The goal for these clients was to build a new home with a transitional design that was large enough for their children and grandchildren to visit, but small enough to age in place comfortably with a budget they could afford on their retirement income. They wanted an open floor plan, with plenty of wall space for art and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces to maintain the original garden feeling of the lot. A unique combination of cultures is reflected in the home – the husband is from Haiti and the wife from Switzerland. The resulting traditional design aesthetic is an eclectic blend of Caribbean and Old World flair. Jim Barsch Photography

Reverse Shed Eichler This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

We completely gut renovated this pre-war Tribeca apartment but kept some of it's charm and history in tact! The building, which was built in the early 1900's, was home to different executive office operations and the original hallways had a beautiful and intricate mosaic floor pattern. To that point we decided to preserve the existing mosaic flooring and incorporate it into the new design. The open concept kitchen with cantilevered dining table top keeps the area feeling light and bright, casual and not stuffy. Additionally, the custom designed swing arm pendant light helps marry the dining table top area to that of the island.

Example of a trendy light wood floor family room design in Los Angeles with a wall-mounted tv, a ribbon fireplace and multicolored walls

With expansive fields and beautiful farmland surrounding it, this historic farmhouse celebrates these views with floor-to-ceiling windows from the kitchen and sitting area. Originally constructed in the late 1700’s, the main house is connected to the barn by a new addition, housing a master bedroom suite and new two-car garage with carriage doors. We kept and restored all of the home’s existing historic single-pane windows, which complement its historic character. On the exterior, a combination of shingles and clapboard siding were continued from the barn and through the new addition.

Inspiration for a large master freestanding bathtub remodel in Atlanta with shaker cabinets and beige walls

Freestanding bathtub - large master freestanding bathtub idea in Atlanta with shaker cabinets and beige walls

Large master freestanding bathtub photo in Atlanta with shaker cabinets and beige walls

Master bathroom design & build in Houston Texas. This master bathroom was custom designed specifically for our client. She wanted a luxurious bathroom with lots of detail, down to the last finish. Our original design had satin brass sink and shower fixtures. The client loved the satin brass plumbing fixtures, but was a bit apprehensive going with the satin brass plumbing fixtures. Feeling it would lock her down for a long commitment. So we worked a design out that allowed us to mix metal finishes. This way our client could have the satin brass look without the commitment of the plumbing fixtures. We started mixing metals by presenting a chandelier made by Curry & Company, the "Zenda Orb Chandelier" that has a mix of silver and gold. From there we added the satin brass, large round bar pulls, by "Lewis Dolin" and the satin brass door knobs from Emtek. We also suspended a gold mirror in the window of the makeup station. We used a waterjet marble from Tilebar, called "Abernethy Marble." The cobalt blue interior doors leading into the Master Bath set the gold fixtures just right.

Freestanding bathtub - large master freestanding bathtub idea in Atlanta with shaker cabinets and beige walls

Freestanding bathtub - large master freestanding bathtub idea in Atlanta with shaker cabinets and beige walls

From the doorway of the master bedroom, the entertainment loft appears to hover over the living space below. Franklin took advantage of the existing hay track in the peak of the ceiling, using it to conceal wiring needed to run the fan and lights. In order to preserve the quality of the ceiling, the architect covered the original slats with 6" insulated panels (SIP's). While his children were younger, Franklin recognized the need to child-proof the space. "I installed Plexiglas on all the railings so the kids couldn’t climb over them when they were very small," he explains. While some of the sheeting was removed over time, Franklin laughs, " The Plexiglas on the railings by the pool table will always stay since we are so bad at pool! Too many balls fly off the table and could injure someone in the gathering room below." Adrienne DeRosa Photography

We planned a thoughtful redesign of this beautiful home while retaining many of the existing features. We wanted this house to feel the immediacy of its environment. So we carried the exterior front entry style into the interiors, too, as a way to bring the beautiful outdoors in. In addition, we added patios to all the bedrooms to make them feel much bigger. Luckily for us, our temperate California climate makes it possible for the patios to be used consistently throughout the year. The original kitchen design did not have exposed beams, but we decided to replicate the motif of the 30" living room beams in the kitchen as well, making it one of our favorite details of the house. To make the kitchen more functional, we added a second island allowing us to separate kitchen tasks. The sink island works as a food prep area, and the bar island is for mail, crafts, and quick snacks. We designed the primary bedroom as a relaxation sanctuary – something we highly recommend to all parents. It features some of our favorite things: a cognac leather reading chair next to a fireplace, Scottish plaid fabrics, a vegetable dye rug, art from our favorite cities, and goofy portraits of the kids. --- Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena. For more about Courtney Thomas Design, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/functional-ranch-house-design/

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Photography: Eric Roth Photo

Freestanding bathtub - large master freestanding bathtub idea in Atlanta with shaker cabinets and beige walls

A fresh take on traditional style, this sprawling suburban home draws its occupants together in beautifully, comfortably designed spaces that gather family members for companionship, conversation, and conviviality. At the same time, it adroitly accommodates a crowd, and facilitates large-scale entertaining with ease. This balance of private intimacy and public welcome is the result of Soucie Horner’s deft remodeling of the original floor plan and creation of an all-new wing comprising functional spaces including a mudroom, powder room, laundry room, and home office, along with an exciting, three-room teen suite above. A quietly orchestrated symphony of grayed blues unites this home, from Soucie Horner Collections custom furniture and rugs, to objects, accessories, and decorative exclamationpoints that punctuate the carefully synthesized interiors. A discerning demonstration of family-friendly living at its finest.

CHRISTOPHER LEE FOTO
Inspiration for a contemporary medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom remodel in Los Angeles with gray walls

Master suite remodel by Kaufman Construction, Inc. "Scott and Teri envisioned a luxurious spa style master suite. Working with Kaufman Construction they were able to realize their vision....."

Situated on the west slope of Mt. Baker Ridge, this remodel takes a contemporary view on traditional elements to maximize space, lightness and spectacular views of downtown Seattle and Puget Sound. We were approached by Vertical Construction Group to help a client bring their 1906 craftsman into the 21st century. The original home had many redeeming qualities that were unfortunately compromised by an early 2000’s renovation. This left the new homeowners with awkward and unusable spaces. After studying numerous space plans and roofline modifications, we were able to create quality interior and exterior spaces that reflected our client’s needs and design sensibilities. The resulting master suite, living space, roof deck(s) and re-invented kitchen are great examples of a successful collaboration between homeowner and design and build teams.