The expansive grounds surrounding this residence, designed anew in the 1990’s while the home was undergoing renovation and expansion, had since fallen into neglect. The new owners envisioned a landscape of tailored spaces accommodating adult recreation and children’s play, gatherings of family and parties with friends. A studio building on the site was also in need of repurposing. The young couple were visionary and believed the studio could house a swimming pool and spa, with potential use year-round. A series of design iterations resolved all the clients program including formal courtyards with strong axis, a lawn for play, a place for basketball, tailored evergreen plantings, fountains, a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen and subdued lighting. The studio building was transformed into a natatorium with expansive amounts of glass added to open physically to the courtyards and visually to foliage surrounding the building.

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

A NEW INTERPRETATION OF SENSUALITY IN THE BATHROOM. | LULU is part of a trend that goes far beyond the bathroom. Physical, sensual, soft. A world of visual seduction. A play on the easy-going French lifestyle: sensitivity, seduction, passion, love. Is it already the bathroom, or still the bedroom? The in-between place. Room for imagination. Everything seems playful, open, emotional. Design can be unapproachable – LULU is the opposite. With its sensual shapes, it represents enjoyment of life. At the same time, it is very soft and very linear, very slender and very alert. Its clear proportions, in conjunction with bold colors, develop a refreshing suspense – and prove that purism also works with color. Perhaps even a little bit better. | Available at www.shopstudio41.com

This remodel was a completely structural renovation where we took out a barring wall that was between the kitchen and family room to create an open space concept. Additionally the island in the center was shaped like an arrow and we were able to completely restructure the shape and scope of the kitchen by removing it and redesigning the center island. Incidentally this restructure shaped a new means of interaction for the family; they were not only able to communicate more effectively between the kitchen and living room, they also gained visible oversight of the pool in the backyard allowing adults to watch over the children playing outside without having to physically stand outside with them. Todd Ramsey

The expansive grounds surrounding this residence, designed anew in the 1990’s while the home was undergoing renovation and expansion, had since fallen into neglect. The new owners envisioned a landscape of tailored spaces accommodating adult recreation and children’s play, gatherings of family and parties with friends. A studio building on the site was also in need of repurposing. The young couple were visionary and believed the studio could house a swimming pool and spa, with potential use year-round. A series of design iterations resolved all the clients program including formal courtyards with strong axis, a lawn for play, a place for basketball, tailored evergreen plantings, fountains, a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen and subdued lighting. The studio building was transformed into a natatorium with expansive amounts of glass added to open physically to the courtyards and visually to foliage surrounding the building.

Transitional multicolored floor powder room photo in Charlotte with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, white countertops and a floating vanity

This wooded, lakeside home plays an influential role in the homeowners artistic vision as a magical realist painter. By providing an environment that comes alive with the sights and sounds of nature, the artist is able to closely study as an explorer would by uncovering, recording, and rearranging the beauty of the natural world and the beauty of human beings. This connection to nature comes from a horticultural interest manifested in the daily ritual of digging and pruning in her Connecticut garden. A daily ritual of physical immersion with the dirt and the worms of life contrasts with the otherworldly fantastical spaces the artist creates for her paintings. The paradoxical character of these two places imbues her paintings with an alluring mystery.

This wooded, lakeside home plays an influential role in the homeowners artistic vision as a magical realist painter. By providing an environment that comes alive with the sights and sounds of nature, the artist is able to closely study as an explorer would by uncovering, recording, and rearranging the beauty of the natural world and the beauty of human beings. This connection to nature comes from a horticultural interest manifested in the daily ritual of digging and pruning in her Connecticut garden. A daily ritual of physical immersion with the dirt and the worms of life contrasts with the otherworldly fantastical spaces the artist creates for her paintings. The paradoxical character of these two places imbues her paintings with an alluring mystery.

A city condo needed an uplift, all finishes started to feel outdated, the kitchen's layout did not work for a dynamic couple who love to entertain and play Bridge with their friends on the regular basis. We developed a plan how to provide a luxurious experience and necessary changes in the limited space. The condo has some physical limitations as well, such as the load bearing walls could not be changed, the duct work had to stay in place, and the floor finishes had to satisfy strict sound restrictions.

This wooded, lakeside home plays an influential role in the homeowners artistic vision as a magical realist painter. By providing an environment that comes alive with the sights and sounds of nature, the artist is able to closely study as an explorer would by uncovering, recording, and rearranging the beauty of the natural world and the beauty of human beings. This connection to nature comes from a horticultural interest manifested in the daily ritual of digging and pruning in her Connecticut garden. A daily ritual of physical immersion with the dirt and the worms of life contrasts with the otherworldly fantastical spaces the artist creates for her paintings. The paradoxical character of these two places imbues her paintings with an alluring mystery.

THEME The overall theme for this space is a functional, family friendly escape where time spent together or alone is comfortable and exciting. The integration of the work space, clubhouse and family entertainment area creates an environment that brings the whole family together in projects, recreation and relaxation. Each element works harmoniously together blending the creative and functional into the perfect family escape. FOCUS The two-story clubhouse is the focal point of the large space and physically separates but blends the two distinct rooms. The clubhouse has an upper level loft overlooking the main room and a lower enclosed space with windows looking out into the playroom and work room. There was a financial focus for this creative space and the use of many Ikea products helped to keep the fabrication and build costs within budget. STORAGE Storage is abundant for this family on the walls, in the cabinets and even in the floor. The massive built in cabinets are home to the television and gaming consoles and the custom designed peg walls create additional shelving that can be continually transformed to accommodate new or shifting passions. The raised floor is the base for the clubhouse and fort but when pulled up, the flush mounted floor pieces reveal large open storage perfect for toys to be brushed into hiding. GROWTH The entire space is designed to be fun and you never outgrow fun. The clubhouse and loft will be a focus for these boys for years and the media area will draw the family to this space whether they are watching their favorite animated movie or newest adventure series. The adjoining workroom provides the perfect arts and crafts area with moving storage table and will be well suited for homework and science fair projects. SAFETY The desire to climb, jump, run, and swing is encouraged in this great space and the attention to detail ensures that they will be safe. From the strong cargo netting enclosing the upper level of the clubhouse to the added care taken with the lumber to ensure a soft clean feel without splintering and the extra wide borders in the flush mounted floor storage, this space is designed to provide this family with a fun and safe space.

A NEW INTERPRETATION OF SENSUALITY IN THE BATHROOM. | LULU is part of a trend that goes far beyond the bathroom. Physical, sensual, soft. A world of visual seduction. A play on the easy-going French lifestyle: sensitivity, seduction, passion, love. Is it already the bathroom, or still the bedroom? The in-between place. Room for imagination. Everything seems playful, open, emotional. Design can be unapproachable – LULU is the opposite. With its sensual shapes, it represents enjoyment of life. At the same time, it is very soft and very linear, very slender and very alert. Its clear proportions, in conjunction with bold colors, develop a refreshing suspense – and prove that purism also works with color. Perhaps even a little bit better. | Available at www.shopstudio41.com

This wooded, lakeside home plays an influential role in the homeowners artistic vision as a magical realist painter. By providing an environment that comes alive with the sights and sounds of nature, the artist is able to closely study as an explorer would by uncovering, recording, and rearranging the beauty of the natural world and the beauty of human beings. This connection to nature comes from a horticultural interest manifested in the daily ritual of digging and pruning in her Connecticut garden. A daily ritual of physical immersion with the dirt and the worms of life contrasts with the otherworldly fantastical spaces the artist creates for her paintings. The paradoxical character of these two places imbues her paintings with an alluring mystery.

A city condo needed an uplift, all finishes started to feel outdated, the kitchen's layout did not work for a dynamic couple who love to entertain and play Bridge with their friends on the regular basis. We developed a plan how to provide a luxurious experience and necessary changes in the limited space. The condo has some physical limitations as well, such as the load bearing walls could not be changed, the duct work had to stay in place, and the floor finishes had to satisfy strict sound restrictions.

This wooded, lakeside home plays an influential role in the homeowners artistic vision as a magical realist painter. By providing an environment that comes alive with the sights and sounds of nature, the artist is able to closely study as an explorer would by uncovering, recording, and rearranging the beauty of the natural world and the beauty of human beings. This connection to nature comes from a horticultural interest manifested in the daily ritual of digging and pruning in her Connecticut garden. A daily ritual of physical immersion with the dirt and the worms of life contrasts with the otherworldly fantastical spaces the artist creates for her paintings. The paradoxical character of these two places imbues her paintings with an alluring mystery.

This wooded, lakeside home plays an influential role in the homeowners artistic vision as a magical realist painter. By providing an environment that comes alive with the sights and sounds of nature, the artist is able to closely study as an explorer would by uncovering, recording, and rearranging the beauty of the natural world and the beauty of human beings. This connection to nature comes from a horticultural interest manifested in the daily ritual of digging and pruning in her Connecticut garden. A daily ritual of physical immersion with the dirt and the worms of life contrasts with the otherworldly fantastical spaces the artist creates for her paintings. The paradoxical character of these two places imbues her paintings with an alluring mystery.

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

This lower level combines several areas into the perfect space to have a party or just hang out. The theater area features a starlight ceiling that even include a comet that passes through every minute. Premium sound and custom seating make it an amazing experience. The sitting area has a brick wall and fireplace that is flanked by built in bookshelves. To the right, is a set of glass doors that open all of the way across. This expands the living area to the outside. Also, with the press of a button, blackout shades on all of the windows... turn day into night. Seating around the bar makes playing a game of pool a real spectator sport... or just a place for some fun. The area also has a large workout room. Perfect for the times that pool isn't enough physical activity for you.

This kids climbing playroom is built for action, designed for three energetic boys ages 4-8! We turned a 20 x 35-foot open space into an ultimate play haven, featuring a climbing wall, a cargo net tunnel, swings, a trapeze, and a climbing rope, all in a ninja warrior style. As the mom of these three boys put it, “It’s the answer to every rainy day and helps my boys regulate in the mornings before school. They've gained so much independence, strength, and confidence in their playroom!” The family loves how the playroom encourages physical activity and imaginative play while looking great in their home. Plus, the design perfectly accounts for the kids' unique abilities and interests, making it both fun and functional.