This Greek Revival row house in Boerum Hill was previously owned by a local architect who renovated it several times, including the addition of a two-story steel and glass extension at the rear. The new owners came to us seeking to restore the house and its original formality, while adapting it to the modern needs of a family of five. The detailing of the 25 x 36 foot structure had been lost and required some sleuthing into the history of Greek Revival style in historic Brooklyn neighborhoods. In addition to completely re-framing the interior, the house also required a new south-facing brick façade due to significant deterioration. The modern extension was replaced with a more traditionally detailed wood and copper- clad bay, still open to natural light and the garden view without sacrificing comfort. The kitchen was relocated from the first floor to the garden level with an adjacent formal dining room. Both rooms were enlarged from their previous iterations to accommodate weekly dinners with extended family. The kitchen includes a home office and breakfast nook that doubles as a homework station. The cellar level was further excavated to accommodate finished storage space and a playroom where activity can be monitored from the kitchen workspaces. The parlor floor is now reserved for entertaining. New pocket doors can be closed to separate the formal front parlor from the more relaxed back portion, where the family plays games or watches TV together. At the end of the hall, a powder room with brass details, and a luxe bar with antique mirrored backsplash and stone tile flooring, leads to the deck and direct garden access. Because of the property width, the house is able to provide ample space for the interior program within a shorter footprint. This allows the garden to remain expansive, with a small lawn for play, an outdoor food preparation area with a cast-in-place concrete bench, and a place for entertaining towards the rear. The newly designed landscaping will continue to develop, further enhancing the yard’s feeling of escape, and filling-in the views from the kitchen and back parlor above. A less visible, but equally as conscious, addition is a rooftop PV solar array that provides nearly 100% of the daily electrical usage, with the exception of the AC system on hot summer days. The well-appointed interiors connect the traditional backdrop of the home to a youthful take on classic design and functionality. The materials are elegant without being precious, accommodating a young, growing family. Unique colors and patterns provide a feeling of luxury while inviting inhabitants and guests to relax and enjoy this classic Brooklyn brownstone. This project won runner-up in the architecture category for the 2017 NYC&G Innovation in Design Awards and was featured in The American House: 100 Contemporary Homes. Photography by Francis Dzikowski / OTTO

The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. The shape of structure was also dictated by the stairs below. The new stairs had to be angled over the stairs from the first to the second floor such that the lower set of stairs provided head clearance. That set the L-shape and angles of the roof access structure. We used a 3D modeling program called Revit to review four critical height locations. This assured us the design provided the necessary stair clearance without making structure on roof visible from the street. The clients wanted a contemporary look for the stairs, and selected stainless steel cable rail. This material also allows natural light to pass through. We also rebuilt the stairs from the first floor to the second floor, so all the stairs have a consistent look. HDBros

This sprawling, curved Trex Transcend deck project earned Archadeck of Central Iowa the Grand Prize honor in Archadeck's Design Excellence Award program for 2016. Featuring a sunken, fire pit seating area under the pergola at left and a raised, oblong seating area at right, this deck provides stunning views of the Iowa countryside. Not to mention, lots of space for entertaining and relaxing in many different ways. See more about this award-winning project at: http://central-iowa.archadeck.com/galleries/archadeck-design-excellence-2016-grand-prize-winner-curved-trex-deck-central-iowa/ Photo by Archadeck of Central Iowa

Eric Roth Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized country open concept light wood floor living room remodel in Boston with white walls, a wood stove, a stone fireplace and no tv

This serene master bathroom design forms part of a master suite that is sure to make every day brighter. The large master bathroom includes a separate toilet compartment with a Toto toilet for added privacy, and is connected to the bedroom and the walk-in closet, all via pocket doors. The main part of the bathroom includes a luxurious freestanding Victoria + Albert bathtub situated near a large window with a Riobel chrome floor mounted tub spout. It also has a one-of-a-kind open shower with a cultured marble gray shower base, 12 x 24 polished Venatino wall tile with 1" chrome Schluter Systems strips used as a unique decorative accent. The shower includes a storage niche and shower bench, along with rainfall and handheld showerheads, and a sandblasted glass panel. Next to the shower is an Amba towel warmer. The bathroom cabinetry by Koch and Company incorporates two vanity cabinets and a floor to ceiling linen cabinet, all in a Fairway door style in charcoal blue, accented by Alno hardware crystal knobs and a super white granite eased edge countertop. The vanity area also includes undermount sinks with chrome faucets, Granby sconces, and Luna programmable lit mirrors. This bathroom design is sure to inspire you when getting ready for the day or provide the ultimate space to relax at the end of the day!

The 7,600 square-foot residence was designed for large, memorable gatherings of family and friends at the lake, as well as creating private spaces for smaller family gatherings. Keeping in dialogue with the surrounding site, a palette of natural materials and finishes was selected to provide a classic backdrop for all activities, bringing importance to the adjoining environment. In optimizing the views of the lake and developing a strategy to maximize natural ventilation, an ideal, open-concept living scheme was implemented. The kitchen, dining room, living room and screened porch are connected, allowing for the large family gatherings to take place inside, should the weather not cooperate. Two main level master suites remain private from the rest of the program; yet provide a complete sense of incorporation. Bringing the natural finishes to the interior of the residence, provided the opportunity for unique focal points that complement the stunning stone fireplace and timber trusses. Photographer: John Hession

The modern feel of this master bathroom designed by Stoneunlimited Kitchen and Bath Remodeling has the perfect balance of warm and cool tones that create a space that is striking. While the walls, flooring and finishes are all cool toned, the custom made vanity, wardrobe and full length mirror add a visual component that makes the space both warm and welcoming. This master bathroom has all the spa-like benefits that one could ever desire. The 68” acrylic soaking tub sits upon wood plank porcelain tiles that extend into the shower and provide the look of wood without the maintenance. The floor is heated and controlled by a programmable thermostat. A heated towel rack provides the benefit of having warm towels whenever needed. The shower enclosure showcases the aesthetics of the tile, tile work, modern fixtures and 36” Effendi Linear Shower Drain that adds another touch of modern appeal. This spacious master bathroom features: Tile: Floor to Ceiling and Tub Surround: 13x39 Laja Blanco Floor: Wood Plank Porcelain Tiles Vanity, Wardrobe & Mirror: Custom designed to accommodate the client’s needs Modern Design to conceal hidden storage in all 3 units Vanity Top: Quartz Fixtures: Kohler Tub: Gena Acrylic Slipper Tub Towel Warmer: Brenton 20” Extra Tall Hard Wired Heated Floors: Warmly Yours with Touch Programmable Thermostat

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

The size of this proposed accessory building was limited to 800 sq. ft., but using mechanical car lifts, we were able to fulfill his program by stacking his cars two high. In that the property also lacked a large amount of usable landscaped outdoor space, I suggested that we landscape the backup area and the access to where the cars would be stored. Working with Andrea Swanson of Thomas Bock and Associates in Walnut Creek, CA, we developed a plan that did just that. The lawn that you see in the photos is installed over turf blocks providing the structural support needed for backup and the driveway to the structure. Photo: Indivar Sivanathan

Bruce Damonte
Inspiration for a 1960s porcelain tile kitchen remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash and stone slab backsplash

To achieve a more thoughtful layout, we shifted the door, removed the linen closet, and reconfigured the design to allow for a generous his and hers double vanity. The LED lit vanity mirrors and striking sconces add a modern touch. The custom linen cabinet, complete with mirrored doors and full-extension drawers, provides more functional storage than the old linen closet. The shower was reimagined with plentiful glass to bring in the light. We installed multiple showering options that can be used alone or in combination including body sprays, rain head shower, standard and handheld showers. We paired a classic tub filler with a modern freestanding tub which makes the space feel both timeless and current. Replacing dark dated tiles with stunning marble-look porcelain brightens up the entire room. Programmable heated floors provide warmth and comfort and are a luxurious enhancement to any bathroom. Design elements from other rooms were even carried into the custom his and hers closets, achieving a cohesive style throughout the home.

The modern feel of this master bathroom designed by Stoneunlimited Kitchen and Bath Remodeling has the perfect balance of warm and cool tones that create a space that is striking. While the walls, flooring and finishes are all cool toned, the custom made vanity, wardrobe and full length mirror add a visual component that makes the space both warm and welcoming. This master bathroom has all the spa-like benefits that one could ever desire. The 68” acrylic soaking tub sits upon wood plank porcelain tiles that extend into the shower and provide the look of wood without the maintenance. The floor is heated and controlled by a programmable thermostat. A heated towel rack provides the benefit of having warm towels whenever needed. The shower enclosure showcases the aesthetics of the tile, tile work, modern fixtures and 36” Effendi Linear Shower Drain that adds another touch of modern appeal. This spacious master bathroom features: Tile: Floor to Ceiling and Tub Surround: 13x39 Laja Blanco Floor: Wood Plank Porcelain Tiles Vanity, Wardrobe & Mirror: Custom designed to accommodate the client’s needs Modern Design to conceal hidden storage in all 3 units Vanity Top: Quartz Fixtures: Kohler Tub: Gena Acrylic Slipper Tub Towel Warmer: Brenton 20” Extra Tall Hard Wired Heated Floors: Warmly Yours with Touch Programmable Thermostat

We provided the sailfish and David Johnson did the rest. Here is more info: Location: Indian Shores, Florida USA Rentals: www.19440gulf.com Sailfish: www.mountthis.net Program: Total redesign and renovation of a 900 sq. ft. oceanfront condo in a 1970’s multi unit dwelling Materials: Ceramic floors, Laminate cabinetry, Corian countertops, broadloom, ceramic mosaic BS Interior Designer David Johnson - http://www.davidjohnsonaoca.com

The modern feel of this master bathroom designed by Stoneunlimited Kitchen and Bath Remodeling has the perfect balance of warm and cool tones that create a space that is striking. While the walls, flooring and finishes are all cool toned, the custom made vanity, wardrobe and full length mirror add a visual component that makes the space both warm and welcoming. This master bathroom has all the spa-like benefits that one could ever desire. The 68” acrylic soaking tub sits upon wood plank porcelain tiles that extend into the shower and provide the look of wood without the maintenance. The floor is heated and controlled by a programmable thermostat. A heated towel rack provides the benefit of having warm towels whenever needed. The shower enclosure showcases the aesthetics of the tile, tile work, modern fixtures and 36” Effendi Linear Shower Drain that adds another touch of modern appeal. This spacious master bathroom features: Tile: Floor to Ceiling and Tub Surround: 13x39 Laja Blanco Floor: Wood Plank Porcelain Tiles Vanity, Wardrobe & Mirror: Custom designed to accommodate the client’s needs Modern Design to conceal hidden storage in all 3 units Vanity Top: Quartz Fixtures: Kohler Tub: Gena Acrylic Slipper Tub Towel Warmer: Brenton 20” Extra Tall Hard Wired Heated Floors: Warmly Yours with Touch Programmable Thermostat

To achieve a more thoughtful layout, we shifted the door, removed the linen closet, and reconfigured the design to allow for a generous his and hers double vanity. The LED lit vanity mirrors and striking sconces add a modern touch. The custom linen cabinet, complete with mirrored doors and full-extension drawers, provides more functional storage than the old linen closet. The shower was reimagined with plentiful glass to bring in the light. We installed multiple showering options that can be used alone or in combination including body sprays, rain head shower, standard and handheld showers. We paired a classic tub filler with a modern freestanding tub which makes the space feel both timeless and current. Replacing dark dated tiles with stunning marble-look porcelain brightens up the entire room. Programmable heated floors provide warmth and comfort and are a luxurious enhancement to any bathroom. Design elements from other rooms were even carried into the custom his and hers closets, achieving a cohesive style throughout the home.

To achieve a more thoughtful layout, we shifted the door, removed the linen closet, and reconfigured the design to allow for a generous his and hers double vanity. The LED lit vanity mirrors and striking sconces add a modern touch. The custom linen cabinet, complete with mirrored doors and full-extension drawers, provides more functional storage than the old linen closet. The shower was reimagined with plentiful glass to bring in the light. We installed multiple showering options that can be used alone or in combination including body sprays, rain head shower, standard and handheld showers. We paired a classic tub filler with a modern freestanding tub which makes the space feel both timeless and current. Replacing dark dated tiles with stunning marble-look porcelain brightens up the entire room. Programmable heated floors provide warmth and comfort and are a luxurious enhancement to any bathroom. Design elements from other rooms were even carried into the custom his and hers closets, achieving a cohesive style throughout the home.

The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. The shape of structure was also dictated by the stairs below. The new stairs had to be angled over the stairs from the first to the second floor such that the lower set of stairs provided head clearance. That set the L-shape and angles of the roof access structure. We used a 3D modeling program called Revit to review four critical height locations. This assured us the design provided the necessary stair clearance without making structure on roof visible from the street. The clients wanted a contemporary look for the stairs, and selected stainless steel cable rail. This material also allows natural light to pass through. We also rebuilt the stairs from the first floor to the second floor, so all the stairs have a consistent look. HDBros

The 7,600 square-foot residence was designed for large, memorable gatherings of family and friends at the lake, as well as creating private spaces for smaller family gatherings. Keeping in dialogue with the surrounding site, a palette of natural materials and finishes was selected to provide a classic backdrop for all activities, bringing importance to the adjoining environment. In optimizing the views of the lake and developing a strategy to maximize natural ventilation, an ideal, open-concept living scheme was implemented. The kitchen, dining room, living room and screened porch are connected, allowing for the large family gatherings to take place inside, should the weather not cooperate. Two main level master suites remain private from the rest of the program; yet provide a complete sense of incorporation. Bringing the natural finishes to the interior of the residence, provided the opportunity for unique focal points that complement the stunning stone fireplace and timber trusses. Photographer: John Hession

The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. The shape of structure was also dictated by the stairs below. The new stairs had to be angled over the stairs from the first to the second floor such that the lower set of stairs provided head clearance. That set the L-shape and angles of the roof access structure. We used a 3D modeling program called Revit to review four critical height locations. This assured us the design provided the necessary stair clearance without making structure on roof visible from the street. The clients wanted a contemporary look for the stairs, and selected stainless steel cable rail. This material also allows natural light to pass through. We also rebuilt the stairs from the first floor to the second floor, so all the stairs have a consistent look. HDBros