Austerity is the New Opulence- there’s something irresistible about simplicity. Experts predict that in 2019, minimalism will be getting a make-over, and that the understated look will be all about austere greys, bold metallic lines and the occasional hint of elegant whites. Each section of Stackstone Grey stone veneer is crafted in a ‘z’ shape, which ensures a smoother, more seamless finish. It’s easy to attach to the wall, simply by using our recommended adhesive.

Civita Park, San Diego, CA is under development in Mission Valley featuring dassoXTR bamboo deck boardwalk throughout the park designed by Schmidt Design Group and supplied by Boise Cascade. Civita Park is predicted to be completed in 2018.

Like Heaven on Earth, I purposefully kept the space open, bright, and uncluttered. The low, elongated Italian leather couches blend into the whiteness of the walls. The fine art, pillows, and wool rug introduce a modern, jewel-like, pops of color. Nothing in the space is predictable or boring. It defies "the norm." It is its own character. It's self proclaimed castle in the sky.

Example of a three-story exterior home design in Toronto

The elegant organic dining area was dressed with mushroom colored linen draperies and was furnished with a mix of casually elegant furniture. The warm wool rug grounds the space and features a blend of organic and wood materials. Leather seat cushions contrast the woven organic backs of the side chairs and skirted linen host and hostess chair provide a contrast of materials at each end of the table. The oak extension dining table features a subtle texture that provides an interesting and welcoming atmosphere for guests. The modern light fixture is an unexpected touch that prevents the cozy space from being too predictable.

This master bedroom makeover transformed a predictable bedroom into a soothing, traditional retreat.
Example of a classic home design design in Houston

This retired couple loves collecting art on their worldwide travels and didn't want to settle for a predictable look for their new kitchen. We began with the black and gold honed granite they fell in love with, and added the glass tile mosaic back splash and custom mixed metal hood. The result is truly a work of art! Collaboration with Sterling Renovations Matt Ross-photos

Izumi Tanaka
Minimalist exterior home photo in Los Angeles

This design captures the spirit of eclectic modernity—boldly combining texture, form, and soulful detail. It embraces both clean contemporary lines and layered, curated elements, resulting in a space that feels thoughtfully collected, not predictable. Textural richness is at the forefront—soft upholstery pairs with sleek surfaces, and mixed finishes (polished metals, matte woods, and plush textiles) create a tactile and visual dialogue. The contrast between refined and cozy elements builds warmth and sophistication. The layout balances openness with intimacy. Thoughtfully placed furniture and visual rhythms guide movement through the space, allowing each area to feel both connected and distinct. Lighting is composed with subtlety and intention—ambient fixtures and layered lighting gently sculpt the environment. Shadows and highlights enhance the ambiance without overpowering the architectural interplay. This space tells a story of modern living infused with personality. It’s dynamic yet grounded—inviting curiosity, conversation, and comfort in equal measure.

This Fishtown rowhome refresh started with a familiar challenge: a sea of flat, builder-grade finishes in predictable “millennial gray.” Our clients wanted a home that felt layered, lived-in, and full of personality. They desired something that reflected their style, not just a resale checklist. We reworked two full floors to bring in warmth, character, and thoughtful details. On the main level, we introduced rich textures, vintage accents, and a more intentional palette that made a statement. Powerful punches of wallpaper, uniquely different but graciously coordinating, transformed key moments into standout spaces. Upstairs, updates to the kitchen and dining area emphasized comfort, functionality, and bold sophistication. Throughout, we layered in materials with soul: natural woods, warm metals, and handcrafted touches, all while keeping the overall footprint and layout intact. Built-ins in the living area brought much-needed storage, style, and a grounded focal point to anchor the space. The result is a home that feels personal yet timeless. A clear departure from the gray-washed norm.

Gravel, stone and boulders replaced the predictable turf as front yard covering. These elements pull the house into the landscape by replicating the stone porch pillars. Vertical conifers speak to those pillars and the ultimate height of the home, while pendulous specimen trees bring the eye down to ground level and keep it engaged and moving through the space. Photo by Jay Sifford

The only popcorn left in this place is "Fishers Popcorn"! The first order of business - eliminate the caked on popcorn walls and ceiling, no easy task! Second - design a functional eat-in kitchen with what little wall space was available. Third - Lighting! It was important to have more cabinet storage, trash can pull out, an actual silverware drawer and of course a coffee bar. To keep it budget friendly I kept the existing refrigerator and dishwasher and replaced the bulky range and micro hood with a peninsula configuration. I decided to use copper lighting and accents as opposed to the predictable silver or gold. I think it really pops off the harbor blue cabinets and gives a subtle, feminine, mermaid feel. To top this kitchen off right, a scale tile backsplash and Quartz Borghini countertops with waterfalls were installed. Backsplash/Counters: American Granite, Bishopville, MD Photography: Ricky Johnson, Fenwick Island, DE Dining Set/Sleeper Sofa: Casual Designs Furniture, Heidi Rae Ocean City, MD

Traditional design is classic and elegant. A traditional living room can be both timeless and cozy for the whole family. It all depends on the materials used. However, every traditional living room design does have a discerning color palette, curated artwork and decor, and elegant lighting that makes a statement.Traditional design can be predictable—but the good side is that it’s cozy and comfortable. Traditional living rooms are perfect for those who want a homey and comfortable living space or for people who have a timeless sense of style—who know what they like and like what they know.

Katherine Gurley
Large farmhouse medium tone wood floor study room photo in Birmingham

The "Illusionist" kitchen is a 2nd place winner in the prestigious Subzero and Wolf kitchen design contest in the state of Ohio. This tremendous house, which is situated on the lake, boasts a main kitchen and a prep kitchen. Its name was generated from the complete invisibility of the main kitchen's working components, whereas all of the appliances were completely concealed to provide a seamless look allowing for an unconventional look that is streamlined yet completely functional. The goal of the homeowners in the design stages were to simplify a more conventional house layout. A more predictable formal dining room was eliminated creating a merge of the main kitchen with a central eating area. The combining of these two spaces helped to develop the concept that the kitchen was an 'illusion'; accessible when necessary but unnoticed in every other way so there was less of a feel of being in a kitchen and more of a sense of being in a gathering area for family and friends to enjoy. The main kitchen boasts three ovens, a 36" Subzero refrigerator and a 36" Subzero freezer, all of which are paneled with white glass, providing a perfect reflective surface for the lake in the backdrop. The island is dual purposed, housing a sink and a 36" induction Wolf cooktop on one side and providing seating for 10 in a custom built banquette. The light fixture above the custom glass and stainless steel table is the "Etoile" from Terzanni while the massive light fixture over the island is the "Sospesa" from Fabbian and boasts a 2" sheet of glass with inset halogen lighting that is nearly invisible suspended from the 10' ceiling that features a drop ceiling with cove lighting. The prep kitchen, which was the 'workhorse' for everyday use is also a fully functional space, featuring additional 36" Subzero refrigerator and freezer, a 36" oven, microwave, two prep sinks (one in the island and one to the left of the freezer) and a concealed barstool which pulls out from the island and 'disappears' when not in use. A built-in dog feeding station allows for conveniences for all family members of this modern household.

Every year, interior design and architecture are becoming more beautiful, refined and perfected. And Luxury Antonovich Design studio projects reflect these wonderful changes. Chief designer Katrina Antonovich to predict the future in their projects. Her High style is filled with deep philosophical meaning. It is completely erased the line between dream and reality. And exceptional comfort is directly related to the external aesthetic beauty. In this project, the pinnacle of design excellence has become the interior of the spacious hall. White marble, stained glass, magnificent grand staircase. All these elements of the interior designer has united in whole image of the magnificent interior.

Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com The E series made Wolf precision performance accessible for more cooks. Now three distinct new styles make the E series ideal for more kitchen designs than ever. The new 30" E series transitional double oven features an all-stainless touch control panel and slim, tubular handles - a design meant to coordinate beautifully with similarly-styled Wolf microwaves and warming drawers. Inside the upper oven, dual convection fans and ten cooking modes control heat and airflow more precisely than less sophisticated single-convection systems. Uniform heat throughout the oven and the efficiency of circulating air around the food produce faster, more consistent and more predictably delicious results for your baking, roasting and broiling. The lower oven is a standard, non-convection oven offering four modes (bake, broil, roast and proof). The E series oven controls are a favorite of Wolf chefs for their intuitive usability whether setting the temperature, mode or timer. Meanwhile, dual interior halogen lights and a large viewing window help you keep tabs on cooking progress without having to disturb your dish by opening the door. Other standard convenience features include self-clean and timed cook settings, along with one full-extension, easy-glide rack and one full-extension, door-glide rack that put even the largest, heaviest dishes safely within reach. Appearance: Cobalt Blue Porcelain Oven Interior (Each Oven) Large Viewing Double-Pane Window (Each Oven) Tubular Handle Unframed Stainless Design Capacity: 4.5 Cu Ft Oven Capacity (Each Oven) Dimensions: 50 3/8" H x 24 3/4" D x 30" W Manufacturers Warranty: 2 Year Parts & Labor 5 Year Parts-Electric Elements, Electronic Control Controls: Touch Control Panel w/ LCD Display Oven Features: 10 Cooking Modes (Upper Oven) 3 Oven Racks w/ 6 Level Guide (Each Oven) Convection Bake, Roast, Broil Conventional Bake, Roast, Broil Dehydrate & Proof Modes Dual Convection System with Two Fans - Upper Oven Full Extension Bottom Rack Hidden Bake Element Recessed Broil Element Self Clean Porcelain Oven (Each Oven) Temperature Probe (Each Oven) Convenience Features: Delay Start Option (Each Oven) Dual Interior Halogen Lighting (Each Oven) Sabbath Mode (Each Oven) Additional Features: Balanced Door Hinge Standard or Flush Inset Application Installation

Acton, MA 2008 sq ft varies Visioning, programming, concept design, schematic design, construction documentation and construction administration The HingeHouse project was the result of a unique partnership between an independent architect and a pre-fabricated home manufacturer – a partnership among the first of its kind in the country. Today, many pre-fab companies have adopted this collaborative approach recognizing that homeowners are looking for unique, custom homes while taking advantage of reliable and predictable construction methods and costs. In 2008, the partnership was created to rethink pre-engineered post-and-beam and panelized systems to connect clients to a more modern and integrated set of design values. By integrating systems, factory design approach, manufacturing methodologies and construction sequences with design criteria grounded in sustainable planning and rigorous implementation, HingeHouse was developed. HingeHouse is a fully-customizable pre-fab home which can be configured to meet the needs of any site, and any family. It is flexible and expandable using Deck House engineered building components. Starting with basic floor plans that are optimized spatially to Deck’s standard components, the living spaces are rotated around a "hinge” point. This design solution addresses the limitations and challenges of a particular site, while highlighting the best aspects of it. HingeHouse considers passive solar orientation depending on where the home is placed on the site and how it is “hinged”. It provides for maximum cross-ventilation from prevailing winds, preserves existing site formations and trees, and works on sloping grades. It addresses specific desired views while mitigating unwanted adjacencies, and provides great flexibility for entry sequences. HingeHouse uses Deck’s standard sloped roof post-and-beam component system to create a lyrical, light-filled home. The western red cedar exterior is sculptural and dynamic. Interior spaces are lofty, with great view potential using Deck’s own custom-made mahogany windows. The “hinge” of the home, where the two building forms come together, has the added benefit of creating a desirable outdoor living room, complete with an outdoor fireplace. The "hinge” provides both a tool for maximizing customization and spatial orientation and a center of activity at the heart of the home. Since this partnership in 2008, Maryann Thompson Architects and MATHISON | MATHISON ARCHITECTS have worked with Acorn Deck House Company on numerous full or partial pre-fab projects in the Boston Area, Western Massachusetts, Maryland and Michigan. We have become an advocate for their services and products because it offers advantages on a variety of levels including schedule, cost and quality. Services provided included visioning, programming, concept design, schematic design, construction documentation and construction administration. Evan’s Role: Project Designer & Project Manager