Search results for "Play reduced" in Home Design Ideas

Space is at a premium in Birmingham, Michigan, and turf to run and play is a luxury. Our clients wanted to transform their small cut-up, outdated patio into an entertaining area with more space for dining, easy access to both doors, and a convenient grilling area while sacrificing as little turf as possible. We took the small separate hardscape spaces, brought them all together, and then designed a large step that would span both doors, creating a cohesive flow. We topped it off with a bump-out for a separate grilling area. We utilized Techno-Block Westmount in Merlot for a high-end material to this Birmingham home. This backyard is now classic and clean, providing more usable space. Best of all, we only reduced the total turf area by less than 5 square feet.

For this full-home remodel, the homeowners were looking for a design-build firm with strong credentials, sustainable practices, and a personal touch. After an extensive search, they chose Schulte Design Build for our expertise, approachability, and commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.
From the beginning, collaboration was essential. The homeowners had a well-defined vision but remained open to professional insights, allowing us to create a design that balanced functionality, sustainability, and budget-conscious decisions. Energy efficiency played a key role in the project, with strategic upgrades such as relocating the water heater and switching to a hybrid model. We also adjusted the backup furnace to side vent, reducing roof penetrations and improving overall efficiency.
Accessibility was another priority, and our team incorporated thoughtful ADA-friendly solutions throughout the home. The material selection process was equally intentional, ensuring that finishes aligned with the homeowners’ aesthetic goals while staying within budget. Our design team worked closely with them to achieve a refined and cohesive look without compromising quality.
Project management and clear communication were crucial to the success of this remodel. With regular check-ins and project tracking software, we kept the process organized and transparent, providing a seamless experience from start to finish. The construction phase lasted six months, during which the homeowners stayed actively involved while trusting our team to bring their vision to life.
The end result is a beautifully transformed home that integrates modern efficiencies, accessibility, and timeless design. Beyond the renovation itself, the homeowners gained a deeper understanding of their home’s functionality and feel more connected to their space than ever before. At Schulte Design Build, we take pride in guiding homeowners through the remodeling journey with expertise, integrity, and a collaborative spirit.

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes.
Consider also that consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces plays a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Our advanced airtight continuously insulated building envelopes eliminate drafts and cold surface to ensure consistent air and surface temperatures. Individually zoned floors and spaces provide occupant control for added flexibility and individualized temperature settings.
Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear.
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We had a several challenges to face with this project. Not only did we need to update a dated landscape to accommodate two seemingly different design tastes (modern & minimalistic vs natural english garden), we were tasked with improving the property’s drainage, improving the driveway access, reducing water usage and plant maintenance, and fixing a crumbling wall.
To marry the two design tastes, we started with the more modern elements of metal planters and softened the landscape with mass plantings of ornamental grasses and native sedge. These grasses act as a turf replacement that do not need to be mowed and require less regular watering. On each side of the yard we constructed new cedar fences to provide updated and additional privacy. In addition, we poured a new concrete wall to replace the existing retaining wall and play off the new modern vibe.

We had a several challenges to face with this project. Not only did we need to update a dated landscape to accommodate two seemingly different design tastes (modern & minimalistic vs natural english garden), we were tasked with improving the property’s drainage, improving the driveway access, reducing water usage and plant maintenance, and fixing a crumbling wall.
To marry the two design tastes, we started with the more modern elements of metal planters and softened the landscape with mass plantings of ornamental grasses and native sedge. These grasses act as a turf replacement that do not need to be mowed and require less regular watering. On each side of the yard we constructed new cedar fences to provide updated and additional privacy. In addition, we poured a new concrete wall to replace the existing retaining wall and play off the new modern vibe.

This 1,000ft² recording and production studio, built in 2021 for producer couple Latifah Alattas and Lucas Morton, was designed as a fully custom creative environment that supports writing, mixing, and collaboration at the highest level. Both Latifah and Lucas are multi-instrumentalists, engineers, and mixers, and the studio reflects the full range of their workflows—visually inspiring, technically precise, and intuitive in every room.
The facility was built from the ground up with a strong emphasis on architectural acoustics and plug-and-play connectivity. The layout includes two Control Rooms, multiple isolation booths, and shared common spaces, all tied together with seamless audio integration. No matter where you are in the studio, routing, monitoring, and communication remain effortless and consistent.
Behind the aesthetic, the acoustic design is exceptionally robust. Six independent floating-floor systems support the suites, ensuring each room operates with minimal sound transmission. Tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies, full-lite doors, engineered window systems, and intentional treatment plans deliver clarity, isolation, and precision for tracking and mixing. Each space is mechanically decoupled, allowing multiple rooms to run simultaneously without compromise.
For monitoring, both Latifah and Lucas chose Genelec “The Ones” series monitors with GLM calibration to ensure accurate translation and consistency across the entire facility.
Natural light and a warm, welcoming aesthetic anchor the visual identity of the studio, reflecting the creative energy and personality of its owners. The result is a highly functional, beautifully crafted space where ideas can move freely and production can happen without limitations.

You won’t be disappointed to have a staycation at this beautiful Wellesley property. The homeowner came to us looking to completely overhaul their blank-slate property into a pool paradise. Our team creatively worked to design the pool area and the outcome was a truly special place to swim and relax.
The pool is the centerpiece of this backyard, it is a sleek design that seamlessly integrates into the landscape. It’s surrounded by a bluestone coping and a large patio made of Cambridge Pavers. The steps and retaining wall at the end of the pool are beautifully veneered with Berkshire natural stone. The stonework really tops off the hardscape, providing an appealing contrast to the paver patio material.
There are two features that really set this pool apart – the pool fountain jets and the automatic cover. The homeowner wanted “fountains like the Bellagio.” We worked with Environmental Pools to make that dream a reality. It was a tough decision to opt either for an infinity edge or an automatic cover for the pool, the homeowner eventually decided that it would be a better investment to have the automatic pool cover. With the push of a button, the cover goes from totally hidden to completely covering the pool for safety and keeping any leaves or dirt getting into the water. Clients often comment on how happy they are with their automatic pool covers. Automatic covers drastically reduce the time necessary to clean and maintain the pool, leaving them more time to simply enjoy and unwind outside.
Next to the pool is a wood-burning fire pit, a perfect place to sit and hang out and maybe even have a S’more in between cannonballs into the deep end. A row of lounge chairs ensures that everyone’s got a place to relax and soak in the sun.
As the homeowners have young kids it was essential to save a large amount of space for a beautifully manicured lawn. Whether you’re looking to throw a frisbee, play some cornhole, or kick a soccer ball there is more than enough room for activities.

A kitchen renovation is one of the most impactful ways to enhance a home’s value, functionality, and aesthetics. Whether in New York’s compact urban apartments or New Jersey’s spacious suburban homes, homeowners are constantly seeking innovative solutions to optimize their kitchen spaces. The key elements in any renovation are kitchen cabinets, layout efficiency, and design aesthetics. With advancements in technology, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the industry, making the renovation process faster, smarter, and more cost-effective.
The Role of Kitchen Cabinets in Renovation
Kitchen cabinets serve as the foundation of any kitchen design. They not only provide storage but also define the overall look and feel of the space. From traditional wood finishes to sleek, modern designs, selecting the right cabinets is crucial to achieving both form and function.
In New York, where space is often limited, custom cabinetry solutions that maximize storage without compromising aesthetics are in high demand. Conversely, in New Jersey’s larger homes, homeowners have the flexibility to explore spacious layouts with expansive cabinetry options. The emergence of high-quality, customizable kitchen cabinetry has allowed homeowners to create tailored solutions that fit their lifestyles and design preferences.
Kitchen Design Trends and Innovation
Modern kitchen design is driven by a combination of style, efficiency, and sustainability. Open-concept layouts, handle-free cabinets, and smart storage solutions are gaining popularity among homeowners. Additionally, materials such as quartz countertops, high-gloss finishes, and natural wood elements continue to be top choices for a contemporary aesthetic.
With an increasing focus on sustainability, many homeowners are opting for eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient appliances. Smart kitchens, equipped with IoT-enabled appliances, voice-controlled lighting, and automated temperature control, are also becoming a standard in high-end renovations.
Revolutionizing Kitchen Renovation with AI
AI-powered design solutions are transforming how homeowners plan and execute kitchen renovations. Allreno, a cutting-edge AI-driven renovation platform, is leading the charge in making kitchen remodels more efficient and accessible. With Allreno’s AI design technology, homeowners can visualize their dream kitchens instantly, experiment with different layouts, and receive cost-effective recommendations without the traditional back-and-forth with designers.
This AI-driven approach drastically reduces the time required for planning, ensuring a seamless renovation experience. Homeowners can explore various cabinet styles, finishes, and configurations tailored to their space and budget, ultimately streamlining the decision-making process.
New York and New Jersey: The Perfect Markets for AI-Powered Renovation
New York and New Jersey offer a diverse range of homes, from historic brownstones and luxury penthouses to sprawling suburban residences. Each renovation project comes with its unique challenges, whether it's maximizing storage in a Manhattan apartment or designing a spacious, chef-friendly kitchen in a New Jersey home.
Allreno’s AI technology is particularly beneficial in these markets, where efficiency, precision, and customization are essential. By integrating AI into the renovation process, homeowners can make data-driven decisions, ensuring their new kitchens are not only stylish but also highly functional.
The Future of Kitchen Renovation
As technology continues to evolve, AI-driven platforms like Allreno will play an increasingly significant role in home renovations. By simplifying the design process, offering real-time visualizations, and providing cost-effective solutions, AI is making high-quality kitchen renovations more accessible than ever.
For homeowners in New York and New Jersey looking to renovate their kitchens, embracing AI-driven solutions can lead to a faster, smarter, and more personalized experience. Whether upgrading kitchen cabinets, optimizing layouts, or selecting the perfect design elements, the future of kitchen renovation is here—and it’s powered by AI.
Tags: ai design, bathroom renovation, renovation, bathroom design, interior design
www.allreno.co

Take a peek at our 2022 project for Edgehill Music Publishing, located in the heart of Nashville’s 12th South district.
This 2,500 sq. ft. commercial facility was meticulously designed to accommodate up to seven writers’ rooms and production suites—each capable of operating simultaneously without interruption, with four of the rooms built for mixing capabilities. With seamless audio integration throughout, the space ensures intuitive connectivity no matter where you are on the property.
The aesthetic palette, paired with a loud and quirky speakeasy vibe, creates a fun atmosphere that reflects the owners’ personalities. The result is not just a studio that feels effortless—it’s an inspiring environment where writing, mixing, and production can happen with minimal sound transmission.
Behind the walls, the architectural acoustics are second to none. The design emphasizes a true “plug-and-play” workflow: each control room, both isolation booths, and all common areas are acoustically isolated with extraordinary attention to detail. Each suite is equipped with dedicated, silent 1:1 HVAC systems. Eight independent floating-floor systems support the suites, while tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies and intentional treatments in the main suites deliver clarity and precision for mixing. Full-lite doors, combined with the fact that no suite is mechanically bonded, allow all rooms to operate simultaneously with minimal sound transfer.
Design, Build & Audio by NILES.
Start your studio journey at niles.co

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes.
Consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces play a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Consider also, quiet spaces free of outside ambient noise have been proven to improve sleep, focus, and productivity. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

This private studio, built in collaboration with producer, engineer, and pianist Ian Miller, is a fully custom creative space designed around his workflow and artistic process. The project blended NILES’ technical execution with Ian’s hands-on finishing work, resulting in a studio where every corner has intention and every system supports a seamless, plug-and-play workflow.
The structure began as a barn-style two-car garage with a second floor. After exploring several layouts and engineering options, we landed on a design that leveraged the high ceilings and existing footprint to create a dynamic and spacious acoustic environment. Generous daylight from surrounding windows connects the interior to the outdoors, while layered textures, warm tones, and custom finishes create a grounded yet inspiring atmosphere.
The Control Room is fully isolated from the rest of the building with sound-reducing wall systems, a full soft-ceiling bass trap, tuned corner traps, treatment throughout, and full-lite doors for controlled transmission and visibility. Though modest in size, it delivers accurate monitoring and integrates smoothly with the larger live environment.
Roasted Bean Studio was built to support any direction Ian pursues—from producing to mixing to live performance. The space provides the sonic palette and creative flexibility needed for a wide range of projects, offering a visually inspiring and acoustically reliable environment that empowers his work every day.

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes.
Consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces play a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Consider also, quiet spaces free of outside ambient noise have been proven to improve sleep, focus, and productivity. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

We had a several challenges to face with this project. Not only did we need to update a dated landscape to accommodate two seemingly different design tastes (modern & minimalistic vs natural english garden), we were tasked with improving the property’s drainage, improving the driveway access, reducing water usage and plant maintenance, and fixing a crumbling wall.
To marry the two design tastes, we started with the more modern elements of metal planters and softened the landscape with mass plantings of ornamental grasses and native sedge. These grasses act as a turf replacement that do not need to be mowed and require less regular watering. On each side of the yard we constructed new cedar fences to provide updated and additional privacy. In addition, we poured a new concrete wall to replace the existing retaining wall and play off the new modern vibe.

This 1,000ft² recording and production studio, built in 2021 for producer couple Latifah Alattas and Lucas Morton, was designed as a fully custom creative environment that supports writing, mixing, and collaboration at the highest level. Both Latifah and Lucas are multi-instrumentalists, engineers, and mixers, and the studio reflects the full range of their workflows—visually inspiring, technically precise, and intuitive in every room.
The facility was built from the ground up with a strong emphasis on architectural acoustics and plug-and-play connectivity. The layout includes two Control Rooms, multiple isolation booths, and shared common spaces, all tied together with seamless audio integration. No matter where you are in the studio, routing, monitoring, and communication remain effortless and consistent.
Behind the aesthetic, the acoustic design is exceptionally robust. Six independent floating-floor systems support the suites, ensuring each room operates with minimal sound transmission. Tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies, full-lite doors, engineered window systems, and intentional treatment plans deliver clarity, isolation, and precision for tracking and mixing. Each space is mechanically decoupled, allowing multiple rooms to run simultaneously without compromise.
For monitoring, both Latifah and Lucas chose Genelec “The Ones” series monitors with GLM calibration to ensure accurate translation and consistency across the entire facility.
Natural light and a warm, welcoming aesthetic anchor the visual identity of the studio, reflecting the creative energy and personality of its owners. The result is a highly functional, beautifully crafted space where ideas can move freely and production can happen without limitations.

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes.
Consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces play a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Consider also, quiet spaces free of outside ambient noise have been proven to improve sleep, focus, and productivity. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

We had a several challenges to face with this project. Not only did we need to update a dated landscape to accommodate two seemingly different design tastes (modern & minimalistic vs natural english garden), we were tasked with improving the property’s drainage, improving the driveway access, reducing water usage and plant maintenance, and fixing a crumbling wall.
To marry the two design tastes, we started with the more modern elements of metal planters and softened the landscape with mass plantings of ornamental grasses and native sedge. These grasses act as a turf replacement that do not need to be mowed and require less regular watering. On each side of the yard we constructed new cedar fences to provide updated and additional privacy. In addition, we poured a new concrete wall to replace the existing retaining wall and play off the new modern vibe.

Take a peek at our 2022 project for Edgehill Music Publishing, located in the heart of Nashville’s 12th South district.
This 2,500 sq. ft. commercial facility was meticulously designed to accommodate up to seven writers’ rooms and production suites—each capable of operating simultaneously without interruption, with four of the rooms built for mixing capabilities. With seamless audio integration throughout, the space ensures intuitive connectivity no matter where you are on the property.
The aesthetic palette, paired with a loud and quirky speakeasy vibe, creates a fun atmosphere that reflects the owners’ personalities. The result is not just a studio that feels effortless—it’s an inspiring environment where writing, mixing, and production can happen with minimal sound transmission.
Behind the walls, the architectural acoustics are second to none. The design emphasizes a true “plug-and-play” workflow: each control room, both isolation booths, and all common areas are acoustically isolated with extraordinary attention to detail. Each suite is equipped with dedicated, silent 1:1 HVAC systems. Eight independent floating-floor systems support the suites, while tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies and intentional treatments in the main suites deliver clarity and precision for mixing. Full-lite doors, combined with the fact that no suite is mechanically bonded, allow all rooms to operate simultaneously with minimal sound transfer.
Design, Build & Audio by NILES.
Start your studio journey at niles.co

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes.
Consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces play a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Consider also, quiet spaces free of outside ambient noise have been proven to improve sleep, focus, and productivity. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes.
Consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces play a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Consider also, quiet spaces free of outside ambient noise have been proven to improve sleep, focus, and productivity. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home.
The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living.
The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home.
The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play.
The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms.
Energy Efficient features include:
• The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade
• 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques
• Foil covered roof sheathing
• Extensive use of blown in cellulous
• All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass
• Tank-less water heaters
• Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV.
Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency.
These items include:
• 2x6 walls with staggered studs
• Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting
• Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows
• ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls.
The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.
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