This Addition/Remodel to a waterfront Residence on a steeply sloped lot on Mercer Island, Washington called for the expansion of an Existing Garage to facilitate the addition of a new space above which accommodates both an Exercise Room and Art Studio. The Existing Garage is semi-detached from the Main Residence and connected by an Existing Entry/Breezeway. The Owners requested that the remodeled structure be attached to and integrated with the Main Structure which required the expansion and reconfiguration of the Existing Entry and introduction of a secondary stair. The Addition sits to the west of the Main Structure away from the view of Lake Washington. It does however form the North face of the Existing Auto Court and therefore dominates the view for anyone entering the Site as it is the first element seen from the driveway that winds down to the Structure from the Street. The Owners were determined to have the addition “fit” with the forms of the Existing Structure but provide a more contemporary expression for the structure as a whole. Two-story high walls at the Entry enable the placement of various art pieces form the Owners significant collection. The exterior materials for the Addition include a combination of cement board panels by Sil-Leed as well as cedar Siding both of which were applied as Rain-Screen. These elements were strategically carried on to the Existing Structure to replace the more traditional painted wood siding. The existing cement roof tiles were removed in favor of a new standing seam metal roof. New Sectional Overhead Doors with white laminated glass in a brushed aluminum frame appoint the Garage which faces the Auto Court. A large new Entry Door features art glass set within a walnut frame and includes pivot hardware.

Open concept kitchen - large rustic l-shaped porcelain tile and gray floor open concept kitchen idea in Other with white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops and shaker cabinets

This office design met the need for a comfortable seating area for casual business meetings. The distressed wood bookcase from Restoration Hardware fit the space perfectly. Carefully selected furnishings provide a mix of leather, kilim print custom chairs, rustic wood, stainless, leather, and a menswear patterned carpet.

Eric Rorer
Mid-sized transitional formal and open concept light wood floor and brown floor living room photo in San Francisco with beige walls, a ribbon fireplace, no tv and a stone fireplace

Main shot of kitchen with Rustic Alder stained perimeter cabinetry and painted and glazed finish on island. Kern Group
Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Kansas City with subway tile backsplash and granite countertops

Located on farmland in McLean, Virginia, the American Farmhouse balances the expected comforts of a new home with the bucolic beauty of an old farmhouse. The final site plan still has evidence showing parallel courses of the barn’s destiny. The house mass is broken and lowered so that the home can remain secondary to the monolithic barn structure. Earthy and elemental materials are selected for the home that reference the barn without directly mimicking it. Wooden members found inside the barn and from other barns bridge ceilings and are used in floors along with rustic slate adding to a sense of simplicity to the farmhouse design. The age and patina of the barn is reflected in the house’s textural use of board and batten and field stone layered similar to stone foundations. The original development plan was to demolish the existing barn and construct three suburban homes. Part of an endangered breed, as one of the few remaining barns in the area, it was originally viewed as a challenge in a luxury home construction with several difficulties posed to the impending project: it would be expensive to renovate, vulnerable to demolition, and threatened by urban sprawl. However, instead of trying to alter or destroy the barn, the structure was fully embraced into the traditional architecture project as a centerpiece and was used as the inspiration for the home. The new house was sited parallel to the barn so that views to the barn gable were accessible.

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Denver with a farmhouse sink and wood countertops

2010 ASID Award Winning Design In this space, our goal was to create a rustic contemporary, dog friendly home that brings the outside in through thoughtfully designed floor plans that lend themselves to entertaining. We had to ensure that the interior spaces relate to the outdoors, combine the homeowners’ two distinct design styles and create sophisticated interior spaces with durable furnishings. To do this, we incorporated a rustic design appeal with a contemporary, sleek furnishings by utilizing warm brown and taupe tones with pops of color throughout. We used wood and stone materials to lend modern spaces warmth and to relate to the outdoors. The floor plans throughout the home ensure that windows and views are focal points and that the rooms are natural conduits to the outdoors whenever doorways are available. For entertaining, we maximized seating throughout the first floor and kept walkways open for ease of flow. Finally, we selected fabrics with extended lifetimes, durability and stain resistance. Special features of the home include, the Marvin Ultimate Lift and Slide doors, which we placed along the dining, kitchen, and family room. These floor-to-ceiling windows recede into the home’s walls and include full screen protection. In addition, the custom designed stairway uses a metal framework to create a sleek, modern feel. The thick wooden steps offer substance and give the staircase a rustic aesthetic. Interior Design & Furniture by Martha O'Hara Interiors Architecture by Eskuche Architecture Built by Denali Custom Homes Photography by Susan Gilmore

mile high landscaping
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Denver.

Springhill Residence by Locati Architects, Interior Design by Locati Interiors, Photography by Roger Wade
Example of a country dark wood floor bedroom design in Other with gray walls

The bold and rustic kitchen is large enough to cook and entertain for many guests. The edges of the soapstone counter tops were left unfinished to add to the home's rustic charm. Interior Design: Megan at M Design and Interiors

Example of a transitional dark wood floor dining room design in Atlanta with beige walls

Amplify by Jon Allen - A 5 Panel Set of Abstract Metal Wall Art in All Natural Silver measuring 64" x 24" x 2" (162.56 cm x 60.96 cm x 5.08 cm) overall including suggested 1" spacing between panels. 'Amplify' is a unique etched piece of abstract metal wall art that is the perfect addition to add excitement and intrigue to your space. It's a handmade piece of original artwork that features beautiful all natural silver and is a three-dimensional wall sculpture that will be that modern touch every home needs. My hand textured intricacies and carvings into the metal capture and reflect surrounding light sources creating enhanced interaction with dramatic illusions of depth and 3D movement as viewed from different angles. Hang it in your living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, office, or outdoors under covered areas like your patio or pool area. This abstract metal art will delight your guests. Display under natural lighting or showcase this original artwork as the centerpiece of any room with track lighting or gallery spotlights for dramatic effect.

Rustic built-in bunk beds incorporated into the design allow a cozy spot for dream and play while still retaining the original design aesthetic. Endcap shelving solves the inevitable need for space for books and toys. Rods give this art display a more substantial look than wires. Their darker metallic color contrasts with the white wall and picks up the darker wood tones in this boys’ bedroom. ©Shoot2Sell Photography

Photo: Joe DeMaio
Rustic stone exterior home idea in Milwaukee with a metal roof

This elegant expression of a modern Colorado style home combines a rustic regional exterior with a refined contemporary interior. The client's private art collection is embraced by a combination of modern steel trusses, stonework and traditional timber beams. Generous expanses of glass allow for view corridors of the mountains to the west, open space wetlands towards the south and the adjacent horse pasture on the east. Builder: Cadre General Contractors http://www.cadregc.com Photograph: Ron Ruscio Photography http://ronrusciophotography.com/

New Yorkers are always on the prowl for innovative ways to make the most of the space they have. An upper east side couple, challenged with a slightly narrow L shaped apartment sought out Decor Aid’s help to make the most of their Manhattan condo. Paired with one of our senior designer, Kimberly P., we learned that the clients wanted a space that looked beautiful, comfortable and also packed with functionality for everyday living. “Immediately upon seeing the space, I knew that we needed to create a narrative that allowed the design to control how you moved through the space,” reports Kimberly, senior interior designer. After surveying each room and learning a bit more about their personal style, we started with the living room remodel. It was clear that the couple wanted to infuse mid-century modern into the design plan. Sourcing the Room & Board Jasper Sofa with its narrow arms and tapered legs, it offered the mid-century look, with the modern comfort the clients are used to. Velvet accent pillows from West Elm and Crate & Barrel add pops of colors but also a subtle touch of luxury, while framed pictures from the couple’s honeymoon personalize the space. Moving to the dining room next, Kimberly decided to add a blue accent wall to emphasize the Horchow two piece Percussion framed art that was to be the focal point of the dining area. The Seno sideboard from Article perfectly accentuated the mid-century style the clients loved while providing much-needed storage space. The palette used throughout both rooms were very New York style, grays, blues, beiges, and whites, to add depth, Kimberly sourced decorative pieces in a mixture of different metals. “The artwork above their bureau in the bedroom is photographs that her father took,” Moving into the bedroom renovation, our designer made sure to continue to stick to the client’s style preference while once again creating a personalized, warm and comforting space by including the photographs taken by the client’s father. The Avery bed added texture and complimented the other colors in the room, while a hidden drawer at the foot pulls out for attached storage, which thrilled the clients. A deco-inspired Faceted mirror from West Elm was a perfect addition to the bedroom due to the illusion of space it provides. The result was a bedroom that was full of mid-century design, personality, and area so they can freely move around. The project resulted in the form of a layered mid-century modern design with touches of luxury but a space that can not only be lived in but serves as an extension of the people who live there. Our designer was able to take a very narrowly shaped Manhattan apartment and revamp it into a spacious home that is great for sophisticated entertaining or comfortably lazy nights in.

Eric Laignel
Example of a minimalist great room design in New York with white walls

This project encompasses the renovation of two aging metal warehouses located on an acre just North of the 610 loop. The larger warehouse, previously an auto body shop, measures 6000 square feet and will contain a residence, art studio, and garage. A light well puncturing the middle of the main residence brightens the core of the deep building. The over-sized roof opening washes light down three masonry walls that define the light well and divide the public and private realms of the residence. The interior of the light well is conceived as a serene place of reflection while providing ample natural light into the Master Bedroom. Large windows infill the previous garage door openings and are shaded by a generous steel canopy as well as a new evergreen tree court to the west. Adjacent, a 1200 sf building is reconfigured for a guest or visiting artist residence and studio with a shared outdoor patio for entertaining. Photo by Peter Molick, Art by Karin Broker