The Cloud Villa is so named because of the grand central stair which connects the three floors of this 800m2 villa in Shanghai. It’s abstract cloud-like form celebrates fluid movement through space, while dividing the main entry from the main living space. As the main focal point of the villa, it optimistically reinforces domesticity as an act of unencumbered weightless living; in contrast to the restrictive bulk of the typical sprawling megalopolis in China. The cloud is an intimate form that only the occupants of the villa have the luxury of using on a daily basis. The main living space with its overscaled, nearly 8m high vaulted ceiling, gives the villa a sacrosanct quality. Contemporary in form, construction and materiality, the Cloud Villa’s stair is classical statement about the theater and intimacy of private and domestic life.

The layout of this house was restricted by zoning and the steep hillside. A four story house with Bedrooms below all with wonderful views of the harbor. 8300 sf/770m - 5 bdrm

Remodel kitchen project. Couple's objective for the design to update a more modern, sleek look. Additionally, they needed additional storage for pots, pans, kitchen mixers and display cases. The wife just started a cupcake business. This broken U kitchen incorporates a two-tier eating area. For efficient traffic flow in the kitchen, we restricted the fittings to one side. For flooring, we installed light hardwood floors. Multiple layers of lighting with recessed lighting, clear island pendant lights, and lights beneath cabinets. Beautiful airy open kitchen design ideal for cooking and entertaining family and friends.

The kitchen sparkles like a jewel with it’s new open floor plan; gone is the restrictive Peninsula replaced with a longer Island and a sturdy long artisan table at the Island’s end. A dry Bar replaced the unused kitchen desk area and a built-in Banquet, bordered with a stepped-up base cabinet housing a Micro/Convection Oven, now offers additional seating when entertaining. The warm toasty finish of the Alder cabinetry is completed by the granite and tiled glass backsplash.

Certified Green home. 38 Mar Azul N, Ponce Inlet, Florida NEW CONSTRUCTION. Masonry construction with Hurricane standards included. Walk into the front door and see thru to the covered 377 sq Ft Lanai. Open the QUAD sliders for the indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Outdoor shower and plumbed for a outdoor kitchen.Inside is beautiful Porcelain tile thru out. Open floor plan for living, kitchen and dining with soaring ceilings and recessed lighting. The kitchen has a Quartz 10 Foot long Island and walk in pantry. All bedrooms have their own bath and walk in closet plus a half bath for guests. It is definitely a must see to appreciate all the features. https://www.nodalview.com/BxkyYmbx5AcAbWvKcG9D1DgQ?viewer=mls Ponce Inlet Ponce Inlet is small, quiet safe seaside community at the end of the Daytona Beach peninsula. You are walking distance to the beach ,river, jetty, lighthouse and the Park.You are less than an hour away from Orlando. Las Olas Las Olas is the only gated subdivision in Ponce Inlet. There is a deeded beach walkway for the residents. Walking distance to the beach and the river. It is restricted for the protection of the values of the residences. https://floridagreenconstruction.us

Bathroom in Monte Lindo | Room Type: Full Home Furnishing – 4,368 sq ft | 6 Bedrooms | 5 Baths- Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen Nook, Family Room, Office, Primary Bedroom + Bath. Project Name: Monte Lindo | Key Feature: A Modern Transitional new build transformed from builder-grade into a unique, personality-driven home through curated furnishings, lighting, art, and mirrors. Challenge: COVID-related supply and delivery delays, along with limitations of working within a builder-grade home that restricted creativity in certain areas. Solution: The team elevated the space with thoughtfully selected furnishings, lighting, wallpaper, art, and mirrors, pushing the clients slightly outside their comfort zone to create a home that felt both comfortable and impressive. Materials: Lighting: Arteriors, Palecek, Circa, Memoky. Rugs: Loloi, Surya. Mirrors: Four Hands, Ferguson, Arteriors. Wallpaper: Savannah Hayes. Furniture: Classic Home, Four Hands, Moss Home, Dovetail, Union Home. Budget: $50k-$75K | Timeline: 11 months, completed September 2021.

20 Fabulous Pool Designs Under 600 sq feet of Water Surface Area Custom pools are a much-desired amenity in Southern Nevada, however in accordance with the 2022 water use ordinance, new residential pools may NOT exceed 600 sq ft of water surface area. The square footage includes a total of the pool, spa, and any infinity-edge troughs where applicable. And, there is also a ban on independent water features. Paragon Pools’ VP & Chief Design Executive Joseph A Vassallo, CBP provides 20 pool designs under 600sq ft as an inspiration for homeowners. Excerpt from the SNWA website: Residential pool size limits Ongoing drought and climate change conditions continue to affect water levels in Lake Mead – Southern Nevada's primary water supply. As a result, the federal government declared a shortage on the Colorado River, reducing Southern Nevada's available water supply by 8.1 billion gallons, and additional reductions are expected in the coming years. To help manage these water supply constraints, the Southern Nevada Water Authority approved a resolution in July 2022 that supports a 600-square-foot surface area limit on new residential pools. The Las Vegas Valley Water District and other local jurisdictions approved this change shortly thereafter with rule and code changes. This measure will help reduce consumptive water use associated with evaporative water loss, targeting savings from the top 25 percent of new pools constructed.

HUGE transformation! The homes in this area quintessentially have smaller kitchens that dining rooms. In addition, there is no open floor concept so traffic flow is restricted. In this design, we choose to take over the dining room! The fortunate part is the sunroom on the backside of the home was conditioned as part of the home, so the furniture and space plan transformed this room into the "dining room". What a beautiful thing to have on the backside of the home where the view is great (future pictures to come!). The improvements and challenges were to remove the wall between the kitchen and the formal dining room (which was rarely used) and then extend the kitchen into that space. !! This is a great challenge because it changes the flow, original architectural patterns to the home! We (client included) the plan achieved just that with some sacrifices -- but honestly, with so many more rewards. Check back for more updates and plans to be uploaded - or send us a message to inquire about how this, is possible! Photography by David Cannon

Photography by Raul Garcia Project by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). This urban infill project juxtaposes a tall, slender curved circulation space against a rectangular living space. The tall curved metal wall was a result of bulk plane restrictions and the need to provide privacy from the public decks of the adjacent three story triplex. This element becomes the focus of the residence both visually and experientially. It acts as sun catcher that brings light down through the house from morning until early afternoon. At night it becomes a glowing, welcoming sail for visitors.

For this couple, planning to move back to their rambler home in Arlington after living overseas for few years, they were ready to get rid of clutter, clean up their grown-up kids’ boxes, and transform their home into their dream home for their golden years. The old home included a box-like 8 feet x 10 feet kitchen, no family room, three small bedrooms and two back to back small bathrooms. The laundry room was located in a small dark space of the unfinished basement. This home is located in a cul-de-sac, on an uphill lot, of a very secluded neighborhood with lots of new homes just being built around them. The couple consulted an architectural firm in past but never were satisfied with the final plans. They approached Michael Nash Custom Kitchens hoping for fresh ideas. The backyard and side yard are wooded and the existing structure was too close to building restriction lines. We developed design plans and applied for special permits to achieve our client’s goals. The remodel includes a family room, sunroom, breakfast area, home office, large master bedroom suite, large walk-in closet, main level laundry room, lots of windows, front porch, back deck, and most important than all an elevator from lower to upper level given them and their close relative a necessary easier access. The new plan added extra dimensions to this rambler on all four sides. Starting from the front, we excavated to allow a first level entrance, storage, and elevator room. Building just above it, is a 12 feet x 30 feet covered porch with a leading brick staircase. A contemporary cedar rail with horizontal stainless steel cable rail system on both the front porch and the back deck sets off this project from any others in area. A new foyer with double frosted stainless-steel door was added which contains the elevator. The garage door was widened and a solid cedar door was installed to compliment the cedar siding. The left side of this rambler was excavated to allow a storage off the garage and extension of one of the old bedrooms to be converted to a large master bedroom suite, master bathroom suite and walk-in closet. We installed matching brick for a seam-less exterior look. The entire house was furnished with new Italian imported highly custom stainless-steel windows and doors. We removed several brick and block structure walls to put doors and floor to ceiling windows. A full walk in shower with barn style frameless glass doors, double vanities covered with selective stone, floor to ceiling porcelain tile make the master bathroom highly accessible. The other two bedrooms were reconfigured with new closets, wider doorways, new wood floors and wider windows. Just outside of the bedroom, a new laundry room closet was a major upgrade. A second HVAC system was added in the attic for all new areas. The back side of the master bedroom was covered with floor to ceiling windows and a door to step into a new deck covered in trex and cable railing. This addition provides a view to wooded area of the home. By excavating and leveling the backyard, we constructed a two story 15’x 40’ addition that provided the tall ceiling for the family room just adjacent to new deck, a breakfast area a few steps away from the remodeled kitchen. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, floor to ceiling white custom cabinetry and quartz counter top, and fun lighting improved this back section of the house with its increased lighting and available work space. Just below this addition, there is extra space for exercise and storage room. This room has a pair of sliding doors allowing more light inside. The right elevation has a trapezoid shape addition with floor to ceiling windows and space used as a sunroom/in-home office. Wide plank wood floors were installed throughout the main level for continuity. The hall bathroom was gutted and expanded to allow a new soaking tub and large vanity. The basement half bathroom was converted to a full bathroom, new flooring and lighting in the entire basement changed the purpose of the basement for entertainment and spending time with grandkids. Off white and soft tone were used inside and out as the color schemes to make this rambler spacious and illuminated. Final grade and landscaping, by adding a few trees, trimming the old cherry and walnut trees in backyard, saddling the yard, and a new concrete driveway and walkway made this home a unique and charming gem in the neighborhood.

Master Bath shower area in a previous tub area--was very hard to layout this bath due to building restrictions--but turned out well.
Example of a trendy master beige tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile corner shower design in Miami with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, a one-piece toilet and beige walls

Words cannot describe the level of transformation this beautiful 60’s ranch has undergone. The home was blessed with a ton of natural light, however the sectioned rooms made for large awkward spaces without much functionality. By removing the dividing walls and reworking a few key functioning walls, this home is ready to entertain friends and family for all occasions. The large island has dual ovens for serious bake-off competitions accompanied with an inset induction cooktop equipped with a pop-up ventilation system. Plenty of storage surrounds the cooking stations providing large countertop space and seating nook for two. The beautiful natural quartzite is a show stopper throughout with it’s honed finish and serene blue/green hue providing a touch of color. Mother-of-Pearl backsplash tiles compliment the quartzite countertops and soft linen cabinets. The level of functionality has been elevated by moving the washer & dryer to a newly created closet situated behind the refrigerator and keeps hidden by a ceiling mounted barn-door. The new laundry room and storage closet opposite provide a functional solution for maintaining easy access to both areas without door swings restricting the path to the family room. Full height pantry cabinet make up the rest of the wall providing plenty of storage space and a natural division between casual dining to formal dining. Built-in cabinetry with glass doors provides the opportunity to showcase family dishes and heirlooms accented with in-cabinet lighting. With the wall partitions removed, the dining room easily flows into the rest of the home while maintaining its special moment. A large peninsula divides the kitchen space from the seating room providing plentiful storage including countertop cabinets for hidden storage, a charging nook, and a custom doggy station for the beloved dog with an elevated bowl deck and shallow drawer for leashes and treats! Beautiful large format tiles with a touch of modern flair bring all these spaces together providing a texture and color unlike any other with spots of iridescence, brushed concrete, and hues of blue and green. The original master bath and closet was divided into two parts separated by a hallway and door leading to the outside. This created an itty-bitty bathroom and plenty of untapped floor space with potential! By removing the interior walls and bringing the new bathroom space into the bedroom, we created a functional bathroom and walk-in closet space. By reconfiguration the bathroom layout to accommodate a walk-in shower and dual vanity, we took advantage of every square inch and made it functional and beautiful! A pocket door leads into the bathroom suite and a large full-length mirror on a mosaic accent wall greets you upon entering. To the left is a pocket door leading into the walk-in closet, and to the right is the new master bath. A natural marble floor mosaic in a basket weave pattern is warm to the touch thanks to the heating system underneath. Large format white wall tiles with glass mosaic accent in the shower and continues as a wainscot throughout the bathroom providing a modern touch and compliment the classic marble floor. A crisp white double vanity furniture piece completes the space. The journey of the Yosemite project is one we will never forget. Not only were we given the opportunity to transform this beautiful home into a more functional and beautiful space, we were blessed with such amazing clients who were endlessly appreciative of TVL – and for that we are grateful!

This master bathroom was one of the more challanging projects we have ever preformed. Creating the curbless shower/ trough drain application with the framing restrictions in this 100+ year old house took some creative thinking. The finished product turned out amazing, and includes: heated flooring, heated towell bar, shower steamer, three pre-programed shower valves, waterfall slab bench, soaking tub, LED back lights, floating duel vanities with under lighting and a super unique tile pattern designed by the homeowners. See for yourself!

This photo was taken during construction - Some things we couldn't adjust due to Co-Op restrictions in historic buildings in New York, especially with the gas company. so we updated the appliances and ordered a counter depth refrigerator to allow for more space in the center of the kitchen since the previous one stuck out 12" inches.

The major kitchen renovation of this old country farmhouse was a task of love, one that had been planned for many years by these Barrington seasoned homeowners. After interviewing no less than five companies, the homeowners chose the design team at Advance Design Studio to make the transformation they had long planned for. “They had an understanding of the right design for the space almost from the instant they walked in the room”, says Sharon Scott of the design team of Nicole Ryan at Todd Jurs at Advance Design Studio. “They were the only designers who laid out ideas in the first meeting at the house that we really loved”, she says. “It was obvious that they understood the house, and understood us - and from then on the decision to hire them literally made itself”. The original kitchen had a dividing “wall” of cabinetry…that made the rather large space seem very small, and cut off the kitchen from the eating area that has a beautiful garden view completely hidden from the main kitchen. Circulation was poor, leaving family members on top of one another when entertaining family and friends. The new kitchen design nearly doubles the kitchen size within the original space; opening it up completely and enjoying an expansive island containing a new Kohler Whitehaven Smart Divide farm sink, a dishwasher, and pull out double trash receptacle. The great new gathering space accommodates four pull out stools beckoning grandchildren and friends alike. Removing the range from the island and relocating it to create a dramatic “feature” wall, completely out of the way of guests; it is now crowned with a beautiful completely customized wood hood designed to ventilate much more efficiently than the original island range containing a limited downdraft system. The much more efficient use of the space after removing a pantry closet made way for a fully functional “tall wall” housing a double oven and refrigerator, out of the way of guests. Removing the restrictive cabinetry wall now allowed for an expansive floor to ceiling pantry cabinet with full extension pull out shelving, and an elegant display area complete with a beautiful furniture detailed buffet. Fitting perfectly into the farmhouse charm of the old estate, Medallion Silver Lancaster cabinetry was chosen in a soft white Maple Divinity paint finish lining the perimeter. The stunning island hints to this old home’s past with Medallion Gold’s Maple Devonshire style graced with a Carriage Black Heirloom painted finish. The rubbed off black paint finish reveals the soft wood tones beneath, mimicking furniture you’d see in your grandmother’s home that has lovingly been polished for years to reveal a soft, subtly rubbed-off sheen. Counter tops reverse contrast with perimeter tops of black “Raven” granite possessing a subtle honed finish, and a shift to Quartz Difinity Viareggio - resembling white Carrera marble on the island. A simple herringbone detail completes the decorative range wall, and subtle porcelain subway tiles grace the backsplash throughout. The design is finished off with crisp Thermador and Bosch stainless steel appliances, and bright brushed cup pull and handle combination hardware. A pull down Kohler Bellaria faucet makes cleanup a breeze, and soft under-cabinet LED lighting throughout makes every work surface shine softly, and highlights the cabinetry display area with grace. One special detail was created to make the dramatic ceiling transition to a vaulted area above the breakfast nook extra special. A tongue and groove solid wood ceiling was hung above, and a subtle greenish-grey distressed paint finish was hand developed on site by the talented crew, complementing the new kitchen with a completely unique surface that appears as if it’s been there for many, many years. It’s just one standout feature in the amazing new space that is sure to be in every conversation as newcomers enjoy the newest best hangout in this old home renewed! After 30 years of renovating homes, this now content homeowner sips a cup of tea enjoying her new garden view, and reminisces projects of past – and lastly reports their experience with Advance Design Studio culminating with their amazing new kitchen to be the most enjoyable and satisfying home experience yet. Designer: Nicole Ryan Photographer: Joe Nowak

The project involved a large program that would yield a massive home on a limited and restricted site. The design strategy involved deconstructing the volume into pavilions that could generate a dialogue between built form and landscape and create intimate connections between the golf course and the living spaces. Robin Hill

Earlier this year we completed a kitchen, lounge and bedroom refurbishment on behalf of our lovely client, and felt honoured to be called back to also refurbish their dining room into a cosy snug area recently. When designing the space, we wanted to repeat similar materials, colours and themes that were in the other refurbished areas so that our client's property had flow and harmony. We replaced the flooring throughout the house and incorporated a gorgeous sisal rug made from the same material as the main lounge and had the space painted in the same colour as the hallway and had a feature wall installed to provide tantalising texture. Before doing this, we had the side window safely boarded up so that wall lights could be installed and so that the room regained it's symmetry. Previously, the window provided only a restricted amount of day light due to the neighbouring property obstructing light, and hence, was redundant of it's primary function. We decided to install wall lights each side of the television to provide additional lighting that did not obstruct the view of the TV. Overall, the space was transformed into an indulgent yet gloriously cosy room, perfect for snuggling up, watching a film and welcoming those winter nights in.

Transforming a classic Riverdale semi-detached home requires more than just good design—it demands precision, strategy, and a respect for how these older Toronto homes were originally built. This renovation on Withrow Ave came with all the challenges you’d expect from working in the city: restricted access for equipment, tight parking conditions, and trades working inches away from neighbouring homes. The homeowners didn’t want a cosmetic update—they wanted a home that felt brighter, more open, and easier to live in day-to-day. Achieving that meant removing structural walls, installing engineered beams, and pulling as much natural light through the space as possible. At the same time, they envisioned a new basement walkout that would change how they used the lower level, making it a real part of their everyday routine instead of a dark, overlooked space. The transformation is dramatic. The ground floor now feels like an entirely different home, with clean sightlines and a sense of openness that didn’t exist before. Light moves through the space naturally, and the new layout finally matches how a modern Toronto family wants to live. The basement walkout has become a functional everyday entry point—perfect for dropping off gear, coming and going effortlessly, and accessing ample storage space. This project is proof that even the most traditional Toronto semi can be completely reimagined when design and construction work hand in hand with purpose.

Entry steps adjacent to protected species.
Mediterranean split-level stucco house exterior idea in San Luis Obispo