Photo credit: PDET Photography, Pawel Dmytrow Designed for a home in the Chicago suburbs, this kitchen was created around the client’s desire for clean, minimal lines, visual balance, and highly functional storage. A warm, high-end European textured TFL brings depth and natural character to the cabinetry, with careful grain matching from panel to panel reinforcing the seamless, tailored appearance. Floating shelves were introduced to break up the cabinetry and create a lighter composition, while integrated dimmable lighting adds warmth and ambiance—especially important given the kitchen’s connection to the surrounding great room. Function was considered at every level. A custom utensil storage solution was stained to coordinate with the cabinetry finish, while a concealed integrated outlet in the island keeps everyday power readily available without interrupting the clean exterior. Generous drawer and pantry storage maximize usability, including a reduced-depth pantry positioned near the window to provide additional capacity without unnecessarily projecting into the room or compromising natural light. Every element—from proportions and lighting to storage, material transitions, and grain direction—was considered to create a kitchen that feels calm, cohesive, and deliberately understated.

Photo credit: PDET Photography, Pawel Dmytrow Designed for a home in the Chicago suburbs, this kitchen was created around the client’s desire for clean, minimal lines, visual balance, and highly functional storage. A warm, high-end European textured TFL brings depth and natural character to the cabinetry, with careful grain matching from panel to panel reinforcing the seamless, tailored appearance. Floating shelves were introduced to break up the cabinetry and create a lighter composition, while integrated dimmable lighting adds warmth and ambiance—especially important given the kitchen’s connection to the surrounding great room. Function was considered at every level. A custom utensil storage solution was stained to coordinate with the cabinetry finish, while a concealed integrated outlet in the island keeps everyday power readily available without interrupting the clean exterior. Generous drawer and pantry storage maximize usability, including a reduced-depth pantry positioned near the window to provide additional capacity without unnecessarily projecting into the room or compromising natural light. Every element—from proportions and lighting to storage, material transitions, and grain direction—was considered to create a kitchen that feels calm, cohesive, and deliberately understated.

Photo credit: PDET Photography, Pawel Dmytrow Designed for a home in the Chicago suburbs, this kitchen was created around the client’s desire for clean, minimal lines, visual balance, and highly functional storage. A warm, high-end European textured TFL brings depth and natural character to the cabinetry, with careful grain matching from panel to panel reinforcing the seamless, tailored appearance. Floating shelves were introduced to break up the cabinetry and create a lighter composition, while integrated dimmable lighting adds warmth and ambiance—especially important given the kitchen’s connection to the surrounding great room. Function was considered at every level. A custom utensil storage solution was stained to coordinate with the cabinetry finish, while a concealed integrated outlet in the island keeps everyday power readily available without interrupting the clean exterior. Generous drawer and pantry storage maximize usability, including a reduced-depth pantry positioned near the window to provide additional capacity without unnecessarily projecting into the room or compromising natural light. Every element—from proportions and lighting to storage, material transitions, and grain direction—was considered to create a kitchen that feels calm, cohesive, and deliberately understated.

Photo credit: PDET Photography, Pawel Dmytrow Designed for a home in the Chicago suburbs, this kitchen was created around the client’s desire for clean, minimal lines, visual balance, and highly functional storage. A warm, high-end European textured TFL brings depth and natural character to the cabinetry, with careful grain matching from panel to panel reinforcing the seamless, tailored appearance. Floating shelves were introduced to break up the cabinetry and create a lighter composition, while integrated dimmable lighting adds warmth and ambiance—especially important given the kitchen’s connection to the surrounding great room. Function was considered at every level. A custom utensil storage solution was stained to coordinate with the cabinetry finish, while a concealed integrated outlet in the island keeps everyday power readily available without interrupting the clean exterior. Generous drawer and pantry storage maximize usability, including a reduced-depth pantry positioned near the window to provide additional capacity without unnecessarily projecting into the room or compromising natural light. Every element—from proportions and lighting to storage, material transitions, and grain direction—was considered to create a kitchen that feels calm, cohesive, and deliberately understated.

Photo credit: PDET Photography, Pawel Dmytrow Designed for a home in the Chicago suburbs, this kitchen was created around the client’s desire for clean, minimal lines, visual balance, and highly functional storage. A warm, high-end European textured TFL brings depth and natural character to the cabinetry, with careful grain matching from panel to panel reinforcing the seamless, tailored appearance. Floating shelves were introduced to break up the cabinetry and create a lighter composition, while integrated dimmable lighting adds warmth and ambiance—especially important given the kitchen’s connection to the surrounding great room. Function was considered at every level. A custom utensil storage solution was stained to coordinate with the cabinetry finish, while a concealed integrated outlet in the island keeps everyday power readily available without interrupting the clean exterior. Generous drawer and pantry storage maximize usability, including a reduced-depth pantry positioned near the window to provide additional capacity without unnecessarily projecting into the room or compromising natural light. Every element—from proportions and lighting to storage, material transitions, and grain direction—was considered to create a kitchen that feels calm, cohesive, and deliberately understated.

Photo credit: PDET Photography, Pawel Dmytrow Designed for a home in the Chicago suburbs, this kitchen was created around the client’s desire for clean, minimal lines, visual balance, and highly functional storage. A warm, high-end European textured TFL brings depth and natural character to the cabinetry, with careful grain matching from panel to panel reinforcing the seamless, tailored appearance. Floating shelves were introduced to break up the cabinetry and create a lighter composition, while integrated dimmable lighting adds warmth and ambiance—especially important given the kitchen’s connection to the surrounding great room. Function was considered at every level. A custom utensil storage solution was stained to coordinate with the cabinetry finish, while a concealed integrated outlet in the island keeps everyday power readily available without interrupting the clean exterior. Generous drawer and pantry storage maximize usability, including a reduced-depth pantry positioned near the window to provide additional capacity without unnecessarily projecting into the room or compromising natural light. Every element—from proportions and lighting to storage, material transitions, and grain direction—was considered to create a kitchen that feels calm, cohesive, and deliberately understated.

This single family home sits on a tight, sloped site. Within a modest budget, the goal was to provide direct access to grade at both the front and back of the house. The solution is a multi-split-level home with unconventional relationships between floor levels. Between the entrance level and the lower level of the family room, the kitchen and dining room are located on an interstitial level. Within the stair space “floats” a small bathroom. The generous stair is celebrated with a back-painted red glass wall which treats users to changing refractive ambient light throughout the house. Black brick, grey-tinted glass and mirrors contribute to the reasonably compact massing of the home. A cantilevered upper volume shades south facing windows and the home’s limited material palette meant a more efficient construction process. Cautious landscaping retains water run-off on the sloping site and home offices reduce the client’s use of their vehicle. The house achieves its vision within a modest footprint and with a design restraint that will ensure it becomes a long-lasting asset in the community. Photo by Tom Arban

Spaces are not just ceilings walls and floors, not just colours and how the light catches them. It is the complete picture that brings all the elements of the space together. What makes a house a home is its colour, its texture, the warmth of the carpet, the photos and artwork on the wall, the mementos of a family holiday or art pieces on display. The layering and composition of elements that reflect the different personalities that live in the space. The entrance sets the tone and style of the house and will be the first impression any guest entering it gets. We used strong colours to really bring the entrance to life. The feature wallpaper is Elitis Wallpaper Natives Maori. It runs floor to ceiling over two stories and provides the tone for the upstairs areas. The openness created by the floating staircase is credit to Miles Heine from Mccoy + Heine Architects.

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Interiors by Aria Design Inc. www.ariades.com John Ellis Photography
Example of a trendy powder room design in Orange County

This single family home sits on a tight, sloped site. Within a modest budget, the goal was to provide direct access to grade at both the front and back of the house. The solution is a multi-split-level home with unconventional relationships between floor levels. Between the entrance level and the lower level of the family room, the kitchen and dining room are located on an interstitial level. Within the stair space “floats” a small bathroom. The generous stair is celebrated with a back-painted red glass wall which treats users to changing refractive ambient light throughout the house. Black brick, grey-tinted glass and mirrors contribute to the reasonably compact massing of the home. A cantilevered upper volume shades south facing windows and the home’s limited material palette meant a more efficient construction process. Cautious landscaping retains water run-off on the sloping site and home offices reduce the client’s use of their vehicle. The house achieves its vision within a modest footprint and with a design restraint that will ensure it becomes a long-lasting asset in the community. Photo by Tom Arban

Client hired Morse Remodeling to design and construct this newly purchased home with large lot so that they could move their family with young children in. It was a full gut, addition and entire renovation of this 1960's ranch style home. The house is situated in a neighborhood which has seen many whole house upgrades and renovations. The original plan consisted of a living room, family room, and galley kitchen. These were all renovated and combined into one large open great room. A master suite addition was added to the back of the home behind the garage. A full service laundry room was added near the garage with a large walk in pantry near the kitchen. Design, Build, and Enjoy!

Updated master bathroom from below counter, to ceramic Canoe sinks mounted on top of new marble counters. Replaced faucets with a mix of modern and old world charm water pump style faucets. Both sinks and faucets are are both more stylish and more ergonomic the the fixtures from the 80's. The sinks have ease of use push pop up drains, containing removable hair traps, reducing clogged sinks and inconvenience, mess, need and cost liquid cures to dissolve hair buildup in typical sink drains. Went over old Linoleum floors with a laminate with a rubber underside and very tight seams, a ideal moisture tolerant solution for a floating floor in a bathroom, and pleasing to the eye and under foot. Replaced Formica counters with Marble. Build custom on site trim to encase and frame around existing large mirrors that were frameless and glued to the wall.

This single family home sits on a tight, sloped site. Within a modest budget, the goal was to provide direct access to grade at both the front and back of the house. The solution is a multi-split-level home with unconventional relationships between floor levels. Between the entrance level and the lower level of the family room, the kitchen and dining room are located on an interstitial level. Within the stair space “floats” a small bathroom. The generous stair is celebrated with a back-painted red glass wall which treats users to changing refractive ambient light throughout the house. Black brick, grey-tinted glass and mirrors contribute to the reasonably compact massing of the home. A cantilevered upper volume shades south facing windows and the home’s limited material palette meant a more efficient construction process. Cautious landscaping retains water run-off on the sloping site and home offices reduce the client’s use of their vehicle. The house achieves its vision within a modest footprint and with a design restraint that will ensure it becomes a long-lasting asset in the community. Photo by Tom Arban

This single family home sits on a tight, sloped site. Within a modest budget, the goal was to provide direct access to grade at both the front and back of the house. The solution is a multi-split-level home with unconventional relationships between floor levels. Between the entrance level and the lower level of the family room, the kitchen and dining room are located on an interstitial level. Within the stair space “floats” a small bathroom. The generous stair is celebrated with a back-painted red glass wall which treats users to changing refractive ambient light throughout the house. Black brick, grey-tinted glass and mirrors contribute to the reasonably compact massing of the home. A cantilevered upper volume shades south facing windows and the home’s limited material palette meant a more efficient construction process. Cautious landscaping retains water run-off on the sloping site and home offices reduce the client’s use of their vehicle. The house achieves its vision within a modest footprint and with a design restraint that will ensure it becomes a long-lasting asset in the community. Photo by Tom Arban

Our overall design concept for the renovation of this space was to optimize the functional space for a family of five and accentuate the existing window. In the renovation, we eliminated a huge centrally located kitchen island which acted as an obstacle to the feeling of the space and focused on creating an elegant and balanced plan promoting movement, simplicity and precisely executed details. We held strong to having the kitchen cabinets, wherever possible, float off the floor to give the subtle impression of lightness avoiding a bottom heavy look. The cabinets were painted a pale tinted green to reduce the empty effect of light flooding a white kitchen leaving a softness and complementing the gray tiles. To integrate the existing dining room with the kitchen, we simply added some classic dining chairs and a dynamic light fixture, juxtaposing the geometry of the boxy kitchen with organic curves and triangular lights to balance the clean design with an inviting warmth.

Our overall design concept for the renovation of this space was to optimize the functional space for a family of five and accentuate the existing window. In the renovation, we eliminated a huge centrally located kitchen island which acted as an obstacle to the feeling of the space and focused on creating an elegant and balanced plan promoting movement, simplicity and precisely executed details. We held strong to having the kitchen cabinets, wherever possible, float off the floor to give the subtle impression of lightness avoiding a bottom heavy look. The cabinets were painted a pale tinted green to reduce the empty effect of light flooding a white kitchen leaving a softness and complementing the gray tiles. To integrate the existing dining room with the kitchen, we simply added some classic dining chairs and a dynamic light fixture, juxtaposing the geometry of the boxy kitchen with organic curves and triangular lights to balance the clean design with an inviting warmth.

No greater compliment of a material is possible than when stone is selected for a historic property renovation within a home rich in tradition and with a celebrated past. This new feature stair addition to a private residence in Toronto, Canada, has an equally compelling story to tell. Originally envisioned as a wall-supported, cantilevered stone stair, the owner boldly accepted a unique solution for their showpiece element. The 19-tread stair would be designed with 550 lb. solid stone treads, and fully liberated from traditional supports and the adjacent rubble wall. To say, “it would float” is not an exaggeration. The stair would be designed as a monolithic beam spanning 16.5 feet, 10 feet high and 41 inches wide. Aesthetically bold, with a reduced tone from pure black, the basalt stone was the perfect contrast for the white modern interior of the home. The 3-1/2" tension cables played the most important role by resisting the large bending moment generated by the stone load and stair geometry. Fabrication required precise coordination and care to ensure perfect alignment of the interlocking key, and the corresponding cable holes. The fabrication challenge was achieving the highest level of accuracy in notching, coring, and replicating each tread identically. Expert precision and skill were key to nesting each tread in sequence and simultaneously with the strands. Meticulous alignment and exacting tolerance assured the true performance and aesthetics were delivered. Hydraulic post-tensioning pulled each cable to 120 kiloNewtons or 27,000 lbs, infusing strength and structural integrity. Removing the temporary support and testing was the last critical step—it was the first time the stone stair would be self-supporting. The “floating” stair is an ultimate achievement and example of innovation, material strength, fabrication quality, installation precision, and expert coordination. A perfect final chapter to a historical journey and modern ode to stone as structure.

No greater compliment of a material is possible than when stone is selected for a historic property renovation within a home rich in tradition and with a celebrated past. This new feature stair addition to a private residence in Toronto, Canada, has an equally compelling story to tell. Originally envisioned as a wall-supported, cantilevered stone stair, the owner boldly accepted a unique solution for their showpiece element. The 19-tread stair would be designed with 550 lb. solid stone treads, and fully liberated from traditional supports and the adjacent rubble wall. To say, “it would float” is not an exaggeration. The stair would be designed as a monolithic beam spanning 16.5 feet, 10 feet high and 41 inches wide. Aesthetically bold, with a reduced tone from pure black, the basalt stone was the perfect contrast for the white modern interior of the home. The 3-1/2" tension cables played the most important role by resisting the large bending moment generated by the stone load and stair geometry. Fabrication required precise coordination and care to ensure perfect alignment of the interlocking key, and the corresponding cable holes. The fabrication challenge was achieving the highest level of accuracy in notching, coring, and replicating each tread identically. Expert precision and skill were key to nesting each tread in sequence and simultaneously with the strands. Meticulous alignment and exacting tolerance assured the true performance and aesthetics were delivered. Hydraulic post-tensioning pulled each cable to 120 kiloNewtons or 27,000 lbs, infusing strength and structural integrity. Removing the temporary support and testing was the last critical step—it was the first time the stone stair would be self-supporting. The “floating” stair is an ultimate achievement and example of innovation, material strength, fabrication quality, installation precision, and expert coordination. A perfect final chapter to a historical journey and modern ode to stone as structure.