Tuscany goes Modern – SAY WHAT? Well you can't beat the amazing downtown and Pacific views from this fabulous pad which is what sold the pair on this property. But nothing, and I mean nothing, about its design was a reflection of the personal taste or personalities of the owners – until now. How do you take a VERY Tuscan looking home and infuse it with a contemporary, masculine edge to better personify its occupants without a complete rebuild? Here’s how we did it…

Looking down the glazed connector toward the main entry and public wing. The link connects both the one story public wing to the private two story wing and it forces a reflection back to the wooded site the building is carefully knit into. Eric Reinholdt - Project Architect/Lead Designer with Elliott, Elliott, Norelius Architecture Photo: Brian Vanden Brink

Ron Blunt Photography
Home design - coastal home design idea in DC Metro

Free Float is a pool house that continues UP's obsession with contextual contradiction. Located on a three acre estate in Sands Point NY, the modern pool house is juxtaposed against the existing traditional home. Using structural gymnastics, a column-free, simple shading area was created to protect occupants from the summer sun while still allowing the structure to feel light and open, maintaining views of the Long Island Sound and surrounding beaches. Photography : Harriet Andronikides

Perched atop a hill over-looking Avila Beach, this 5 bedroom, 5 ½ bath residence has all the amenities one could wish for in a custom home. While presenting modestly from the street entrance, the rear elevation (only seen from the air) tells the story of the size and complexity of the build. The lower level of the residence is built completely into the hillside, uniquely locating the garage on the second story. Upon entry, the visitor is greeted by stunning ocean views to the Port San Luis Pier and beyond. A spacious great room looks onto a deck that flanks the length of the main living space, providing an ideal location from which to watch the sunset. Other features include a brick clad wine cellar, game room, lower level kitchenette for occupants of the guest suites and cozy den which opens onto the pool area. Surrounded by mature oaks, the pool area boasts a full outdoor kitchen, lounge area and spa integrated into the pool. From here it’s possible to admire the all the authentic detailing that makes this home feel like it was transported from a Tuscan hillside.

Shaker style cabinets with a honey glaze were used throughout the kitchen. Thin kiln dried brick tile on the floor. The countertop, backsplash and farmhouse sink are all made of soapstone. A lack of upper cabinets required us to get creative with the underside of the desk, ultimately creating a 4' desktop with the back 2' dedicated to dish storage. The lower barn had been a timber framed tobacco barn but was not beefy enough to handle residential occupancy and modern building codes. A new timber framed structure was built in its place, and the timbers were planed to give the a hand hewn appearance.

Trendy home office photo in San Francisco

Free Float is a pool house that continues UP's obsession with contextual contradiction. Located on a three acre estate in Sands Point NY, the modern pool house is juxtaposed against the existing traditional home. Using structural gymnastics, a column-free, simple shading area was created to protect occupants from the summer sun while still allowing the structure to feel light and open, maintaining views of the Long Island Sound and surrounding beaches. Photography : Harriet Andronikides

The design promotes healthy lifestyles by providing primary living on one floor, no materials containing volatile organic compounds, energy recovery ventilation systems, radon elimination systems, extension of interior spaces into the natural environment of the site, strong and direct physical and visual connections to nature, daylighting techniques providing occupants full integration into a natural, endogenous circadian rhythm. Incorporation¬¬¬ of daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior-to-code insulation ensure minimal space-conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All lighting fixtures are LEDs.

Gone are the days of "throw-away" furniture when it comes to the kids. Creating custom bedrooms with a timeless feel and function for this generation is one of our specialties. The Europly base material has a clean, modern, no-frills vibe and expresses the layered multi-ply edge detail to showcase a bespoke, gender-neutral bedroom solution. It is easily accessorized to the personal taste and whims of the occupant as they evolve through the years. Possibilities are endless, clever storage solutions abound, craftsmanship and overall composition is key. This room used to be share by all 3 kids, and as part of this remodel it became obvious that is was time to give each of them their own space. For this budding, teenage artist, we actually made the original room smaller believe it or not. We carved out part of the room by pushing an existing wall in about three feet in order to add a much needed office niche on the hallway side, all without sacrificing function on the bedroom side. The clever built-in includes a variety of storage solutions, desk space that also serves as a bedside table, open shelving, and a trundle bed neatly tucked below. The wall mural adds additional personality to the space, and can easily be changed out over time as desired and without wall damage.

Here's a kitchen close-up, in which you see the balance and beauty of blue glass tiles with white cabinetry. The blue glass tile mosaic reminds the occupant of the moving ocean, just outside. The glass cabinets are lit for display. The glass range hood coordinates and blends in. Designers: Tal Goldstein, Dana Ben Shushan, Nicole Brown and Ayelet Mendelovich Photos: Arnona Oren

Photographer: Casey Spring
Example of a large arts and crafts light wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Other

I was contacted by the Realtor who sold this house to his friend in San Marino to help with the interior design of the extensive remodel. The 3,777 sf house with 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms was built in 1948 and was in need of some major changes. San Marino, CA, incorporated in 1913, was designed by its founders to be uniquely residential, with expansive properties surrounded by beautiful gardens, wide streets, and well maintained parkways. In 2010, Forbes Magazine ranked the city as the 63rd most expensive area to live in the United States. There are little to no homes priced under US$1,000,000, with the median list price of a single family home at US$2,159,000. We decided to tear down walls, remove a fireplace (gasp!), reconfigure bathrooms and update all the finishes while maintaining the integrity of the San Marino style. Here are some photos of the home after. The kitchen was totally gutted. Custom, lacquered black and white cabinetry was built for the space. We decided on 2-tone cabinets and 2 door styles on the island and surrounding cabinets for visual impact and variety. Cambria quartz in Braemar was installed on the counters and back splash for easy clean up and durability. New Schonbek crystal chandeliers and silver cabinetry hardware are the jewelry, making this space sparkle. Custom Roman shades add a bit of softness to the room and custom barstools in white and black invite guests to have a seat while dinner is being prepared. In the dining room we opted for custom moldings to add architectural detail to the walls and infuse a hint of traditional style. The black lacquer table and Louis chairs are custom made for the space with a peacock teal velvet. A traditional area rug and custom window treatments in a blue-green were added to soften the space. The Schonbek Crystal Rain chandelier is the show stopper in the space with pure sparkle and graceful traditional form. The living room is host to custom tufted grey velvet sofas, custom accent chair with ottoman in a silver fabric, custom black and while media center, baby grand piano with mini Schonbeck Crystal Rain chandelier hung above, custom tufted velvet tuffet for extra seating, one-of-a-kind art and custom window coverings in a diamond grey fabric. Sparkle and pizzazz was added with purple, crystal and mirrored accessories. The occupant of this home is a 21 year old woman. Her favorite colors are baby pink and blue. I knew this was possibly going to be my only chance in my design career to go nuts with the color pink, so I went for it! A majestic pink velvet tufted bed dressed with luxurious white linens is the focal point. Flanking the bed are two pink crystal chandeliers, a custom white lacquer desk with a baby blue Louis chair and a custom baby blue nightstand with a Moroccan door design. A super soft white shag rug graces the floor. Custom white silk window coverings with black out lining provide privacy and a completely dark room when wanted. An acrylic hanging bubble chair adds whimsy and playfulness. The master bathroom was a complete transformation. A clawfoot slipper tub sits inside the shower, clad with marble wall and floor tiles and a basketweave with custom baby blue accent tiles. A frameless shower wall separates the wet and dry areas. A custom baby blue cabinet with crystal knobs, topped with Cambria Quartz Whitney, was built to match the bedroom’s nightstand. Above hangs a pair of pink crystal wall sconces and a vintage rococo mirror painted in high gloss white. Crystal and nickel faucets and fixtures add more sparkle and shine.

Ukrainian Village Landmark District all masonary renovation. Walnut Stained Hardwood Floors, Professional Family and Entertainment Sized Kitchen with butler’s pantry, prep sink, bar beverage center & built-in banquette, Thermador appliances, & Carrera quartz countertops. Open Great Room with intricate mill work, crown molding and wainscoting and a fireplace overlooking yard andpatio. Zen inspired master suite with free standing tub and spa Shower with Kohler fixtures and closet organizers. Lower level recreation Room and wet bar. Dual Zoned HVAC, Rear Patio & Yard with 2 Car Garage. Perfect location thar steps to everything yet set on sequestered timeless tree line street that is classic Chicago. Furnished Model Ready for immediate occupancy.

I was contacted by the Realtor who sold this house to his friend in San Marino to help with the interior design of the extensive remodel. The 3,777 sf house with 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms was built in 1948 and was in need of some major changes. San Marino, CA, incorporated in 1913, was designed by its founders to be uniquely residential, with expansive properties surrounded by beautiful gardens, wide streets, and well maintained parkways. In 2010, Forbes Magazine ranked the city as the 63rd most expensive area to live in the United States. There are little to no homes priced under US$1,000,000, with the median list price of a single family home at US$2,159,000. We decided to tear down walls, remove a fireplace (gasp!), reconfigure bathrooms and update all the finishes while maintaining the integrity of the San Marino style. Here are some photos of the home after. The kitchen was totally gutted. Custom, lacquered black and white cabinetry was built for the space. We decided on 2-tone cabinets and 2 door styles on the island and surrounding cabinets for visual impact and variety. Cambria quartz in Braemar was installed on the counters and back splash for easy clean up and durability. New Schonbek crystal chandeliers and silver cabinetry hardware are the jewelry, making this space sparkle. Custom Roman shades add a bit of softness to the room and custom barstools in white and black invite guests to have a seat while dinner is being prepared. In the dining room we opted for custom moldings to add architectural detail to the walls and infuse a hint of traditional style. The black lacquer table and Louis chairs are custom made for the space with a peacock teal velvet. A traditional area rug and custom window treatments in a blue-green were added to soften the space. The Schonbek Crystal Rain chandelier is the show stopper in the space with pure sparkle and graceful traditional form. The living room is host to custom tufted grey velvet sofas, custom accent chair with ottoman in a silver fabric, custom black and while media center, baby grand piano with mini Schonbeck Crystal Rain chandelier hung above, custom tufted velvet tuffet for extra seating, one-of-a-kind art and custom window coverings in a diamond grey fabric. Sparkle and pizzazz was added with purple, crystal and mirrored accessories. The occupant of this home is a 21 year old woman. Her favorite colors are baby pink and blue. I knew this was possibly going to be my only chance in my design career to go nuts with the color pink, so I went for it! A majestic pink velvet tufted bed dressed with luxurious white linens is the focal point. Flanking the bed are two pink crystal chandeliers, a custom white lacquer desk with a baby blue Louis chair and a custom baby blue nightstand with a Moroccan door design. A super soft white shag rug graces the floor. Custom white silk window coverings with black out lining provide privacy and a completely dark room when wanted. An acrylic hanging bubble chair adds whimsy and playfulness. The master bathroom was a complete transformation. A clawfoot slipper tub sits inside the shower, clad with marble wall and floor tiles and a basketweave with custom baby blue accent tiles. A frameless shower wall separates the wet and dry areas. A custom baby blue cabinet with crystal knobs, topped with Cambria Quartz Whitney, was built to match the bedroom’s nightstand. Above hangs a pair of pink crystal wall sconces and a vintage rococo mirror painted in high gloss white. Crystal and nickel faucets and fixtures add more sparkle and shine.

The guest bedroom was large enough for two queen size beds, which increases the comfort and occupancy possibilities for guests. The tops of the headboards are tufted, and their lower portions are channeled, to update the usual upholstered format. Fun patterns and a variety of sizes on the pillows helps brighten the space. Daniel Newcomb Architectural Photography

Conceived more similar to a loft type space rather than a traditional single family home, the homeowner was seeking to challenge a normal arrangement of rooms in favor of spaces that are dynamic in all 3 dimensions, interact with the yard, and capture the movement of light and air. As an artist that explores the beauty of natural objects and scenes, she tasked us with creating a building that was not precious - one that explores the essence of its raw building materials and is not afraid of expressing them as finished. We designed opportunities for kinetic fixtures, many built by the homeowner, to allow flexibility and movement. The result is a building that compliments the casual artistic lifestyle of the occupant as part home, part work space, part gallery. The spaces are interactive, contemplative, and fun. More details to come. credits: design: Matthew O. Daby - m.o.daby design construction: Cellar Ridge Construction structural engineer: Darla Wall - Willamette Building Solutions photography: Erin Riddle - KLIK Concepts

Perched atop a hill over-looking Avila Beach, this 5 bedroom, 5 ½ bath residence has all the amenities one could wish for in a custom home. While presenting modestly from the street entrance, the rear elevation (only seen from the air) tells the story of the size and complexity of the build. The lower level of the residence is built completely into the hillside, uniquely locating the garage on the second story. Upon entry, the visitor is greeted by stunning ocean views to the Port San Luis Pier and beyond. A spacious great room looks onto a deck that flanks the length of the main living space, providing an ideal location from which to watch the sunset. Other features include a brick clad wine cellar, game room, lower level kitchenette for occupants of the guest suites and cozy den which opens onto the pool area. Surrounded by mature oaks, the pool area boasts a full outdoor kitchen, lounge area and spa integrated into the pool. From here it’s possible to admire the all the authentic detailing that makes this home feel like it was transported from a Tuscan hillside.

This member of our collection, Drummond House Plans no. 2939 - Vistas - is much appreciated by owners of a panoramic lot. Because of the several rooms which offer a view of the scenery, this plan is especially well suited to this kind of scenery. Inside, whether in the kitchen, dining room, living room or master bedroom the panoramic view is visible throughout the entire main level which is what adds to the unique appeal of the interior spaces in this home. Special features of this plan include an abundantly fenestration kitchen with its central island and fireplace between the living and dining rooms and the large closet in the master bedroom with its private access to the complete bathroom. Add to the preceding features a second floor with a second bedroom along with a full bathroom at the opposite end of the hallway from the second family room off of the mezzanine which can also double as a spare bedroom for guests. Outside, a large covered porch insures the comfort of the occupants both inside and out. If insects are a problem, it would be easy to screen in the porch to keep the bugs out...How’s that for adaptable!?! The blueprints and PDF file of this fabulous cottage are for sale, starting at $695 Drummond House Plans - 2014 Copyright