Landmark Photography
Example of a classic open concept brown floor and coffered ceiling living room design in Minneapolis with gray walls

This property was transformed from an 1870s YMCA summer camp into an eclectic family home, built to last for generations. Space was made for a growing family by excavating the slope beneath and raising the ceilings above. Every new detail was made to look vintage, retaining the core essence of the site, while state of the art whole house systems ensure that it functions like 21st century home. This home was featured on the cover of ELLE Décor Magazine in April 2016. G.P. Schafer, Architect Rita Konig, Interior Designer Chambers & Chambers, Local Architect Frederika Moller, Landscape Architect Eric Piasecki, Photographer

Please visit my website directly by copying and pasting this link directly into your browser: http://www.berensinteriors.com/ to learn more about this project and how we may work together! These custom designed floating bookshelves make for an artful way to display books and collectibles. Robert Naik Photography.

Nate Fischer Interior Design
Inspiration for a large contemporary dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room remodel in Orange County with black walls

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

“Fun, and sustainable with good energy flow” were the requirements set by our client at our first meeting. As a Feng Shui consultant, our client requested that her new kitchen encourage good “Chi”. Since the original kitchen was shut off from the entire home, and was dark all year long, we decided that opening the kitchen to the public space was the first order of business. This incorporated more natural day lighting, to minimize the amount of artificial light being used during the day. The door to the dining room was relocated and part of the adjoining wall was removed. Due to financial restrictions (to keep the kitchen below $75,000), we decided to retain a post at the intersection of the removed walls. Eventually, a custom buffet cabinet will be installed in the opening. To achieve the sustainable goal of the client – the following materials were selected: 1. Health and Wellness: a. Low-Voc Paint – Rodda Horizon paint b. Cabinets: Neil Kelly Signature cabinets – Low VOC Finish, no Urea-Formaldehyde agri-board construction. c. Flooring – marmoleum – natural product and the continuous oxidation of the linseed oil creates an anti-microbial surface d. Feng Shui – during construction, prior to sheetrock, the client added elements for each of the Bagua to create harmony and unity within the home. e. All construction adhesives are Green Seal Certified f. Water Purifier at sink for hot and cold water 2. Energy conservation: a. Recessed Cans – CFL lamps with Alzak Trims b. Dimmers were installed to control the amount of lighting needed to control energy usage c. Hot Water Dispenser – minimizes energy use in heating water for tea 3. Material Conservation: a. Laminate countertops: Laminart – 40% post consumer waste and banana leaves are incorporated to create a texture to the surface b. FSC Certified Maple countertops on island and to right of range c. Oceanside Glass – 40% recycled content 4. Water Conservation a. Kitchenaid – Energystar-rated DW Among the client’s requests were an island, message center and pantry. Although the kitchen is small (only 145 sq ft), this diminutive space packs a real punch!! Included in the island are recycling/composting, cook book storage and a “perching” place for guests to hang out in the kitchen. The message center/pantry houses a microwave, a push pin board and a regenerating station for small personal electronics.

Layers of deciduous and evergreen foliage add interest and screening. Location;McComb Gardens, Sequim, WA Design credit; Dan Hinkley Photo credit; Le jardinet

This is an example of a contemporary vegetable garden landscape in San Francisco.

Example of a trendy mosaic tile and gray tile mosaic tile floor walk-in shower design in Austin with an undermount sink, a one-piece toilet and beige walls

Believe it or not, this award-winning home began as a speculative project. Typically speculative projects involve a rather generic design that would appeal to many in a style that might be loved by the masses. But the project’s developer loved modern architecture and his personal residence was the first project designed by architect C.P. Drewett when Drewett Works launched in 2001. Together, the architect and developer envisioned a fictitious art collector who would one day purchase this stunning piece of desert modern architecture to showcase their magnificent collection. The primary views from the site were southwest. Therefore, protecting the interior spaces from the southwest sun while making the primary views available was the greatest challenge. The views were very calculated and carefully managed. Every room needed to not only capture the vistas of the surrounding desert, but also provide viewing spaces for the potential collection to be housed within its walls. The core of the material palette is utilitarian including exposed masonry and locally quarried cantera stone. An organic nature was added to the project through millwork selections including walnut and red gum veneers. The eventual owners saw immediately that this could indeed become a home for them as well as their magnificent collection, of which pieces are loaned out to museums around the world. Their decision to purchase the home was based on the dimensions of one particular wall in the dining room which was EXACTLY large enough for one particular painting not yet displayed due to its size. The owners and this home were, as the saying goes, a perfect match! Project Details | Desert Modern for the Magnificent Collection, Estancia, Scottsdale, AZ Architecture: C.P. Drewett, Jr., AIA, NCARB | Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ Builder: Shannon Construction | Phoenix, AZ Interior Selections: Janet Bilotti, NCIDQ, ASID | Naples, FL Custom Millwork: Linear Fine Woodworking | Scottsdale, AZ Photography: Dino Tonn | Scottsdale, AZ Awards: 2014 Gold Nugget Award of Merit Feature Article: Luxe. Interiors and Design. Winter 2015, “Lofty Exposure”

Believe it or not, this award-winning home began as a speculative project. Typically speculative projects involve a rather generic design that would appeal to many in a style that might be loved by the masses. But the project’s developer loved modern architecture and his personal residence was the first project designed by architect C.P. Drewett when Drewett Works launched in 2001. Together, the architect and developer envisioned a fictitious art collector who would one day purchase this stunning piece of desert modern architecture to showcase their magnificent collection. The primary views from the site were southwest. Therefore, protecting the interior spaces from the southwest sun while making the primary views available was the greatest challenge. The views were very calculated and carefully managed. Every room needed to not only capture the vistas of the surrounding desert, but also provide viewing spaces for the potential collection to be housed within its walls. The core of the material palette is utilitarian including exposed masonry and locally quarried cantera stone. An organic nature was added to the project through millwork selections including walnut and red gum veneers. The eventual owners saw immediately that this could indeed become a home for them as well as their magnificent collection, of which pieces are loaned out to museums around the world. Their decision to purchase the home was based on the dimensions of one particular wall in the dining room which was EXACTLY large enough for one particular painting not yet displayed due to its size. The owners and this home were, as the saying goes, a perfect match! Project Details | Desert Modern for the Magnificent Collection, Estancia, Scottsdale, AZ Architecture: C.P. Drewett, Jr., AIA, NCARB | Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ Builder: Shannon Construction | Phoenix, AZ Interior Selections: Janet Bilotti, NCIDQ, ASID | Naples, FL Custom Millwork: Linear Fine Woodworking | Scottsdale, AZ Photography: Dino Tonn | Scottsdale, AZ Awards: 2014 Gold Nugget Award of Merit Feature Article: Luxe. Interiors and Design. Winter 2015, “Lofty Exposure”

The large living room was divided into several areas: game table, reading area, center table and main sitting/TV area. All white/neutral upholstery is tempered with the use of textures and wood. A custom game table has cup holder pull-outs to keep the card playing surface free of clutter. The bookshelves boast a collection of found items, family photos and books. The center table was sized to sit below the lantern and to be large enough to fill the space but small enough to not interfere with navigating the room.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Kyle Hunt & Partners, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Master bath in a private home in Brooklyn New York, apartment designed by Eric Safyan, Architect, with Green Mountain Construction & Design
Example of a classic walk-in shower design in New York with a pedestal sink

“Fun, and sustainable with good energy flow” were the requirements set by our client at our first meeting. As a Feng Shui consultant, our client requested that her new kitchen encourage good “Chi”. Since the original kitchen was shut off from the entire home, and was dark all year long, we decided that opening the kitchen to the public space was the first order of business. This incorporated more natural day lighting, to minimize the amount of artificial light being used during the day. The door to the dining room was relocated and part of the adjoining wall was removed. Due to financial restrictions (to keep the kitchen below $75,000), we decided to retain a post at the intersection of the removed walls. Eventually, a custom buffet cabinet will be installed in the opening. To achieve the sustainable goal of the client – the following materials were selected: 1. Health and Wellness: a. Low-Voc Paint – Rodda Horizon paint b. Cabinets: Neil Kelly Signature cabinets – Low VOC Finish, no Urea-Formaldehyde agri-board construction. c. Flooring – marmoleum – natural product and the continuous oxidation of the linseed oil creates an anti-microbial surface d. Feng Shui – during construction, prior to sheetrock, the client added elements for each of the Bagua to create harmony and unity within the home. e. All construction adhesives are Green Seal Certified f. Water Purifier at sink for hot and cold water 2. Energy conservation: a. Recessed Cans – CFL lamps with Alzak Trims b. Dimmers were installed to control the amount of lighting needed to control energy usage c. Hot Water Dispenser – minimizes energy use in heating water for tea 3. Material Conservation: a. Laminate countertops: Laminart – 40% post consumer waste and banana leaves are incorporated to create a texture to the surface b. FSC Certified Maple countertops on island and to right of range c. Oceanside Glass – 40% recycled content 4. Water Conservation a. Kitchenaid – Energystar-rated DW Among the client’s requests were an island, message center and pantry. Although the kitchen is small (only 145 sq ft), this diminutive space packs a real punch!! Included in the island are recycling/composting, cook book storage and a “perching” place for guests to hang out in the kitchen. The message center/pantry houses a microwave, a push pin board and a regenerating station for small personal electronics.

Trendy kitchen photo in Cincinnati with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets and light wood cabinets

Before renovating, this bright and airy family kitchen was small, cramped and dark. The dining room was being used for spillover storage, and there was hardly room for two cooks in the kitchen. By knocking out the wall separating the two rooms, we created a large kitchen space with plenty of storage, space for cooking and baking, and a gathering table for kids and family friends. The dark navy blue cabinets set apart the area for baking, with a deep, bright counter for cooling racks, a tiled niche for the mixer, and pantries dedicated to baking supplies. The space next to the beverage center was used to create a beautiful eat-in dining area with an over-sized pendant and provided a stunning focal point visible from the front entry. Touches of brass and iron are sprinkled throughout and tie the entire room together. Photography by Stacy Zarin

Cozy and adorable Guest Cottage. Architectural Designer: Peter MacDonald of Peter Stafford MacDonald and Company Interior Designer: Jeremy Wunderlich (of Hanson Nobles Wunderlich)

Woodland Garden: A curvaceous pea gravel path directs the visitor through the woodland garden located at the back and back side of the house. It is planted with drifts of Erie and Chindo Viburnumns, Oak leaf Hyrangeas, Astilbe, Ferns, Hostas.A row of hollies was added to block the view to the son's home. Photo credit: ROGER FOLEY