•Architects: Aires Mateus •Location: Lisbon, Portugal •Architect: Manuel Aires Mateus •Years: 2006-20011 •Photos by: Ricardo Oliveira Alves •Stone floor: Ancient Surface A succession of everyday spaces occupied the lower floor of this restored 18th century castle on the hillside. The existing estate illustrating a period clouded by historic neglect. The restoration plan for this castle house focused on increasing its spatial value, its open space architecture and re-positioning of its windows. The garden made it possible to enhance the depth of the view over the rooftops and the Baixa river. An existing addition was rebuilt to house to conduct more private and entertainment functions. The unexpected discovery of an old and buried wellhead and cistern in the center of the house was a pleasant surprise to the architect and owners.

Mid-sized transitional guest medium tone wood floor bedroom photo in Vancouver with white walls and no fireplace

Updated Spec Home: Foyer and Great Room In our last post, we introduced you to my mom and sister’s Updated Spec Home; the Foyer and Great Room will be featured in this post. Foyer As you enter their home, to the right is a hall closet and a french door which leads to the Basement. To the left is a long wall which was perfect for an extra long console table in a rustic finish that served as a sofa table in their previous home. I love repositioning furniture, and by using this table in the entry, it makes it feel new. Additionally, we placed a vibrant piece of art previously used in my sister’s Bedroom above the table. This piece not only sets the tone for our color palette, it also makes the kind of statement you want in your Foyer – Wow! We added accessories and an unique lamp to complete the space. Great Room In the Great Room which is open to the Foyer, we installed our inspiration artwork in the place of honor over the mantel. Since the piece was vertical, it did not take up enough space. I do not like a “fussy” mantel with lots of accessories so we found these two vases in a silver leaf finish. They were perfect because they were large enough, but not too deep. Accessorizing mantels can be tricky because the majority of them are not deep. We went to Jan’s Floral Design to add vibrant color and interesting textures to the vases. The original mantel was too small and uninspired. Therefore, we had our contractor Brad Anderson built a new one based on a photo of a mantel we liked. The new mantel has lots of great detail and is the appropriate proportion for the fireplace. We replaced beige 12×12 ceramic tiles with gorgeous large pieces of smoked carrara marble for a striking fireplace surround. Check out this other mantel that we updated. For furniture, we purchased a shorter sofa in a gray tweed fabric. Typically, two throw pillows come with a sofa.We added a fun fringe to the pillows that came with the sofa. I recommend ordering pillows that match your sofa fabric and layering with custom pillows that support your color palette. We added a patterned custom pillow and a striped throw. Next, we got a small scale recliner in a yummy gray leather for my mom and a chair and ottoman in a small scale mint and gray geometric pattern for my sister. We added an accent chair in a fun small scale stripe to fill a corner and add additional seating – which is always a good thing. Remember that this was a Spec Home so there were no built-ins. As a result, we needed a media cabinet for the television and some bookcases to display my mom’s decorative box collection and my sister’s collection of blown colored glass. This set from Ballard Designs fit the bill perfectly. The back is open and airy with nice detail. The wood finish also adds a richness to the space. My mom needed a space for her computer, and this small writing desk fit the space perfectly. Finally, for finishing touches, we added a patterned rug, cornice boards in a mint leaf fabric, and great lamps for ambient lighting. These two rooms are stunning, vibrant and livable. Can’t wait to show you more in our next post! Enjoy! Photo by Tim Furlong Jr.

Our clients came to us wanting to increase the size of the bathroom and reconfigure the closet to create a more functional space. We re-positioned the toilet, squared off the closet, and increased the overall size of the bathroom upon entry/ in front of the vanities. We removed the cultured marble tub and shower and created a zero-threshold, walk-in shower with a gorgeous Kohler “Veil” free standing tub paired with a floor mounted tub filler in a brushed nickel finish. The tile is a 12x24 cemento cassero bianco porceline on the walls and the floor to create seamless, spa-like escape. The focal point as you walk in is the 24-inch Deco column running vertical behind the tub. The vanity features an espresso cabinet with the Britannica Cambria Quartz countertop. This gorgeous Quartz features a waterfall edge and a show stopping 8-inch vanity backsplash with wall mounted vanity faucets.

We transformed an A-Frame home for a couple seeking more light and openness. By removing walls and repositioning the counter, we improved headspace and flow. Track lighting, sconces, and modern appliances added brightness, while maple flooring created warmth. We also installed a window-paneled door and custom slat walls to let natural light pour in, blending the indoors with nature and making the space feel airy and welcoming.

We transformed an A-Frame home for a couple seeking more light and openness. By removing walls and repositioning the counter, we improved headspace and flow. Track lighting, sconces, and modern appliances added brightness, while maple flooring created warmth. We also installed a window-paneled door and custom slat walls to let natural light pour in, blending the indoors with nature and making the space feel airy and welco

We transformed an A-Frame home for a couple seeking more light and openness. By removing walls and repositioning the counter, we improved headspace and flow. Track lighting, sconces, and modern appliances added brightness, while maple flooring created warmth. We also installed a window-paneled door and custom slat walls to let natural light pour in, blending the indoors with nature and making the space feel airy and welco

Our clients came to us wanting to increase the size of the bathroom and reconfigure the closet to create a more functional space. We re-positioned the toilet, squared off the closet, and increased the overall size of the bathroom upon entry/ in front of the vanities. We removed the cultured marble tub and shower and created a zero-threshold, walk-in shower with a gorgeous Kohler “Veil” free standing tub paired with a floor mounted tub filler in a brushed nickel finish. The tile is a 12x24 cemento cassero bianco porceline on the walls and the floor to create seamless, spa-like escape. The focal point as you walk in is the 24-inch Deco column running vertical behind the tub. The vanity features an espresso cabinet with the Britannica Cambria Quartz countertop. This gorgeous Quartz features a waterfall edge and a show stopping 8-inch vanity backsplash with wall mounted vanity faucets.

940sf interior and exterior remodel of the rear unit of a duplex. By reorganizing on-site parking and re-positioning openings a greater sense of privacy was created for both units. In addition it provided a new entryway for the rear unit. A modified first floor layout improves natural daylight and connections to new outdoor patios. (c) Eric Staudenmaier

We transformed an A-Frame home for a couple seeking more light and openness. By removing walls and repositioning the counter, we improved headspace and flow. Track lighting, sconces, and modern appliances added brightness, while maple flooring created warmth. We also installed a window-paneled door and custom slat walls to let natural light pour in, blending the indoors with nature and making the space feel airy and welcoming.

The crowded, outdated master bathroom did not have enough space with the built in tub taking up a majority of the space. Access to the shower was limited with the door facing the toilet. By removing the tub, repositioning the toilet, and removing a half wall, the bathroom became huge! The lighter colorway also contributed to the light, open feel.

Our clients have lived in their Sammamish home for the past 30 years. Their 1980s kitchen was in need of an update. Now with updated cabinetry, moving the original cooktop off the small island and repositioning the microwave. We were able to keep within the original space of the kitchen, creating a larger island for more work space and create an efficient space for the new stainless steel appliances.

The Cherry Road project is a humble yet striking example of how small changes can have a big impact. A meaningful project as the final room to be renovated in this house, thus our completion aligned with the family’s move-in. The kitchen posed a number of problems the design worked to remedy. Such as an existing window oriented the room towards a neighboring driveway. The initial design move sought to reorganize the space internally, focusing the view from the sink back through the house to the pool and courtyard beyond. This simple repositioning allowed the range to center on the opposite wall, flanked by two windows that reduce direct views to the driveway while increasing the natural light of the space. The island has a custom steel base with hammered legs, with a natural wax finish on it. The top is soapstone and incorporates an integral drainboard in the kitchen sink. We did custom bar stools with steel bases and upholstered seats.

Removing a wall beside the fridge, allowed the re-positioning of the range and added a landing zone to the between the range and fridge. Added full height upper cabinets in cream and base cabinets in navy. Added shallow depth cabinets behind the peninsula as pantry storage and area for microwave.

Here I am comparing the new drapery in the room. I like it. It's deep jewel colors add interest to the room. I've also re-positioned the Chaise lounge to a more prominent position. A new rug from Pier One picks up all the colors again.

Tim Proctor Photography. Complete remodel of bathroom with a very small cave-like shower. Re-positioned plumbing to use the full width of the room and expand the shower, adding a hidden bench seat, shower lighting. Everything is new

A leather barrel chair with cowhide accents offers a unique fusion of sophistication and rustic flair. The swivel feature enhances versatility, allowing for effortless repositioning to suit various seating arrangements. The barrel design provides enveloping comfort, while the cowhide accents add a touch of natural charm and individuality. Perfect for adding a statement piece to any room, this chair blends luxury and ruggedness seamlessly, making it a stylish and functional addition to your home.

Oftentimes homeowners come to us with an idea of how they want to update their space. Through thoughtful discussion and truly understanding their needs, we develop the perfect plan together. The previous bathroom was burdened with a large jacuzzi tub, an outdated fiberglass shower, and limited open floor space. Our approach started with a simple shower and bath update and evolved into a complete reimagining of the bathroom. We prioritized fluidity and functionality, repositioning plumbing and overhauling the floor plan to create a space that seamlessly marries practicality with design impact. The new bathroom features a custom knotty alder vanity with toe kick lighting and a sleek quartz countertop. Above, a defogging LED-lit mirror with touch screen controls adds a modern element to the bright and minimal bathroom aesthetic. The new custom shower blends sophistication with accessibility. Simple yet elegant porcelain fluted tiles and glass partitions frame the space, with a low-threshold entrance and strategically placed grab bars to support accessibility. Inside, a custom product niche with cove lighting adds both aesthetic appeal and functionality. In the end, the reimagined bathroom thoughtfully aligns the homeowner's lifestyle and design preferences.

Tim Proctor Photography. Complete remodel of bathroom with a very small cave-like shower. Re-positioned plumbing to use the full width of the room and expand the shower, adding a hidden bench seat, shower lighting. Everything is new