Search results for "Reading experience" in Home Design Ideas

Black and white carry throughout this crisp powder room: black and white marble floor tiles, black and white graphic wallpaper, and a black and white double wall sconce. Elegant white bathroom fixtures, including the pedestal sink, and a long narrow silver framed rectangular mirror bring additional brightness to this small powder room.
WKD’s experience in historic preservation and antique curation restored this gentleman’s farm into a casual, comfortable, livable home for the next chapter in this couple’s lives.
The project included a new family entrance and mud room, new powder room, and opening up some of the rooms for better circulation. While WKD curated the client’s existing collection of art and antiques, refurbishing where necessary, new furnishings were also added to give the home a new lease on life.
Working with older homes, and historic homes, is one of Wilson Kelsey Design’s specialties.
This project was featured on the cover of Design New England's September/October 2013 issue. Read the full article at: http://wilsonkelseydesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Heritage-Restored1.pdf
It was also featured in the Sept. issue of Old House Journal, 2016 - article is at http://wilsonkelseydesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2016-09-OHJ.pdf
Photo by Michael Lee

For the bright days and when you need an outdoor experience.
Adjacent to the screened-room, this deck with glass railings provided our client room for hanging out with loved ones, BBQ, or simply taking in nature.
Find the right local pro for your project

Experience the beauty of modern wine cellar design with a stunning limestone feature wall, custom steel and walnut racking, floating metal pegs, and flawless floor-to-ceiling glass crafted by Cachet Wine Cellars. Read more: https://www.customwinecellar.com/glass-dining-room-wine-cellars/ Cachet Wine Cellars
3731 W. Warner Ave. Unit A13
Santa Ana, CA 92704
Phone: (949) 569-7857

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views.
The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private.
Reimagining the Urban Envelope
The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression.
Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views.
At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides.
Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries
Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors.
Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow.
Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways.
A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light
The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space.
A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls.
Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere.
Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas.
Kitchen as Architectural Furniture
The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich.
Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash.
Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface.
A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette.
Dining With a Living Backdrop
Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset.
A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience.
Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast
Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation.
The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop.
The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space.
Bathing Above the City
In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops.
The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials.
Entertaining Above the Park
Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art.
Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline.
Cinema and Retreat
The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing.
Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above.
Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth
What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth.
Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth.
The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human.
A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living
In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living.
It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky.
What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views.
The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private.
Reimagining the Urban Envelope
The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression.
Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views.
At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides.
Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries
Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors.
Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow.
Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways.
A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light
The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space.
A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls.
Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere.
Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas.
Kitchen as Architectural Furniture
The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich.
Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash.
Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface.
A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette.
Dining With a Living Backdrop
Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset.
A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience.
Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast
Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation.
The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop.
The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space.
Bathing Above the City
In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops.
The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials.
Entertaining Above the Park
Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art.
Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline.
Cinema and Retreat
The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing.
Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above.
Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth
What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth.
Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth.
The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human.
A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living
In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living.
It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky.
What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

About This Project: This modern farmhouse custom home is perfectly designed with function and lifestyle in mind. The large eat-in kitchen with a beautifully unique backsplash design that catches the eye boasts an island that can seat up to 5. With an open floor plan throughout, the living room and dining room sit off of the kitchen making it easy for entertaining guests. The living room's stunning wood beams offer that farmhouse charm, while the dining room boasts a custom built-in station perfect for displaying dishes and serving off of. At the second floor landing, you'll find a comfy and cozy nook featuring a beautiful white fireplace - perfect for taking naps or reading in the afternoon! The spa-like primary bathroom offers a relaxing oasis with its large walk-in shower and floating tub. This home is truly designed with comfort, style, and function in mind - perfect for any family!
Distinctive Domain is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, Distinctive Domain is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.

Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom is a huge undertaking! From picking a contractor to selecting materials to figuring out how to live through the remodel, there are countless things you will have to navigate and very few places to look for good advice.
But fear not – you’ve reached the right blog! In this two-part series, we’ll focus on how to set yourself up for success. While no renovation is completely stress free, there are ways you can set yourself up for a pleasant experience.
Read the Part 1 of our blog to see how you can minimize any stressors for a remodeling project. Use the QR code or link below to get started: https://mayflowerva.com/how-to-reduce-discomfort-when-doing-a-remodel-part-one/

At 19 Irving Avenue, the pool reads less like an afterthought and more like a quiet declaration of Joseph Eichler’s design philosophy. From the moment you step into the backyard, it becomes clear that this isn’t a traditional rectangular basin—it’s a geometric composition, shaped in a polygonal form that mirrors the home’s angular, forward-thinking architecture.
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The lines of the pool echo the home’s V-shaped layout and parallelogram motifs, creating a visual rhythm that feels intentional from every vantage point. Rather than being set apart, the pool is pulled into the architecture itself—surrounded by walls of glass and adjacent living spaces that dissolve the boundary between inside and out. Reflections of sky, structure, and surrounding greenery constantly shift across its surface, making it feel alive within the composition.
There’s a certain restraint to it, too. It doesn’t try to overpower the setting or compete with the architecture. Instead, it acts as a calm, sculptural centerpiece, anchoring the outdoor terrace while reinforcing the home’s modernist language. It’s easy to imagine Eichler himself using this space not just for leisure, but as part of a larger experiment—testing how geometry, light, and water could come together to shape a new way of living.
In that sense, the pool isn’t just a feature—it’s part of the origin story. A subtle but powerful expression of the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that would go on to define Eichler communities across California.

This 6,200-square-foot Shingle Style home seamlessly blends traditional architectural elements with a fresh, modern aesthetic. The heart of the home is the family room, boasting soaring cathedral ceilings with custom stained trusses, a striking contemporary stone fireplace, and transom windows mirroring the dormers above. Adjacent to the family room, a reading niche featuring a café-style banquet seat and bistro table. A custom wine cellar provides both functionality and visual appeal. The theater evokes a classic cinema experience. The master bath offers a spa-like retreat with stained wood cabinetry, chevron floor tile, and warm tones. The kitchen, a true focal point, showcases dramatic stone patterns, globe light fixtures, and full-height wall cabinetry.

Why Adjust To Your Bed When It Can Adjust To You? Compliment your mattress purchase with an adjustable foundation for maximum comfort and a perfect night's sleep.
With every feature you could want in an adjustable bed, such as a whisper quiet lift system, 3 massage wave modes, anti-snore feature, and even an iPad app; your Plushbeds adjustable bed will take your sleep experience to a whole new level of luxury.
Now you can have complete control of the way you lay or sleep by the 'tuning' of your bed position. Whether you are watching TV, reading a book, working on a laptop, or sleeping, there is a position that will best suit your needs. The health benefits of sleeping on an adjustable bed are endless.
The Plushbeds™ adjustable bed is not only comfortable to sleep on; it is beautifully designed and crafted. The frame is powder coated for one of the most durable and finely finished bed frames on the market. Our adjustable bed frame offers removable legs that do not require the use of tools to assemble. Our beds, without the legs attached, are able to function on the floor or in a bed frame with slats. The fit and finish of our adjustable bed looks like an ordinary bed frame or box spring, making it your own secret that it is, in fact, an adjustable unit. The adjustable bed along with a latex mattress is the perfect combination!
Plushbeds Adjustable Mattress Foundation comes in the following sizes:
Twin (38" x 75") - $1,000
Twin XL (38" x 80") - $1,000
Full (54" x 75") - $1,400
Queen (60" x 80") - $1,500
King (76" x 80") - $2,000
Cal King (72" x 84") - $2,000
Split King (2) Twin XL - $2,000

This elegant house seems to have been designed to allow its owner to experience the beauty of light with a particular intensity.
The use of white emphasizes the interplay of forms and levels that has been established in the interior. Outside, a patio provide an idyllic setting for relaxing, reading, playing and above all enjoying the southern California weather.

Creative work needs a space that helps you relax, think, and stay connected with nature — all at the same time. We incorporated the client's requirements, with a fireplace, an interrupted view of the lake, and a deck to experience the outdoors.
Perfect for days when you want to stay cozy inside and enjoy the view outside.
We matched the specifics of this project with the existing architecture and rustic elements that our client requested. Next, we'll head out on the deck right outside.
Location: Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia (just over 20Kms from Halifax downtown)

A Luxury Condo Renovation In Pelican Bay, Naples, FL
Nestled in the heart of beautiful Pelican Bay in Naples, Florida, a luxury condo renovation is underway. This multi-phase renovation project will bring a unique and luxurious living experience to its future inhabitants. Let's take a look at some of the special features that will make this condo stand out from the rest.
Custom Ceiling Design
The main feature of this renovation is the custom ceiling design. This one-of-a-kind design includes an intricate pattern with recessed lighting that creates a unique atmosphere to match the condo’s luxurious vibe. Not only does the custom ceiling add visual appeal to the space, but it also illuminates light throughout the entire room creating an inviting and warm ambiance for all to enjoy.
Custom Lighting
The custom lighting in this luxury condo renovation creates a cozy and inviting feel for those who enter. With soft yet bright surrounds that illuminate every corner of each room, visitors will feel like they are home as soon as they set foot inside. Along with providing ample lighting for activities such as reading or cooking, these lights can also be adjusted to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere when needed.
Open Kitchen
For those who love to cook and entertain, the open kitchen is perfect for hosting friends and family gatherings alike. The layout features top-of-the-line appliances along with plenty of countertop space for meal preparation or baking projects. To complete this kitchen oasis is an eat-in island equipped with plush seating for four making it easy to enjoy meals together while overlooking stunning views of Pelican Bay outside the window.
Custom Sliding Doors
If you love outdoor living then you will appreciate these custom sliding doors that open up onto your own private balcony overlooking Naples’ breathtaking shoreline. Whether you choose to sit outside and relax or entertain guests under the stars, these sliding doors are designed to maximize your views while still providing maximum privacy when closed and locked securely shut when not in use.
Walk-In Tub Shower Combo
Last but certainly not least is this spa-inspired walk-in tub shower combo featuring a built-in steam system perfect for relaxing after long days spent exploring all that Naples has to offer. From its adjustable jets to its marble accents, this modern bathtub offers everything you need to escape from reality in style!
All in all, this multi-phased luxury condo renovation in Pelican Bay promises something special for anyone looking for their dream home within Naples' finest neighborhood. From its custom ceiling design and custom lighting options down to its walk-in tub shower combo—every aspect has been carefully crafted with one goal in mind—to provide luxury living like no other! So if you're looking for an exquisite place where you can relax and unwind surrounded by beauty, then look no further than here!
About Pelican Bay
Pelican Bay, located in Naples, Florida, is an upscale planned community and country club. Spanning three miles of pristine shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, Pelican Bay offers its residents and visitors a stunning selection of amenities. Residents have access to shopping and dining at the impressive Waterside shops as well as enjoying one of two premier luxury golf courses within the development. The beachfront location allows for sunbathing on some of the prettiest beaches in Florida. Away from the ocean waters, visitors can explore the two parks that are situated within the community or take advantage of kayaking or canoeing around its coves. Pelican Bay is a perfect destination for those looking for a luxurious escape to paradise combined with natural beauty and convenience.
Award-Winning House Builders in Florida
For Florida homeowners looking for award-winning house builders to build their dream home, look no further than Signal House. Boasting a long track record of best-in-class construction services, our dedicated professionals have gone above and beyond to earn the trust of homeowners throughout the region.
Taking pride in our work, we make sure that every project is completed with precision and efficiency and meets the highest industry standards. Offering consultation, design, planning and execution services, we are ready and willing to take on any challenge. Whether it’s upgrading an existing property or creating something entirely new from scratch, you can be sure that your home project won’t just meet expectations but exceed them. With experienced teams of talented interior designers, architects and construction experts, you’re guaranteed a project that stands apart from the crowd and brings out the best in your home.

Brutalist Townhouse is a renovation of a 1962 cast concrete and brick townhouse in Southwest Washington DC. The project is a study in efficiency, color theory, eclecticism, and art curation. Their home is a space in constant evolution- for a growing family that enjoys art, avid reading, restoring furniture, and vintage audio equipment.
The simple concept of the interior is to sharply contrast the exterior. The brutalist base building has cold and unadorned facades of brick, concrete, and glass- so inversely the interior is designed with warm woods, quirky furniture, rich textures, and colorful artwork. The couple’s art collection (which ranges from 17th century intaglio prints, Hudson River School oil paintings, Japanese wood block prints, to modernist silkscreens) is a primary focus throughout the interior, with special attention to flexibility as the collection grows. Drawing from experience in museum and gallery design, most of the art walls are kept white- while only the doors throughout the space are vibrantly painted to give a curated pop of color.

"About This Project: This modern farmhouse custom home is perfectly designed with function and lifestyle in mind. The large eat-in kitchen with a beautifully unique backsplash design that catches the eye boasts an island that can seat up to 5. With an open floor plan throughout, the living room and dining room sit off of the kitchen making it easy for entertaining guests. The living room's stunning wood beams offer that farmhouse charm, while the dining room boasts a custom built-in station perfect for displaying dishes and serving off of. At the second floor landing, you'll find a comfy and cozy nook featuring a beautiful white fireplace - perfect for taking naps or reading in the afternoon! The spa-like primary bathroom offers a relaxing oasis with its large walk-in shower and floating tub. This home is truly designed with comfort, style, and function in mind - perfect for any family!
Front Light Building Company is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, Front Light is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information."

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

A pair of private courtyards within a unique condo development, "Kat’s Garden," and “The Bloem Garden,” nestle into a densely populated neighborhood in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The intimate and private spaces also feel inviting and lively.
In Kat’s Garden, a sentimental family drawing from the homeowner's personal collection inspires a focal point in the form of a sculptural sliding gate crafted from raw aluminum—a threshold visible throughout the property. Horizontal wood fencing built from western red cedar radiates from the gate and encloses the courtyard, and a striking recycled-plastic dining set rests upon linear bands of reclaimed granite slabs embedded in the earth. Reflections from the furniture illuminate the space.
The courtyard holds three particularly special blocks of antique granite salvaged from an early 19th-century decommissioned
building in Boston. Two are nestled into a planted slope as impromptu benches for overflow seating; the other is carefully outfitted with a stainless steel rill where water spills into a riverstone basin. Underground drywell “pockets” are dotted throughout the hardscape, and stormwater perks into the surrounding planting beds. Water becomes a calming, artistic, and nourishing element in the garden.
A dramatic, stainless steel trellis spans two stories where a clematis vine softens the scale of the house. A dynamic plant palette composed of sculptural trees, evergreen and deciduous shrubs, and multi-seasonal perennials provides excellent opportunities for active, inspired gardening. On lazier days, the courtyard can be taken in from two contemporary Adirondack chairs nestled into an elevated corner of the garden, a prime spot for reading.
In “The Bloem Garden,” a contemporary dining set rests upon an ashlar-patterned bluestone terrace where birch and stewartia trees provide dappled shade. Western red cedar detailing complements the neighboring garden, and a matching set of fencing and gates enclose a pet-friendly space for the family to enjoy. Native plants with contrasting colors and textures provide a low-maintenance backdrop for alfresco dining and casual relaxation. Thick, reclaimed granite bands are embedded in gravel parking areas to create a functional, inviting, and unique arrival experience for the homeowners.
The two, private gardens become the center of outdoor-focused activities. The spaces are unified, yet reflect the individual tastes of each of the people who call this place home.

This master bathroom renovation in Frisco was completed for a repeat USI Design & Remodeling client as part of a larger first-floor transformation of the home. The original bathroom reflected a very typical North Texas layout of its era — dark stained cabinetry, granite countertops, compartmentalized vanities, a built-in tub adjoining a framed shower, and separated spaces that no longer aligned with how the homeowners wanted to live. As their aesthetic evolved toward a more transitional and contemporary direction, the goal became less about replacing finishes and more about redefining the experience of the room itself. The project needed to feel calmer, more architectural, and far more intentional in how the space functioned visually and emotionally.
One of the most important changes was removing the original shower curb and pony wall in favor of a fully open curbless shower with ultra-clear ½-inch heavy glass. Achieving that look required recessing the slab, re-floating the shower floor toward a linear drain, and engineering the space so the room would read as visually uninterrupted from end to end. Throughout the project, many of the design decisions were rooted in restraint rather than excess. The oversized 24x48 Porcelanosa flooring carries very little shade variation, creating a quieter visual field, while the cabinetry was executed in rift-sawn white oak specifically because it produces a far more controlled and consistent finish outcome than more common cuts of wood. In luxury projects, consistency itself becomes part of the refinement.
The floating vanity was designed more like custom furniture than traditional cabinetry, utilizing waterfall mitered edges and fully reworked plumbing locations so both homeowners could share in having generous functional countertop space. The original makeup station was repurposed into integrated storage with powered drawers and concealed organization for everyday items such as blow dryers and flat irons. Along the vanity wall, wall-mounted plumbing fixtures were paired with ribbed natural marble surfaces — a detail that required intentional planning long before construction began. Rather than allowing the ribbed material to terminate awkwardly behind the fixtures, the backsplash and stone transitions were specifically designed to resolve those conditions cleanly. Those are the types of details that distinguish highly coordinated design-build work from projects that simply assemble materials together.
While the room contains a significant amount of luxury detailing — from the freestanding tub and geoprism marble focal wall to the custom rift-sawn white oak closet doors and elongated mirrors that leverage the 11-foot ceiling heights — the project was always guided by quiet luxury rather than visual competition. Even the water closet enclosure was handled with restraint through the use of a satin-etched glass door rather than another heavy solid opening. The intent throughout was to create a bathroom that feels restorative and serene rather than overdesigned. In our view, the best luxury spaces are the ones that feel composed long after the initial impression wears off.

This glam eclectic office design masterfully blends elegance with vibrant charm, creating an inspiring and functional workspace. Central to this design is the standing desk, which is paired with an upholstered office chair featuring a sophisticated brass base. Strategically positioned along the window wall, this setup not only ensures an abundance of natural light but also offers a refreshing view of the outside, promoting productivity and well-being. Adding to the room's allure is a luxurious floral chair nestled in a cozy corner, forming an inviting reading nook. This charming spot is complemented by a stylish side table and a pleated floor lamp, providing the perfect ambiance for leisurely breaks. On the opposite wall, a fluted credenza with discreet doors offers ample storage with its adjustable shelving. Above it, a striking black plant wall art piece, along with carefully chosen decor, creates a captivating backdrop for video calls, enhancing the room's visual appeal. A large brass antique floor mirror adds a touch of timeless charm, reflecting the room's eclectic beauty. Resembling a blooming spring garden, a vibrant rug ties the entire design together, infusing the space with energy and elegance. This office design not only boasts practicality but also exudes a glamorous, eclectic vibe that makes working a delightful experience.
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