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

image: Travis Rhoads Photography
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Staircase Runner
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This narrow galley style primary bathroom was opened up by eliminating a wall between the toilet and vanity zones, enlarging the vanity counter space, and expanding the shower into dead space between the existing shower and the exterior wall. Now the space is the relaxing haven they'd hoped for for years. The warm, modern palette features soft green cabinetry, sage green ceramic tile with a high variation glaze and a fun accent tile with gold and silver tones in the shower niche that ties together the brass and brushed nickel fixtures and accessories, and a herringbone wood-look tile flooring that anchors the space with warmth. Wood accents are repeated in the softly curved mirror frame, the unique ash wood grab bars, and the bench in the shower. Quartz counters and shower elements are easy to mantain and provide a neutral break in the palette. The sliding shower door system allows for easy access without a door swing bumping into the toilet seat. The closet across from the vanity was updated with a pocket door, eliminating the previous space stealing small swinging doors. Storage features include a pull out hamper for quick sorting of dirty laundry and a tall cabinet on the counter that provides storage at an easy to grab height.

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This inviting gourmet kitchen designed by Curtis Lumber Co., Inc. is perfect for the entertaining lifestyle of the homeowners who wanted a modern farmhouse kitchen in a new construction build. The look was achieved by mixing in a warmer white finish on the upper cabinets with warmer wood tones for the base cabinets and island. The cabinetry is Merillat Masterpiece, Ganon Full overlay Evercore in Warm White Suede sheen on the upper cabinets and Ganon Full overlay Cherry Barley Suede sheen on the base cabinets and floating shelves. The leg of the island has a beautiful taper to it providing a beautiful architectural detail. Shiplap on the window wall and on the back of the island adds a little extra texture to the space. A microwave drawer in a base cabinet, placed near the refrigerator, creates a separate cooking zone. Tucked in on the outskirts of the kitchen is a beverage refrigerator providing easy access away from cooking areas Ascendra Pulls from Tob Knobs in flat black adorn the cabinetry. Photos property of Curtis Lumber Co., Inc.

Sonoma weeHouse interior. Copyright/Photo by Geoffrey Warner, Alchemy, LLC 2016.
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Maximizing the functionality of this space, and coordinating the new kitchen with the beautiful remodel completed previously by the client were the two most important aspects of this project. The existing spaces are elegantly decorated with an open plan, dark hardwood floors, and natural stone accents. The new, lighter, more open kitchen flows beautifully into the client’s existing dining room space. Satin nickel hardware blends with the stainless steel appliances and matches the satin nickel details throughout the home. The fully integrated refrigerator next to the narrow pull-out pantry cabinet, take up less visual weight than a traditional stainless steel appliance and the two combine to provide fantastic storage. The glass cabinet doors and decorative lighting beautifully highlight the client’s glassware and dishes. Finished with white subway tile, Dreamy Marfil quartz countertops, and a warm natural wood blind; the space warm, inviting, elegant, and extremely functional. copyright 2013 marilyn peryer photography

Unusual angles and limited accessibility in an attic bath can make it difficult to design a shower that fits into the available space. KF Megaglass-Shower Enclosures can provide solutions for both small and attic shower rooms.

Custom built by DCAM HOMES, one of Oakville’s most reputable builders. South of Lakeshore and steps to the lake, this newly built modern custom home features over 3,200 square feet of stylish living space in a prime location! This stunning home provides large principal rooms that flow seamlessly from one another. The open concept design features soaring 24-foot ceilings with floor to ceiling windows flooding the space with natural light. A home office is located off the entrance foyer creating a private oasis away from the main living area. The double storey ceiling in the family room automatically draws your eyes towards the open riser wood staircase, an architectural delight. This space also features an extra wide, 74” fireplace for everyone to enjoy. The thoughtfully designed chef’s kitchen was imported from Italy. An oversized island is the center focus of this room. Other highlights include top of the line built-in Miele appliances and gorgeous two-toned touch latch custom cabinetry. With everyday convenience in mind - the mudroom, with access from the garage, is the perfect place for your family to “drop everything”. This space has built-in cabinets galore – providing endless storage. Upstairs the master bedroom features a modern layout with open concept spa-like master ensuite features shower with body jets and steam shower stand-alone tub and stunning master vanity. This master suite also features beautiful corner windows and custom built-in wardrobes. The second and third bedroom also feature custom wardrobes and share a convenient jack-and-jill bathroom. Laundry is also found on this level. Beautiful outdoor areas expand your living space – surrounded by mature trees and a private fence, this will be the perfect end of day retreat! This home was designed with both style and function in mind to create both a warm and inviting living space.

Master bath. Photography by Stephen Brousseau.
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The entry to the Little Cloud residence is tucked under the shelter of the Living Room element which projects towards the view. An outdoor living room is accessible from the interior living room, to provide a true indoor/outdoor experience.

Forget just one room with a view—Lochley has almost an entire house dedicated to capturing nature’s best views and vistas. Make the most of a waterside or lakefront lot in this economical yet elegant floor plan, which was tailored to fit a narrow lot and has more than 1,600 square feet of main floor living space as well as almost as much on its upper and lower levels. A dovecote over the garage, multiple peaks and interesting roof lines greet guests at the street side, where a pergola over the front door provides a warm welcome and fitting intro to the interesting design. Other exterior features include trusses and transoms over multiple windows, siding, shutters and stone accents throughout the home’s three stories. The water side includes a lower-level walkout, a lower patio, an upper enclosed porch and walls of windows, all designed to take full advantage of the sun-filled site. The floor plan is all about relaxation – the kitchen includes an oversized island designed for gathering family and friends, a u-shaped butler’s pantry with a convenient second sink, while the nearby great room has built-ins and a central natural fireplace. Distinctive details include decorative wood beams in the living and kitchen areas, a dining area with sloped ceiling and decorative trusses and built-in window seat, and another window seat with built-in storage in the den, perfect for relaxing or using as a home office. A first-floor laundry and space for future elevator make it as convenient as attractive. Upstairs, an additional 1,200 square feet of living space include a master bedroom suite with a sloped 13-foot ceiling with decorative trusses and a corner natural fireplace, a master bath with two sinks and a large walk-in closet with built-in bench near the window. Also included is are two additional bedrooms and access to a third-floor loft, which could functions as a third bedroom if needed. Two more bedrooms with walk-in closets and a bath are found in the 1,300-square foot lower level, which also includes a secondary kitchen with bar, a fitness room overlooking the lake, a recreation/family room with built-in TV and a wine bar perfect for toasting the beautiful view beyond.

This aging-in-place kitchen and both beautiful and functional with wheelchair accessible cook top and sink apron. The lower-cabinet lazy susan and trash bin are within easy reach. The tri-level counter top is at once serviceable and accessible for the entire family. Monarch Builders and Remodelers, Inc. is SW Florida’s specialist in providing state-of-the-art "Aging in Place" building design services and techniques, including a full range of home-remodeling services. With a prime goal of interpreting the needs and desires in an aesthetically pleasing way, Monarch Builders creates an environment in which homeowners can live and work positively and independently. Monarch knows there’s no place like home and people 50 and older want to remain living in their own home - comfortably, safely, and independently; it all comes down to design that keep one’s house a home. Monarch brings care, respect, and empathy into the designer-client relationship. By providing innovation and excellence, Monarch works to make your home function beautifully.