Erin Lau
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

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

Our goal on this project was to make the main floor of this lovely early 20th century home in a popular Vancouver neighborhood work for a growing family of four. We opened up the space, both literally and aesthetically, with windows and skylights, an efficient layout, some carefully selected furniture pieces and a soft colour palette that lends a light and playful feel to the space. Our clients can hardly believe that their once small, dark, uncomfortable main floor has become a bright, functional and beautiful space where they can now comfortably host friends and hang out as a family. Interior Design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating Inc. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography.

Every design decision for this Caribbean beach residence was guided by the desire to maximize the views of the property’s breathtaking natural surroundings. To connect the spaces and reveal the views from every vantage point, the team reconfigured the layout to create vistas, and installed window film to reduce solar heat gain. These modifications increased efficiencies, reused 90% of the interior envelope and did not impact the exterior structure of the building. In addition to providing incredible views, opening up the plan allows cross ventilation, maximizing the use of ocean breezes to cool the interior. The result is an effortless flow and maximization of space. Throughout the interior, dark materials express the concept of respite in the shade, and emphasize the sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. Millwork crafted by local artisans from local materials establishes hierarchy – providing a clear understanding of the layout – and filters light to create privacy and drama. Screens help define the spaces and create suspense. Varying screen opacities serve specific functions: nearly opaque screens build suspense, translucent screens provide privacy, and reflective screens – as seen in the kitchen ceiling – create mystery in the core where light and views are challenged. Referencing the seaside location, the baseboards create a sense of being in a deep shallow. The 16” tall baseboards create a pool effect, engaging the walls with Cradle to Cradle certified Mosa tile flooring. The irregular height also conceals power and data cabling. The resulting space is a contemporary oasis that offers a high-level of comfort and functionality. Anne Rausch Photography

Every design decision for this Caribbean beach residence was guided by the desire to maximize the views of the property’s breathtaking natural surroundings. To connect the spaces and reveal the views from every vantage point, the team reconfigured the layout to create vistas, and installed window film to reduce solar heat gain. These modifications increased efficiencies, reused 90% of the interior envelope and did not impact the exterior structure of the building. In addition to providing incredible views, opening up the plan allows cross ventilation, maximizing the use of ocean breezes to cool the interior. The result is an effortless flow and maximization of space. Throughout the interior, dark materials express the concept of respite in the shade, and emphasize the sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. Millwork crafted by local artisans from local materials establishes hierarchy – providing a clear understanding of the layout – and filters light to create privacy and drama. Screens help define the spaces and create suspense. Varying screen opacities serve specific functions: nearly opaque screens build suspense, translucent screens provide privacy, and reflective screens – as seen in the kitchen ceiling – create mystery in the core where light and views are challenged. Referencing the seaside location, the baseboards create a sense of being in a deep shallow. The 16” tall baseboards create a pool effect, engaging the walls with Cradle to Cradle certified Mosa tile flooring. The irregular height also conceals power and data cabling. The resulting space is a contemporary oasis that offers a high-level of comfort and functionality. Anne Rausch Photography

Our goal on this project was to make the main floor of this lovely early 20th century home in a popular Vancouver neighborhood work for a growing family of four. We opened up the space, both literally and aesthetically, with windows and skylights, an efficient layout, some carefully selected furniture pieces and a soft colour palette that lends a light and playful feel to the space. Our clients can hardly believe that their once small, dark, uncomfortable main floor has become a bright, functional and beautiful space where they can now comfortably host friends and hang out as a family. Interior Design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating Inc. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography.

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.

Bedroom - mid-sized 1950s master concrete floor bedroom idea in Los Angeles with white walls and no fireplace

White laundry room took advantage of vertical space with a stacked washer and dryer to make room for plenty of storage, a folding area and sink.
Inspiration for a small timeless l-shaped porcelain tile dedicated laundry room remodel in Phoenix with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls and a stacked washer/dryer

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   We went with a minimalist, clean, industrial look that feels light, bright and airy. The island is a dark charcoal with cool undertones that coordinates with the cabinetry and transom work in both the neighboring mudroom and breakfast area. White subway tile, quartz countertops, white enamel pendants and gold fixtures complete the update. The ends of the island are shiplap material that is also used on the fireplace in the next room. In the new mudroom, we used a fun porcelain tile on the floor to get a pop of pattern, and walnut accents add some warmth. Each child has their own cubby, and there is a spot for shoes below a long bench. Open shelving with spots for baskets provides additional storage for the room. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Our goal on this project was to make the main floor of this lovely early 20th century home in a popular Vancouver neighborhood work for a growing family of four. We opened up the space, both literally and aesthetically, with windows and skylights, an efficient layout, some carefully selected furniture pieces and a soft colour palette that lends a light and playful feel to the space. Our clients can hardly believe that their once small, dark, uncomfortable main floor has become a bright, functional and beautiful space where they can now comfortably host friends and hang out as a family. Interior Design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating Inc. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography.

Cindy Apple Photography
Small minimalist galley cork floor eat-in kitchen photo in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Inspiration for a 1950s bathroom remodel in Los Angeles

Mode of Action • Maximizing space usage by changing Jacuzzi into tub • Changing room layout – installing sink and vanity across the room to maximize space usage • Creating multiple storage spaces by making custom-made vanities • New granite countertop • New construction for shower extending • New wood tiles and accents – the wood was handle in a special way in order to seal it for maximize water resistant • New glass doors • New flooring • Fresh natural paint • Replacing pluming in bathroom area • Using existing mirror Materials Used: • Wood tiles • Granite counter top • Dark stone tile for the romantic environment • Light tile wood plank look a like for the floor (neutral color - resale purpose) • Solid wood custom made vanity • Dark solid wood shelves • Luxurious water fixture that includes double shower rain head and matching faucets • New wall texture and relaxing paint color • Lots of love and passion for our work

Mode of Action • Maximizing space usage by changing Jacuzzi into tub • Changing room layout – installing sink and vanity across the room to maximize space usage • Creating multiple storage spaces by making custom-made vanities • New granite countertop • New construction for shower extending • New wood tiles and accents – the wood was handle in a special way in order to seal it for maximize water resistant • New glass doors • New flooring • Fresh natural paint • Replacing pluming in bathroom area • Using existing mirror Materials Used: • Wood tiles • Granite counter top • Dark stone tile for the romantic environment • Light tile wood plank look a like for the floor (neutral color - resale purpose) • Solid wood custom made vanity • Dark solid wood shelves • Luxurious water fixture that includes double shower rain head and matching faucets • New wall texture and relaxing paint color • Lots of love and passion for our work

Mode of Action • Maximizing space usage by changing Jacuzzi into tub • Changing room layout – installing sink and vanity across the room to maximize space usage • Creating multiple storage spaces by making custom-made vanities • New granite countertop • New construction for shower extending • New wood tiles and accents – the wood was handle in a special way in order to seal it for maximize water resistant • New glass doors • New flooring • Fresh natural paint • Replacing pluming in bathroom area • Using existing mirror Materials Used: • Wood tiles • Granite counter top • Dark stone tile for the romantic environment • Light tile wood plank look a like for the floor (neutral color - resale purpose) • Solid wood custom made vanity • Dark solid wood shelves • Luxurious water fixture that includes double shower rain head and matching faucets • New wall texture and relaxing paint color • Lots of love and passion for our work

• Maximizing space usage by changing Jacuzzi into tub • Changing room layout – installing sink and vanity across the room to maximize space usage • Creating multiple storage spaces by making custom-made vanities • New granite countertop • New construction for shower extending • New wood tiles and accents – the wood was handle in a special way in order to seal it for maximize water resistant • New glass doors • New flooring • Fresh natural paint • Replacing pluming in bathroom area • Using existing mirror

Mode of Action • Maximizing space usage by changing Jacuzzi into tub • Changing room layout – installing sink and vanity across the room to maximize space usage • Creating multiple storage spaces by making custom-made vanities • New granite countertop • New construction for shower extending • New wood tiles and accents – the wood was handle in a special way in order to seal it for maximize water resistant • New glass doors • New flooring • Fresh natural paint • Replacing pluming in bathroom area • Using existing mirror Materials Used: • Wood tiles • Granite counter top • Dark stone tile for the romantic environment • Light tile wood plank look a like for the floor (neutral color - resale purpose) • Solid wood custom made vanity • Dark solid wood shelves • Luxurious water fixture that includes double shower rain head and matching faucets • New wall texture and relaxing paint color • Lots of love and passion for our work

Mode of Action • Maximizing space usage by changing Jacuzzi into tub • Changing room layout – installing sink and vanity across the room to maximize space usage • Creating multiple storage spaces by making custom-made vanities • New granite countertop • New construction for shower extending • New wood tiles and accents – the wood was handle in a special way in order to seal it for maximize water resistant • New glass doors • New flooring • Fresh natural paint • Replacing pluming in bathroom area • Using existing mirror Materials Used: • Wood tiles • Granite counter top • Dark stone tile for the romantic environment • Light tile wood plank look a like for the floor (neutral color - resale purpose) • Solid wood custom made vanity • Dark solid wood shelves • Luxurious water fixture that includes double shower rain head and matching faucets • New wall texture and relaxing paint color • Lots of love and passion for our work