Location, location, location! Isn’t that what all of our real-estate friends and colleagues are always telling us? Our clients made a wise choice when purchasing this beautifully located ocean front property nestled in the dunes of Palm Beach, but they were presented with a challenge: how to take this luxury townhouse from dark and dated to a chic easy breezy dream home that reflects is naturally gorgeous sun and sand dunes surroundings as well as our clients laid back personalities. Built in 1981, this dream home’s post-modern style with dark wood architectural features, cold concrete structure, and harsh lighting felt out of step by todays standards. Our solution: open the staircase and switch out the wood paneled banister for clear glass, exposing its grand design and allowing for amazing and unobscured views of the property’s outdoor spaces as well as the home’s common areas, permitting its large loft space to shine. Bedrooms were treated to neutral color-schemes inspired by the Palm Beach dunes that surround this oceanfront home. An impressive pallet of textures and materials were chosen, and juxtapositions of lux linens and natural textiles like grass wall coverings and a large arrangement of sculptural branches brings the outside, in. Big and bold custom metal sculptures were installed in the primary bedroom along with hand blown glass light fixtures, adding that touch of glam that we are known for. The private courtyard revamp is above and beyond anything you will see in Palm Beach. Playful and luxurious, it features a koi pond, a two story art installation and a dramatic custom stone waterfall. Its seating area makes great use of this homes original design by softening the heavy overhang with ceiling coverings in Peaky Cyprus and covering the walls with grass, creating a very cool and cozy space to relax and unwind. The entire courtyard is expertly illuminated by artistic lighting that makes every corner a sparkling treat for the eyes. We had fun with this ambitious project and we hope your takeaway is to let location be your guide when looking for your dream home, because anything is possible in design but great surroundings are rare treasures that must be found and cherished.

The renovation was both a tribute to the home’s postmodern design while also bringing in modern touches that breathe fresh life into the home for the new owners.

Bedroom - contemporary bedroom idea in Austin

Ski in / ski out Mountain Modern Home. Photography by Jim Fairchild
Inspiration for a large craftsman brown three-story wood gable roof remodel in Salt Lake City

Photo Credits: Aaron Leitz
Inspiration for a large modern gray three-story stucco house exterior remodel in Portland with a hip roof and a metal roof

Contractor: Kevin F. Russo Interiors: Anne McDonald Design Photo: Scott Amundson
Beach style light wood floor and wood ceiling living room photo in Portland with white walls

Inspiration for a 1960s exterior home remodel in Tampa

Peter Aaron
Example of a beach style home design design in New York

A complete remodel of a 70s-era home re-imagines its original post-modern architecture. The new design emphasizes details such as a phoenix motif (significant to the family) that appears on a fountain as well as at the living room fireplace surround, both designed by the firm. Mahogany paneling, stone and walnut flooring, elaborate ceiling treatments, steel picture windows that frame panoramic views, and carved limestone window surrounds contribute new texture and character.

Photo Credits: Aaron Leitz
Large minimalist gray three-story stucco house exterior photo in Portland with a hip roof and a metal roof

Kevin Keim
Example of a minimalist home design design in Austin

Large modern beige two-story brick exterior home idea in Dallas with a shingle roof

Photo: Margot Hartford © 2014 Houzz
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Lauren Smyth designs over 80 spec homes a year for Alturas Homes! Last year, the time came to design a home for herself. Having trusted Kentwood for many years in Alturas Homes builder communities, Lauren knew that Brushed Oak Whisker from the Plateau Collection was the floor for her! She calls the look of her home ‘Ski Mod Minimalist’. Clean lines and a modern aesthetic characterizes Lauren's design style, while channeling the wild of the mountains and the rivers surrounding her hometown of Boise.

A complete remodel of a 70s-era home re-imagines its original post-modern architecture. The new design emphasizes details such as a phoenix motif (significant to the family) that appears on a fountain as well as at the living room fireplace surround, both designed by the firm. Mahogany paneling, stone and walnut flooring, elaborate ceiling treatments, steel picture windows that frame panoramic views, and carved limestone window surrounds contribute new texture and character.

Bronson Pate, Bauman Photographers
Living room - large traditional living room idea in San Diego

In this 1989 Contemporary bath remodel we brought a new sense of balance without losing the natural asymmetry and other key characteristics that create this postmodern gem. We added strong runs of shape and color, and utilized the space by recreating the floor plan in a way that better suits the needs of modern living.

© SGM PHOTOGRAPHY
Kitchen - eclectic medium tone wood floor kitchen idea in New York with glass-front cabinets, white cabinets and colored appliances

Inspiration for a 1950s pool remodel in Tampa