A contemporary Polynesian hut: that was the idea our clients brought us when they asked Charles Rose Architects to do a second project on their expansive property on the Charles River, southwest of Boston. All agreed that the new pool house should be wood construction—in part, to create a similar look and feel to the first project we designed there, a “play barn” with two large rooms, separated by an outdoor space that frames views of an adjacent pond. Our clients had won approval from a local conservation commission for a rectangular structure. We started by carving out a corner, creating a spacious covered outdoor sitting area. The heavy timber frame supports a modified gabled roof; the peak is pulled off-center so that the pool house subtly connects with the geometry of the play barn. Red cedar was used throughout, creating rich, warm hues from exposed beams, custom doors and millwork. Photo Credit: John Linden

A happy east coast family gets their perfect second home on the west coast. This family of 6 was a true joy to work with from start to finish. They were very excited to have a home reflecting the true west coast sensibility: ocean tones mixed with neutrals, modern art and playful elements, and of course durability and comfort for all the kids and guests. The pool area and kitchen got total overhauls (thanks to Jeff with Black Cat Construction) and we added a fun wine closet below the staircase. They trusted the vision of the design and made few requests for changes. And the end result was even better than they expected. Design --- @edenlainteriors Photography --- @Kimpritchardphotography Custom upholstered bed made locally in LA. Dresser and nightstand -- @hookerfurniture pendant light - @jamieyoung Daybed @burkedecor Textiles --- @jaipurliving

The design task was to create a 160 m2 family house, an elegant, light, cheerful home for a young couple. We could already start work from the architectural plans, so they could even initiate some minor modifications to those. Cooking plays an important role in the lives of the customers, so the detailed kitchen utensil requirements were part of the brief. They would also like to have kids in the future, so the goal was to make the kitchen, dining room and living room function as one space, and the dining room extendable. However, a relatively small space was available for this, so the kitchen was given an unusual formal design. With every detail in mind, the most current mechanical and intelligent systems have been integrated into the house: from the unique drying system in the laundry room to the chamber. An interesting solution is the placement of the sinks in one of the bathrooms, their back wall functions as a screen for the shower. In addition, one half of the building is underground, so those solutions have been preferred, which allow more natural light into the interiors (e.g., acid-coated glass and glass bathroom doors have been used in the common wall of the illuminated staircase and bathroom). We were free to walk between styles. So geometric, playful shapes, customer-preferred blue and oak veneered wood surfaces create harmony in the spaces. The walls feature contemporary posters, custom prints and contemporary artwork.

The design task was to create a 160 m2 family house, an elegant, light, cheerful home for a young couple. We could already start work from the architectural plans, so they could even initiate some minor modifications to those. Cooking plays an important role in the lives of the customers, so the detailed kitchen utensil requirements were part of the brief. They would also like to have kids in the future, so the goal was to make the kitchen, dining room and living room function as one space, and the dining room extendable. However, a relatively small space was available for this, so the kitchen was given an unusual formal design. With every detail in mind, the most current mechanical and intelligent systems have been integrated into the house: from the unique drying system in the laundry room to the chamber. An interesting solution is the placement of the sinks in one of the bathrooms, their back wall functions as a screen for the shower. In addition, one half of the building is underground, so those solutions have been preferred, which allow more natural light into the interiors (e.g., acid-coated glass and glass bathroom doors have been used in the common wall of the illuminated staircase and bathroom). We were free to walk between styles. So geometric, playful shapes, customer-preferred blue and oak veneered wood surfaces create harmony in the spaces. The walls feature contemporary posters, custom prints and contemporary artwork.

The design task was to create a 160 m2 family house, an elegant, light, cheerful home for a young couple. We could already start work from the architectural plans, so they could even initiate some minor modifications to those. Cooking plays an important role in the lives of the customers, so the detailed kitchen utensil requirements were part of the brief. They would also like to have kids in the future, so the goal was to make the kitchen, dining room and living room function as one space, and the dining room extendable. However, a relatively small space was available for this, so the kitchen was given an unusual formal design. With every detail in mind, the most current mechanical and intelligent systems have been integrated into the house: from the unique drying system in the laundry room to the chamber. An interesting solution is the placement of the sinks in one of the bathrooms, their back wall functions as a screen for the shower. In addition, one half of the building is underground, so those solutions have been preferred, which allow more natural light into the interiors (e.g., acid-coated glass and glass bathroom doors have been used in the common wall of the illuminated staircase and bathroom). We were free to walk between styles. So geometric, playful shapes, customer-preferred blue and oak veneered wood surfaces create harmony in the spaces. The walls feature contemporary posters, custom prints and contemporary artwork.

When a young professional couple approached us to decorate the main floor of their brand new modern townhouse in Port Coquitlam, we were very excited. Having moved from a Gastown condo, the couple was eager to infuse this suburban location with a funky yet sophisticated downtown vibe. They were also looking for a neutral backdrop with some hits of colour and asked us to incorporate wallpaper. The statement artwork that we selected above the fireplace set the tone for this project. We started with a pair of sleek neutral leather sofas to maximize seating in the small living space and layered them with a variety of toss pillows in blues, teals & turquoise then added a few pops of orange. We defined the front entrance and dining area with a stunning marbleized grey and white wallpaper by Graham and Brown. The dark wood furniture in the dining area adds contrast and sophistication balancing the dark stained kitchen cabinets opposite. The resulting look is clean, modern and playful. Interior Design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography. Floor Plans/ Drawings by ZakCreative.

Better Homes and Gardens taught readers how to add color in stages with this bright living room. The shades featured here are Laura Ashley Woven Wood Shades in Tortoise Brick. The right mix of color can create a vibrant personality for your living room . But you also want color to be livable. So, what's the secret to success? Before you even start to think about playing with colors, take a long hard look at what you won't change. Watch the video to see this room in action: http://blnds.cm/1m1NKbw

The design task was to create a 160 m2 family house, an elegant, light, cheerful home for a young couple. We could already start work from the architectural plans, so they could even initiate some minor modifications to those. Cooking plays an important role in the lives of the customers, so the detailed kitchen utensil requirements were part of the brief. They would also like to have kids in the future, so the goal was to make the kitchen, dining room and living room function as one space, and the dining room extendable. However, a relatively small space was available for this, so the kitchen was given an unusual formal design. With every detail in mind, the most current mechanical and intelligent systems have been integrated into the house: from the unique drying system in the laundry room to the chamber. An interesting solution is the placement of the sinks in one of the bathrooms, their back wall functions as a screen for the shower. In addition, one half of the building is underground, so those solutions have been preferred, which allow more natural light into the interiors (e.g., acid-coated glass and glass bathroom doors have been used in the common wall of the illuminated staircase and bathroom). We were free to walk between styles. So geometric, playful shapes, customer-preferred blue and oak veneered wood surfaces create harmony in the spaces. The walls feature contemporary posters, custom prints and contemporary artwork.

This 1400 square foot townhouse may be a smaller space but it has a large impact. Using a royal blue background in a Home Depot Marquise product was starting point in creating the contrast . The trim was done in a Benjamin Moore decorators white semi gloss while the walls are in a matt finish . The gold Marino glass fixture added a warm tone to the area. The frame for art was also done in a gold with gold highlights in the Ikat wool rug. The chairs around the walnut table are finished in a tan linen with tacked trim. The two chairs housed are done in a white frame with oyster cotton fabric. The alabaster bowl is carved from one block and adds the white tone needed to play off trim. Light fixture is from Metropolitan lighting at 200 Lex. Drape fabric from Nobar . Chairs from Wayfair. Rug from ABC carpet and Home.

When a young professional couple approached us to decorate the main floor of their brand new modern townhouse in Port Coquitlam, we were very excited. Having moved from a Gastown condo, the couple was eager to infuse this suburban location with a funky yet sophisticated downtown vibe. They were also looking for a neutral backdrop with some hits of colour and asked us to incorporate wallpaper. The statement artwork that we selected above the fireplace set the tone for this project. We started with a pair of sleek neutral leather sofas to maximize seating in the small living space and layered them with a variety of toss pillows in blues, teals & turquoise then added a few pops of orange. We defined the front entrance and dining area with a stunning marbleized grey and white wallpaper by Graham and Brown. The dark wood furniture in the dining area adds contrast and sophistication balancing the dark stained kitchen cabinets opposite. The resulting look is clean, modern and playful. Interior Design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography. Floor Plans/ Drawings by ZakCreative.

Award winning hillside renovation with concrete walls and informal 'bocce court' Design constraints: Full sun and steep hillside Planting design: This yard started as a blank hillside that had a steep slope. BKLD provided consultation and design work to develop the hillside with a series of terraced walls to create a bocce court. The bocce court was done in an informal fashion with artificial turf so the client could entertain with the space and have the 'look' of green. This turned out to be a great low maintenance and drought tolerant way to add useable space as well as a softer view from the upper deck. Existing Oaks were all kept and designed around carefully with composite decking. The Oaks make for some great shadow play and is quite the dynamic space as the sun angles move thru out the day.

Better Homes and Gardens taught readers how to add color in stages with this bright living room. The shades featured here are Laura Ashley Woven Wood Shades in Tortoise Brick. The right mix of color can create a vibrant personality for your living room . But you also want color to be livable. So, what's the secret to success? Before you even start to think about playing with colors, take a long hard look at what you won't change. Watch the video to see this room in action: http://blnds.cm/1m1NKbw

Today, almost any activity you enjoy inside your home you can bring to the outside. Depending on your budget, your outdoor room can be simple, with a stamped concrete patio, a grill and a table for dining, or more elaborate with a fully functional outdoor kitchen complete with concrete countertops for preparing and serving food, a sink and a refrigerator. You can take the concept even further by adding such amenities as a concrete pizza oven, a fireplace or fire-pit, a concrete bar-top for serving cocktails, an architectural concrete fountain, landscape lighting and concrete statuary. Cooking Something to cook with, such as a barbecue grill or wood-fired pizza oven, and countertops for food preparation and serving are key elements in a well-designed outdoor kitchen. Concrete countertops offer the advantages of weather resistance and versatility, since they can be formed into any shape you desire to suit the space. A coat of sealer will simplify cleanup by protecting your countertop from stains. Other amenities, such as concrete bar-tops and outdoor sinks with plumbing, can expand your entertainment options. Hearth Wood-burning or gas fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas and portable patio heaters extend the enjoyment of outdoor living well into the evening while creating a cozy conversation area for people to gather around. Sunset Construction and Design specializes in creating residential patio retreats, outdoor kitchens with fireplaces and luxurious outdoor living rooms. Our design-build service can turn an ordinary back yard into a natural extension of your home giving you a whole new dimension for entertaining or simply unwinding at the end of the day. If you’re interested in converting a boring back yard or starting from scratch in a new home, look us up! A great patio and outdoor living area can easily be yours. Greg, Sunset Construction & Design in Fresno, CA.

The building is a Will Bruder design from the mid 90's and owned & operated by Jackson Hole Title & Escrow. It's an interesting space with all angled walls, lots of glass & a center atrium that extends from the main level to the 3rd floor ceiling. My client wanted to soften the masculinity of the spaces and give it a vibrant fresh look. She has love for contemporary design, especially mid century modern and is always eager to push boundaries with her design choices. I used 'Cocobolo' paper from Flavor Paper as the starting point for pattern and color direction. 30" Satellite pendants from DWR hang on every level in the atrium and can be seen from all pathways. Humorous artwork from The Grand Image, candy bins, a metallic chevron stripe and funky, loose lighting from Tech add to the playfulness of the space. Photo Credit: David Agnello

This new construction home in the Copper Creek Neighborhood north of Pittsburgh was completed in summer of 2019. The home builder completed exterior work on the home in October of 2018 and from there, our team started work with late season plantings. With winter setting in, work was suspended until spring of 2019. As the grass started to come up, we began work on the backyard. Our team designed an expansive outdoor space which included a large 24×48 foot swimming pool with auto cover, custom benches and lighting as well as a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and bar area conveniently located near the walk-out basement. The outdoor kitchen featured a dual refrigerator to separate the kids’ drink from the adult beverages, an ice chest, an oversized grill with storage underneath and pull-out trash. We installed an oversized, 4×8 foot linear firepit with extra wide sandstone cap for keeping warm near the pool late into the evening. The firepit featured a custom brass burner to provide maximum heat. With the main entertaining area on a lower level, we created custom steps with a boulder wall that creates a grand entrance from the driveway that compliments the hardscaping and plantings. Wet Pittsburgh weather created a challenge requiring us to create temporary access roads to the backyard. The large entertaining space consumed a large portion of the usable space in the backyard, so the homeowner requested that we bring in extra fill to create a large grassy area for the kids to play. We filled and graded part of the rear/side yard and planted it with grass to accommodate this request.

This new construction home in the Copper Creek Neighborhood north of Pittsburgh was completed in summer of 2019. The home builder completed exterior work on the home in October of 2018 and from there, our team started work with late season plantings. With winter setting in, work was suspended until spring of 2019. As the grass started to come up, we began work on the backyard. Our team designed an expansive outdoor space which included a large 24×48 foot swimming pool with auto cover, custom benches and lighting as well as a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and bar area conveniently located near the walk-out basement. The outdoor kitchen featured a dual refrigerator to separate the kids’ drink from the adult beverages, an ice chest, an oversized grill with storage underneath and pull-out trash. We installed an oversized, 4×8 foot linear firepit with extra wide sandstone cap for keeping warm near the pool late into the evening. The firepit featured a custom brass burner to provide maximum heat. With the main entertaining area on a lower level, we created custom steps with a boulder wall that creates a grand entrance from the driveway that compliments the hardscaping and plantings. Wet Pittsburgh weather created a challenge requiring us to create temporary access roads to the backyard. The large entertaining space consumed a large portion of the usable space in the backyard, so the homeowner requested that we bring in extra fill to create a large grassy area for the kids to play. We filled and graded part of the rear/side yard and planted it with grass to accommodate this request.

Inviting spot to remove shoes and drop a handbag. The comfortable wood framed chair will allow you to sit a spell while waiting for guests to arrive. Photo: Tracey Brown-Paper Camera Additional photos at www.trishalbanointeriors.com

When a young professional couple approached us to decorate the main floor of their brand new modern townhouse in Port Coquitlam, we were very excited. Having moved from a Gastown condo, the couple was eager to infuse this suburban location with a funky yet sophisticated downtown vibe. They were also looking for a neutral backdrop with some hits of colour and asked us to incorporate wallpaper. The statement artwork that we selected above the fireplace set the tone for this project. We started with a pair of sleek neutral leather sofas to maximize seating in the small living space and layered them with a variety of toss pillows in blues, teals & turquoise then added a few pops of orange. We defined the front entrance and dining area with a stunning marbleized grey and white wallpaper by Graham and Brown. The dark wood furniture in the dining area adds contrast and sophistication balancing the dark stained kitchen cabinets opposite. The resulting look is clean, modern and playful. Interior Design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography. Floor Plans/ Drawings by ZakCreative.