The Big Bang dining table is based on our classic Vega table, but with a surprising new twist. Big Bang is extendable to accommodate more guests, with center storage for two fold-out butterfly table leaves, tucked out of sight. Collapsed, Big Bang measures 50”x50” to accommodate daily life in our client’s small dining nook, but expands to either 72” or 94” when needed. Big Bang was originally commissioned in white oak, but is available in all of our solid wood materials. Several coats of hand-applied clear finish accentuate Big Bangs natural wood surface & add a layer of extra protection. The Big Bang is a physical theory that describes how the universe… and this table, expanded. Material: White Oak Collapsed Dimensions: 50”L x 50”W x 30”H Extendable Dimensions: (1) 72" or (2) 94" Tabletop thickness: 1.5” Finish: Natural clear coat Build & Interior design by SD Design Studio, Furnishings by Casa Fox Studio, captured by Nader Essa Photography.

Example of a transitional kitchen design in Tampa

Example of a transitional kitchen design in Columbus

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.

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.

Mary Costa
Living room - living room idea in Los Angeles with gray walls

The previous layout of the main floor of this split level house separated each space from the other, resulting in a design which did not take advantage of either the existing space or potential views. Our response was to modulate the degree of openness between the rooms and spaces using architectural elements. At the entry, an open, lattice-like divider replaces a full-height wall, physically and visually expanding the foyer. In the kitchen, strategically placed partial-height cabinets supplant full-height walls between the living room and kitchen and act as a visual barrier between the two, allowing the kitchen to become a destination rather than a corridor. Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room provides for better interaction between host and guest while a series of south-facing skylights over a new island help to blur the line between the interior and exterior.

While a great deal of the research that has been conducted to measure the physical and emotional benefits of incorporating biophilic design elements as part of the interior design of a space has been done in the healthcare environment , and to a lesser degree, in the corporate environment, it is completely reasonable to assume that the extraordinary benefits that are experienced by patients, doctors, nurses and support staff working in the healthcare environment, as well as by employees working in a corporate environment will extend to families that introduce biophilic design elements into their own personal spaces. Click on the next picture to continue reading………..

The on-set of a neuromuscular disorder was the basis for this custom kitchen and required the complete customization of this space to the specific needs of the client, as well as to his wife who does most the cooking on a daily basis. The layout was designed for the couple to be able to work together in the kitchen, or independently. The Crystal Keyline island, range-hood and cooktop area are focal points, finished in Antique Ivory w/Brown Highlights, that contrast nicely with Crystal Keyline Toasted Rye w/Brown Highlights cabinetry. The Bayfield door style unifies the design. The Typhoon Bordeaux granite countertops are layered in staggered heights for added visual interest. The Kohler Cruette single-hole faucet with pull-down spout and lever handle service a Kohler "Vault" double-bowl sink (in 8" depth to allow for wheelchair accessibility). A Northland Cast Iron undermount sink in Biscuit makes for a perfect fruit & vegetable prep area, allowing plenty of room for multiple cooks in the kitchen - and yes, it's accessible too! Although largely dictated by the husband's need for accessibility, the universal design of this kitchen is also extremely friendly for a person of smaller stature (his wife!) The couple feels at home in this kitchen yet, it’s not obvious that someone with physical limitations utilizes this space.

This new home sits perched atop a cliff with views stretching from the bay to the ocean. The two distinct bars, positioned in response to the pie shaped site and the natural topographic features, splay out towards the view while physically connected by a glass volume. One bar houses all the private spaces, while the other houses the more public spaces. Serving as the entry/gallery, the glass volume both joins and separates the functions associated with the two bars. The forward volume captures the Northern light for the artist's painting studio located within. ©cesar rubio

Part of a complete home renovation in an aging Mid-Century Bow Mar home, this expansive kitchen is visually and physically the home's centerpiece. Designer Debbie Davis used two large seating areas attached to opposing half-circle islands to create a functional and comfortable family space, as well as house a microwave drawer and induction cooktop. The high-gloss white wall cabinetry, paired with oak base cabinetry is Bauformat, German designed and manufactured. The subtle contrast between the flooring and base cabinetry, paired with Mid Century inspired matte-white large-format wall tile keeps the whole space light and airy. Natural light is ample from the window over the sink to the large sliding doors and light tubes in the ceiling. Tim Gormley, TG Image

Jeffrey Totaro
Example of a large trendy l-shaped brown floor and dark wood floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

This contemporary design connects the house to the cabana office both physically and architecturally. Two sets of 12" stainless steal spill edges were used to be visible from both the office and the home. Colored and textured concrete blended with the Leuters limestone coping. Grass strips broke up the paving and blended the pools cape and landscape together which further enhances the linear concept. Photo and design by Mike Farley

Gwin Hunt
Playroom - mid-sized eclectic gender-neutral light wood floor playroom idea in Baltimore with multicolored walls

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint. Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind. The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie. On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon. Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint.

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.

The previous layout of the main floor of this split level house separated each space from the other, resulting in a design which did not take advantage of either the existing space or potential views. Our response was to modulate the degree of openness between the rooms and spaces using architectural elements. At the entry, an open, lattice-like divider replaces a full-height wall, physically and visually expanding the foyer. In the kitchen, strategically placed partial-height cabinets supplant full-height walls between the living room and kitchen and act as a visual barrier between the two, allowing the kitchen to become a destination rather than a corridor. Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room provides for better interaction between host and guest while a series of south-facing skylights over a new island help to blur the line between the interior and exterior.

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

Inspired by Tapa cloth originating in the islands of the Pacific Ocean, the Lucy Table Lamp boasts a gorgeous folk art geometric motif. With a white base and black and white shade, you get a cheerful glow for your home or office. A 5-inch base lets you place this lamp anywhere you like without taking up too much physical space - though the light is especially visually appealing. While the design has a lot going on, it's actually very calming and a welcome addition to your ever-changing decor. Decorate with the Novogratz and Globe Electric - lighting made easy.