Search results for "Person engagement" in Home Design Ideas

Photography by: Caryn B. Davis
This project included a two-story addition with a kitchen/dining area on the first floor and bedroom/bathroom on the second floor. The house is located on a gently sloping site surrounded by woods and meadows. The kitchen features grey lower cabinetry and white upper cabinetry with a subtle, rounded board and batten backsplash. The dining area features a large picture window flanked by double hungs that look out over the meadow. The upstairs bathroom shares a tub/shower with another bathroom in Jack-n-Jill fashion. Phase II will include first and second floor renovations and an expansive rear deck and stone terrace.
John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation.
We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

Located in Silverleaf's beautiful Horseshoe Canyon, this 7,700 square foot Ranch Hacienda serves as a vehicle for outdoor space.
The owners' desire for "classically traditional" with a lighter, brighter, and airier flavor than the neighborhood's popular, heavier Tuscan fare found expression in exterior materials and detailing that is simple in nature. The Nate Berkus-designed interiors complete the material and color palette with warm restraint.
The home, designed for a family with an extreme focus on outdoor living and sports, includes a basement equipped with a home gym, batting cage, and steam room. Outdoor facilities include a sport court and putting green. Additional features of the home include a motor court with dual garages, separate guest quarters, and a walk-in cooler.
The clients, receptive to the architect's exploration of multi-use spaces reflecting modern life, gained a laundry room which functions more as a home command station for a highly engaged mother than a place for chores. The multi-use room includes a washer and dryer, wrapping station, project area, winter storage, and her office. Additionally, it's connected to the outdoors, features a beautiful view, and is bathed in abundant natural light.
Project Details | Silverleaf - Horseshoe Canyon, Scottsdale, AZ
Architect: C.P. Drewett, AIA, NCARB, DrewettWorks, Scottsdale, AZ
Interiors: Nate Berkus, Nate Berkus Interior Design, Chicago, IL
Builder: Sonora West Development, Scottsdale, AZ
Photography: Bauhaus Photography, Scottsdale, AZ

Photography by: Caryn B. Davis
This project included a two-story addition with a kitchen/dining area on the first floor and bedroom/bathroom on the second floor. The house is located on a gently sloping site surrounded by woods and meadows. The kitchen features grey lower cabinetry and white upper cabinetry with a subtle, rounded board and batten backsplash. The dining area features a large picture window flanked by double hungs that look out over the meadow. The upstairs bathroom shares a tub/shower with another bathroom in Jack-n-Jill fashion. Phase II will include first and second floor renovations and an expansive rear deck and stone terrace.
John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation.
We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.
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This home in Napa off Silverado was rebuilt after burning down in the 2017 fires. Architect David Rulon, a former associate of Howard Backen, known for this Napa Valley industrial modern farmhouse style. Composed in mostly a neutral palette, the bones of this house are bathed in diffused natural light pouring in through the clerestory windows. Beautiful textures and the layering of pattern with a mix of materials add drama to a neutral backdrop. The homeowners are pleased with their open floor plan and fluid seating areas, which allow them to entertain large gatherings. The result is an engaging space, a personal sanctuary and a true reflection of it's owners' unique aesthetic.
Inspirational features are metal fireplace surround and book cases as well as Beverage Bar shelving done by Wyatt Studio, painted inset style cabinets by Gamma, moroccan CLE tile backsplash and quartzite countertops.

The owners requested a Private Resort that catered to their love for entertaining friends and family, a place where 2 people would feel just as comfortable as 42. Located on the western edge of a Wisconsin lake, the site provides a range of natural ecosystems from forest to prairie to water, allowing the building to have a more complex relationship with the lake - not merely creating large unencumbered views in that direction. The gently sloping site to the lake is atypical in many ways to most lakeside lots - as its main trajectory is not directly to the lake views - allowing for focus to be pushed in other directions such as a courtyard and into a nearby forest.
The biggest challenge was accommodating the large scale gathering spaces, while not overwhelming the natural setting with a single massive structure. Our solution was found in breaking down the scale of the project into digestible pieces and organizing them in a Camp-like collection of elements:
- Main Lodge: Providing the proper entry to the Camp and a Mess Hall
- Bunk House: A communal sleeping area and social space.
- Party Barn: An entertainment facility that opens directly on to a swimming pool & outdoor room.
- Guest Cottages: A series of smaller guest quarters.
- Private Quarters: The owners private space that directly links to the Main Lodge.
These elements are joined by a series green roof connectors, that merge with the landscape and allow the out buildings to retain their own identity. This Camp feel was further magnified through the materiality - specifically the use of Doug Fir, creating a modern Northwoods setting that is warm and inviting. The use of local limestone and poured concrete walls ground the buildings to the sloping site and serve as a cradle for the wood volumes that rest gently on them. The connections between these materials provided an opportunity to add a delicate reading to the spaces and re-enforce the camp aesthetic.
The oscillation between large communal spaces and private, intimate zones is explored on the interior and in the outdoor rooms. From the large courtyard to the private balcony - accommodating a variety of opportunities to engage the landscape was at the heart of the concept.
Overview
Chenequa, WI
Size
Total Finished Area: 9,543 sf
Completion Date
May 2013
Services
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design

This home in Napa off Silverado was rebuilt after burning down in the 2017 fires. Architect David Rulon, a former associate of Howard Backen, known for this Napa Valley industrial modern farmhouse style. Composed in mostly a neutral palette, the bones of this house are bathed in diffused natural light pouring in through the clerestory windows. Beautiful textures and the layering of pattern with a mix of materials add drama to a neutral backdrop. The homeowners are pleased with their open floor plan and fluid seating areas, which allow them to entertain large gatherings. The result is an engaging space, a personal sanctuary and a true reflection of it's owners' unique aesthetic.
Inspirational features are metal fireplace surround and book cases as well as Beverage Bar shelving done by Wyatt Studio, painted inset style cabinets by Gamma, moroccan CLE tile backsplash and quartzite countertops.

This residence was a complete gut renovation of a 4-story row house in Park Slope, and included a new rear extension and penthouse addition. The owners wished to create a warm, family home using a modern language that would act as a clean canvas to feature rich textiles and items from their world travels. As with most Brooklyn row houses, the existing house suffered from a lack of natural light and connection to exterior spaces, an issue that Principal Brendan Coburn is acutely aware of from his experience re-imagining historic structures in the New York area. The resulting architecture is designed around moments featuring natural light and views to the exterior, of both the private garden and the sky, throughout the house, and a stripped-down language of detailing and finishes allows for the concept of the modern-natural to shine.
Upon entering the home, the kitchen and dining space draw you in with views beyond through the large glazed opening at the rear of the house. An extension was built to allow for a large sunken living room that provides a family gathering space connected to the kitchen and dining room, but remains distinctly separate, with a strong visual connection to the rear garden. The open sculptural stair tower was designed to function like that of a traditional row house stair, but with a smaller footprint. By extending it up past the original roof level into the new penthouse, the stair becomes an atmospheric shaft for the spaces surrounding the core. All types of weather – sunshine, rain, lightning, can be sensed throughout the home through this unifying vertical environment. The stair space also strives to foster family communication, making open living spaces visible between floors. At the upper-most level, a free-form bench sits suspended over the stair, just by the new roof deck, which provides at-ease entertaining. Oak was used throughout the home as a unifying material element. As one travels upwards within the house, the oak finishes are bleached to further degrees as a nod to how light enters the home.
The owners worked with CWB to add their own personality to the project. The meter of a white oak and blackened steel stair screen was designed by the family to read “I love you” in Morse Code, and tile was selected throughout to reference places that hold special significance to the family. To support the owners’ comfort, the architectural design engages passive house technologies to reduce energy use, while increasing air quality within the home – a strategy which aims to respect the environment while providing a refuge from the harsh elements of urban living.
This project was published by Wendy Goodman as her Space of the Week, part of New York Magazine’s Design Hunting on The Cut.
Photography by Kevin Kunstadt

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
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This home in Napa off Silverado was rebuilt after burning down in the 2017 fires. Architect David Rulon, a former associate of Howard Backen, known for this Napa Valley industrial modern farmhouse style. Composed in mostly a neutral palette, the bones of this house are bathed in diffused natural light pouring in through the clerestory windows. Beautiful textures and the layering of pattern with a mix of materials add drama to a neutral backdrop. The homeowners are pleased with their open floor plan and fluid seating areas, which allow them to entertain large gatherings. The result is an engaging space, a personal sanctuary and a true reflection of it's owners' unique aesthetic.
Inspirational features are metal fireplace surround and book cases as well as Beverage Bar shelving done by Wyatt Studio, painted inset style cabinets by Gamma, moroccan CLE tile backsplash and quartzite countertops.

This home in Napa off Silverado was rebuilt after burning down in the 2017 fires. Architect David Rulon, a former associate of Howard Backen, known for this Napa Valley industrial modern farmhouse style. Composed in mostly a neutral palette, the bones of this house are bathed in diffused natural light pouring in through the clerestory windows. Beautiful textures and the layering of pattern with a mix of materials add drama to a neutral backdrop. The homeowners are pleased with their open floor plan and fluid seating areas, which allow them to entertain large gatherings. The result is an engaging space, a personal sanctuary and a true reflection of it's owners' unique aesthetic.
Inspirational features are metal fireplace surround and book cases as well as Beverage Bar shelving done by Wyatt Studio, painted inset style cabinets by Gamma, moroccan CLE tile backsplash and quartzite countertops.

Small minimalist gray one-story wood house exterior photo in Seattle with a hip roof, a shingle roof and a black roof

This home in Napa off Silverado was rebuilt after burning down in the 2017 fires. Architect David Rulon, a former associate of Howard Backen, known for this Napa Valley industrial modern farmhouse style. Composed in mostly a neutral palette, the bones of this house are bathed in diffused natural light pouring in through the clerestory windows. Beautiful textures and the layering of pattern with a mix of materials add drama to a neutral backdrop. The homeowners are pleased with their open floor plan and fluid seating areas, which allow them to entertain large gatherings. The result is an engaging space, a personal sanctuary and a true reflection of it's owners' unique aesthetic.
Inspirational features are metal fireplace surround and book cases as well as Beverage Bar shelving done by Wyatt Studio, painted inset style cabinets by Gamma, moroccan CLE tile backsplash and quartzite countertops.

What a beauty! The ultimate goal for the comprehensive remodel of this 1920’s home was to refocus areas of gathering so they would engage with each other in a way that may not have been the case before. We used bold and rich colors, a great deal pattern play and a cosmopolitan mix of classic, vintage, one of a kind upholstered furnishings and heirloom pieces to create a home that is beautiful and personal. It is a home that truly brings JOY.

This deeply personal renovation took place in a home with rich family history—owned by the same family for generations and originally designed by notable architect, William Henry Kessler. Nestled in Harbor Springs, Michigan, the property hadn’t been touched since the 1970s. The clients, who had previously worked with O’Brien Harris on their main residence in the Detroit area, returned with a clear vision: honor the spirit of the home’s mid-century modern roots while creating something clean, smart, and unique.
The architecture itself is quirky and full of character, and the design team, led by Lily Dierkes of LK Studio, leaned into those details. Rather than imposing a new aesthetic, the design was built around the home’s original DNA.
The kitchen—though small—was treated as a design-forward space. O’Brien Harris brought in full-height cabinetry that wraps the entire lower perimeter of the room with no exposed drawers, allowing a clean, sculptural feel. The wood cabinetry was finished in a soft, low-sheen white paint and contrasted with bright yellow upper cabinets—a bold choice that felt perfectly suited to the spirit of the home.
O’Brien Harris also crafted a built-in bookshelf and entertainment center for the living room, combining crisp painted cabinetry with leather cup pulls.
Because of O’Brien Harris’ custom capabilities, their work extended well beyond the kitchen. They were engaged to design and fabricate custom built-ins throughout the home, including bedroom cabinetry and bespoke bunk beds—showcasing the craftsmanship and creativity that distinguish their work. This project is a true reflection of how O’Brien Harris brings thoughtful craftsmanship and custom solutions to every corner of the home.

Set on 88th Street in Manhattan's Upper East Side, this four-bedroom residence was created by merging two separate condominium units into a single, cohesive luxury home. The result is a sprawling, artful space defined by confidence, color, and a deeply personal design vocabulary.
The project represents a full-service interior design engagement: spatial planning, material selection, furniture sourcing, artwork curation, and complete project coordination. Nearly every element was specified and placed by Mazen Designs, with furnishings sourced largely through Roche Bobois.
The home unfolds from a striking cross-shaped hallway anchored by a custom T-shaped rug that guides movement through the space. To one side, the primary bedroom suite. To the other, a flexible home office that doubles as a guest suite, and a tranquil secondary bedroom. Straight ahead, a streamlined kitchen opens to a formal dining area and beyond that, a dedicated media and Mah Jong room designed for relaxed gathering.
The palette balances jewel tones with crisp whites and greys. Bold in intention but disciplined in execution. A Maya Romanoff wall covering and curated artwork complete the layering of texture, light, and silhouette throughout. The clients arrived hesitant toward color. Through open dialogue and a shared trust in design as storytelling, they left with a home that reflects genuine courage and clarity.
Photography by Vincent Dale of Vincent Dale Designs.

The CSU Foundation Office Remodel at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO, revitalizes a dated university space into a dynamic, modern workplace. This interior design project features a flexible, open floor plan to promote collaboration and functionality, incorporating a welcoming reception area, various open work zones, 15 private offices, a small conference room, and a break room, all tailored to the needs of employees and clients. Inspired by the Foundation’s existing office, designed in 2018, the remodel showcases a bold aesthetic with vibrant pops of color integrated through meticulously designed custom furniture. Our team crafted bespoke furniture pieces, carefully selecting fabrics and finishes to align with the Foundation’s signature color palette, ensuring a cohesive and striking visual identity. A creative exposed ceiling, painted dark to enhance the sense of height in the low-ceiling space, is complemented by modern light fixtures, creating an inviting and dynamic atmosphere. In addition to design, our team played a pivotal role in managing the construction process, conducting regular site visits and thorough submittal reviews to ensure seamless execution and adherence to the project vision. This design reflects the CSU Foundation’s vibrant personality and passion, delivering an engaging and inspiring environment that enhances productivity and leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

The Home
The Branson’s covered porch, with its sturdy tapered columns, decorative pediment gables and large picturesque window-scape, invites you to enjoy a refreshing approach to a two-story bungalow-style home. Upon entering, The Branson features a bright and open study with a double-door closure. Moving through the foyer into the adjoined, naturally-lit great room, the well-equipped café-style kitchen and flexible dining area instantly inspires the “Live, Laugh, Love” trifecta of family togetherness. In the kitchen, the oversized eat-in island commands attention while leading your eye up to the nine-foot ceilings, around to the cozy contemporary gas fireplace and along the durable plank flooring. Up the centrally located stairwell, guests will find the “family hub” with three large secondary bedrooms, an ample sized bonus room tucked into the corner of the second level for some recreation or relaxation, and a restful primary suite complete with walk-in spa shower, walk-in closet and separate water closet all adjoined to a spacious master bedroom. In the basement, there is prime space for added bedrooms, full bathroom and an “anything” room.
The Builder
As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that is unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life.
The Interior Design
With bright white walls as a jumping off point, accent colors of gray blue, blush and plum add in something for everyone. Dark woods ground the design and pops of metallic gold add interest and flair. Cozy soft goods and bedding soften the space making it approachable and welcoming for the whole family to grow into and enjoy together for many years.

This luxury bedroom combines refined craftsmanship with artistic design to create a calm yet visually engaging space. The room features custom herringbone flooring, soft lavender walls, and bold floral accent art that adds personality and depth. Natural light pours through large French doors and geometric windows, highlighting the room’s elegant architectural details.
The black marble fireplace and custom millwork provide warmth and texture, creating a balance between sophistication and comfort. Every element was thoughtfully designed to reflect a modern yet timeless aesthetic that enhances both relaxation and style.
Our team specializes in custom homes and luxury interiors across Middle Tennessee, bringing distinctive design and exceptional quality to every project.

Our services were engaged to refurbish the guest bathroom, which over time had become the wife's main bathroom. The design was driven by our Client's desire for maximized storage space within the confines of this small room.
Lighting was selected for both general and task functions, as well as to create ambiance. The custom vanity with quartz counter-top, accomplished the task of maximizing storage. The new walk-in shower features a wall-mounted, rain showerhead, a hand-held shower wand, sliding doors, and a sleek safety bar. The colour pallet is subtle, mostly consisting of white with coloured and textured accents to help open up the space. Even though the new bathroom was designed with one person in mind, it can easily accommodate shared use between four people when there are guest.

Urban Family Retreat at Gampaha | A Vision of Seamless Flow
In the heart of Gampaha, an extraordinary residential project has emerged—a refined family retreat that balances modern design with comfort and functionality. The "Pass By Spaces" concept, central to this architectural vision, ensures that each area of the home flows seamlessly into the next. This thoughtful design approach creates a sense of unity and connection throughout the home, offering a sophisticated yet tranquil living experience for its residents.
The Design Concept: "Pass By Spaces"
The underlying philosophy of the project centers on the concept of “Pass By Spaces”—a circulation strategy that serves as the spine of the home. By utilizing this continuous circulation, the design allows the different spaces to interact with one another naturally. From the family living room to the study, guest areas, and private bedrooms, each function flows into the next through this unified circulation, creating a harmonious journey through the home. This approach not only enhances spatial connectivity but also fosters a sense of movement, encouraging ease and fluidity in daily living.
Architectural Team & Project Details
• Principal Architect | Archt. Tharanga Hewage contact | 076 869 0315
• Junior Architects | Sewwandi Nayanathara / Isuri Hettiarachchi
• Structural Engineer | Mr. Mahinda Rathnasiri
• Contractor | Mr. Lal Anura | Lal Construction
• Interior Architecture | Tharanga Hewage Chartered Architect
• Interior design and Contractor | Monara Creations
• Furniture | Singhe Furniture
• Window Fashion | Dilshan Drapers
• Wall Arts | Chakad Creation
• Land Extent | 25.01 perches
• Total Floor Area | 5059 sqft
• Ground Floor | 2802 sqft
• First Floor | 1878 sqft
• Roof Slab & Terraces | 379 sqft
• Photography | Ganidu Balasuriya photography
• Videography | Neyomal Rangeeth
Key Features of the Residence
Exterior and Car Porch:
The home’s exterior is marked by a sleek, modern design that complements its surroundings. A two-vehicle car porch provides ample space and easy access, while maintaining an elegant, minimalistic aesthetic.
Main Circulation:
The hallmark of this design is its single-spine circulation, which connects all key areas of the home. This circulation serves as the backbone of the house, facilitating smooth transitions between private and social spaces. The careful placement of rooms ensures that the flow is intuitive and unobtrusive, allowing each space to remain distinct while still being interconnected.
Interior Layout:
• Bedrooms: The home features five generously sized bedrooms, each designed to offer privacy and comfort. Some bedrooms include private terraces, providing residents with an intimate outdoor space.
• Family & Guest Areas: The expansive family living room is a central gathering space, complemented by a mini pantry for convenience. A dedicated guest living and dining area ensures that visitors enjoy a separate, comfortable space.
• Work & Study: A tranquil study room offers a quiet area for focus and reflection, while a flexible meeting room is perfect for professional engagements or personal gatherings.
• Private Spaces: In addition to the main living areas, the home includes a maid’s room, a laundry room, and four well-appointed bathrooms, including a powder room for guests.
• Storage & Utility: Thoughtful planning includes a generator room and ample storage space to meet the needs of modern living.
Design Considerations
A primary focus of the design is to maximize natural light and ventilation throughout the home. The strategic placement of windows, terraces, and open spaces ensures that every room benefits from an abundance of daylight and fresh air, creating an airy and welcoming environment.
Sustainability also plays a key role in this design. Eco-friendly materials are incorporated to ensure energy efficiency, while landscaping is carefully integrated to maintain harmony between the indoors and the surrounding environment. These design elements allow the home to feel like a serene retreat amidst the urban landscape of Gampaha.
Conclusion
The “Pass By Spaces” design concept not only elevates the architectural experience but also fosters a sense of connection and tranquility for the residents of this urban family retreat. With a seamless flow between spaces, thoughtful use of materials, and an emphasis on sustainability, this home exemplifies a modern approach to residential design that prioritizes both style and functionality. For prospective homeowners looking to create a space that embodies both beauty and practicality, this project serves as a testament to what can be achieved through innovative design and meticulous attention to detail.
Principal Architect | Archt. Tharanga Hewage
contact | 076 869 0315
Website | Design portfolio
https://www.tharangahewage.com/
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Copyright © 2025 | Archt. Tharanga Sandaruwan Hewage, B.Arch. (Hons), AIA(SL). All Rights Reserved.
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