Utilizing salvaged materials not only provides an opportunity to breathe new life into old items, but also to get creative with their implementation. The spiral staircase, sink, and skylights were all salvaged and re-purposed.

Powder rooms provide an opportunity to express yourself. Even a space with budget fittings can be dressed up to look elegant and fun. Dark colors make the room look larger - and don't forget the ceiing! Photo by Robin Lechner Designs

Kirk Bianchi created this resort like setting for a couple from Mexico City. They were looking for a contemporary twist on traditional themes, and Luis Barragán was the inspiration. The outer walls were painted a darker color to recede, while floating panels of color and varying heights provided sculptural interest and opportunities for lighting and shadow.

2"x2" Coral Blue Trim Tile delineates the edge of steps and benches. Four umbrella sleeves (right) one in each corner provide the opportunity for shade.

The raised deck creates easy access from the house--the site slopes away. Thin cable railings minimize the obstruction of the view. A clever arrangement of wooden steps allows for predictable movement up and down the stairs as well as an impromptu seating opportunity. A concrete planter keeps unwary guests from missteps.

When planning this custom residence, the owners had a clear vision – to create an inviting home for their family, with plenty of opportunities to entertain, play, and relax and unwind. They asked for an interior that was approachable and rugged, with an aesthetic that would stand the test of time. Amy Carman Design was tasked with designing all of the millwork, custom cabinetry and interior architecture throughout, including a private theater, lower level bar, game room and a sport court. A materials palette of reclaimed barn wood, gray-washed oak, natural stone, black windows, handmade and vintage-inspired tile, and a mix of white and stained woodwork help set the stage for the furnishings. This down-to-earth vibe carries through to every piece of furniture, artwork, light fixture and textile in the home, creating an overall sense of warmth and authenticity.

Early phase of the wall. The slopping front yard offered the perfected opportunity to build this natural stone retaining wall.
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Raleigh.

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

The garage rooftop patio of a beautiful home in a historic neighbourhood provided the perfect canvas for this bold kitchen with lush vegetation. A natural extension of the home's indoor kitchen, this fully equipped outdoor space extends the family's entertaining opportunities with gas grill, charcoal smoker and a recessed ice bar for drinks or seafood.

On our new series for ellentube, we are focused on creating affordable spaces in a short time ($1,000 budget & 24 hrs). It has been a dream of ours to design a vintage Airstream trailer and we finally got the opportunity to do it! This trailer was old dingy and no life! We transformed it back to life and gave it an outdoor living room to double the living space. You can see the full episode at: www.ellentube.com/GrandDesign

Large craftsman gray two-story mixed siding gable roof idea in Toronto

An area once difficult to maintain, became an opportunity for creating an inviting access to a beautiful vista.
Design ideas for a rustic full sun hillside landscaping in Burlington.

Zoltan Design Co. got the opportunity to convert a space into a modern eclectic dream home. The use of different styles and textures is what makes this design pop.

Former home of, “Country Music legend”, Roy Acuff. This was one of the most amazing homes I had the opportunity to renovate. The music history and legendary celebrities this home as seen is what made it such a great honor working on this project.

A secluded fire pit provides the opportunity to separate from house activities and view the calm Monterey Bay and distant Peninsula.
Photo of a contemporary backyard landscaping in San Francisco.

Opportunities for good design are everywhere in a custom home. From the finely detailed storage closet under the stairs to the staircase treads and posts, every area has been carefully designed.

The open floor plan presents the ideal entertaining opportunity, with easy flow through the main living space and the beautiful outdoor patio space. Bask in the warmth from the stone fireplace and relax in the comfortable atmosphere created by the reclaimed Barnwood walls.

OPPORTUNITY: The client felt weighed down by the family heirlooms that she couldn’t bear to part with, but couldn’t imagine them in her own home. RESULTS We created a “new traditional” - integrating old family heirlooms and discovering the beauty among the relics. She is now proud to show the history that tells the story of one family.

Design: Cattaneo Studios // Photos: Jacqueline Marque
Open concept kitchen - huge industrial single-wall concrete floor and gray floor open concept kitchen idea in New Orleans with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops