A basement tailor-made for entertaining, working out, unwinding, wellness and the whole family. These homeowners take the mantra “exercise is a great form of self-care” to heart. A remodel brought them additional space for maintaining and building their exercise and physical health routines. While their 1952 St. Louis Park home is traditional, they decided to have fun with the aesthetics in the multi-function space in the basement. This newly remodeled space is retro-modern, and funky! The colors, designs, and layout inspire a positive attitude and an upbeat mood. Included in the space are areas for recreation, exercise, and relaxation. They created a dedicated space for, not only enjoying the company of others, but where every family member can take care of themselves!

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 Victorian floor in Twickenham, Middlesex was in good physical condition for its age but needed a good deep clean. Our customer had informed us that they had never cleaned or sealed the floor in the sixteen years that they had lived there so it was well overdue. I went over to survey the floor and completed a test clean on a small section of tiling to see which products/techniques would work best. I like to do this as it demonstrates to the client what can be done, and it allows me to come up with an accurate price for doing the work. As you can see from the pictures, there was quite a difference in the test patch compared to the rest of the floor. Years of foot traffic from the street had taken its’ toll and the floor was very dirty. Luckily, the floor was in very good condition and had not worn too badly. Once they had seen the test patch, they were confident that it would be worth go ahead with my quote. It would ensure that the period feature was retained for many years to come. The colours on the floor were quite faded so it would be nice to get it restored. I started the cleaning process by first taping up the surrounding skirting boards and doors to ensure they were protected from potential splashing. Cleaning involved spraying the Victorian tiles with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which is a dedicated Tile and Grout cleaning product. This was left to soak in for about ten minutes and then scrubbed in using a black pad fitted to a heavy-duty rotary scrubber. This gives the floor a good mechanical scrub and works wonders releasing the ground-in dirt and soil from the tiles. The strong dilution of Pro-Clean will also remove any remaining sealers from the tile, however after sixteen years I doubted there would much trace of sealer left. Once done the floor was rinsed with water and all the soils removed with a wet vacuum. Following the initial clean the colours were already much stronger. Next step however was to improve on that by giving the floor an acid rinse using Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up. This removes mineral deposits and generally brightens up the appearance of the tile. After another round of scrubbing the floor was rinsed with our high-pressure washer and then vacuumed, extracting all of the dirty water and dirt away in one go. The floor was looking a lot better and was left to dry overnight. After allowing the floor to dry overnight, we returned the next day to seal the floor. First, checking the floor was dry using the damp meter. Floors of this age can take a little longer to dry as there is no damp-proof membrane so it’s always worth checking as applying a sealer to damp tiles is not a good idea. Once I was satisfied it was dry eight coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go sheen finish sealer were applied. This takes a while to do as each coat needs to dry before applying the next. The sealer will protect the Victorian tiles for dirt and stains, it also enhanced the colours in the tile and will make it easier to keep the floor clean going forward. My client was very pleased with the floor and mentioned that they should have called me in sooner! For aftercare cleaning I recommended Tile Doctor Neutral Clean which is an effective cleaner with a neutral pH, its designed for cleaning tiles without degrading the sealer. Jonathan Oldham South Middlesex Tile Doctor

A full bottle of vinegar fell out of the refrigerator and the homeowner was not physically able to clean it up for hours, resulting in terrible etching and discoloration of the marble floor. I didn't take any before pictures, thinking even we would not be able to repair the damaged areas. Much to my surprise, not only did we get out all the etching but restored the original color as well! The floor is beautiful once again just like it never happened. We were able to save the homeowner thousands of $$$ in tearing up and replacing the marble kitchen floor.

The Master Suite of the Elmwood project was formulated from scratch in the spacious addition of a branching household. Our clients wanted to keep the neighborhood they loved while creating space for a growing family. DMB Design came into the project at the blueprint phase, offering our intentional consideration to the layout of the space before its physical creation. This offered us an opportunity to present our idealized iteration of a self-contained sanctuary space. We created a spa-inspired atmosphere, starting with the floating tub that captured our hearts from the very beginning. You'll find plenty of space to hang your robe in the 15-foot walk in closet complete with floor-to-ceiling custom built-ins. The suite maintains an aura of romance, creating a sense of delicacy without an ounce of fussiness.

This remodel negotiates the owner’s desire for a modern home with the municipality’s desire to maintain the home’s ‘historic’ character.  To satisfy these potentially conflicting interests, our strategy restores the house’s shell while completely gutting the interior to achieve greater connections to the landscape beyond and between previously disconnected levels on the interior. At the exterior, new doors and windows with black frames hint at the elegant and restrained aesthetic that guides the design throughout. Similarly, a new cantilevered deck at the rear and new French doors at the front create connections to outside that echo the new spatial openness of the reorganized interior. The original home, although two stories, functioned like a single story home. To remedy this, the primary formal move was to remove the center of the home and insert a new, open stair that visually and physically connects the two levels. To take advantage of this, the lower level was enlarged and completely refinished to provide two new bedrooms, a music room, a playroom, and a bathroom. Similarly, the upper level was completed updated with a new master suite, an updated bathroom, new finishes in the main living spaces, and a new Henrybuilt Kitchen.

This new addition created an on-grade entry for physically challenged members of the family to use the new elevator located in the middle of the addition. The projecting part of the addition which covers the basement entrance is a greenhouse on the first floor. The left side is the new breakfast room with views of the entire, sun-filled back yard. The right side is a new stair to the first floor. Previously, the only access to the first floor was from an slippery exterior stair or a narrow interior basement stair. The entire basement was renovated into a game room with bar and also an entertainment center with wide screen TV. The four columns give a sense of character to the frequently used back door. The new foundation wall mortar was tooled to match the existing foundation wall. The new windows and transom lites break the character of the original colonial house allowing for maximum views and light in these informal, frequently used spaces.

The Clients: two passionate chefs. The Commission: to help them design the perfect Kitchen in which to prepare myriad delectable dishes that they love to plan and execute. The Main Requirements: enough storage to accommodate countless spices, cooking equipment and implements; lots of natural light; and a traditionally detailed, but not overdone design. We nearly doubled the size of the original galley kitchen by pushing out toward the backyard; laid out the appliances so as to maximize efficiency and work surface area; and designed custom built pull-outs for spice jars, and storage for special cookware, small appliances, cutlery and utensils. The inspiration for the cabinetry design was the Clients’ impeccable selections of appliances and finishes, and their request for tasteful, simple detailing. The focal point, the heart of this Kitchen, is the beautiful porcelain French stove and custom-designed hood cover. Leaded glass panels in the coffered ceiling add charm and hide roof skylights included in the design to maximize natural light. The large island with porcelain farm sink offers the Clients ample work surface as well as informal seating and storage. A desk / hutch cabinet provides a “central control station” for the family’s activities, as well as display for the Clients’ formal dishes and stemware. Other improvements included a much-needed Walk-In Pantry achieved by enclosing an existing side porch, and enhanced flow between the Kitchen and Family Room. We accomplished this by removing an existing column and beam which previously blocked the physical and visual connection between the two spaces. We are delighted with the transformation of the original little galley into our Clients’ dream Kitchen … and our Clients are thrilled that their new Kitchen has cut in half their time spent in epic cooking sessions on the weekends!

A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.

Traditional Thai homes are usually built as a cluster of physically separated rooms arranged around a large central terrace. Interpreting the traditional typology of the Thai houses, the Residence Navathani consists in two parallel wings, separated by a large garden and a swimming pool. The objective of the stone architecture is to give a sense of unity and blend the building with trees, plants and other natural landscape. Trees are often allowed to grow in the central area of the traditional Thai house with plants always featured prominently to create a strong relationship with nature. The choice of Thai travertine as the main stone for the building stems from the following objectives: first, the stone must display a strong natural character with contrasting color hues and crystalline veins, which contribute to blending the architecture into the landscape. Second, the design of the stone provides a sense of unity to the building. The façade of each wing displays an array of columns of various widths and spacings and there is an alignment of the columns between the two wings. The texture is rough on the outside face of the columns and honed on the sides as it continues through the window to the inside of the house. The two wings are connected by a long screen wall that separates the drop-off area from the private areas. This wall is pierced with square openings which helps to show a relationship between the two areas. The façade facing the entrance features stone in contrasting but related ways: the right hand wing is clad with honed stone on top of a large window, while the opposite wing displays a chiseled stone wall on the bottom with a large window on top. The architecture extends to the outside of the right-hand wing with a private theater of a modern contemporary design. The stone featured on the façade changes to a minimalist grey basalt while continuing the column concept with the alternate textures grooved on the facing and honed on the sides.

When correctly placed, a three-dimensional sound stage fills the space between your speakers. Instruments and sounds appear to come from invisible locations. This isn’t magic, its physics! Achieving this remarkable balance dramatically requires getting many things right, such as good stereo material, controlling room reflections, good speakers and most importantly, getting your speakers and listening area set-up properly. These objectives may compete with each other. Let our audio specialists diagnose any issues and expertly create the ultimate sound experience

Algarve by Renson. • The rotating blades provide sunprotection and ensure the necessary cooling and ventilation. • The Algarve® includes a gutter which drains the water away from the blades into the columns. • User-friendly • Quiet operation • High-quality finish • Easy maintenance due to durable materials • Can be combined with our Beam® fitted with Heat® and Sound® For more information please contact info@dapostrophe.net

Meet Don Fuego—a bold, luxurious, and unforgettable experience. ? Bringing this vision to life was an incredible journey alongside talented vendors and artists. We began designing Don Fuego at the start of 2024, keeping four key elements at the forefront: Moody, Sophisticated, Bold, and Memorable. Inspired by Día de los Muertos, this space pays homage to those who are no longer with us physically but remain with us spiritually. Every design choice reflects this essence—deep, rich textures, dramatic lighting, and custom elements that make Don Fuego a true work of art. One of the focal points is the custom-designed checkout counter, featuring a striking porcelain slab that embodies everything Don Fuego stands for: fire, intensity, and individuality. The moment we saw it, we knew it was destined for this space. Design is all about the details, and Don Fuego is no exception. From late-night idea exchanges to meticulous material selections, every element was chosen with intention. We introduced texture through limewash, mimicking the organic feel of a grave, and Roman clay, sculpted into arches reminiscent of traditional Mexican architecture. Lighting is the jewelry of a space, and in Don Fuego, it sets the mood. We layered task, decorative, ambient, and accent lighting to create an immersive atmosphere. One of our favorite details? A light fixture inspired by the cascarón, a cracked egg symbolizing good luck and prosperity in Mexican culture. The moment we discovered it, we knew it belonged here—to bring blessings to our clients and everyone who steps inside this curated experience. Don Fuego isn’t just a space—it’s a feeling, a story, a tribute. ✨

With sweeping vistas of Lake Sunapee, and sunsets over its western shore, this lakeside home is designed to take advantage of the great views and moderate elevation above the lake in every room. The outdoor living areas extend spaces physically and seasonally. Influenced by the shingle style, the home features classic elements of the aesthetic. Terraces in the landscape are subtle as the land falls away; creating functional water management and landscaping opportunities while addressing the slope of the property. Thank you to our wonderful and kind clients, with whom we've worked with on several projects, as well as our highly talented and professional Bonin Architects design team, general contractor Michael Broome, Broome Building Co., and all of the fantastic sub-contractors and consultants who helped craft our client's new residence on Lake Sunapee. www.boninarchitects.com Photography by John W. Hession, Advanced Digital Photography Drone photos by Peter Bloch, Earth Aerial Productions

An existing deck, completely disconnected from the 20 feet below backyard space. The client desired a physical connection to the lower space, with a new hot tub and fire pit as priority uses. Working with a tight space, and through several alternative solutions, a final design was chosen with a series of stairways, landings and a small overlook deck, with a short set of steps to the new ground level uses. An aesthetic solution for a functional need.

Each motif begins as a hand painted artwork, then is carefully transformed into repeat for tile application. Blending traditional craftsmenship with modern surface design. These image are AI generated renderings to demonstrate possible applications and mood. Real tile samples and physical finishes can be viewed on my website and social media.

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

Bedroom - transitional bedroom idea in Vancouver

The formal living room is a clearly defined space, but flows into the living room with views to the family room and out to the stone patio in the backyard. This open floor plan creates visual and physical connections between the spaces in the house and the people inhabiting them, while still offering privacy and spatial definition.