Whit Preston
Kitchen - mid-sized 1950s galley terrazzo floor kitchen idea in Austin with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stainless steel countertops, white backsplash and an island

When our client requested a cozy retreat for her study, we re-configured a narrow 6’ x 12’ space off the Master Bedroom hall. By combining 2 separate rooms, a dated wet bar and a stackable washer/dryer area, we captured the square footage needed for the Study. As someone who likes to spread out and have multiple projects going on at the same time, we designed the L-shaped work surface and created the functionality she longed for. A tall storage cabinet just wide enough to house her files and printer, anchors one end while an oversized ‘found’ vintage bracket adorns the other, giving openness to an otherwise tight space. Previously separated by a wall, the 2 windows now bring cheerful natural light into the singular space. Thick floating shelves above the work surface feature LED strip lighting which is especially enticing at night. A sliding metal chalkboard opposite of the worksurface is easily accessible and provides a fun way to keep track of daily activities. The black and cream “star” patterned floor tile adds a bit of whimsy to the Study and compliments the rustic charm of the family’s antique cowhide chair. What is not to love about the compact yet inviting space?

This large estate house was carefully crafted to compliment the rolling hillsides of the Midwest. Horizontal board & batten facades are sheltered by long runs of hipped roofs and are divided down the middle by the homes singular gabled wall. At the foyer, this gable takes the form of a classic three-part archway. Subtle earth-toned wall colors, white trim, and natural wood floors serve as a perfect canvas to showcase patterned upholstery, black hardware, and colorful paintings. A Grand ARDA for Custom Home Design goes to Visbeen Architects, Inc. Designers: Visbeen Architects, Inc. with Laura Davidson From: East Grand Rapids, Michigan

Located on an extraordinary hillside site above the San Fernando Valley, the Sherman Residence was designed to unite indoors and outdoors. The house is made up of as a series of board-formed concrete, wood and glass pavilions connected via intersticial gallery spaces that together define a central courtyard. From each room one can see the rich and varied landscape, which includes indigenous large oaks, sycamores, “working” plants such as orange and avocado trees, palms and succulents. A singular low-slung wood roof with deep overhangs shades and unifies the overall composition. CLIENT: Jerry & Zina Sherman PROJECT TEAM: Peter Tolkin, John R. Byram, Christopher Girt, Craig Rizzo, Angela Uriu, Eric Townsend, Anthony Denzer ENGINEERS: Joseph Perazzelli (Structural), John Ott & Associates (Civil), Brian A. Robinson & Associates (Geotechnical) LANDSCAPE: Wade Graham Landscape Studio CONSULTANTS: Tree Life Concern Inc. (Arborist), E&J Engineering & Energy Designs (Title-24 Energy) GENERAL CONTRACTOR: A-1 Construction PHOTOGRAPHER: Peter Tolkin, Grant Mudford AWARDS: 2001 Excellence Award Southern California Ready Mixed Concrete Association

wood beams, built in bookshelves, wallpaper fireplace wall, whitewash table
Dining room - eclectic gray floor dining room idea in Baltimore with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

We love to collaborate, whenever and wherever the opportunity arises. For this mountainside retreat, we entered at a unique point in the process—to collaborate on the interior architecture—lending our expertise in fine finishes and fixtures to complete the spaces, thereby creating the perfect backdrop for the family of furniture makers to fill in each vignette. Catering to a design-industry client meant we sourced with singularity and sophistication in mind, from matchless slabs of marble for the kitchen and master bath to timeless basin sinks that feel right at home on the frontier and custom lighting with both industrial and artistic influences. We let each detail speak for itself in situ.

We love to collaborate, whenever and wherever the opportunity arises. For this mountainside retreat, we entered at a unique point in the process—to collaborate on the interior architecture—lending our expertise in fine finishes and fixtures to complete the spaces, thereby creating the perfect backdrop for the family of furniture makers to fill in each vignette. Catering to a design-industry client meant we sourced with singularity and sophistication in mind, from matchless slabs of marble for the kitchen and master bath to timeless basin sinks that feel right at home on the frontier and custom lighting with both industrial and artistic influences. We let each detail speak for itself in situ.

Unique and singular, this home enjoys stunning, direct views of New York City and the Hudson River. Theinnovative Mid Century design features a rear façade of glass that showcases the views. The floor plan is perfect for entertaining with an indoor/outdoor flow to the landscaped patio, terrace and plunge pool. The master suite offers city views, a terrace, lounge, massive spa-like bath and a large walk-in closet. This home features expert use of organic materials and attention to detail throughout. 907castlepoint.com.

Photography: Donald Grant
Bathroom - contemporary blue tile and mosaic tile bathroom idea in New York with a one-piece toilet, an integrated sink and dark wood cabinets

Bold, dramatic and singular home with a relaxed yet sophisticated interior. Minimal but not austere. Subtle but impactful. Mix of California and Colorado influences in a Minnesota foundation. Builder - John Kraemer & Sons / Architect - Sharratt Design Company / Troy Thies - Project Photographer

Though DIY living room makeovers and bedroom redecorating can be an exciting undertaking, these projects often wind up uncompleted and with less than satisfactory results. This was the case with our client, a young professional in his early 30’s who purchased his first apartment and tried to decorate it himself. Short on interior décor ideas and unhappy with the results, he decided to hire an interior designer, turning to Décor Aid to transform his one-bedroom into a classy, adult space. Our client already had invested in several key pieces of furniture, so our Junior Designer worked closely with him to incorporate the existing furnishings into the new design and give them new life. Though the living room boasted high ceilings, the space was narrow, so they ditched the client’s sectional in place of a sleek leather sofa with a smaller footprint. They replaced the dark gray living room paint and drab brown bedroom paint with a white wall paint color to make the apartment feel larger. Our designer introduced chrome accents, in the form of a Deco bar cart, a modern chandelier, and a campaign-style nightstand, to create a sleek, contemporary design. Leather furniture was used in both the bedroom and living room to add a masculine feel to the home refresh.

Majestic triplex home in circa 1858 townhouse. This iconic 25’ mansion features a striking limestone façade on Hudson Street, 3,153 sq ft of living space, 2 outdoor spaces including an amazing bi-level roof deck with partial NYC & water views & on-site parking. Made-to-order kitchen showcases antique terracotta tile imported from France, custom cabinetry, granite counters, Viking range, Miele dishwasher, SubZero refrigeration, wine chiller and breakfast nook. Off of the kitchen is one of 2 terraces featuring handcrafted copper planters, ample dining space, access to backyard and parking. Commanding living room with 11’ ceilings showcases original fireplace mantle and intricate dental & crown moldings. A formal dining area with hand blown glass lighting and powder room complete the first level. Up the grand staircase lies the master bedroom retreat featuring walk-in closet/nursery, parquet floors, 10’ ceilings and a soothing master bath; magnificently appointed with onyx tile, custom marble vanity, Swarovski crystal lighting and an oversized walk-in spa shower. The third bedroom doubles as an office with coffered ceiling, abundance of built in storage and access to the top floor. Media room replete with projection screen, wet bar, wiring for full surround sound and access to the 2- tier terrace with low maintenance Trex deck surface, eastern exposure and city views. Two zone central air conditioning, new hot water heater and washer/dryer. Control4 technology for sound system & lighting. Half the yard is deeded to this singular home. Parking from Court St. entrance & additional basement storage.

Example of a transitional entryway design in Boston

Integrity from Marvin Windows and Doors open this tiny house up to a larger-than-life ocean view.
Living room - small cottage open concept light wood floor and beige floor living room idea in Portland Maine with blue walls, no fireplace and no tv

We love to collaborate, whenever and wherever the opportunity arises. For this mountainside retreat, we entered at a unique point in the process—to collaborate on the interior architecture—lending our expertise in fine finishes and fixtures to complete the spaces, thereby creating the perfect backdrop for the family of furniture makers to fill in each vignette. Catering to a design-industry client meant we sourced with singularity and sophistication in mind, from matchless slabs of marble for the kitchen and master bath to timeless basin sinks that feel right at home on the frontier and custom lighting with both industrial and artistic influences. We let each detail speak for itself in situ.

Mali Azima
Transitional powder room photo in Atlanta with an undermount sink, marble countertops and multicolored walls

Steve Lazar's newest project, a six-bedroom residence built on a hillside peak of 30th Street in Hermosa Beach for design+build by South Swell, is a study in the functional exploitation of lot size and surrounding beauty. That, and an evolution of the designer’s singular style. Modernist in its veins, the new home has the earmarks of a Lazar design inside and out. There’s a hint of lifeguard tower in its exterior, though more muted than visible in his past projects, mainly due to a ring of rusticated wood cladding swathed around its mid-section. Other signifiers are there, too, from a row of high-perched observation windows to a slightly raised metal hip roof of soft blue. Jutting out slightly over the home, its underside dressed in tidy shiplap, the roof contrasts smartly against the clean white stucco and earthy wood of the lower levels. In all, it’s still clean-cut Lazar, but more organic than sleek. “I use a lot of the same ideas,” says Lazar, standing outside the structure while craftsmen and workers buzz around, putting finishing touches on the place. “ “I have a signature vocabulary, but I adapt it with each custom home to meet a client’s needs and maximize the particulars of that space.” Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Joel Silva.

Interior Design: Muratore Corp Designer, Cindy Bayon | Construction + Millwork: Muratore Corp | Photography: Scott Hargis
Mid-sized urban concrete floor kitchen/dining room combo photo in San Francisco with multicolored walls and no fireplace

Design by Joanna Hartman Photography by Ryann Ford Styling by Adam Fortner This space features shaker-style cabinets by Amazonia Cabinetry, hardware from Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn selected by PPOC, Crema Marfil Honed 12x12 floor tile and Rittenhouse 3x6 white gloss backsplash tile, and Benjamin Moore "Stonington Gray" for the accent wall.