Design and installation by Mauk Cabinets by design in Tipp City, OH. Designer: Aaron Mauk. Photographer: Shelley Schilperoot
Inspiration for a huge timeless enclosed ceramic tile family room remodel in Other with a bar, gray walls, no fireplace and a media wall

a classic city home, built in the 50’s. Her family moved in August of ’18, and in less than a year, she’s already completed a number of remodel projects including additions to the master bedroom and 2-bedroom + bath “kids’ wing.” She’s opened walls from the kitchen to the living and dining rooms creating a massive open floor plan and refinished all the original hardwood floors. After seeing her beautifully furnished space and hearing her listing everything she’s done to get her house the way it looks today, I had so many exciting ideas to help her add the finishing touches she was needing and to give her the look she was going for. Referencing her inspiration pics saved to Houzz and Pinterest, the first item on the list was to add window treatments. These were presented in a soft, crisp white fabric which maintains the brightness for each room, diffusing the sunlight throughout, keeping each space light and airy. The simple functional panels give her the privacy she wanted from all the passersby walking the park, which are lined to help regulate the temperature differences she needed. The hardware for these panels is something to mention –simple, modern, matte black rods and brackets, highlighted with acrylic finials and gold rings. This combination is an exclamation point showcasing what custom window treatments can really do for a room. The main dining room window boasts a striking contrast of rich black wide leather tape, drawing your eye right to the beautiful picture window, which in and of itself is a perfect accent to this space. From there, adding the right wall hangings and artwork, task lighting, accessories, and accents layered throughout, mixing lots of textures, metal finishes, and varying shades of color synchronizes one room to the next buttoning up the entire design concept she was striving to achieve.

Kitchen in a 1926 bungalow, done to my client's brief that it should look 'original' to the house. The three 'jewels' of the kitchen are the immaculately restored 1928 Wedgwood high-oven stove, the SubZero refrigerator/freezer designed to look like an old-fashioned ice box, and the island referencing a farmhouse table with pie-save cabinet underneath, done in ebonized oak and painted bead-board. The red Marmoleum floor has double inlaid borders, the counters are honed black granite, and the walls, cabinets, and trim are all painted a soft ocher-based cream-colour taken from a 1926 DutchBoy paint deck. Virtually everything is custom, save the sink, faucets, and pulls, done to my original designs. The Bosch dishwasher, washer, and dryer are all hidden in the cabinetry. All photographs courtesy David Duncan Livingston. (Kitchen featured in Fall 2018 AMERICAN BUNGALOW magazine)

This NoHo apartment, in a landmarked circa 1870 building designed by Stephen Decatur Hatch and converted to lofts in 1987, had been interestingly renovated by a rock musician before being purchased by a young hedge fund manager and his gallery director girlfriend. Naturally, the couple brought to the project their collection of painting, photography and sculpture, mostly by young emerging artists. Axis Mundi accommodated these pieces within a neutral palette accented with occasional flashes of bright color that referenced the various artworks. Major furniture pieces – a sectional in the library, a 12-foot-long dining table–along with a rich blend of textures such as leather, linen, fur and warm woods, helped bring the sprawling dimensions of the loft down to human scale. Size: 3,400 sf Design Team: John Beckmann and Nick Messerlian Architect: Nemaworkshop Photography: Durston Saylor, and Mark Roskams © Axis Mundi Design LLC.

Indian Premium Black is cross-referenced as Absolute Black. The size and color of each block is fairly consistent between the slabs and tile and will have minimal variation.

The Aura dining table features a solid wood oval top, with two half-moon fluted legs. Several coats of water-based finish are sprayed on Aura’s natural wood surface & add a layer of extra protection. Aura was originally commissioned using solid white oak, but can be customized to suit your wood preference. Aura is an astronomical term referencing an energy field around a given source. (And we know the energy of Aura will knock your houseguests right over). Material: White Oak Dimensions: 78”L x 57”W x 30”H Tabletop thickness: 1.5” Finish: Natural clear coat

We were hired to finish the basement of our clients cottage in Haliburton. The house is a woodsy craftsman style. Basements can be dark so we used pickled pine to brighten up this 3000 sf space which allowed us to remain consistent with the vibe of the overall cottage. We delineated the large open space in to four functions - a Family Room (with projector screen TV viewing above the fireplace and a reading niche); a Game Room with access to large doors open to the lake; a Guest Bedroom with sitting nook; and an Exercise Room. Glass was used in the french and barn doors to allow light to penetrate each space. Shelving units were used to provide some visual separation between the Family Room and Game Room. The fireplace referenced the upstairs fireplace with added inspiration from a photo our clients saw and loved. We provided all construction docs and furnishings will installed soon.

Originally built in 1809 and situated on 20+ acres, this country farm house was extensively renovated to serve as a getaway for the owners. With a strong desire to entertain, play, swim and relax, the owners requirement for spatial flexibility provided context for the various design interventions. To make use of the relatively small upper floors of the main house, a new stair tower was created external to the main footprint. Separated by glass and clad in copper the tower modernizes the property while referencing its history. The ground floor restores the historic fireplace and rock walls and is opened to the sprawling hillside, creek and pool through a retractable glazing system. Throughout the project’s interior, are unique moments of mixed materials, pattern and texture. The chef’s kitchen is warmly detailed with glazed tiles, steel and wood and is accented with found relics making up the island. Many of the wood floors, ceilings, and furniture were milled from fallen walnut, oak and elm trees harvested from the property. The guest house is executed in a minimalist Japanese palate and highlighted by exquisite detailing. The garage was rebuilt and expanded with an art studio and work/play space.

Referencing this square footage as an internal courtyard might be a stretch. A more accurate description would perhaps be the awesome things that New Yorkers can do with the tiny spaces we have. The parameters of the project lend to its description. This Tribeca residential building’s shared amenity space and gym on the lower level opens up onto a 350 square foot space of brick walls and concrete pavers. The south wall of this space is made up by the terraces belonging to the residential units above and while the setting allows for minimal ambient light, each balcony looks down onto the shared space below. In order to provide visual interest from the gym and the overhead views, Blondie’s designers Sara Baerwald and Eva Vessio utilized Jay Scott’s rectangle containers lining the north wall as well as surrounding the utilities in the southwest corner. They then created 8 foot faux boxwood hedge on the north wall and the appropriate height to conceal the utilities. From below the hedge creates the feeling of a courtyard and from above it softens the view of the once barren space. Adding color and functionality, the concrete pavers were replaced with rubber tiles in a bright aqua. To play off of this color and add a unique level of visual impact, artist Chris Pearson designed and painted a multi-color prism mural. Primarily on the east wall and then stretching over the hedges to the south, the depth and dimension that this mural provides for the space is incredible. It is a testament to the successful solutions we conjure when thinking outside the box and allowing for unique site specific resolutions.

The Umbra dining table features a solid wood oval tabletop with an undercut edge profile. Umbra sits on three, rounded legs made of our flat style tambour. Several coats of water-based finish are sprayed on Umbra’s natural wood surface & add a layer of extra protection. Umbra was originally commissioned using solid ash, dyed black, but can be customized to suit your wood preference. ‘Umbra’ was named for its charcoal color, referencing the fully shaded inner region of a shadow cast by an opaque object (especially the area on the earth or moon experiencing the total phase of an eclipse). Material: Ash (dyed black) Dimensions: 120”L x 42”W x 30”H Tabletop thickness: 1.5” Finish: Natural clear coat In collaboration with The Lifestyled Co.

This NoHo apartment, in a landmarked circa 1870 building designed by Stephen Decatur Hatch and converted to lofts in 1987, had been interestingly renovated by a rock musician before being purchased by a young hedge fund manager and his gallery director girlfriend. Naturally, the couple brought to the project their collection of painting, photography and sculpture, mostly by young emerging artists. Axis Mundi accommodated these pieces within a neutral palette accented with occasional flashes of bright color that referenced the various artworks. Major furniture pieces – a sectional in the library, a 12-foot-long dining table–along with a rich blend of textures such as leather, linen, fur and warm woods, helped bring the sprawling dimensions of the loft down to human scale. Size: 3,400 sf Design Team: John Beckmann and Nick Messerlian Architect: Nemaworkshop Photography: Durston Saylor, and Mark Roskams © Axis Mundi Design LLC

Bond Street Loft, New York This NoHo apartment, in a landmarked circa 1870 building designed by Stephen Decatur Hatch and converted to lofts in 1987, had been interestingly renovated by a rock musician before being purchased by a young hedge fund manager and his gallery director girlfriend. Naturally, the couple brought to the project their collection of painting, photography and sculpture, mostly by young emerging artists (Eddie Martinez, Aaron Curry, Adam Pendelton and Sam Curry, Jung Lee). Axis Mundi accommodated these pieces within a neutral palette accented with occasional flashes of bright color that referenced the various artworks. Major furniture pieces – a sectional in the library, a 12-foot-long dining table–along with a rich blend of textures such as leather, linen, fur and warm woods, helped bring the sprawling dimensions of the loft down to human scale. Design Team: John Beckmann, with Nick Messerlian Architect: Nemaworkshop Photography: Durston Saylor, and Mark Roskams Size: 3500 sf © Axis Mundi Design LLC.

Every design decision for this Caribbean beach residence was guided by the desire to maximize the views of the property’s breathtaking natural surroundings. To connect the spaces and reveal the views from every vantage point, the team reconfigured the layout to create vistas, and installed window film to reduce solar heat gain. These modifications increased efficiencies, reused 90% of the interior envelope and did not impact the exterior structure of the building. In addition to providing incredible views, opening up the plan allows cross ventilation, maximizing the use of ocean breezes to cool the interior. The result is an effortless flow and maximization of space. Throughout the interior, dark materials express the concept of respite in the shade, and emphasize the sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. Millwork crafted by local artisans from local materials establishes hierarchy – providing a clear understanding of the layout – and filters light to create privacy and drama. Screens help define the spaces and create suspense. Varying screen opacities serve specific functions: nearly opaque screens build suspense, translucent screens provide privacy, and reflective screens – as seen in the kitchen ceiling – create mystery in the core where light and views are challenged. Referencing the seaside location, the baseboards create a sense of being in a deep shallow. The 16” tall baseboards create a pool effect, engaging the walls with Cradle to Cradle certified Mosa tile flooring. The irregular height also conceals power and data cabling. The resulting space is a contemporary oasis that offers a high-level of comfort and functionality. Anne Rausch Photography

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The client requested a large (19 foot wide by 15 foot projection) two-span retractable waterproof patio cover system to provide heavy rain, hail, heat, sun, glare and UV protection. This would allow our client to sit outside and enjoy their garden throughout the year, extending their outdoor entertainment space. For functionality they requested that water drain from the rear of the system into the front beam and down inside the right end post, exiting at the bottom from a tiny hole and draining into the flower beds thus preventing rain water from simply dropping off the front of the unit. The entire system used one continuous piece of fabric and one motor. The uprights and guides meet together at a smooth L-shaped angle, flush at the top for a perfectly smooth profile. The system has a Beaufort wind load rating Scale 10 (up to 63 mph) with the fabric fully extended and in use. A grey hood was also used to prevent rain water, debris and snow from collecting in the folds of fabric when not in use. A running profile from end to end in the rear of the unit was used to attach the Somfy RTS motor which is installed inside a motor safety box. Circular concrete footers were installed in the grassy area in front of the unit for mounting the 3 posts. To allow for a flat vertical mounting surface, a ledger board using pressure-treated wood was mounted the full 19-foot wall width, as the client’s house was made of uneven, thick stone. PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT: The client’s intention was for installation of a retractable waterproof patio cover system to provide heavy rain, hail, heat, sun, glare and UV protection for their backyard patio area. What is unique or complex about the project? This project was difficult for two main reasons: 1. Very large installation fasteners needed to be used to install through the above referenced ledger board and deep in to the stone structure of the house. 2. The motor cable needed to be placed through deeply drilled holes as the stone wall house wall is 15” thick. Drilling through en-even stone was definitely a challenge. PROJECT RESULTS The client was delighted with the results. The retractable patio cover system now makes it possible for the client to use a very large area in the rear of their house 24/7, 365 with the exclusion of snow. Since the client was very happy, they will be covering the ends, front and sides with our motorized vertical drop zippered awnings. Gable ends will also be covered with fixed fabric panels. Enclosing the entire area will allow the customer to heat the space in the winter and air condition the space in the summer.

We were hired to finish the basement of our clients cottage in Haliburton. The house is a woodsy craftsman style. Basements can be dark so we used pickled pine to brighten up this 3000 sf space which allowed us to remain consistent with the vibe of the overall cottage. We delineated the large open space in to four functions - a Family Room (with projector screen TV viewing above the fireplace and a reading niche); a Game Room with access to large doors open to the lake; a Guest Bedroom with sitting nook; and an Exercise Room. Glass was used in the french and barn doors to allow light to penetrate each space. Shelving units were used to provide some visual separation between the Family Room and Game Room. The fireplace referenced the upstairs fireplace with added inspiration from a photo our clients saw and loved. We provided all construction docs and furnishings will installed soon.

This NoHo apartment, in a landmarked circa 1870 building designed by Stephen Decatur Hatch and converted to lofts in 1987, had been interestingly renovated by a rock musician before being purchased by a young hedge fund manager and his gallery director girlfriend. Naturally, the couple brought to the project their collection of painting, photography and sculpture, mostly by young emerging artists. Axis Mundi accommodated these pieces within a neutral palette accented with occasional flashes of bright color that referenced the various artworks. Major furniture pieces – a sectional in the library, a 12-foot-long dining table–along with a rich blend of textures such as leather, linen, fur and warm woods, helped bring the sprawling dimensions of the loft down to human scale. Size: 3,400 sf Design Team: John Beckmann and Nick Messerlian Architect: Nemaworkshop Photography: Durston Saylor, and Mark Roskams © Axis Mundi Design LLC.

Originally built in 1809 and situated on 20+ acres, this country farm house was extensively renovated to serve as a getaway for the owners. With a strong desire to entertain, play, swim and relax, the owners requirement for spatial flexibility provided context for the various design interventions. To make use of the relatively small upper floors of the main house, a new stair tower was created external to the main footprint. Separated by glass and clad in copper the tower modernizes the property while referencing its history. The ground floor restores the historic fireplace and rock walls and is opened to the sprawling hillside, creek and pool through a retractable glazing system. Throughout the project’s interior, are unique moments of mixed materials, pattern and texture. The chef’s kitchen is warmly detailed with glazed tiles, steel and wood and is accented with found relics making up the island. Many of the wood floors, ceilings, and furniture were milled from fallen walnut, oak and elm trees harvested from the property. The guest house is executed in a minimalist Japanese palate and highlighted by exquisite detailing. The garage was rebuilt and expanded with an art studio and work/play space.

The kitchen was designed two years ago and was then erased and redesigned when the world became a different place a year later. As everyone attempted to flatten the curve, our goal in this regard was to create a kitchen that looked forward to a sharp curve down and of a happier time To that promise for happier times, the redesign, a goal was to make the kitchen brighter and more optimistic. This was done by using simple, primary shapes and circular pendants and emphasizing them in contrast, adding a playful countenance. The selection of a dynamic grain of figured walnut also contributes as this once-living material and its sinuous grain adds motion, rhythm, and scale. Proud of their 1970s home, one challenge of the design was to balance a 1970's feel and stay current. However, many ‘70s references looked and felt outdated. The first step was a changed mindset. Just like the return of the ‘40s bath and the retro movement a few years ago, every era returns in some way. Chronologically, the '70s will soon be here. Our design looked to era-specific furniture and materials of the decade. Figured walnut was so pervasive in the era: this motif was used on car exteriors such as the 1970 Town and Country Station Wagon, which debuted the same year the existing home was built. We also looked at furniture specific to the decade. The console stereo is referenced not only by high legs on the island but also by the knurled metal cabinet knobs reminiscent of often-used stereo dials. Knurled metalwork is also used on the kitchen faucet. The design references the second piece of '70s furniture in our modern TV tray, which is angled to face the television in the family room. Its round pencil and mug holder cutouts follow the design of walnut consoles and dashboard of the station wagon and other elements of the time.

This NoHo apartment, in a landmarked circa 1870 building designed by Stephen Decatur Hatch and converted to lofts in 1987, had been interestingly renovated by a rock musician before being purchased by a young hedge fund manager and his gallery director girlfriend. Naturally, the couple brought to the project their collection of painting, photography and sculpture, mostly by young emerging artists. Axis Mundi accommodated these pieces within a neutral palette accented with occasional flashes of bright color that referenced the various artworks. Major furniture pieces – a sectional in the library, a 12-foot-long dining table–along with a rich blend of textures such as leather, linen, fur and warm woods, helped bring the sprawling dimensions of the loft down to human scale. Size: 3,400 sf Design Team: John Beckmann and Nick Messerlian Architect: Nemaworkshop Photography: Durston Saylor, and Mark Roskams © Axis Mundi Design LLC.