Residence was done for an "infill" lot. The owners actually lived in and owned the house next door to the original home that was on this lot which was razed to make room for this home. It is on a modest size lot in an older neighborhood clost to downtown area where a lot of homes have been razed for new and we wanted to keep the design where it would blend in well with both the old and the new homes in the neighborhood. The exterior is a combination of painted brick and cement fiber siding. Photos courtesy of the builder- Sam Bryan- Bryan Homes Athens, AL

Asian influences and a sophisticated color palate transform this modestly sized contemporary bathroom. An ebony stained Cherry vanity emulate the look of an antique Japanese black lacquer chest. The faux wood grain of the floor tile and linear glass tile in natural tones allude to grass mat floors and woven bamboo. Even the frame pattern in the shower suggests the design of a traditional Japanese shoji screen. Subtle details continue the them- brushed nickel faucets and the vessel sink are reminiscent of an old fashioned hand pump and wash basin.

Located on a wooded lot on the south side of Mount Orford in Estrie, this country house is designed to enjoy views of the wooded slope down to a stream at the bottom of the valley and rising to the opposite cliff. The south offers a splendid view of distant mountains. Of modest size, the house is simple, modern and showcases natural materials. It opens towards the forest and the landscape while preserving the intimacy of the customers. The interior is spacious; the living spaces are communicating and friendly, with a high ceiling above the living room and a large picture window in front of the master bedroom, on the mezzanine. The living areas open onto an outdoor terrace that anchors the house to its rocky terrain, protected from the weather and hidden from the street. The rock of the land is highlighted at the edge of the terrace, where a rock face down the slope. A large roof overhang protects the house from the sun in the summer, and the low-level concrete floors absorb sunlight in the winter. The house has been designed according to the criteria of LEED and Novoclimat.

The emphasis for this recent Ray Morrow Design / Build project in Irvine California was to create an environment that offered a very clean sophisticated feel and yet is still infused with textures and interactive relatable spaces. Within this modest sized yard there are multiple built in amenities : Cooking and Outdoor Dining / Bar space , Communal Fire Pit and relaxation area , Thematic Fountains in two separate zones , Combination Raised Patio Area with Contemporary Style Open Beam Structure , Presenting a perfect mixed use space for entertaining , in addition to the custom hardscape elements , This yard also showcases a harmonious plant palette with generous space to mature and embrace the permanent build in venues.

This new, ground-up home was recently built atop the Richmond Hills. Despite the beautiful site with its panoramic 270-degree view, the lot had been left undeveloped over the years due to its modest size and challenging approval issues. Saikley Architects handled the negotiations for County approvals, and worked closely with the owner-builder to create a 2,300 sq. ft., three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath family home that maximizes the site’s potential. The first-time owner-builder is a landscape builder by trade, and Saikley Architects coordinated closely with for him on this spec home. Saikley Architects provided building design details which the owner then carried through in many unique interior design and furniture design details throughout the house. Photo by Chi Chin Photography. https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/hilltop-contemporary/

Located in Bowden Rach, a desirable neighborhood near Downtown San Luis Obispo, The Smith residence represents a fusion of styles and a unique program. The clients came with the request for a modestly sized living space and an oversized garage/workshop big enough to house the activities for all of their hobbies. The clients’ pastimes include welding, furniture making, and working on cars and motorcycles. The design solution is a 2600 SF residence and 1200 SF garage. Architecturally, the contemporary saw tooth and butterfly rooflines paired with traditional detailing and materials provided the clients with the unique look they desired. On the exterior, the building is clad in smooth trowel stucco, corrugated metal and slate tile. On the interior, stained concrete floors, exposed structure and custom eucalyptus cabinetry and casework provide for a unique blend of industrial and warm traditional.

Dining, cooking, lounging all packed into this modestly sized backyard. An emphasis was put on enjoying evening gatherings and watching the game on the big screen – built-in audio/visual, lighting, and a strong connection to inside are what truly make this an awesome outdoor living room space.

Our clients love to entertain, and their Modern Craftsman cottage is designed to welcome guests, make the most of their beautiful lakefront property, and give them all of the luxuries of a modern home. Although a relatively modest size at 2,000 sq ft, this 4-season residence will feel larger, as both the main level and the walk-out lower level have high ceilings, plentiful windows, and open-concept spaces. A cathedral ceiling runs from the front entry through the great room and the dining area is defined with a coffered ceiling. The open-concept great room with fireplace feature, dining area, and kitchen have a wall of glass facing the lake, bringing in the light and lovely view. The pantry, complete with window, is large enough for cabinets and a second fridge, allowing for the preparation of slow-cooker meals or hors d’oeuvres. Designed to provide a quiet retreat, the primary bedroom is configured for lower sound transmission from the entertaining areas, and includes a spacious walk-in closet and ensuite. The mudroom/laundry off the garage has a large walk-in closet. A den (also with walk-in closet) and a full bathroom are located near the front entrance. Running the full width of the lake-facing side of the cottage, the screened-in porch, open deck, and covered deck extend the interior with plentiful outdoor living space. The lower level is not your typical basement! Designed with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the lake and a full-height walk-out, it will not feel like a basement. Much of the space is open and has special millwork on the ceiling to define the great room, games area with wet bar, and family/theatre room. Before entering the lower level from the outside, family and friends can use the outdoor shower and then store shoes and equipment in the cubbies immediately inside the door. A full bath is conveniently located inside the door for easy access from the lake. Two bedrooms are located on this level, each with an ensuite and walk-in closet. A storage room and mechanical room round out the lower level. Protected by the upper-level deck, the lower deck is as extensive as the upper one, with additional patio space towards the lake. The oversized 30’x30′ garage is located to provide some extra privacy from the neighbours and supplies ample space for vehicles, watercraft, and equipment.

Modest sized bedroom with gorgeous hardwood flooring, natural light and views of Down Town Los Angeles. Photography by Eric Charles Photography
Trendy guest light wood floor bedroom photo in Other with white walls

We love the challenge of working with modest sized spaces to fulfil our clients’ dreams. Whether you have a rooftop, balcony, patio or a small garden we combine our knowledge of geometry and architecture with good old fashioned hard work to create your custom small garden designs.

This contemporary design iteration infuses the homeowner's personal yard with a distinctive touch of urban chic. Anchored by a cozy covered dining area featuring a fireplace, the outdoor living space exudes comfort and ease. Pavers set amidst turf define the area, housing a luxurious pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, and chaise lounge section. Enclosed by a substantial privacy hedge, this transformative space expands its modest size, transporting visitors to a realm of resort-style living.

Located in Bowden Rach, a desirable neighborhood near Downtown San Luis Obispo, The Smith residence represents a fusion of styles and a unique program. The clients came with the request for a modestly sized living space and an oversized garage/workshop big enough to house the activities for all of their hobbies. The clients’ pastimes include welding, furniture making, and working on cars and motorcycles. The design solution is a 2600 SF residence and 1200 SF garage. Architecturally, the contemporary saw tooth and butterfly rooflines paired with traditional detailing and materials provided the clients with the unique look they desired. On the exterior, the building is clad in smooth trowel stucco, corrugated metal and slate tile. On the interior, stained concrete floors, exposed structure and custom eucalyptus cabinetry and casework provide for a unique blend of industrial and warm traditional.

Sunday, March 22, 4:00-5:30pm Register Online: https://tclf.org/event/garden-dialogues-palm-beach-2015 North End Residence by Mario Nievera of Nievera Williams Design Incorporated The North End of the Town of Palm Beach is known for modestly-sized properties containing single-story residences. Built during the 1950s Florida housing boom, this 3000-square-foot residence would have been easily demolished if not for the current owners keen design eye and creative vision. The owner has transformed the once banal ranch style home, into a chic residence set amongst a tropical garden. Working with Mario Nievera of Nievera Williams Design, the garden is designed around a simple lap pool. Terraces for relaxation and entertaining face the pool, while private garden areas separate guests from the owner. A mostly green palate of plants was individually selected by the owner including ginger, Geiger tree, philodendron, jasmine, fishtail palms and Clereodendron shrubs. The house was recognized with by The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach Polly Earl Award for excellence in renovation of small houses & properties. Photos courtesy Nievera Williams Design

This new, ground-up home was recently built atop the Richmond Hills. Despite the beautiful site with its panoramic 270-degree view, the lot had been left undeveloped over the years due to its modest size and challenging approval issues. Saikley Architects handled the negotiations for County approvals, and worked closely with the owner-builder to create a 2,300 sq. ft., three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath family home that maximizes the site’s potential. The first-time owner-builder is a landscape builder by trade, and Saikley Architects coordinated closely with for him on this spec home. Saikley Architects provided building design details which the owner then carried through in many unique interior design and furniture design details throughout the house. Photo by Chi Chin Photography. https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/hilltop-contemporary/

We love the challenge of working with modest sized spaces to fulfil our clients’ dreams. Whether you have a rooftop, balcony, patio or a small garden we combine our knowledge of geometry and architecture with good old fashioned hard work to create your custom small garden designs.

This new house is located in a quiet residential neighborhood developed in the 1920’s, that is in transition, with new larger homes replacing the original modest-sized homes. The house is designed to be harmonious with its traditional neighbors, with divided lite windows, and hip roofs. The roofline of the shingled house steps down with the sloping property, keeping the house in scale with the neighborhood. The interior of the great room is oriented around a massive double-sided chimney, and opens to the south to an outdoor stone terrace and gardens. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

What was once a galley kitchen and a modest sized dining room were combined into one family-friendly space in this North Attleboro home. The oversized island serves as a gathering space and is used for everday dining. The husband-chef incorporated a pot filler over the range and a European hood for just the right amount of function and style. Design and photo by Attleboro Kitchen and Bath.

Larger format rectangular tiles set in a running bond pattern visually enlarge and simplify the space in this modestly sized master bath. Photography by Craig Claeys

Our clients love to entertain, and their Modern Craftsman cottage is designed to welcome guests, make the most of their beautiful lakefront property, and give them all of the luxuries of a modern home. Although a relatively modest size at 2,000 sq ft, this 4-season residence will feel larger, as both the main level and the walk-out lower level have high ceilings, plentiful windows, and open-concept spaces. A cathedral ceiling runs from the front entry through the great room and the dining area is defined with a coffered ceiling. The open-concept great room with fireplace feature, dining area, and kitchen have a wall of glass facing the lake, bringing in the light and lovely view. The pantry, complete with window, is large enough for cabinets and a second fridge, allowing for the preparation of slow-cooker meals or hors d’oeuvres. Designed to provide a quiet retreat, the primary bedroom is configured for lower sound transmission from the entertaining areas, and includes a spacious walk-in closet and ensuite. The mudroom/laundry off the garage has a large walk-in closet. A den (also with walk-in closet) and a full bathroom are located near the front entrance. Running the full width of the lake-facing side of the cottage, the screened-in porch, open deck, and covered deck extend the interior with plentiful outdoor living space. The lower level is not your typical basement! Designed with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the lake and a full-height walk-out, it will not feel like a basement. Much of the space is open and has special millwork on the ceiling to define the great room, games area with wet bar, and family/theatre room. Before entering the lower level from the outside, family and friends can use the outdoor shower and then store shoes and equipment in the cubbies immediately inside the door. A full bath is conveniently located inside the door for easy access from the lake. Two bedrooms are located on this level, each with an ensuite and walk-in closet. A storage room and mechanical room round out the lower level. Protected by the upper-level deck, the lower deck is as extensive as the upper one, with additional patio space towards the lake. The oversized 30’x30′ garage is located to provide some extra privacy from the neighbours and supplies ample space for vehicles, watercraft, and equipment.