© Michael Moran/OTTO
Home studio - contemporary freestanding desk home studio idea in New York with white walls

Example of a mid-sized minimalist deck design in Calgary

Mike Dean
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Other with wood countertops

Believe it or not, this award-winning home began as a speculative project. Typically speculative projects involve a rather generic design that would appeal to many in a style that might be loved by the masses. But the project’s developer loved modern architecture and his personal residence was the first project designed by architect C.P. Drewett when Drewett Works launched in 2001. Together, the architect and developer envisioned a fictitious art collector who would one day purchase this stunning piece of desert modern architecture to showcase their magnificent collection. The primary views from the site were southwest. Therefore, protecting the interior spaces from the southwest sun while making the primary views available was the greatest challenge. The views were very calculated and carefully managed. Every room needed to not only capture the vistas of the surrounding desert, but also provide viewing spaces for the potential collection to be housed within its walls. The core of the material palette is utilitarian including exposed masonry and locally quarried cantera stone. An organic nature was added to the project through millwork selections including walnut and red gum veneers. The eventual owners saw immediately that this could indeed become a home for them as well as their magnificent collection, of which pieces are loaned out to museums around the world. Their decision to purchase the home was based on the dimensions of one particular wall in the dining room which was EXACTLY large enough for one particular painting not yet displayed due to its size. The owners and this home were, as the saying goes, a perfect match! Project Details | Desert Modern for the Magnificent Collection, Estancia, Scottsdale, AZ Architecture: C.P. Drewett, Jr., AIA, NCARB | Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ Builder: Shannon Construction | Phoenix, AZ Interior Selections: Janet Bilotti, NCIDQ, ASID | Naples, FL Custom Millwork: Linear Fine Woodworking | Scottsdale, AZ Photography: Dino Tonn | Scottsdale, AZ Awards: 2014 Gold Nugget Award of Merit Feature Article: Luxe. Interiors and Design. Winter 2015, “Lofty Exposure”

OL + expanded this North Shore waterfront bungalow to include a new library, two sleeping porches, a third floor billiard and game room, and added a conservatory. The design is influenced by the Arts and Crafts style of the existing house. A two-story gatehouse with similar architectural details, was designed to include a garage and second floor loft-style living quarters. The late landscape architect, Dale Wagner, developed the site to create picturesque views throughout the property as well as from every room. Contractor: Fanning Builders- Jamie Fanning Millwork & Carpentry: Slim Larson Design Photographer: Peter Vanderwarker Photography

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Example of a large classic backyard concrete paver patio design in Seattle with a fireplace and a gazebo

Inspiration for a country light wood floor teen room remodel in Portland with white walls

With a ceiling height of less than 6', and a floor that made you feel like you were riding a ship on a choppy ocean, no one saw potential in Old Salty's 2nd floor other than for attic storage. After sleuthing a bit, we realized it had a dropped ceiling that was hiding a much taller ceiling above it. Throw in some strategic steel beams for stiffening the floor, add a bathroom and a closet and voila - a master suite is born. With wrap around windows it has now been dubbed the "cloud ship" room.

Example of a transitional kitchen design in Cedar Rapids

It wasn’t necessary to overthink things when Axis Mundi designed interiors for an apartment at Brooklyn’s glass-sheathed 1 Grand Army Plaza, the luxury building by Richard Meier already endowed with all the “starchitect” bells and whistles, as well as drop-dead stunning views of Brooklyn, the harbor and Prospect Park. What did require considerable aptitude was to strike the right balance between respect for these assets, particularly the panoramas, and livability. The all-white scheme doesn’t just complement Meier’s own aesthetic devotion to this purest of pure hues; it serves as a cool backdrop for the views, affording comfortable vantage points from which to enjoy them, yet not drawing attention away from the splendors of one of the world’s most distinctive boroughs. Sleek, low-lying Italian seating avoids distracting interruptions on the horizon line. But minimal color accents and pattern also sidestep what could have been a potentially antiseptic environment, making it tactile, human and luxurious. 2,200 sf Design Team: John Beckmann, Richard Rosenbloom and Nick Messerlian Vintage photography coursety of the Ubu Gallery, New York Photography: Adriana Buffi and Fran Parente © Axis Mundi Design LLC

Deering Design Studio, Inc.
Inspiration for a rustic dark wood floor wine cellar remodel in Seattle

Copyright William Geddes
Cottage wooden staircase photo in New York with painted risers

When the developer found this brownstone on the Upper Westside he immediately researched and found its potential for expansion. We were hired to maximize the existing brownstone and turn it from its current existence as 5 individual apartments into a large luxury single family home. The existing building was extended 16 feet into the rear yard and a new sixth story was added along with an occupied roof. The project was not a complete gut renovation, the character of the parlor floor was maintained, along with the original front facade, windows, shutters, and fireplaces throughout. A new solid oak stair was built from the garden floor to the roof in conjunction with a small supplemental passenger elevator directly adjacent to the staircase. The new brick rear facade features oversized windows; one special aspect of which is the folding window wall at the ground level that can be completely opened to the garden. The goal to keep the original character of the brownstone yet to update it with modern touches can be seen throughout the house. The large kitchen has Italian lacquer cabinetry with walnut and glass accents, white quartz counters and backsplash and a Calcutta gold arabesque mosaic accent wall. On the parlor floor a custom wetbar, large closet and powder room are housed in a new floor to ceiling wood paneled core. The master bathroom contains a large freestanding tub, a glass enclosed white marbled steam shower, and grey wood vanities accented by a white marble floral mosaic. The new forth floor front room is highlighted by a unique sloped skylight that offers wide skyline views. The house is topped off with a glass stair enclosure that contains an integrated window seat offering views of the roof and an intimate space to relax in the sun.

Example of a mountain style light wood floor sunroom design in Milwaukee with a wood stove and a standard ceiling

After moving across the country, this family found charm and potential in a 1925 farmhouse in Ann Arbor that had seen its share of remodels and additions over the past century. They wanted to restore the home’s heart and soul while creating spaces that fit modern family life. We reimagined a great deal of the main floor, bringing authentic materials and thoughtful design to the kitchen, coffee bar, dining room banquette, serving area, laundry room, and entryway. A much-needed half bath was added within a former closet, a small but meaningful change that transformed how the home functions day to day. The kitchen features creamy white cabinetry paired with a deep-stained hickory island and hood, creating a warm and balanced palette that suits the age and architecture of the home. A new brick wall adds texture and character, connecting the layers of the home’s history. Floating shelves, crafted by a local woodworker from reclaimed wood, tie together the coffee bar, serving area, and laundry spaces. Every detail was chosen to bring the home’s character back to life while giving this family a space that feels personal, welcoming, and ready for the next hundred years.

Fabulous Pieces
Inspiration for a timeless open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Milwaukee with a standard fireplace and a concealed tv

jeremy bittermann
Living room - contemporary open concept concrete floor living room idea in Portland with white walls

Patio - traditional patio idea in DC Metro with no cover and a fireplace