Mid-sized minimalist backyard stone and rectangular infinity pool fountain photo in Austin

White Corian® cabinets and countertops give Mario Romano's "The Wave" kitchen, a clean, modern look. Cabinet Paneling: Sound Boom by M.R. Walls
Inspiration for a modern kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with white cabinets, solid surface countertops and an island

Her contemporary Seattle features a limitless sky and water view. The view inside Leslie’s kitchen was a little different. “Our kitchen was very dated and in need of renovation,” she says. Her 1974 contemporary home is perched on a bluff overlooking Puget Sound, but her dark, cramped kitchen didn’t take advantage of the stellar views. For Leslie and her husband, Peter, the kitchen only allowed one person at a time to cook. This was not like Leslie’s charming cottage. She longed for the welcoming, light filled, open space of her cottage kitchen. But how to bring that feel to a mid-70’s contemporary, especially one that allowed no room for expansion? For Seattle Neil Kelly Design Consultant, Diane Forman, the goal was simple. “How do I translate the crisp, clean, cheering feeling of a Victorian cottage kitchen to a contemporary space?” Diane needed some extra space, and what she found wasn’t much. She found 12 inches of space that was available without infringing on the dining room window nearest the existing kitchen. “The impact of that additional 12 inches was immense in that it opened up storage solutions not previously conceivable,” Diane says. “It made it possible for two people to comfortably occupy and move within that space. Just one foot, that’s all it took,” she says. As their current locations and sizes took full advantage of the view, it made no sense to move the windows, but she still needed to “lighten up” the dark kitchen. “I needed to create a joyously simple, very traditional color palette for a sophisticated contemporary setting,” Diane says. “And I replaced the ubiquitous 1970’s fluorescent light boxes with recessed can lighting, under cabinet task lighting, and some beautiful hand-blown pendant lights placed above the peninsula.” But there was one more hurdle to overcome: Storage. Diane needed to create storage for dishes, pans, spices, wine, trays, cookbooks, small appliances and recycling. And she also had to make space for her client’s crystal collection. “Relocated the display cabinet and adding a new gently curved eating bar accommodates seating for four without intruding on the existing window nearest the kitchen”, Diane says. There are multiple details that add up to a distinctly modern feeling and optimism to the space. And in the long run Leslie and Peter have a kitchen that matches their view. “Diane and I were trying to find a transitional style that would be cottage-like, and also urban modern,” says Leslie. “I think she did a very good job.”

Picture perfect Florida vacation home backyard with lap pool and covered loggia. Photography by ibi Designs
Large transitional backyard concrete paver and rectangular lap pool photo in Miami

This amazing living space is inviting and open. The old chimney stack was taken out and a new FP was framed with media box, backing for TV mount and custom reclaimed wood mantle (used ready rods into 2x10 to mount). The FP was faced floor to ceiling in a 4'x4' porcelain marble effect tile. Notice the USB plug in bottom right for phone charging and re-painted the garage sale paddles to make a great feature. We decided to remove 4 cherry trees to expose the amazing hidden mountain view and re-planted 3 x red Japanese maples at the rear of the property.

The innovative design of CAVO creates a low-profile silhouette that hugs the wall while providing the perfect home for a flat panel TV and a soundbar speaker. The brilliant combination of this striking cabinet and a soundbar will transform any home theater experience within a compact footprint. The open soundbar platform allows for full sound dispersion and the enclosed areas keep components protected and out of sight. Cavo 8168 is sized for smaller home theater systems. Features include an open soundbar platform, open side compartments for a game console or media, and two IR-friendly glass doors that conceal adjustable, ventilated shelves.

Third floor finished and designed to be useable attic space. Owners will set up their HD TV and sound system here.
Inspiration for a craftsman gender-neutral carpeted playroom remodel in Portland with beige walls

Hidden Technology at It’s Best As you walk into this modern living space, you are greeted by the amble sunlight from the skylights and large window that extends from the ground to the ceiling. A pleasing space to enjoy a book next to the fireplace but it much more than that. With a press of a button, shades lower covering every window, blocking all sunlight. A screen descend from above the fireplace and a projector lowers from the ceiling. The Meridian speakers that were artfully accenting the room begin to play. This modern living space seamlessly is transitioned to a high performing theater room. Spire Integrated Systems Inc. specializes in the design and installation of award-winning theater systems that meet the lifestyle, decor and budget of the homeowner. In the comforts of your own home enjoy the dynamics of a full-screen viewing arena, complete with spectacular surround sound system, custom acoustical treatments, ambiance lighting, simple automated touch panel control and luxurious theater seating. Whether watching the latest high-definition cinematic astonishment, hearing every note of a composition, or partaking in a larger-than-life game experience, a home theater will enhance your home. When you are ready to enjoy the convenience and rewards of a home theater system, contact Spire Integrated Systems. Spire’s expertise in conscious design, ever-changing technology and priority service, will make you a captive audience. Please schedule a private tour of our showroom in Troy, MI to learn how we can take your home to a new level.

Hidden Technology at It’s Best As you walk into this modern living space, you are greeted by the amble sunlight from the skylights and large window that extends from the ground to the ceiling. A pleasing space to enjoy a book next to the fireplace but it much more than that. With a press of a button, shades lower covering every window, blocking all sunlight. A screen descend from above the fireplace and a projector lowers from the ceiling. The Meridian speakers that were artfully accenting the room begin to play. This modern living space seamlessly is transitioned to a high performing theater room. Spire Integrated Systems Inc. specializes in the design and installation of award-winning theater systems that meet the lifestyle, decor and budget of the homeowner. In the comforts of your own home enjoy the dynamics of a full-screen viewing arena, complete with spectacular surround sound system, custom acoustical treatments, ambiance lighting, simple automated touch panel control and luxurious theater seating. Whether watching the latest high-definition cinematic astonishment, hearing every note of a composition, or partaking in a larger-than-life game experience, a home theater will enhance your home. When you are ready to enjoy the convenience and rewards of a home theater system, contact Spire Integrated Systems. Spire’s expertise in conscious design, ever-changing technology and priority service, will make you a captive audience. Please schedule a private tour of our showroom in Troy, MI to learn how we can take your home to a new level.

A South End roof deck sounds delightful, but the existing condition of this deck was in desperate need of a face lift. The client wanted a more functional space with varied zones for different activities; comfortable seating to accommodate a group and intimate enough for two. They also wanted a professional type exterior kitchen with special grilling options. We were limited in our renovation options to the existing simple rectangular roof deck footprint. The design solution let site attributes such as views, sun path and cooking zone shape the project. Minimum maintenance materials such as "light block" countertops and ipe wood decking were employed. The new exterior room has a complete stainless steel kitchen and raised bar area. The kitchen, backed by tall woven screens of mahogany and stainless steel, anchored the room and shielded view from an adjacent roof deck. Multiple seating areas were incorporated to take advantage of the wide view of the South End & Back Bay. The free form lounge seating has a partial tall back acting as both a screen and barrier to vertigo. Once a disorganized and dated space, the client now has multi-functional space for outdoor entertaining and enjoyment.

A class of house with Elegance, that are not built every day. As you walk through the house, the smooth gray engineered hardwood floors, beautiful modern bathrooms with carefully chosen colors and tiles, the heated floors, gives a touch of sophistication. iPad doc to steer music throughout the house, Video intercom, Complete with Cat 5/telephone/video/sound system wiring and speakers including the Back-Patio speakers, Fire Sprinkler system, Central Air Conditioning, and Heating, makes you wonder, how was all that made fit in mere 2900 sq. ft, floor plan. It is simple, by efficient space planning. Outdoors is not too shabby either, Exotic Outdoor Gas Fire Pit, Pavers Driveway/Front/back/side porch and complete Landscape. The backyard fence gate opens to the bicycle trail that leads you to Stanford, a living unmatched to anywhere else.

photos by Matthew Williams
Example of a large minimalist loft-style concrete floor living room design in New York with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside. Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids. We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine. We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden. The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture. The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.

Don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing. These are anything but your ordinary classic doors! Featuring state-of-the-art components that blow the competition away, Bartels swing doors are modern classics with a contemporary twist that can effortlessly transform a space.

Upward Architecture recently completed this West Seattle home renovation located in between Fauntleroy Park and the Puget Sound. Exterior changes were made through the redesign and expansion of the entry, powder room, and kitchen pantry. The kitchen was fully renovated, removing walls to create a more contemporary unified space, adding windows to allow light to filter through the room, and replacing all cabinets throughout. Upstairs, 3 dormers were added, re-designing the exterior facade, as well as allocating more space throughout the owner’s suite. One of the new dormers became a built-in shower, allowing the en-suite bathroom to feel brighter and more expansive; and other became a cozy office nook.

Adding a powder room to a game room in the garage.
Powder room - mid-sized transitional gray tile pebble tile floor and multicolored floor powder room idea in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and gray countertops

Simply beautiful concrete, natural stone veneer and low maintenance, architectural plants work together. The landscape on this new home construction was last and final priority leaving little in the budget for it's completion. Not a problem for a clean, contemporary landscape! The clean lines and subtle texture of gray colored concrete contrasts the softness of perfect grass. Grass that doesn't need mowing, edging or watering and never dies in cold winter months. Walking on it is close to walking on a carpet. Sound too perfect? Has to be man made and indeed it is. Synthetic turf grass has come a long way in the last several years.

Upward Architecture recently completed this West Seattle home renovation located in between Fauntleroy Park and the Puget Sound. Exterior changes were made through the redesign and expansion of the entry, powder room, and kitchen pantry. The kitchen was fully renovated, removing walls to create a more contemporary unified space, adding windows to allow light to filter through the room, and replacing all cabinets throughout. Upstairs, 3 dormers were added, re-designing the exterior facade, as well as allocating more space throughout the owner’s suite. One of the new dormers became a built-in shower, allowing the en-suite bathroom to feel brighter and more expansive; and other became a cozy office nook.

The Tower platform bed was designed with comfort in mind. This bed integrates two ratchet headrests for flexibility of comfort. Crafted in white eco-pelle leather, this bed has plastic feet to prevent any surface scratches on hardwood floors. This bed is stocked in three configurations: White Eco leather, Gray Eco Leather, and Taupe Gray Fabric. These beds also have a luxurious hydraulic lift component that easily lifts to reveal convenient and valuable storage space. The resistance slats are silenced by sound insulating sheaths for a quiet storage mechanism. Features: Headboard structure, special panels and Ring in wooden agglomeration class E1 and in pinewood Orthopedic bedsprings included in the price Tubular steel framework measuring 15.75" x 11.81" slats, silenced by means of sound insulating sheaths Headboard covered by polyurethane foam density 25kg/ cu.m. coated with polyester resign Ring Covered by polyurethane foam desity 21 kg/ cu.m. coated with polyester resign Feet: Black Plastic Dimensions: Queen Bed W 68" x D 101" x H 29"/40" King Bed W 84" x D 101" x H 29"/40"