This single family home sits on a tight, sloped site. Within a modest budget, the goal was to provide direct access to grade at both the front and back of the house. The solution is a multi-split-level home with unconventional relationships between floor levels. Between the entrance level and the lower level of the family room, the kitchen and dining room are located on an interstitial level. Within the stair space “floats” a small bathroom. The generous stair is celebrated with a back-painted red glass wall which treats users to changing refractive ambient light throughout the house. Black brick, grey-tinted glass and mirrors contribute to the reasonably compact massing of the home. A cantilevered upper volume shades south facing windows and the home’s limited material palette meant a more efficient construction process. Cautious landscaping retains water run-off on the sloping site and home offices reduce the client’s use of their vehicle. The house achieves its vision within a modest footprint and with a design restraint that will ensure it becomes a long-lasting asset in the community. Photo by Tom Arban

Carsten Arnold Photography
Transitional u-shaped gray floor kitchen photo in Vancouver with an undermount sink, white cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and glass-front cabinets

EasyClosets | Upgrade your home with a beautiful custom closet designed for two. An open plan lets you see your entire wardrobe at a glance, inspiring new combinations of clothes and accessories. Designed with his and hers zones, it features shelves, hanging rods, drawers, a tall tower for shoes, and a sturdy wire basket for each of you. Custom sizing makes smart use of storage within limited spaces, and a clean White interior provides a bright backdrop for your favorite things.

Dynamic Garage Door specializes in Tuscan Architectural beautification in the Newport Beach, CA through our custom designed and hand made architectural shutters, garden gates and garage doors. This Newport-Mesa Tuscan home was exquisitely decorated with a combination of custom gates, decorative shutters and balcony barn door style shutters all handcrafted out of authentic, century-old reclaimed barn wood specifically harvested for this custom project. Beginning with the balcony shutters which actually slide from side to side like a real barn door we worked a charming rustic shutter design that would typically be seen in the Tuscan Riviera. We opted for sliding shutters as the balcony spacing limited the swing action of even bi-folding shutters. Incorporating real barn door hardware railing and crowing it behind the faux reclaimed wood beam made an excellent statement while adding functional shutters that can be shut close for comfort during the summer morning when the sun beats down into the master suite. The four shutter leafs are decorated with real hand forged dummy straps that were hammered and crafted by hand to achieve that gorgeous rustic charm typical of Tuscan architecture. The reclaimed barn wood from a century-old barn gives off a timeless appearance that increase in characters as the years go by. Because rustic barn wood has already aged beautifully over hundreds of years, the next century will only increase its authentically gorgeous appearance. The culmination of this project has been a meticulous collaborative input of our in-house head designer and the clients themselves. Although the completion of this project is lengthy and intricate, the results speak volumes and the wait simply justifies the outcome. The rest of thew windows on this Tuscan home have been accessorized with rustic barn wood as well and accentuated with our custom designed and handmade dummy iron hinge straps. Our dummy hardware is so authentically done in the same tradition used for hundreds of years in Europe to create shutter hardware that looks authentic and functional although it is only decorative. The details of our custom shutters is evident in the slightest of details including the bolts used to hold the shutter straps in place. Each of the shutter also has a decorative ring pull with a hand-hammered back plate which enhances the appearance of true functional shutters and defining that authentic Tuscan look. The beauty of this Tuscan home is visible throughout the entire property including the garden gates, garage doors and entry door. Again, for the garden gates, we went with rustic barn wood carefully crafted to preserve the original surface that has aged over hundreds of years but building the gates on galvanized steel frames that will ensure structural durability for the next few hundred years. The gates are highly secure, sound and can definitely hold back a crowd with authentic rustic charm. Don't be fooled with the simple-looking gate design. It is quite intricate with its 45 degree angle cuts around the perimeter of the trim which deviates water away from crevices that would otherwise make the gates vulnerable to the accumulation of moisture from the elements, sprinkler system or simply air humidity since the home is located near the ocean. Each one of the garden gates is equipped with European style mortise lock mechanisms and roller catches. Dynamic Garage Door gates are not your typical garden gates, they are truly made with quality and durability in mind as well as aesthetic attention to detail. Everything, from the hardware used, the core steel frame and overlay material used is hand selected and approved individually for maximum beauty and timeless appreciation. At Dynamic Garage Door, we specialize in multiple facet projects that include garden gates, driveway gates as well as barn doors and shutters. It is very important because these are the accessories that can make or break the beauty and continuity of your home's architectural style and authenticity. Increase your curb appeal and home value with Dynamic Garage Door's gates, shutters and automatic custom garage doors. Our in-house designers would love to speak with you today! Design Consultation Center: (855) 343-3667

The goal of this project was to replace a small single-story seasonal family cottage with a year-round home that takes advantage of the views and topography of this lakefront site while providing privacy for the occupants. The program called for a large open living area, a master suite, study, a small home gym and five additional bedrooms. The style was to be distinctly contemporary. The house is shielded from the street by the placement of the garage and by limiting the amount of window area facing the road. The main entry is recessed and glazed with frosted glass for privacy. Due to the narrowness of the site and the proximity of the neighboring houses, the windows on the sides of the house were also limited and mostly high up on the walls. The limited fenestration on the front and sides is made up for by the full wall of glass on the lake side, facing north. The house is anchored by an exposed masonry foundation. This masonry also cuts through the center of the house on the fireplace chimney to separate the public and private spaces on the first floor, becoming a primary material on the interior. The house is clad with three different siding material: horizontal longboard siding, vertical ribbed steel siding and cement board panels installed as a rain screen. The standing seam metal-clad roof rises from a low point at the street elevation to a height of 24 feet at the lakefront to capture the views and the north light. The house is organized into two levels and is entered on the upper level. This level contains the main living spaces, the master suite and the study. The angled stair railing guides visitors into the main living area. The kitchen, dining area and living area are each distinct areas within one large space. This space is visually connected to the outside by the soaring ceilings and large fireplace mass that penetrate the exterior wall. The lower level contains the children’s and guest bedrooms, a secondary living space and the home gym.

The Challenge This original mid-century Colorado Springs home hadn’t been updated in 40 years. We were tasked with transforming a dysfunctional, outdated space into a seamless design that maintained the integrity of the original architecture - including a challenging layout, seven different flooring types, and old lighting and electrical. The Solution Within a limited budget we streamlined the finish palette with natural materials to play with the concept of indoor/outdoor living; gutted the bedrooms and combined two guest rooms into one large master suite; updated the electrical with recessed cans and Noguchi fixtures (which pay homage to the home’s 1960s roots); and filled the home with new furniture and accessories that speak to the homeowner’s love of modern design. Dado Interior Design Location: Denver, CO, USA Photographed by: JC Buck

This new contemporary home was commissioned by a design-loving family in Boulder, Colorado who had just purchased a house on a corner lot and wanted to build something new and contemporary with views of the Flatiron mountain range beyond. Working over a distance was easy with extensive 3D modeling leading the way. Though not on a super-busy corner, limited openings to the street were utilized counter-balanced by extensive glass and access to the side and rear yards. A detached garage was necessary because of off-street parking access from an existing alley that ran behind the house, so a breezeway connecting roof was designed to join the structures visually and provide cover in snow and rain. Hydronic radiant heated floors run throughout and large windows reveal selective views to the neighborhood. Exposed steel beams and wood framing tell the story of structure inside. White-white kitchen and baths provide clean neutral environments for food and bathing. Upstairs high ceilings allow clerestory windows inviting light but not view. The master bedroom is aimed at the Flatiron Mountains as is the large wraparound walking deck with flying roof overhead, all clad in red cedar. Much was learned about the local Colorado building environment along the way, guided by nearby structural engineers and contractor. Boulder has strict sun-shadow rules where 3D modeling was critical to show compliance. Energy and heat-loss concerns limited glazing at certain exposures but allowed us to open things up elsewhere. This home is a great example of working within a strict budget and achieve high design quality results. Built by Morningstar Homes with photos by Patterson Architecture + Interior Photography.

Inspiration for a contemporary closet remodel in DC Metro

Mid-sized transitional bathroom photo in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, a vessel sink, marble countertops and gray countertops

The goal of this project was to replace a small single-story seasonal family cottage with a year-round home that takes advantage of the views and topography of this lakefront site while providing privacy for the occupants. The program called for a large open living area, a master suite, study, a small home gym and five additional bedrooms. The style was to be distinctly contemporary. The house is shielded from the street by the placement of the garage and by limiting the amount of window area facing the road. The main entry is recessed and glazed with frosted glass for privacy. Due to the narrowness of the site and the proximity of the neighboring houses, the windows on the sides of the house were also limited and mostly high up on the walls. The limited fenestration on the front and sides is made up for by the full wall of glass on the lake side, facing north. The house is anchored by an exposed masonry foundation. This masonry also cuts through the center of the house on the fireplace chimney to separate the public and private spaces on the first floor, becoming a primary material on the interior. The house is clad with three different siding material: horizontal longboard siding, vertical ribbed steel siding and cement board panels installed as a rain screen. The standing seam metal-clad roof rises from a low point at the street elevation to a height of 24 feet at the lakefront to capture the views and the north light. The house is organized into two levels and is entered on the upper level. This level contains the main living spaces, the master suite and the study. The angled stair railing guides visitors into the main living area. The kitchen, dining area and living area are each distinct areas within one large space. This space is visually connected to the outside by the soaring ceilings and large fireplace mass that penetrate the exterior wall. The lower level contains the children’s and guest bedrooms, a secondary living space and the home gym.

Master Bath view from far end - pocket door opens to custom closet/dressing room and through into Master Bedroom. Can we say "White" one more time? Dark crowded and cluttered original 1980's Master Bath is now a spa-toned bright space with linen closet and lavatory at far end. Extra-spacious step-in shower with roomy bench and shelf, luxury fixtures, partial frosted glass surround, and elegant neutral mix of tile-and-marble patterns make this an airy and very practical upgrade to a Master Bath that was crying out for some major help! Simple choices and limited colors and shapes unify the space and keep it classic and timeless.

Photo: Danielle Sykes © 2016 Houzz
Inspiration for a cottage master light wood floor bedroom remodel in Boston

The furniture built ins are painted in BM kittery point green, the wainscoting is in BM glazed green and the upper walls are in BM apple blossom. Photo by Split Second Photography

This stunning bathroom design and remodel is in an older home in the West End. It was a small, awkward bathroom with limited closet space. The homeowners wanted to give it an updated, modern look. The design solution was to enlarge the bathroom and closet, and take away some of the bedroom space. With the new space reconfigured, the homeowners moved furniture to accompany the new design, and the bedroom still felt large. The result is a unique, modern bathroom for these homeowners to love for many years to come!

This stunning bathroom design and remodel is in an older home in the West End. It was a small, awkward bathroom with limited closet space. The homeowners wanted to give it an updated, modern look. The design solution was to enlarge the bathroom and closet, and take away some of the bedroom space. With the new space reconfigured, the homeowners moved furniture to accompany the new design, and the bedroom still felt large. The result is a unique, modern bathroom for these homeowners to love for many years to come!

This stunning bathroom design and remodel is in an older home in the West End. It was a small, awkward bathroom with limited closet space. The homeowners wanted to give it an updated, modern look. The design solution was to enlarge the bathroom and closet, and take away some of the bedroom space. With the new space reconfigured, the homeowners moved furniture to accompany the new design, and the bedroom still felt large. The result is a unique, modern bathroom for these homeowners to love for many years to come!

Master bath remodel with freestanding tub and large tiled shower. We gave this Master bath new life. We increased the size of the shower to 4 foot x 4 foot with corner fixtures, corner seat, and 2 framed tile niches. Simple slab doors in a Driftwood finish by Fieldstone Cabinetry make a great looking vanity. The beautiful granite vanity top and matching shower pieces in Valley White look great with the new tile. New tile was installed throughout the shower, floor, and freestanding tub walls. The spacing was a little tight but using the Boyce tub from Signature Hardware allowed us fit a generously sized tub even with space limitations.

This small infill lot in the Rosemont neighborhood of Alexandria, VA, created challenges during design and construction. A zoning variance was required to add space to the original small bungalow. Raising the height of the second floor was limited at the eaves, but by incorporating scissor trusses, the second floor feels larger and benefits from interesting intersecting ceiling lines. The first floor features an open layout ideal for entertaining and a distinctive pantry with reclaimed vintage stained glass sliding barn doors. The primary suite is spacious, with a large walk-in closet and a freestanding tub. Filled with craftsman details throughout, this custom home blends perfectly in the Rosemont neighborhood.

Custom build for a client who loves the brown tones. It was a challenge to work with a limited color pallet on this build. Having to work around the trim, cabinets, and wall colors within a similar color pallet was challenging in that the designer didn't want to have these items fighting against the lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, or even the other materials such as tile and hardwood. We also had the same challenge on the exterior with the brick, stone, roofing, and trim items. The home turned out to be a beauty, but the challenge of working with a set color pallet was one that we had not had to deal with before this build. Philip Slowiak