These clients hired us to add warmth and personality to their builder home. The fell in love with the layout and main level master bedroom, but found the home lacked personality and style. They hired us, with the caveat that they knew what they didn't like, but weren't sure exactly what they wanted. They were challenged by the narrow layout for the family room. They wanted to ensure that the fireplace remained the focal point of the space, while giving them a comfortable space for TV watching. They wanted an eating area that expanded for holiday entertaining. They were also challenged by the fact that they own two large dogs who are like their children. The entry is very important. It's the first space guests see. This one is subtly dramatic and very elegant. We added a grasscloth wallpaper on the walls and painted the tray ceiling a navy blue. The hallway to the guest room was painted a contrasting glue green. A rustic, woven rugs adds to the texture. A simple console is simply accessorized. Our first challenge was to tackle the layout. The family room space was extremely narrow. We custom designed a sectional that defined the family room space, separating it from the kitchen and eating area. A large area rug further defined the space. The large great room lacked personality and the fireplace stone seemed to get lost. To combat this, we added white washed wood planks to the entire vaulted ceiling, adding texture and creating drama. We kept the walls a soft white to ensure the ceiling and fireplace really stand out. To help offset the ceiling, we added drama with beautiful, rustic, over-sized lighting fixtures. An expandable dining table is as comfortable for two as it is for ten. Pet-friendly fabrics and finishes were used throughout the design. Rustic accessories create a rustic, finished look. Liz Ernest Photography

Inspired Bathrooms by IndoTeak Design IndoTeak Design manufactures and distributes the greenest and most beautiful FSC Certified 100% Teak floors, tiles, and furniture designs in the world. Reclaimed and hand-crafted from vintage buildings slated for demolition or damaged by nature throughout Indonesia, IndoTeak salvages precious old growth teak beams and panels, giving them new life. Using every part of this precious wood, IndoTeak Design believes and practices ZERO waste at it's factory. By developing Aged Teak resources into sustainable building materials, we offer VOC-free, Formaldehyde-free products with a rich environmental story and ornate history which simultaneously contribute to a projects' LEED certification. Vertically integrated, IndoTeak Design can fill orders from under 1,000 sq ft to 50,000 sq ft plus. Watch for our furniture line launching soon.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This Tudor style custom home design exudes a distinct touch of heritage and is now nestled within the heart of Town and Country, Missouri. The client wanted a modern open floor plan layout for their family with the ability to entertain formally and informally. They also appreciate privacy and wanted to enjoy views of the rear yard and pool from different vantage points from within the home. The shape of the house was designed to provide needed privacy for the family from neighboring homes, but also allows for an abundance of glass at the rear of the house; maintaining a connection between indoors and out. A combination of stone, brick and stucco completes the home’s exterior. The kitchen and great room were designed to create an open yet warm invitation with cathedral ceiling and exposed beams. The living room is bright and clean with a coffered ceiling and fireplace eloquently situated between dual arched entries. This alluring room also steps out onto a courtyard, connecting the pool deck and covered porch. The large covered porch has an eating area and lounge with TV to watch the game or to enjoy a relaxing fire from the outdoor fireplace. An outdoor bar / kitchen was placed at the far edge of the covered porch and provides a direct link to the pool and pool deck. The home’s dining room was designed with a stone fireplace, large recessed wall niche and crown molding detail to add a feeling of warmth and serenity. The master bedroom is a retreat from the main floor level and also has direct access to the pool and patio. A private study was also incorporated with a direct connection to the master bedroom suite. Each secondary bedroom is a suite with walk in closets and private bathrooms. Over the living room, we placed the kids play room / hang-out space with TV. The lower level has a 2500 bottle wine room, a guest bedroom suite, a bar / entertainment / game room area and an exercise room. Photography by Elizabeth Ann Photography. Interiors by Design Expressions.

Steps from town with restaurant, shops, schools, and Metro North train yet moments from the beach! Keep your options open! Live in this very well-maintained home as is or rebuild to suit your version of OG life. The large sunny bedroom on the first floor with full bath could be another Master. A fourth bedroom is currently used as a den. The 2nd floor has potential for an additional bathroom as there is plumbing already in the wall. With 0.35 acres in an R-12 zone, there may be approximately 2,000 sq. ft that could be added to this home which is already at a roomy 2,791 sq. ft. An addition and renovation were done in 2004 with new central air recently installed. Casual, comfortable, and welcoming, this home is adjacent to a beautiful salt marsh and offers tidal water views and a wonderful outdoor lifestyle. Watch Egrets and Herons feed their young. Kayak down Ollie's Creek toward... ...Long Island Sound. Enjoy this pretty setting year-round! The owners particularly love the vistas during a quiet snowfall. It is surrounded by nature yet mere steps to all that Old Greenwich has to offer. Quiet serenity and privacy on a cul-de-sac with train station, shops, restaurants, and schools nearby. Lovingly maintained, this home has been in the same family for over 50 years. The owner's credo has always been, ''If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well'' and it shows.

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH. Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System. Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits. The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary. Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind. Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

Peter Rymwid Photographer “This beautiful master bath had a great beginning but just needed some finishing touches.” First up the walls. To blend the grey, white and beige of the marble tiles, we chose a soft shimmering taupe grass cloth with a silver background from York. Next stop, soften the room with textiles: A beautiful wool and silk runner combines the tile colors and add my favorite color…Blue. Varying shades of blue, taupe and grey with stunning black accents add color and texture to the coolness of the marble. Slip off your shoes and see h ow good it feels on your feet. The windows have a simple Couture fabric valance trimmed with Mercury glass beads which sparkle in the sunlight. Crystal vases sit on custom faux finished pedestals which hold candles for a subtle ambience. A dark blue console holds towels and decorative accents. A luxurious brass accented bench invites you to sit and relax while filling the oversized tub, a true indulgence. On to the lighting: The fabulous shimmering pendant light is literally the crowning jewel of the space. Crystal beads and soft brass accents shimmer and shine when you turn on the lights. Silk painted shades adorn the sconces while a coordinating fixture lights the entry way. The final touches; the art. An oversized contemporary Giclée Tennessee Morning is like looking out a window onto a field of flowers with a perfect blue sky. Original photo art from Alyssa Peek Ditch Plans and Changing Seasons is an homage to my favorite place the beach. Above the blue console, 6 small silk screen on glass pieces titled People Watching are grouped together. Artist Cathy Coricone’s acrylic paintings complete the art in the room. Her original pieces Moon Drops, Warm Pool and Cool Pool provide a sense of serenity with soft soothing colors and brush strokes.

This gorgeous one story modern farmhouse is one of our consistent BEST SELLERS. The Chelci is a customer-built, modified version of THD-8516 - The Walden. From its split bedrooms providing privacy for rest and all the way to the potential expansion of an additional 471 sq.ft. of bonus space above the garage, this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath 2,188 s.f. design couldn’t be more family friendly. Entering the casual foyer, the space is immediately airy with an almost 19 feet ceiling. The open concept space is full of natural light and the vaulted ceilings with wood beams emphasize the true “greatness” of the room. The gas fireplace provides quick cozyness. The covered porch serves as additional space for dining al fresco or enjoying family for a weekend of bbq and fellowship with its outdoor “kitchen.” The cook of the home will be thrilled with the huge walk-in pantry and the charming window over the kitchen sink will provide many memories of watching the kiddos play in the backyard. The split bedrooms are ideal for a family with children, especially the way this design provides even more buffering with the two hallways off the bedroom spaces. The right side of the home has both secondary bedrooms that share a compartmentalized jack-n-jill bathroom complete with a shower/tub combo. The right side of the home provides entrance from the 2 car garage directly into the “drop zone” of the home with a small built-in locker area, the powder bath, and the laundry room complete with a utility sink and built-ins for organization. The vaulted master retreat has a spa bathroom with a stand alone tub, large shower and dual vanities. The huge walk-in closet has a convenient pocket door as a second entrance to the laundry room.

Spectacular unobstructed views of the Bay, Bridge, Alcatraz, San Francisco skyline and the rolling hills of Marin greet you from almost every window of this stunning Provençal Villa located in the acclaimed Middle Ridge neighborhood of Mill Valley. Built in 2000, this exclusive 5 bedroom, 5+ bath estate was thoughtfully designed by architect Jorge de Quesada to provide a classically elegant backdrop for today’s active lifestyle. Perfectly positioned on over half an acre with flat lawns and an award winning garden there is unmatched sense of privacy just minutes from the shops and restaurants of downtown Mill Valley. A curved stone staircase leads from the charming entry gate to the private front lawn and on to the grand hand carved front door. A gracious formal entry and wide hall opens out to the main living spaces of the home and out to the view beyond. The Venetian plaster walls and soaring ceilings provide an open airy feeling to the living room and country chef’s kitchen, while three sets of oversized French doors lead onto the Jerusalem Limestone patios and bring in the panoramic views. The chef’s kitchen is the focal point of the warm welcoming great room and features a range-top and double wall ovens, two dishwashers, marble counters and sinks with Waterworks fixtures. The tile backsplash behind the range pays homage to Monet’s Giverny kitchen. A fireplace offers up a cozy sitting area to lounge and watch television or curl up with a book. There is ample space for a farm table for casual dining. In addition to a well-appointed formal living room, the main level of this estate includes an office, stunning library/den with faux tortoise detailing, butler’s pantry, powder room, and a wonderful indoor/outdoor flow allowing the spectacular setting to envelop every space. A wide staircase leads up to the four main bedrooms of home. There is a spacious master suite complete with private balcony and French doors showcasing the views. The suite features his and her baths complete with walk – in closets, and steam showers. In hers there is a sumptuous soaking tub positioned to make the most of the view. Two additional bedrooms share a bath while the third is en-suite. The laundry room features a second set of stairs leading back to the butler’s pantry, garage and outdoor areas. The lowest level of the home includes a legal second unit complete with kitchen, spacious walk in closet, private entry and patio area. In addition to interior access to the second unit there is a spacious exercise room, the potential for a poolside kitchenette, second laundry room, and secure storage area primed to become a state of the art tasting room/wine cellar. From the main level the spacious entertaining patio leads you out to the magnificent grounds and pool area. Designed by Steve Stucky, the gardens were featured on the 2007 Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club tour. A level lawn leads to the focal point of the grounds; the iconic “Crags Head” outcropping favored by hikers as far back as the 19th century. The perfect place to stop for lunch and take in the spectacular view. The Century old Sonoma Olive trees and lavender plantings add a Mediterranean touch to the two lawn areas that also include an antique fountain, and a charming custom Barbara Butler playhouse. Inspired by Provence and built to exacting standards this charming villa provides an elegant yet welcoming environment designed to meet the needs of today’s active lifestyle while staying true to its Continental roots creating a warm and inviting space ready to call home.

This Tudor style custom home design exudes a distinct touch of heritage and is now nestled within the heart of Town and Country, Missouri. The client wanted a modern open floor plan layout for their family with the ability to entertain formally and informally. They also appreciate privacy and wanted to enjoy views of the rear yard and pool from different vantage points from within the home. The shape of the house was designed to provide needed privacy for the family from neighboring homes, but also allows for an abundance of glass at the rear of the house; maintaining a connection between indoors and out. A combination of stone, brick and stucco completes the home’s exterior. The kitchen and great room were designed to create an open yet warm invitation with cathedral ceiling and exposed beams. The living room is bright and clean with a coffered ceiling and fireplace eloquently situated between dual arched entries. This alluring room also steps out onto a courtyard, connecting the pool deck and covered porch. The large covered porch has an eating area and lounge with TV to watch the game or to enjoy a relaxing fire from the outdoor fireplace. An outdoor bar / kitchen was placed at the far edge of the covered porch and provides a direct link to the pool and pool deck. The home’s dining room was designed with a stone fireplace, large recessed wall niche and crown molding detail to add a feeling of warmth and serenity. The master bedroom is a retreat from the main floor level and also has direct access to the pool and patio. A private study was also incorporated with a direct connection to the master bedroom suite. Each secondary bedroom is a suite with walk in closets and private bathrooms. Over the living room, we placed the kids play room / hang-out space with TV. The lower level has a 2500 bottle wine room, a guest bedroom suite, a bar / entertainment / game room area and an exercise room. Photography by Elizabeth Ann Photography.

This Tudor style custom home design exudes a distinct touch of heritage and is now nestled within the heart of Town and Country, Missouri. The client wanted a modern open floor plan layout for their family with the ability to entertain formally and informally. They also appreciate privacy and wanted to enjoy views of the rear yard and pool from different vantage points from within the home. The shape of the house was designed to provide needed privacy for the family from neighboring homes, but also allows for an abundance of glass at the rear of the house; maintaining a connection between indoors and out. A combination of stone, brick and stucco completes the home’s exterior. The kitchen and great room were designed to create an open yet warm invitation with cathedral ceiling and exposed beams. The living room is bright and clean with a coffered ceiling and fireplace eloquently situated between dual arched entries. This alluring room also steps out onto a courtyard, connecting the pool deck and covered porch. The large covered porch has an eating area and lounge with TV to watch the game or to enjoy a relaxing fire from the outdoor fireplace. An outdoor bar / kitchen was placed at the far edge of the covered porch and provides a direct link to the pool and pool deck. The home’s dining room was designed with a stone fireplace, large recessed wall niche and crown molding detail to add a feeling of warmth and serenity. The master bedroom is a retreat from the main floor level and also has direct access to the pool and patio. A private study was also incorporated with a direct connection to the master bedroom suite. Each secondary bedroom is a suite with walk in closets and private bathrooms. Over the living room, we placed the kids play room / hang-out space with TV. The lower level has a 2500 bottle wine room, a guest bedroom suite, a bar / entertainment / game room area and an exercise room. Photography by Elizabeth Ann Photography. Interiors by Design Expressions.

Peter Rymwid Photographer “This beautiful master bath had a great beginning but just needed some finishing touches.” First up the walls. To blend the grey, white and beige of the marble tiles, we chose a soft shimmering taupe grass cloth with a silver background from York. Next stop, soften the room with textiles: A beautiful wool and silk runner combines the tile colors and add my favorite color…Blue. Varying shades of blue, taupe and grey with stunning black accents add color and texture to the coolness of the marble. Slip off your shoes and see h ow good it feels on your feet. The windows have a simple Couture fabric valance trimmed with Mercury glass beads which sparkle in the sunlight. Crystal vases sit on custom faux finished pedestals which hold candles for a subtle ambience. A dark blue console holds towels and decorative accents. A luxurious brass accented bench invites you to sit and relax while filling the oversized tub, a true indulgence. On to the lighting: The fabulous shimmering pendant light is literally the crowning jewel of the space. Crystal beads and soft brass accents shimmer and shine when you turn on the lights. Silk painted shades adorn the sconces while a coordinating fixture lights the entry way. The final touches; the art. An oversized contemporary Giclée Tennessee Morning is like looking out a window onto a field of flowers with a perfect blue sky. Original photo art from Alyssa Peek Ditch Plans and Changing Seasons is an homage to my favorite place the beach. Above the blue console, 6 small silk screen on glass pieces titled People Watching are grouped together. Artist Cathy Coricone’s acrylic paintings complete the art in the room. Her original pieces Moon Drops, Warm Pool and Cool Pool provide a sense of serenity with soft soothing colors and brush strokes.

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH. Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System. Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits. The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary. Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind. Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

This Tudor style custom home design exudes a distinct touch of heritage and is now nestled within the heart of Town and Country, Missouri. The client wanted a modern open floor plan layout for their family with the ability to entertain formally and informally. They also appreciate privacy and wanted to enjoy views of the rear yard and pool from different vantage points from within the home. The shape of the house was designed to provide needed privacy for the family from neighboring homes, but also allows for an abundance of glass at the rear of the house; maintaining a connection between indoors and out. A combination of stone, brick and stucco completes the home’s exterior. The kitchen and great room were designed to create an open yet warm invitation with cathedral ceiling and exposed beams. The living room is bright and clean with a coffered ceiling and fireplace eloquently situated between dual arched entries. This alluring room also steps out onto a courtyard, connecting the pool deck and covered porch. The large covered porch has an eating area and lounge with TV to watch the game or to enjoy a relaxing fire from the outdoor fireplace. An outdoor bar / kitchen was placed at the far edge of the covered porch and provides a direct link to the pool and pool deck. The home’s dining room was designed with a stone fireplace, large recessed wall niche and crown molding detail to add a feeling of warmth and serenity. The master bedroom is a retreat from the main floor level and also has direct access to the pool and patio. A private study was also incorporated with a direct connection to the master bedroom suite. Each secondary bedroom is a suite with walk in closets and private bathrooms. Over the living room, we placed the kids play room / hang-out space with TV. The lower level has a 2500 bottle wine room, a guest bedroom suite, a bar / entertainment / game room area and an exercise room. Photography by Elizabeth Ann Photography.

Trendy bedroom photo in Los Angeles

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This Tudor style custom home design exudes a distinct touch of heritage and is now nestled within the heart of Town and Country, Missouri. The client wanted a modern open floor plan layout for their family with the ability to entertain formally and informally. They also appreciate privacy and wanted to enjoy views of the rear yard and pool from different vantage points from within the home. The shape of the house was designed to provide needed privacy for the family from neighboring homes, but also allows for an abundance of glass at the rear of the house; maintaining a connection between indoors and out. A combination of stone, brick and stucco completes the home’s exterior. The kitchen and great room were designed to create an open yet warm invitation with cathedral ceiling and exposed beams. The living room is bright and clean with a coffered ceiling and fireplace eloquently situated between dual arched entries. This alluring room also steps out onto a courtyard, connecting the pool deck and covered porch. The large covered porch has an eating area and lounge with TV to watch the game or to enjoy a relaxing fire from the outdoor fireplace. An outdoor bar / kitchen was placed at the far edge of the covered porch and provides a direct link to the pool and pool deck. The home’s dining room was designed with a stone fireplace, large recessed wall niche and crown molding detail to add a feeling of warmth and serenity. The master bedroom is a retreat from the main floor level and also has direct access to the pool and patio. A private study was also incorporated with a direct connection to the master bedroom suite. Each secondary bedroom is a suite with walk in closets and private bathrooms. Over the living room, we placed the kids play room / hang-out space with TV. The lower level has a 2500 bottle wine room, a guest bedroom suite, a bar / entertainment / game room area and an exercise room. Photography by Elizabeth Ann Photography.

This gorgeous one story modern farmhouse is one of our consistent BEST SELLERS. The Chelci is a customer-built, modified version of THD-8516 - The Walden. From its split bedrooms providing privacy for rest and all the way to the potential expansion of an additional 471 sq.ft. of bonus space above the garage, this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath 2,188 s.f. design couldn’t be more family friendly. Entering the casual foyer, the space is immediately airy with an almost 19 feet ceiling. The open concept space is full of natural light and the vaulted ceilings with wood beams emphasize the true “greatness” of the room. The gas fireplace provides quick cozyness. The covered porch serves as additional space for dining al fresco or enjoying family for a weekend of bbq and fellowship with its outdoor “kitchen.” The cook of the home will be thrilled with the huge walk-in pantry and the charming window over the kitchen sink will provide many memories of watching the kiddos play in the backyard. The split bedrooms are ideal for a family with children, especially the way this design provides even more buffering with the two hallways off the bedroom spaces. The right side of the home has both secondary bedrooms that share a compartmentalized jack-n-jill bathroom complete with a shower/tub combo. The right side of the home provides entrance from the 2 car garage directly into the “drop zone” of the home with a small built-in locker area, the powder bath, and the laundry room complete with a utility sink and built-ins for organization. The vaulted master retreat has a spa bathroom with a stand alone tub, large shower and dual vanities. The huge walk-in closet has a convenient pocket door as a second entrance to the laundry room.