The kitchen is a modern galley style with a generous 4-person island. It is centered around the 48” professional-grade range that is accented by a statement tile inlay and an elegant custom range hood. In lieu of upper cabinetry, our designer added large windows on either side of the range to brighten the space and showcase the rural forest views. We love the symmetry this brings to the design. On the far end of the island, we utilized a countertop remnant to create a nook for the pet’s bowls. Here the family dog can enjoy his meals out of the line of traffic. The colors of the kitchen are a transitional spin on contrasts. The island’s perfect shade of navy blue complements the warmth of the natural maple cabinetry. White quartz with subtle grey veining was introduced on the island to keep its surface light and bright, connecting the kitchen with the airiness of the dining area & living area. On the perimeter of the kitchen, a black quartz mimicking soapstone grounds the lighter maple cabinetry and is accented by the black windows, cabinet hardware, tile, and sconces above the windows. For the floors we choose a light grey slate tile that pairs well with the dove grey backsplash. To carry the navy blue of the island into the rest of the kitchen, we selected blue pendants for the island, and designed a striking focal point behind the range with a decorative, blue tile. New exterior French doors lead to a side porch where these homeowners can sit and enjoy the great outdoors. At the other end of the kitchen, we created a spacious walk-in pantry. Glass pocket doors perfectly frame the pantry and mimic the exterior French doors, anchoring the kitchen with symmetry at the two ends. The walk-in pantry features ample open adjustable shelving, closed storage, and a large countertop. Appliances like the microwave, stand mixer, and coffee maker have designated alcoves on the sides of the pantry so that they aren’t crowding or cluttering the valuable counter space in the kitchen. It’s a beautiful space for the homeowners to style, while being functional for the surplus storage needs.

THE SHADOW HOUSE IS A PRODUCT OF THE CONTEXT IT SITS WITHIN, YET IT SUBVERTS IT AT THE SAME TIME. IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE IT UP CLOSE, YET FROM AFAR IT DISAPPEARS INTO THE ETHER. A TINY LOT, A LARGE PROGRAM, RESTRICTIVE ZONING REGULATIONS AND AN INVOLVED NEIGHBORHOOD INTEREST GROUP WERE THE CONSTANT AND UNRELENTING PRESSURES THAT CREATED THIS HOUSE — AND THE RESULT IS BETTER OFF FOR IT. THE SCALLOPED SHINGLES ARE A COMMON ELEMENT ACROSS THE NEIGHBORHOOD, BUT ARE OFTEN RESERVED FOR DETAIL AREAS UNDER EAVES, AS THE MATERIAL WAS VERY EXPENSIVE ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. WE TOOK THAT HIGHLY-SPECIALIZED, VERY EXCLUSIVE MATERIAL AND APPLIED IT AS A BROAD, MASS-PRODUCED TEXTURE ACROSS THE ENTIRE RESIDENCE — TAKING SOMETHING FROM HIGHLIGHT TO BACKGROUND TEXTURE. THE SILHOUETTE DIRECTLY ECHOES THE ITALIANATE HOMES IN THE LARGER NEIGHBORHOOD — BUT WE STRIPPED THE TYPICAL ORNATE, DECORATED FAÇADE BACK TO UTTER MINIMALISM. WE ENLARGED THE TYPICAL WINDOW SIZE TO EXAGGERATE THE RIGID SYMMETRY OF THE STYLE, AND BROUGHT THEM TO THE FLOOR AND THE CEILING TO PROVIDE AS MUCH LIGHT AS POSSIBLE — AND THEN RECESSED THEM DEEP INTO THE FAÇADE TO MIMIC THE HEAVY BRICK AND STONE LINTELS OF THE PAST. THE HOUSE IS BLACK — THE ONLY COLOR IT COULD BE. IF WE’D PAINTED IT UP LIKE ITS VICTORIAN SISTERS, IT WOULD’VE COMPETED FOR ATTENTION. BLACK CAUSES THE HOUSE TO SIMULTANEOUSLY DISAPPEAR AND STAND OUT — IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE WHILE YOU’RE WALKING PAST, BUT A FEW BLOCKS AWAY IT BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE TO DISCERN AGAINST THE BACKGROUND. TWO BEDROOMS WITH EN-SUITE BATHS, FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOWS, AN AIRY AND OPEN STAIRCASE AND A MASSIVE GLASS ROOF DOOR MAKE THE SHADOW HOUSE IMPOSSIBLY LIGHT AND OPEN — YET IT’S ONLY 1,400 SQUARE FEET ON A 30’ X 50’ LOT.

Loft Master Bedroom with elegant curved walk-in closet and custom-designed viewing platform. For the viewing platform the hickory flooring was carried up and used for the stair treads and platform floor, a metal and cable stairway and rail system was fabricated to mimic the floating stairway coming from the lower level, and sliding doors underneath create ample storage for this open concept bedroom. Because open designs often provide a storage challenge- for additional storage, we converted two RTA pantries into another closet which also serves to dilineate the sleeping area from the rest of the room. An upholstered 4-drawer platform bed and 2 drawer stacks converted to night stands add even more storage. The bulk head running on the long wall was covered with hickory flooring making it functionally multi-usage and a viewing porthole was created allowing a viewer to glimpse the riverfront outside from the 2nd floor. Finally, the detail of a hand-crafted curving shelf large enough to place plants or sculptures upon was added to the top of the stairway facing the curved walk-in closet. All design and installation for Up-fit by Solar Wind Designs and Cat Manolis. www.solarwinddesigns.com Photos by Cat Manolis.

Ulrich Designer: Aparna Vijayan; Photography by Peter Rymwid Since this is the main hall bath in a ranch style house with 3 kids, the homeowners wanted the bathroom to be both luxurious and interesting. They also wanted a tub and shower in the room. For interest, Ulrich, Inc. designer, Aparna Vijayan created the bathroom floor to mimic a wood deck along a body of water: The tub and shower sit in a field of blue glass tile depicting water. Since the large window and skylight in the room bring in a lot of natural light and an outdoor view we brought greenery in by building a fully functional planter (complete with an integrated drain, etc.) which also serves as a privacy barrier for the toilet as you walk in the room!

This carefully planned master suite incorporates varying shades of blue and nautical accents to create a romantic bedroom with a nautical twist. The round floor lamp in the corner is made of feathers, to represent sea birds. The dimensional wave wall conjures gentle seas. The hand-applied Ralph Lauren silver plated painted wall mimics the shimmer of the sun on the water. A strings of clear glass balls of the floor lamps and the tortoise patterned vase all give a give a nod towards the sea, tying together the suggestive nautical theme. Rich deep blue velvet curtains paired with white sheers allow privacy and room darkening from the floor to ceiling windows facing the Marina. The popup TV stand in the middle of the room was stained navy blue to pair with the blue painted support pillar. RaRah Photo

THE SETUP Located in a luxury high rise in Chicago’s Gold Coast Neighborhood, the condo’s existing primary bath was “fine,” but a bit underwhelming. It was a sea of beige, with very little personality or drama. The client is very well traveled, and wanted the space to feel luxe and glamorous, like a bath in a fine European hotel. Design objectives: - Add loads of beautiful high end finishes - Create drama and contrast - Create luxe showering and bathing experiences - Improve storage for toiletries and essentials THE REMODEL Design challenges: - Unable to reconfigure layout due to location in the high rise - Seek out unique, dramatic tile materials - Introduce “BLING” - Find glamorous lighting Design solutions: - Keep existing layout, with change from built in to free-standing tub - Gorgeous Calacatta gold marble was our inspiration - Ornate Art deco marble mosaic to be the focal point, with satin gold accents to create shimmer - Glass and crystal light fixtures add the needed sparkle THE RENEWED SPACE After the remodel began, our client’s vision for her bath took a turn that was inspired by a trip to Paris. Initially, the plan was a modest design to allocate resources for her kitchen’s marble slabs… but then she had a vision while admiring the marble bathroom of her Parisian hotel. She was determined to infuse her bathroom with the same sense of luxury. They went back to the drawing board and started over with all-marble. Her new stunning bath space radiates glamour and sophistication. The “bling” flows to her bedroom where we matched the gorgeous custom wall treatment that mimics grasscloth on an accent wall. With its marble landscape, shimmering tile and walls, the primary bath’s ambiance creates a swanky hotel feel that our client adores and considers her sanctuary.

Imagine a modern, sleek kitchen with a perfect blend of natural warmth and contemporary elegance. The lower cabinets are crafted from white oak, their light, natural wood grain adding a touch of organic beauty to the space. The white oak's soft, warm tones bring a sense of calm and balance, grounding the kitchen with a natural feel. Above, the upper cabinets create a striking contrast in a matte black finish. The matte texture adds a sophisticated, understated elegance, allowing the rich black hue to stand out without overpowering the room. This combination of black and white oak offers a timeless appeal, bridging the gap between modern and rustic design elements. The countertops and backsplash are adorned with porcelain slabs that perfectly mimic the look of natural marble. These slabs feature delicate veining in shades of gray and subtle touches of gold, flowing gracefully across a pristine white background. The marble-like porcelain brings a sense of luxury and refinement to the kitchen while offering the practicality and durability that porcelain provides. This two-tone kitchen design is a harmonious blend of natural materials and modern aesthetics, creating a space that is both inviting and sophisticated. The white oak adds warmth and texture, the matte black introduces bold contrast, and the marble-like porcelain ties everything together with a touch of timeless elegance.

This beautiful master bathroom remodel was designed by Tiffany in our Framingham showroom. The design features a shaker door style from our Designer collection in a white finish, with a gorgeous Silestone quartz vanity countertop. The space features unique brushed bronze plumbing fixtures, a white cast-iron soaking tub, and a custom frameless glass shower enclosure for a sleek and modern aesthetic. The porcelain floor mimics the look of marble and shale, adding a luxurious touch, while the mosaic tile niche with a quartz shelf enhances both functionality and visual appeal.

Designing a Health-Focused Home Living Space Designing a health-focused home living space is more than just arranging furniture and choosing colors; it's about creating an environment that promotes physical well-being, mental clarity, and overall wellness. As we spend more time at home, especially in the wake of recent global shifts towards remote work and lifestyle changes, the importance of our living spaces in supporting our health has never been greater. Here are some key considerations when designing a health-oriented home. Natural Light and Air Quality Natural light plays a crucial role in our health, affecting everything from our sleep patterns to our mood. When designing your home, prioritize spaces that allow for ample sunlight. Large windows, skylights, and strategically placed mirrors can help maximize natural light. In rooms where natural light is limited, consider using full-spectrum lighting that mimics daylight to support your circadian rhythms. Air quality is another critical factor in a health-focused home. Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air due to various factors like off-gassing from furniture, household cleaners, and poor ventilation. Incorporating plants that are known to purify air, such as spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies, can help improve indoor air quality. Additionally, ensure your home is well-ventilated by using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and consider investing in air purifiers, especially if you live in an area with high pollution levels. Ergonomic Furniture and Movement Spaces The furniture you choose and how you arrange it can significantly impact your physical health. Ergonomic furniture, especially in workspaces, can help prevent strain and injury. Adjustable desks, supportive chairs, and monitor stands can contribute to better posture and reduced risk of musculoskeletal issues. Incorporating spaces that encourage movement is also important. For example, a small home gym or a yoga corner can serve as a dedicated area for physical activity. Even in smaller spaces, you can create movement opportunities by ensuring there’s enough room to stretch or do simple exercises. Open floor plans or multipurpose spaces that can be easily reconfigured for different activities can help integrate movement into daily life. Mindful and Minimalist Design A clutter-free environment is conducive to mental clarity and relaxation. Mindful and minimalist design principles focus on creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing without being overwhelming. Start by decluttering and organizing your belongings, keeping only what you need and what brings you joy. Choose furniture and decor that are simple, natural, and calming. Materials like wood, stone, and natural fibers not only add a touch of nature to your home but also tend to have fewer chemicals than synthetic materials. Neutral color palettes with accents of soothing colors like blues and greens can help create a tranquil atmosphere. Sleep and Restful Areas A significant part of health-focused design is creating spaces that promote restful sleep. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary that encourages relaxation. Invest in a good-quality mattress and pillows that support your body. Blackout curtains, soundproofing, and maintaining a cool room temperature can also contribute to better sleep quality. In addition to the bedroom, consider creating other restful areas in your home where you can unwind, meditate, or practice mindfulness. A cozy reading nook, a meditation space, or even a comfortable chair by a window can serve as your personal retreat. Incorporating Nature and Green Spaces Finally, integrating elements of nature into your living space can have a profound impact on your health. Biophilic design, which connects indoor environments with nature, has been shown to reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being. This can be as simple as adding more houseplants, incorporating natural materials, or even installing a small indoor water feature. If you have outdoor space, create a garden or a patio where you can relax and enjoy fresh air. Even a small balcony can be transformed into a green oasis with the right plants and seating. By thoughtfully designing your living space with health in mind, you create an environment that not only looks beautiful but also supports your physical and mental well-being.

This beautiful master bathroom remodel was designed by Tiffany in our Framingham showroom. The design features a shaker door style from our Designer collection in a white finish, with a gorgeous Silestone quartz vanity countertop. The space features unique brushed bronze plumbing fixtures, a white cast-iron soaking tub, and a custom frameless glass shower enclosure for a sleek and modern aesthetic. The porcelain floor mimics the look of marble and shale, adding a luxurious touch, while the mosaic tile niche with a quartz shelf enhances both functionality and visual appeal.

Imagine a modern, sleek kitchen with a perfect blend of natural warmth and contemporary elegance. The lower cabinets are crafted from white oak, their light, natural wood grain adding a touch of organic beauty to the space. The white oak's soft, warm tones bring a sense of calm and balance, grounding the kitchen with a natural feel. Above, the upper cabinets create a striking contrast in a matte black finish. The matte texture adds a sophisticated, understated elegance, allowing the rich black hue to stand out without overpowering the room. This combination of black and white oak offers a timeless appeal, bridging the gap between modern and rustic design elements. The countertops and backsplash are adorned with porcelain slabs that perfectly mimic the look of natural marble. These slabs feature delicate veining in shades of gray and subtle touches of gold, flowing gracefully across a pristine white background. The marble-like porcelain brings a sense of luxury and refinement to the kitchen while offering the practicality and durability that porcelain provides. This two-tone kitchen design is a harmonious blend of natural materials and modern aesthetics, creating a space that is both inviting and sophisticated. The white oak adds warmth and texture, the matte black introduces bold contrast, and the marble-like porcelain ties everything together with a touch of timeless elegance.

Providing a dramatic and elegant place to entertain dinner guests without being too busy or over-the-top was the goal of this dining room. When walking into the entry of the home the back wall of the dining room is one of the first areas that is seen. This custom sunset piece of art definitely makes a dramatic statement and draws your eye into the room with its bold and bright colors and is the perfect backdrop to the glistening glass pendant chandelier. The dining chairs are upholstered in a red textural fabric to tie in the warm reds and pinks found in the art. White crown moulding, wainscoting and the white flokati rug contrast with the dark maple hardwood flooring and black table. The ceiling was painted a few shades darker than the walls and it seems to just disappear when standing in the space again focusing the attention to the color within the space. Custom flower arrangements were made by AshLee Snyder Design with colors that mimic the art.

Loft Master Bedroom with elegant curved walk-in closet and custom-designed viewing platform. For the viewing platform the hickory flooring was carried up and used for the stair treads and platform floor, a metal and cable stairway and rail system was fabricated to mimic the floating stairway coming from the lower level, and sliding doors underneath create ample storage for this open concept bedroom. Because open designs often provide a storage challenge- for additional storage, we converted two RTA pantries into another closet which also serves to dilineate the sleeping area from the rest of the room. An upholstered 4-drawer platform bed and 2 drawer stacks converted to night stands add even more storage. The bulk head running on the long wall was covered with hickory flooring making it functionally multi-usage and a viewing porthole was created allowing a viewer to glimpse the riverfront outside from the 2nd floor. Finally, the detail of a hand-crafted curving shelf large enough to place plants or sculptures upon was added to the top of the stairway facing the curved walk-in closet. All design and installation for Up-fit by Solar Wind Designs and Cat Manolis. www.solarwinddesigns.com Photos by Cat Manolis.

The kitchen is a modern galley style with a generous 4-person island. It is centered around the 48” professional-grade range that is accented by a statement tile inlay and an elegant custom range hood. In lieu of upper cabinetry, our designer added large windows on either side of the range to brighten the space and showcase the rural forest views. We love the symmetry this brings to the design. On the far end of the island, we utilized a countertop remnant to create a nook for the pet’s bowls. Here the family dog can enjoy his meals out of the line of traffic. The colors of the kitchen are a transitional spin on contrasts. The island’s perfect shade of navy blue complements the warmth of the natural maple cabinetry. White quartz with subtle grey veining was introduced on the island to keep its surface light and bright, connecting the kitchen with the airiness of the dining area & living area. On the perimeter of the kitchen, a black quartz mimicking soapstone grounds the lighter maple cabinetry and is accented by the black windows, cabinet hardware, tile, and sconces above the windows. For the floors we choose a light grey slate tile that pairs well with the dove grey backsplash. To carry the navy blue of the island into the rest of the kitchen, we selected blue pendants for the island, and designed a striking focal point behind the range with a decorative, blue tile. New exterior French doors lead to a side porch where these homeowners can sit and enjoy the great outdoors. At the other end of the kitchen, we created a spacious walk-in pantry. Glass pocket doors perfectly frame the pantry and mimic the exterior French doors, anchoring the kitchen with symmetry at the two ends. The walk-in pantry features ample open adjustable shelving, closed storage, and a large countertop. Appliances like the microwave, stand mixer, and coffee maker have designated alcoves on the sides of the pantry so that they aren’t crowding or cluttering the valuable counter space in the kitchen. It’s a beautiful space for the homeowners to style, while being functional for the surplus storage needs.

Additional dining table was added in the open space with dark brown table top and chair seats to mimic the hardwood flooring. The legs of the table and chairs were painted white to fit into the rest of the kitchen’s design. A beautiful custom open cage light fixtures provides extra light for when this table is in use. The shaker style custom cabinetry were painted white to brighten up the space and offer ample storage space. White tile backsplash with a line of smaller gray-toned tiles, frames the wall mounted cabinets bringing your eyes down to the gorgeous black counter tops.

A modern rustic aesthetic mimics a cabin-home's woodland setting with natural materials like reclaimed barn board, wood décor and lots of green plants. Modern furniture and artwork keep it fresh, and books and vintage collectibles give the home personality and meaning.

The starting point of the overall design plan was to change one of the entry points in this kitchen from a narrow doorway to a beautiful archway. Because the existing breakfast nook featured an archway, we decided to mimic that architectural element to create a cohesive look. We paired the white cabinetry with a white quartz countertop that features pretty gray veins. And to complement the design, we added a counter-to-ceiling classic subway tile for the backsplash. The gorgeous Café appliances in matte white help elevate the aesthetics of this room. While the white color helps the appliances blend with the white cabinets, the brass handles and details make them stand out. There is a harmonious tension between the black and brass accessories that bring so much energy into this space. We added open shelving to create a visual interest right above the farmhouse-style sink. The black metal shelves from Cascade Iron filled the gap between the two windows and help in creating an instant focal point. We’ve styled the bottom shelves with everyday items while keeping the pretty decorative items on the top shelf.

THE SHADOW HOUSE IS A PRODUCT OF THE CONTEXT IT SITS WITHIN, YET IT SUBVERTS IT AT THE SAME TIME. IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE IT UP CLOSE, YET FROM AFAR IT DISAPPEARS INTO THE ETHER. A TINY LOT, A LARGE PROGRAM, RESTRICTIVE ZONING REGULATIONS AND AN INVOLVED NEIGHBORHOOD INTEREST GROUP WERE THE CONSTANT AND UNRELENTING PRESSURES THAT CREATED THIS HOUSE — AND THE RESULT IS BETTER OFF FOR IT. THE SCALLOPED SHINGLES ARE A COMMON ELEMENT ACROSS THE NEIGHBORHOOD, BUT ARE OFTEN RESERVED FOR DETAIL AREAS UNDER EAVES, AS THE MATERIAL WAS VERY EXPENSIVE ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. WE TOOK THAT HIGHLY-SPECIALIZED, VERY EXCLUSIVE MATERIAL AND APPLIED IT AS A BROAD, MASS-PRODUCED TEXTURE ACROSS THE ENTIRE RESIDENCE — TAKING SOMETHING FROM HIGHLIGHT TO BACKGROUND TEXTURE. THE SILHOUETTE DIRECTLY ECHOES THE ITALIANATE HOMES IN THE LARGER NEIGHBORHOOD — BUT WE STRIPPED THE TYPICAL ORNATE, DECORATED FAÇADE BACK TO UTTER MINIMALISM. WE ENLARGED THE TYPICAL WINDOW SIZE TO EXAGGERATE THE RIGID SYMMETRY OF THE STYLE, AND BROUGHT THEM TO THE FLOOR AND THE CEILING TO PROVIDE AS MUCH LIGHT AS POSSIBLE — AND THEN RECESSED THEM DEEP INTO THE FAÇADE TO MIMIC THE HEAVY BRICK AND STONE LINTELS OF THE PAST. THE HOUSE IS BLACK — THE ONLY COLOR IT COULD BE. IF WE’D PAINTED IT UP LIKE ITS VICTORIAN SISTERS, IT WOULD’VE COMPETED FOR ATTENTION. BLACK CAUSES THE HOUSE TO SIMULTANEOUSLY DISAPPEAR AND STAND OUT — IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE WHILE YOU’RE WALKING PAST, BUT A FEW BLOCKS AWAY IT BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE TO DISCERN AGAINST THE BACKGROUND. TWO BEDROOMS WITH EN-SUITE BATHS, FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOWS, AN AIRY AND OPEN STAIRCASE AND A MASSIVE GLASS ROOF DOOR MAKE THE SHADOW HOUSE IMPOSSIBLY LIGHT AND OPEN — YET IT’S ONLY 1,400 SQUARE FEET ON A 30’ X 50’ LOT.

Immerse yourself in the coastal charm of this family room, where the soothing palette of white and the warmth of brown leather harmonize to create a tranquil haven. Crisp white couches, adorned with soft cushions, evoke the airy atmosphere of sandy beaches. A brown leather ottoman stands as a centerpiece, inviting relaxation and adding a touch of coastal sophistication. The room is adorned with white furnishings that reflect the serenity of ocean waves. Cyan accent colors, reminiscent of the sea, are strategically placed, infusing a refreshing pop that mimics the coastal landscape. This family room becomes a coastal retreat within the home, a place where the combination of white, brown, and cyan hues seamlessly captures the essence of seaside living.