View of lower level respite.
Eclectic home design photo in Orange County

Our client came to us for help decorating her home at the tony building, One Eleven Wacker Drive. She wanted the space to reflect it's prime urban location and also her chic sense of style. Incorporating a couple of pieces that she brought with her, we were able to create a sophisticated, sexy space that draws the City of Chicago into the interior and, at the same time, provides a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle on the streets forty-two stories below.

The site of the Emperor Hotel, Qianmen was once occupied by a public bath, and so the spirit of bathing and mystery will live on in the new hotel. The design is organized not by spaces and circulation, but by emotions and dreams; not by materials and details but by illusions and memories. The design is infused throughout with water: from the pool cantilevered above the rooftop, it flows out and rains down, cascading through the hotel in a series of interior channels; dripping down threads from which hang mysterious floating plants; drizzling in a spectacular 15m interior rainfall; and eventually plummeting down to an underground waterfall in the heart of a hidden spa. Guest rooms are designed to provide visitors with a peaceful respite from the energy of Beijing. Each room is uniquely designed with the goal of providing guests with a distinctive, unique and memorable experience.

This custom poolside deck features an expansive pergola cover providing shade and respite from the sun.
Deck - eclectic deck idea in Houston

Inspiration for a transitional landscaping in Chicago.

Our socially engaged, active client transplanted from the East Coast found a charming older home in Minneapolis that provided a home base in a new city. While the home had its charm, the dark interior didn’t provide the uplifting respite she desired. With a busy travel schedule and calendar full of after-hours social events, she was looking for a space to unwind at the end of a long day. She wanted to maximize her time at home, and a place to host friends pre-gala. We transformed an extra bedroom into a happy-hour type lounge with upholstered chairs and bar cart along with her Grandmother’s vanity and privacy screen for the ultimate pre-gala experience. In the kitchen, we replaced the dark cabinetry with open painted shelves to lighten the space and provide convenient access to her glassware, adding sparkle to the room. And perhaps most importantly, her bedroom is now a quiet, peaceful refuge with luxurious details that wrap her in warmth and relaxation. ------- Project designed by Minneapolis interior design studio LiLu Interiors. They serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area including Wayzata, Edina, and Rochester, and they travel to the far-flung destinations that their upscale clientele own second homes in. ------ For more about LiLu Interiors, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/ ---- To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/blog/portfolio-items/deco-boutique-home/

The white wooden entrance door with a window of the Paris apartment exuded a sense of simplicity and purity. Its clean lines and understated design created a feeling of calm and serenity, a welcome respite from the bustling city just outside. Through the window, I could see a glimpse of the interior, a bright and airy space that promised comfort and relaxation. As I pushed open the door, I was enveloped by a sense of tranquility, a perfect retreat from the excitement of Parisian life.

This designer’s ideal is homeowners with a clear vision, set priorities, and values that align seamlessly with ours. These clients, an accomplished artist and the owner of a generational hops growing farm, were collaborative and trusting from the start. They conscientiously selected a team of Architect (Green Hammer), General Contractor (Cellar Ridge) and ATIID for furnishings and finishing touches. Each firm was able to meticulously manage their leg of the project, while collaborating wholistically with each other and the homeowners. The family farmhouse, lovingly named “Westwood,” was showing the wear one expects after serving a growing family for decades. The owner’s dream was to revive, open up, and breathe modern life into each space, while respecting the home’s heritage. One of our first collaborations was the light fixture that would grace the main two-story entry hall. HiiH Lights in Astoria, Oregon, was commissioned to bring “the function of light, the craft of paper, and the art of sculpture” to the home. Visiting the maker’s space – a massive barn on his coastal property – was such an inspiring adventure! Original work by the resident artist sets an ethereal tone in the space, and an antique bench handsomely blends the old with the new. A wall that divided the home’s living room and kitchen was removed, and the breezy and bright gathering room was born. Light walls, warm wood tones, cozy upholstery, clean lines and heritage elements create a welcoming atmosphere and invite lounging and conversation. The sun-drenched nook is the home’s main indoor dining area, with an extension table and sculpted chairs that are just right for family gatherings or morning rituals with the Sunday paper. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with every modern amenity, but its casual attitude is “let’s make a mess and eat!” The owner’s artwork graces the mantel over the new fireplace that was carved from a tree felled on the property, illustrating the thoughtful consideration of each element. The muted wool area rugs in the entryways and great room are hard-wearing for farm life, and the furniture’s classic lines, bold contrasting colors, deep seating and soft textures encourage cozy conversations or large group gatherings. The library is undoubtedly our favorite space in this home. Tucked in “speakeasy style” behind a hidden (wallpapered!) door in the moody wet bar, and drenched in deep green, the room offers a quiet retreat that hugs you in an embrace of books and family photos. The cozy settee nestled between the bookcases sits opposite a custom pair of modern cognac leather wing chairs. The area rug continues the storied look without the antique price tag with a piece from Loloi’s “Heritage Collection.” A little va-va-voom was requested for the powder bath and boy did we deliver! Custom wallpaper plays over original wainscotting and ceilings wrapped in more glorious green. The space evokes joy every time you open the door! A primary suite that would “transport us to another world” and be “classic yet modern, peaceful, collected and uncluttered” was a tall order. Our new furniture layout takes full advantage of the view of wine country hills and the Willamette River, welcomes fireside lounging, and serves as a calm respite for the lovely owners. Westwood Farmhouse truly was inspired by family, genuine love for home and graciousness for all who enter. Finishing the job was emotional for all involved because we were truly made to feel like part of the family. Photography by George Barberis

He wanted a lake house, she wanted a pool. Tucked away on a small cul-de-sac in North Reading is a backyard oasis like no other. “During our initial meeting with the homeowners, it became apparent that they wanted a unique pool, so we suggested a free-form gunite pool surrounded by an indigenous Goshen Stone patio, custom cut to create ultra-tight joints. The stone arrived in huge slabs — most over 5’ x 5’ in size — and varied significantly in thickness. Countless hours were spent cutting, chiseling, and even sandblasting this life-sized jigsaw puzzle. The final look was exactly what we were shooting for.” Russell The pool itself has a dark, pebble finish with a long, custom bench and a simple, spillway stone creating a perfect respite with a calming sound. Surrounding the pool and patio is a lush lawn with large swatches of summertime perennials. The homeowner is an active gardener, so providing him with areas to hone his skills was paramount to our success as a design firm. Large, architectural boulders were carefully arranged throughout the rear yard as both design elements and as functional furniture. A custom-built, wood, wire, and split granite fence meets pool-enclosure requirements and adds that farmhouse-feel to the overall look. Carefully arranged Goshen step stone set flush in the lawn orchestrates movement throughout the garden while connecting the house and pool in a thoughtful, artistic way. No need to travel north to the lake when you’ve got this to enjoy daily — right in your own backyard!

Frontier Custom Builders, Inc in Houston Texas has mastered the art of Custom Home Architecture and Design. For over 20 years Wayne Bopp and his team of professional designers have been delivering masterpieces like this modern marvel to Houston buyers with a taste for the luxurious.

What a lovely respite for employees at mid day to take a momentary break from the stress and hit refresh. (Photo by RStarovich)
Inspiration for a partial sun landscaping in Chicago for fall.

Words by Wilson Hack The best architecture allows what has come before it to be seen and cared for while at the same time injecting something new, if not idealistic. Spartan at first glance, the interior of this stately apartment building, located on the iconic Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona, quickly begins to unfold as a calculated series of textures, visual artifacts and perfected aesthetic continuities. The client, a globe-trotting entrepreneur, selected Jeanne Schultz Design Studio for the remodel and requested that the space be reconditioned into a purposeful and peaceful landing pad. It was to be furnished simply using natural and sustainable materials. Schultz began by gently peeling back before adding only the essentials, resulting in a harmoniously restorative living space where darkness and light coexist and comfort reigns. The design was initially guided by the fireplace—from there a subtle injection of matching color extends up into the thick tiered molding and ceiling trim. “The most reckless patterns live here,” remarks Schultz, referring to the checkered green and white tiles, pink-Pollack-y stone and cast iron detailing. The millwork and warm wood wall panels devour the remainder of the living room, eliminating the need for unnecessary artwork. A curved living room chair by Kave Home punctuates playfully; its shape reveals its pleasant conformity to the human body and sits back, inviting rest and respite. “It’s good for all body types and sizes,” explains Schultz. The single sofa by Dareels is purposefully oversized, casual and inviting. A beige cover was added to soften the otherwise rectilinear edges. Additionally sourced from Dareels, a small yet centrally located side table anchors the space with its dark black wood texture, its visual weight on par with the larger pieces. The black bulbous free standing lamp converses directly with the antique chandelier above. Composed of individual black leather strips, it is seemingly harsh—yet its soft form is reminiscent of a spring tulip. The continuation of the color palette slips softly into the dining room where velvety green chairs sit delicately on a cascade array of pointed legs. The doors that lead out to the patio were sanded down and treated so that the original shape and form could be retained. Although the same green paint was used throughout, this set of doors speaks in darker tones alongside the acute and penetrating daylight. A few different shades of white paint were used throughout the space to add additional depth and embellish this shadowy texture. Specialty lights were added into the space to complement the existing overhead lighting. A wall sconce was added in the living room and extra lighting was placed in the kitchen. However, because of the existing barrel vaulted tile ceiling, sconces were placed on the walls rather than above to avoid penetrating the existing architecture.

The Home Offering stunning curb appeal, The Silverthorne’s modern farmhouse exterior welcomes visitors with charm and style. Inside, the spacious entry leads to a private study and optional full bath, ideal for those working from home. This study may be optioned as a main-floor bedroom, perfect for guests. Those who enjoy entertaining will appreciate The Silverthorne’s open-concept living space with its generous great room and adjacent dining area. The optional expanded kitchen includes a large island, abundant cabinet space and a corner pantry. The second floor features a roomy loft, with enough space to easily accommodate a sofa, entertainment center and two secondary bedrooms with a shared bath. The loft may also be optioned as an additional bedroom. Next to the convenient upstairs laundry, The Silverthorne offers room for a desk to create a dedicated homework space. The airy owner’s suite becomes a private oasis complete with four-piece en-suite bath and expansive walk-in closet. This home features an optional full, unfinished basement with an optional finished design available that includes a rec room, game area, bedroom and a full bath. The Builder Century Communities is a top 10 national homebuilder. Offering new homes under the Century Communities and Century Complete brands, Century is engaged in all aspects of homebuilding — including the acquisition, entitlement and development of land, along with the construction, innovative marketing and sale of quality homes designed to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. The Colorado-based company operates in 17 states across the U.S., and offers title, insurance and lending services in select markets through its Parkway Title, IHL Insurance Agency, and Inspire Home Loan subsidiaries. To learn more about Century Communities, please visit centurycommunities.com. The Interior Design The Silverthorne model home embraces a casual, cottage style with blues, creams and crisp whites. Organic accents create an inviting space without sacrificing the clean color palette. The home’s design prioritizes livable spaces, like the homework niche adjacent to the laundry room, while maintaining its tranquil appeal. The owner’s suite is a respite for the senses with its shiplap walls while the natural wood furnishings and textures add warmth to the room. This home is the epitome of refined relaxation and comfortable style.

Talk about eclectic! This vintage claw foot tub provides peaceful moments of respite. A floor-mounted tub filler elevates its presence, and a vintage chandelier is suspended above for true ambiance.

The Home Offering stunning curb appeal, The Silverthorne’s modern farmhouse exterior welcomes visitors with charm and style. Inside, the spacious entry leads to a private study and optional full bath, ideal for those working from home. This study may be optioned as a main-floor bedroom, perfect for guests. Those who enjoy entertaining will appreciate The Silverthorne’s open-concept living space with its generous great room and adjacent dining area. The optional expanded kitchen includes a large island, abundant cabinet space and a corner pantry. The second floor features a roomy loft, with enough space to easily accommodate a sofa, entertainment center and two secondary bedrooms with a shared bath. The loft may also be optioned as an additional bedroom. Next to the convenient upstairs laundry, The Silverthorne offers room for a desk to create a dedicated homework space. The airy owner’s suite becomes a private oasis complete with four-piece en-suite bath and expansive walk-in closet. This home features an optional full, unfinished basement with an optional finished design available that includes a rec room, game area, bedroom and a full bath. The Builder Century Communities is a top 10 national homebuilder. Offering new homes under the Century Communities and Century Complete brands, Century is engaged in all aspects of homebuilding — including the acquisition, entitlement and development of land, along with the construction, innovative marketing and sale of quality homes designed to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. The Colorado-based company operates in 17 states across the U.S., and offers title, insurance and lending services in select markets through its Parkway Title, IHL Insurance Agency, and Inspire Home Loan subsidiaries. To learn more about Century Communities, please visit centurycommunities.com. The Interior Design The Silverthorne model home embraces a casual, cottage style with blues, creams and crisp whites. Organic accents create an inviting space without sacrificing the clean color palette. The home’s design prioritizes livable spaces, like the homework niche adjacent to the laundry room, while maintaining its tranquil appeal. The owner’s suite is a respite for the senses with its shiplap walls while the natural wood furnishings and textures add warmth to the room. This home is the epitome of refined relaxation and comfortable style.

A layered bed with fluffy bedding and soft blue walls create a respite from the busy world. This master bedroom is well appointed with darker furniture for contrast and all the furniture you need in this smaller space.

Inspiration for a transitional landscaping in Chicago.

Modernist architect Marcel Breuer is known for his innovative Wassily chair, a pared back seat made up of tubular steel frame and strips of canvas. Even if that’s your only point of reference, you’ll see plenty of overlap in this Andover residence he designed. It is highly functional, with clean lines and plenty of open space. We had the honor to design an updated landscape to complement this home designed by Marcel Breuer, right here in Andover. As the landscape was originally designed by renowned landscape architect, Dan Kiley, we wanted to maintain his original design intent while also updating its functionality to suit the homeowner's needs. Ultimately, it was important to respect the architectural design intent of the property while creating a safe and inviting entry. The simplicity of the design was created with a restricted palette that compliments the materials and color tones of the house. Orthogonal lines pull from the architecture out into the landscape, unifying the two. A metal runnel with stacked stone visually connects the front entry to the primary bedroom garden, while further highlighting a unique feature in Breuer’s architecture. Moving to a space formed for privacy and respite, the zen garden off the primary bedroom offers an outdoor shower, water feature, and minimalistic planting. Arranged boulders, undulating moss plant beds, bluestone and gravel are mediums in which we used to paint a calming atmosphere extending from this unique home. To highlight the tranquil nature of the site, a boulder was hand carved to create a recirculating water feature that can be enjoyed from both the garden and primary bedroom. A wall of glass separates the bedroom from the spa-like garden, blurring the lines of architecture and landscape.

Located within a circa 1900 Victorian home in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington DC, this elegantly renovated bathroom offers a soothing respite for guests. Features include a furniture style vanity, coordinating medicine cabinet from Rejuvenation, a custom corner shower with diamond patterned tiles, and a clawfoot tub situated under niches clad in waterjet marble and glass mosaics.