preliminary groundwork required to realize a successful project. If properly planned, a home renovation project can be a positive and rewarding experience resulting in a comfortable, practical and an attractive living environment. The first step of the planning process is documenting the goals and long-range plans referred to as the “Project Program”. This will dictate the nature, scope and feasibility of the project. Providing a guide to achieving defined goals, the timing or phasing of the project and budget required to achieve the desired end result. 2 Documenting Existing Conditions Once the “Project Program”, has been established, the next step is to determine what there is to work with. This requires documenting the home’s floor plan and site elements which includes drawing an “as built” floor & site plan consisting of the existing exterior walls, interior rooms, doors, windows, etc. and surrounding site elements, landscape and other significant exterior features. Additionally understanding and noting on the “as built” plan, the structural, mechanical and electrical systems as necessary. Gathering the “existing condition” information defines what there is to work with, creating the framework from which to facilitate and organize the decision making process and develop effective “project program” solutions. 3 Evaluating Existing Conditions The goals and long-range plans have been established, and the existing floor plan and site elements have been documented. Before developing design solutions, the next step is to evaluate existing conditions. The evaluation includes: a detailed analysis of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems, determining the condition of the house, noting functional and aesthetic deficiencies. At the same time recognizing the home’s strengths, assets and evaluating its relationship to its site. The remaining parameters will be defined by the local jurisdiction’s zoning regulations, these regulations will define the “envelope”, within which the proposed project will be required to fit: •required front, side & rear yard setbacks •maximum allowable lot coverage & height The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. 4 Exploring Design Solutions & Developing a Master Plan The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home.

The Shop Marriott Hotel Collection ensures you an unforgettable nightly experience with The Marriott Bed, linens, pillows and more. Treat yourself to the luxuries of a hotel room stay and transform your bedroom into a hotel style masterpiece.

A diamond in the rough was polished to a new brilliance in this remodel. Moving the kitchen to be front and center of everything was the key to this remodel. Carrying the motif of less is more, this remodel emphasized the qualities this Parisian-styled home had with a modern open floor plan. Working through different design studies with the client, we identified the optimum layout and created space for an additional bedroom. Fusing old world details with contemporary living, we ensured the rehabilitation pays homage to its original detailing while expressing a bold narrative, delicately balanced within the original structural framework. Careful detailing of the structural elements ensured the work could proceed without affecting the unit below. Completed in 2014, this home now offers its young family the full urban experience of stylish San Francisco living.

The Olympic View house is a two story home designed for a couple newly retired from careers in academia on the East Coast of the United States. The resultant building footprint reflects complex site constraints in a manner which ultimately accommodated the Owner’s goals for the house. The house is 2,700 sf and includes all main floor living for day to day functions for aging in place. The house is a contemporary expression of Northwest Regionalism accommodating serious weather conditions and aesthetic considerations for massing, light and presence. The house commands views of Port Orchard Narrows and the Olympic Mountain Range beyond through a membrane of glazing rather than conventional punched window openings. The glazing membrane in-turn allows the solid massing elements of the house to be expressed and meaningful. The strength of the center core of the building is emphasized by a framework of battered bases on each corner. The tops of the bases are held short of the roof plane by two feet allowing the roof to appear to float above the body of the house. The roof then acts as more of a canopy allowing light to penetrate the building at all times during the day and be a lantern for the streetscape at night. Desisgned by BC&J Architecture. photos: Martin Bydalek Photography

Terrain's Estate Butler division took on this project beginning with design, permitting and engineering through to final completion in less than 7 months. Designed after a boutique organic luxury hotel, this waterfront home provides a lifestyle of its own. Over 80’ of sandy beach, stair access, boat buoy & full SW waterfront exposure. A full backyard renovation boasts of outdoor tropical hot/cold shower, spa, outdoor fireplace & patio/deck niches. The interior was demoed down to the stud framework and features custom beach-inspired details as well as 4 bedrooms , 4 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, elevator & attached studio for guests.

Erika Bierman Photography www.erikabiermanphotography.com
Family room - traditional family room idea in Los Angeles

Location: Washington D.C., DC, USA Bi-folding doors have an astonishing look while still being very functional, the doors glide open and are effortless to open. Frameless units give a more contemporary open look to your shower by eliminating a majority of the metal framework around the glass. These structures can provide simple elegance or elaborate architectural appeal to a bathroom.

Location: Washington D.C., DC, USA Bi-folding doors have an astonishing look while still being very functional, the doors glide open and are effortless to open. Frameless units give a more contemporary open look to your shower by eliminating a majority of the metal framework around the glass. These structures can provide simple elegance or elaborate architectural appeal to a bathroom.

A dense soft texture and a vibrant appearance create a carpet designed for lasting elegance. It is constructed of 100% Durasilk P.E.T Polyester which provides built in resistance to stains and available in 12 colors including several fresh neutrals. Framework elevates your home to a new level of luxury.

Master bathroom fully remodeled to new design. All the framework got removed to build a new frame for smaller drop-in tub and enclosed stand shower.
Bathroom - large contemporary master beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, beige floor and single-sink bathroom idea in DC Metro with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, beige countertops, a niche and a built-in vanity

View of the remodeled space from the doorway to the Bedroom. Clear glass used to enclose the shower makes the room feel more open and expansive. This is further enhanced by the lack of shower glass framework. The shower pan tile was cut from the same tile as used on the floor to keep the planes similar adding to the feel of space being expanded. Photo by: Chiemi Photography

Beautiful updates to dated spaces. We updated the master bathrooms and 2 guest bathrooms with beautiful custom vanities with recessed fronts. The beautiful gray finish works wonderfully with the Carrara marble and white subway tile. We created recessed soap niches in the guest bathrooms and a deluxe recessed niche with shelves in the master bathroom. The lovely gray and white palate gives a fresh calming feeling to these spaces. Now the client has the bathrooms of their dreams.

The challenge of merging contemporary design with a classic traditional interior is emblematic of the vitality experienced in the evolution of Philadelphia’s urban fabric. The design of this Center City apartment engages a rich discourse between the new and the existing, focusing on areas of the residence that contradicted the new owners’ aesthetic and lifestyle. The elevator opens to the center of the spacious living area that includes the foyer, kitchen and living room. The serene, geometric character of the foyer enhances the sense of arrival – offering a moment to contemplate the owners’ art, the interplay of the old and the new, and the subtleties of light. The kitchen, while fully functional, willingly and quietly participates in the composition. Symmetry and asymmetry are seamlessly woven. The depth and endurance of daily experiences are the ingredients that transform architecture into a vital framework for living. As it relates to a home, the framework requires a resonate balance of comfort and drama, achieved here with a cast of dynamic materials and details that subtly collaborate in simple composition. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography

Scottish Tile and Stone
Doorless shower - traditional brown tile and stone tile doorless shower idea in Cleveland with a vessel sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and a two-piece toilet

Terrain's Estate Butler division took on this project beginning with design, permitting and engineering through to final completion in less than 7 months. Designed after a boutique organic luxury hotel, this waterfront home provides a lifestyle of its own. Over 80’ of sandy beach, stair access, boat buoy & full SW waterfront exposure. A full backyard renovation boasts of outdoor tropical hot/cold shower, spa, outdoor fireplace & patio/deck niches. The interior was demoed down to the stud framework and features custom beach-inspired details as well as 4 bedrooms , 4 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, elevator & attached studio for guests.