This 1910 West Highlands home was so compartmentalized that you couldn't help to notice you were constantly entering a new room every 8-10 feet. There was also a 500 SF addition put on the back of the home to accommodate a living room, 3/4 bath, laundry room and back foyer - 350 SF of that was for the living room. Needless to say, the house needed to be gutted and replanned. Kitchen+Dining+Laundry-Like most of these early 1900's homes, the kitchen was not the heartbeat of the home like they are today. This kitchen was tucked away in the back and smaller than any other social rooms in the house. We knocked out the walls of the dining room to expand and created an open floor plan suitable for any type of gathering. As a nod to the history of the home, we used butcherblock for all the countertops and shelving which was accented by tones of brass, dusty blues and light-warm greys. This room had no storage before so creating ample storage and a variety of storage types was a critical ask for the client. One of my favorite details is the blue crown that draws from one end of the space to the other, accenting a ceiling that was otherwise forgotten. Primary Bath-This did not exist prior to the remodel and the client wanted a more neutral space with strong visual details. We split the walls in half with a datum line that transitions from penny gap molding to the tile in the shower. To provide some more visual drama, we did a chevron tile arrangement on the floor, gridded the shower enclosure for some deep contrast an array of brass and quartz to elevate the finishes. Powder Bath-This is always a fun place to let your vision get out of the box a bit. All the elements were familiar to the space but modernized and more playful. The floor has a wood look tile in a herringbone arrangement, a navy vanity, gold fixtures that are all servants to the star of the room - the blue and white deco wall tile behind the vanity. Full Bath-This was a quirky little bathroom that you'd always keep the door closed when guests are over. Now we have brought the blue tones into the space and accented it with bronze fixtures and a playful southwestern floor tile. Living Room & Office-This room was too big for its own good and now serves multiple purposes. We condensed the space to provide a living area for the whole family plus other guests and left enough room to explain the space with floor cushions. The office was a bonus to the project as it provided privacy to a room that otherwise had none before.

For this master bathroom remodel, we were tasked to blend in some of the existing finishes of the home to make it modern and desert-inspired. We found this one-of-a-kind marble mosaic that would blend all of the warmer tones with the cooler tones and provide a focal point to the space. We filled in the drop-in bath tub and made it a seamless walk-in shower with a linear drain. The brass plumbing fixtures play off of the warm tile selections and the black bath accessories anchor the space. We were able to match their existing travertine flooring and finish it off with a simple, stacked subway tile on the two adjacent shower walls. We smoothed all of the drywall throughout and made simple changes to the vanity like swapping out the cabinet hardware, faucets and light fixture, for a totally custom feel. The walnut cabinet hardware provides another layer of texture to the space.

Magnolia Home was inspired by the utility of working industrial pieces for their Industrial Framework Dining Table. Its top features a lift-off center that reveals a zinc planter bucket inside. Use it to hold drinks on ice, cut flowers or maybe even plant some herbs for handy use. - Zinc planter insert in top center under removable cover. - Wooden shelf in stretcher base. - Square tubular metal legs in black finish. - Sturdy H-shaped stretcher base. - Rustic Milk Crate finish. COLLECTION FEATURES This beautiful line was designed exclusively by Joanna Gaines to convey her fresh, unique design style that embodies her lifestyle of home and family. Each piece falls onto a specific genre: Boho, Farmhouse, French Inspired, Industrial, Primitive or Traditional. Painted finishes and wood stains are offered that replicate the look of age-worn vintage patinas. This piece is part of her Industrial genre, which is bold, holds purpose and comes with a strength and a story that inspires the practical side of any room. The items in this genre come from hard-working spaces; like factories, warehouses and farms. They play bold vertical and horizontal lines against the patina of work-worn and aged metals.

Transforming unfinished garage in to an a usable space. library/working area with epoxy flooring.
Example of a mid-sized trendy detached two-car garage workshop design in Los Angeles

This lower-level space was designed with a “Zen” vibe per the client style and request. We included a meditation area, doggy bed space near the sofa in the common area. In this common area space, we provided an elegant yet playful compilation of grains and textures. The grey variations create a calming atmosphere warmed by the fireplace, while the inclusion of the living wall brings light and life to the space creating the perfect balance for meditation and relaxation. Across from the lounge space is a small area for Yoga, light working out, and meditation. In the shower & sauna space, we outfitted with elegant engraved marble tile as well as deep charcoal accent tile that ties in with the dark metal features selected for the room. The sauna space has dimmable lighting, and speakers made the space a relaxing oasis. The laundry area includes an Energy Star, smart technology washer and dryer set. The addition of cabinets topped with a granite top creates a gorgeous, but functional space.

Removing a wall between the kitchen and living room brings light and usability to a once closed off, secluded kitchen. Mealtimes become a favorite family time now with a large island with seating for four. The homeowners wanted a more modern feel with a classic touch, and this was achieved with classic white cabinetry topped with leathered granite on the surround and a showstopping Quartz for the island that is a work of art. Playing on textures and finishes, the beveled marble backsplash draws the eyes to the focal point of the room, the mantle style vent hood. Keeping symmetry the star, two Circa Lighting pendants command attention. Not letting style get all the attention, this kitchen lacks no modern conveniences such as a water dispensing station, beverage center, and top of the line appliances. This stunning new kitchen breathes new life to this beautiful home and will grow with this sweet young family.

Photos by Alan K. Barley, AIA screened in porch, Austin luxury home, Austin custom home, BarleyPfeiffer Architecture, BarleyPfeiffer, wood floors, sustainable design, sleek design, pro work, modern, low voc paint, interiors and consulting, house ideas, home planning, 5 star energy, high performance, green building, fun design, 5 star appliance, find a pro, family home, elegance, efficient, custom-made, comprehensive sustainable architects, barley & Pfeiffer architects, natural lighting, AustinTX, Barley & Pfeiffer Architects, professional services, green design, Screened-In porch, Austin luxury home, Austin custom home, BarleyPfeiffer Architecture, wood floors, sustainable design, sleek design, modern, low voc paint, interiors and consulting, house ideas, home planning, 5 star energy, high performance, green building, fun design, 5 star appliance, find a pro, family home, elegance, efficient, custom-made, comprehensive sustainable architects, natural lighting, Austin TX, Barley & Pfeiffer Architects, professional services, green design, curb appeal, LEED, AIA,

For this master bathroom remodel, we were tasked to blend in some of the existing finishes of the home to make it modern and desert-inspired. We found this one-of-a-kind marble mosaic that would blend all of the warmer tones with the cooler tones and provide a focal point to the space. We filled in the drop-in bath tub and made it a seamless walk-in shower with a linear drain. The brass plumbing fixtures play off of the warm tile selections and the black bath accessories anchor the space. We were able to match their existing travertine flooring and finish it off with a simple, stacked subway tile on the two adjacent shower walls. We smoothed all of the drywall throughout and made simple changes to the vanity like swapping out the cabinet hardware, faucets and light fixture, for a totally custom feel. The walnut cabinet hardware provides another layer of texture to the space.

This lower-level space was designed with a “Zen” vibe per the client style and request. We included a meditation area, doggy bed space near the sofa in the common area. In this common area space, we provided an elegant yet playful compilation of grains and textures. The grey variations create a calming atmosphere warmed by the fireplace, while the inclusion of the living wall brings light and life to the space creating the perfect balance for meditation and relaxation. Across from the lounge space is a small area for Yoga, light working out, and meditation. In the shower & sauna space, we outfitted with elegant engraved marble tile as well as deep charcoal accent tile that ties in with the dark metal features selected for the room. The sauna space has dimmable lighting, and speakers made the space a relaxing oasis. The laundry area includes an Energy Star, smart technology washer and dryer set. The addition of cabinets topped with a granite top creates a gorgeous, but functional space.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

For this master bathroom remodel, we were tasked to blend in some of the existing finishes of the home to make it modern and desert-inspired. We found this one-of-a-kind marble mosaic that would blend all of the warmer tones with the cooler tones and provide a focal point to the space. We filled in the drop-in bath tub and made it a seamless walk-in shower with a linear drain. The brass plumbing fixtures play off of the warm tile selections and the black bath accessories anchor the space. We were able to match their existing travertine flooring and finish it off with a simple, stacked subway tile on the two adjacent shower walls. We smoothed all of the drywall throughout and made simple changes to the vanity like swapping out the cabinet hardware, faucets and light fixture, for a totally custom feel. The walnut cabinet hardware provides another layer of texture to the space.

This lower-level space was designed with a “Zen” vibe per the client style and request. We included a meditation area, doggy bed space near the sofa in the common area. In this common area space, we provided an elegant yet playful compilation of grains and textures. The grey variations create a calming atmosphere warmed by the fireplace, while the inclusion of the living wall brings light and life to the space creating the perfect balance for meditation and relaxation. Across from the lounge space is a small area for Yoga, light working out, and meditation. In the shower & sauna space, we outfitted with elegant engraved marble tile as well as deep charcoal accent tile that ties in with the dark metal features selected for the room. The sauna space has dimmable lighting, and speakers made the space a relaxing oasis. The laundry area includes an Energy Star, smart technology washer and dryer set. The addition of cabinets topped with a granite top creates a gorgeous, but functional space.

For this master bathroom remodel, we were tasked to blend in some of the existing finishes of the home to make it modern and desert-inspired. We found this one-of-a-kind marble mosaic that would blend all of the warmer tones with the cooler tones and provide a focal point to the space. We filled in the drop-in bath tub and made it a seamless walk-in shower with a linear drain. The brass plumbing fixtures play off of the warm tile selections and the black bath accessories anchor the space. We were able to match their existing travertine flooring and finish it off with a simple, stacked subway tile on the two adjacent shower walls. We smoothed all of the drywall throughout and made simple changes to the vanity like swapping out the cabinet hardware, faucets and light fixture, for a totally custom feel. The walnut cabinet hardware provides another layer of texture to the space.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Removing a wall between the kitchen and living room brings light and usability to a once closed off, secluded kitchen. Mealtimes become a favorite family time now with a large island with seating for four. The homeowners wanted a more modern feel with a classic touch, and this was achieved with classic white cabinetry topped with leathered granite on the surround and a showstopping Quartz for the island that is a work of art. Playing on textures and finishes, the beveled marble backsplash draws the eyes to the focal point of the room, the mantle style vent hood. Keeping symmetry the star, two Circa Lighting pendants command attention. Not letting style get all the attention, this kitchen lacks no modern conveniences such as a water dispensing station, beverage center, and top of the line appliances. This stunning new kitchen breathes new life to this beautiful home and will grow with this sweet young family.

For this master bathroom remodel, we were tasked to blend in some of the existing finishes of the home to make it modern and desert-inspired. We found this one-of-a-kind marble mosaic that would blend all of the warmer tones with the cooler tones and provide a focal point to the space. We filled in the drop-in bath tub and made it a seamless walk-in shower with a linear drain. The brass plumbing fixtures play off of the warm tile selections and the black bath accessories anchor the space. We were able to match their existing travertine flooring and finish it off with a simple, stacked subway tile on the two adjacent shower walls. We smoothed all of the drywall throughout and made simple changes to the vanity like swapping out the cabinet hardware, faucets and light fixture, for a totally custom feel. The walnut cabinet hardware provides another layer of texture to the space.

Bathroom, glass shower, blue vanity, tile floor, small bath, mosaic tile, lighting, hardware
Example of a small classic 3/4 multicolored tile and mosaic tile beige floor corner shower design in Columbus with furniture-like cabinets, blue cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops and a hinged shower door

Lauren Daue Photography
Inspiration for a large coastal blue two-story concrete fiberboard gable roof remodel in Baltimore with a tile roof