The classic modern design of this kitchen was planned for an active young family of four who uses the space as their central hub for gathering, eating and staying connected. Our goals were to create a beautiful and highly functional kitchen with an emphasis on cabinet organization, heated floors and incorporating a live edge slab countertop. We removed an existing bulky island and replaced it with a new island that while only 60 x 26 in size packs a powerful punch housing a baking center, trash/recycle center, microwave oven and cookbook storage. The island seemed the natural place for the gorgeous live edge slab coupled with vintage mercury glass light pendants that make for a truly stunning kitchen island. Polished carrara quartz perimeter counters pair beautifully with the watery blue-green glass backsplash tile. A message center conveniently located on a side panel of the refrigerator cabinet houses built in mailboxes, a family calendar and magnetic surface to display the children’s artwork. We are pleased to have met the family’s goals and that they love their kitchen. Design mission accomplished! Photography by: Marcela Winspear

Example of a minimalist kitchen design in Toronto

Sommerhus is a private retreat for two empty-nesters. The clients purchased the previous cabin after falling in love with its location on a private, lakefront peninsula. However, this beautiful site was a challenging site to build on, due to its position sandwiched between the lake and protected wet land. The clients disliked the old cabin because it could only be used in the summer months, due to its lack of both insulation and heat. In addition, it was too small for their needs. They wanted to build a new, larger retreat, but were met with yet another constraint: the new cabin would be limited to the previous cabin’s small footprint. Thus, they decided to approach an architect to design their dream cabin. As the clients described, “We visited Denmark for a family wedding in 2015, and while biking near Gilleleje, a fishing village on the Baltic Sea, we fell in love with the aesthetic of ‘Sommerhus’: dark exteriors, clean, simple lines, and lots of windows.” We set out to design a cabin that fit this aesthetic while also meeting the site’s constraints. The clients were committed to keeping all existing trees on their site. In addition, zoning codes required the new retreat to stay within the previous cabin's small footprint. Thus, to maximize the square footage of the cabin without removing trees or expanding the footprint, the new structure had to grow vertically. At the same time, the clients wanted to be good neighbors. To them, this meant that their cabin should disappear into the woods, especially when viewed from the lake. To accomplish both these requests, the architect selected a dark exterior metal façade that would visually retreat into the trees. The metal siding is a modern, low-maintenance, and cost-effective solution, especially when compared to traditional wood siding. Warm wood on the soffits of the large roof overhang contrast with the metal siding. Sommerhus's resulting exterior is just as the clients’ requested: boldly modern yet respectful of the serene surroundings. The homeowners desired a beach-house-inspired interior, full of light and warmth, in contrast to the dark exterior. As the homeowner explained, “I wanted it to feel like a porch inside.” To achieve this, the living room has two walls of sliding glass doors that connect to the wrap-around porch. This creates a beautiful, indoor-outdoor living space. The crisp and bright kitchen also connects to the porch with the window that opens to an outdoor counter - perfect for passing food and drinks to those lounging on the porch. The kitchen is open to the rest of the first-floor entertaining space, and brings a playful, beach-house feel to the cabin. After the completion of the project, the homeowners remarked, “Working with Christopher and Eric [of CSA] was a wonderful experience. We absolutely love our home, and each season on the lake is more special than the last.”

The Home Inspired by a family’s desire for peace and serenity, this beautiful updated twist on the modern farmhouse is a dream come true for this Texas family that now calls Colorado their home. Placed perfectly on a higher elevation of Flying Horse, this sanctuary takes its queues from the restorative nature of the cooler hills and greener landscapes that surround it. “Unexpected” is the take on this home’s indoor/outdoor living. The rooms flow seamlessly from gathering places, to cooking, dining and entertaining areas and out to decks and patios where homeowners and guests alike find it irresistible to just relax. It is easy to understand why coming home here is the best part of the day. Throughout this beautiful retreat, traditional impressions meld with new sensibilities and creative ingenuity. Wide, white, oak plank flooring, distressed brick, crisscross beams, ship-lap that climbs the walls, varied weights of white millwork and a meticulous mix of painted and wood-stained cabinets and doors exude warmth and encourage friends to stay longer than they ever planned they would. Sophisticated living at its casual best. Subtle but stylish, this family home is designed as a place where unforgettable memories will be made and family will stay connected - a gracious lifestyle of thanksgiving and joy that is truly “All About Home”. The Builder Esteemed as a problem-solver, Scott Maynes delivers artistic living solutions that are both beautiful and practical for his clients. For over three decades he was an industry innovator in the commercial and home building industry in California and Nevada. After years of pleading for him to join with his sister’s interior design business in Colorado, he finally made the leap. With that move, a premiere home building and design company, All About Home Design/Build, was formed. Their first project in 2014 had the honor of winning CSHBA Best Overall Home and the People’s Choice Award and they have followed it up each year since. With an uncompromising eye for detail, passion for quality and creativity, and striving for the most value for the dollar, Scott and his team have learned what it takes to turn a client’s vision into reality. If you are interested in building, please contact us at 719-559-1220 or scott@allabouthomedesign.com The Interior Design If there is something that never goes out of style, it’s listening to the client and understanding what they want. This gorgeous home speaks to its owner’s sense of class and curated style with muted hues that change subtly from room to room. Mixed metals, weathered materials, white painted trim, layers of tone and texture, and RH fabric colors hovering between driftwood and stone combine to form a quieter look, while industrial touches like black windows and metal stair railings give it an “edge”. Design is like mixology: put in different ingredients and shake up something amazing. Mix styles - casual with formal, traditional with modern - to create a look that feels fresh and brand new. Designed as a place for fun family living, this home is a must see both inside and out.

The classic modern design of this kitchen was planned for an active young family of four who uses the space as their central hub for gathering, eating and staying connected. Our goals were to create a beautiful and highly functional kitchen with an emphasis on cabinet organization, heated floors and incorporating a live edge slab countertop. We removed an existing bulky island and replaced it with a new island that while only 60 x 26 in size packs a powerful punch housing a baking center, trash/recycle center, microwave oven and cookbook storage. The island seemed the natural place for the gorgeous live edge slab coupled with vintage mercury glass light pendants that make for a truly stunning kitchen island. Polished carrara quartz perimeter counters pair beautifully with the watery blue-green glass backsplash tile. A message center conveniently located on a side panel of the refrigerator cabinet houses built in mailboxes, a family calendar and magnetic surface to display the children’s artwork. We are pleased to have met the family’s goals and that they love their kitchen. Design mission accomplished! Photography by: Marcela Winspear

Photo credit Jane Beiles Located on a beautiful property with a legacy of architectural and landscape innovation, this guest house was originally designed by the offices of Eliot Noyes and Alan Goldberg. Due to its age and expanded use as an in-law dwelling for extended stays, the 1200 sf structure required a renovation and small addition. While one objective was to make the structure function independently of the main house with its own access road, garage, and entrance, another objective was to knit the guest house into the architectural fabric of the property. New window openings deliberately frame landscape and architectural elements on the site, while exterior finishes borrow from that of the main house (cedar, zinc, field stone) bringing unity to the family compound. Inside, the use of lighter materials gives the simple, efficient spaces airiness. A challenge was to find an interior design vocabulary which is both simple and clean, but not cold or uninteresting. A combination of rough slate, white washed oak, and high gloss lacquer cabinets provide interest and texture, but with their minimal detailing create a sense of calm.

We loved updating this 1977 house giving our clients a more transitional kitchen, living room and powder bath. Our clients are very busy and didn’t want too many options. Our designers narrowed down their selections and gave them just enough options to choose from without being overwhelming. In the kitchen, we replaced the cabinetry without changing the locations of the walls, doors openings or windows. All finished were replaced with beautiful cabinets, counter tops, sink, back splash and faucet hardware. In the Master bathroom, we added all new finishes. There are two closets in the bathroom that did not change but everything else did. We.added pocket doors to the bedroom, where there were no doors before. Our clients wanted taller 36” height cabinets and a seated makeup vanity, so we were able to accommodate those requests without any problems. We added new lighting, mirrors, counter top and all new plumbing fixtures in addition to removing the soffits over the vanities and the shower, really opening up the space and giving it a new modern look. They had also been living with the cold and hot water reversed in the shower, so we also fixed that for them! In their den, they wanted to update the dark paneling, remove the large stone from the curved fireplace wall and they wanted a new mantel. We flattened the wall, added a TV niche above fireplace and moved the cable connections, so they have exactly what they wanted. We left the wood paneling on the walls but painted them a light color to brighten up the room. There was a small wet bar between the den and their family room. They liked the bar area but didn’t feel that they needed the sink, so we removed and capped the water lines and gave the bar an updated look by adding new counter tops and shelving. They had some previous water damage to their floors, so the wood flooring was replaced throughout the den and all connecting areas, making the transition from one room to the other completely seamless. In the end, the clients love their new space and are able to really enjoy their updated home and now plan stay there for a little longer! Design/Remodel by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging Less

We designed this 3,162 square foot home for empty-nesters who love lake life. Functionally, the home accommodates multiple generations. Elderly in-laws stay for prolonged periods, and the homeowners are thinking ahead to their own aging in place. This required two master suites on the first floor. Accommodations were made for visiting children upstairs. Aside from the functional needs of the occupants, our clients desired a home which maximizes indoor connection to the lake, provides covered outdoor living, and is conducive to entertaining. Our concept celebrates the natural surroundings through materials, views, daylighting, and building massing. We placed all main public living areas along the rear of the house to capitalize on the lake views while efficiently stacking the bedrooms and bathrooms in a two-story side wing. Secondary support spaces are integrated across the front of the house with the dramatic foyer. The front elevation, with painted green and natural wood siding and soffits, blends harmoniously with wooded surroundings. The lines and contrasting colors of the light granite wall and silver roofline draws attention toward the entry and through the house to the real focus: the water. The one-story roof over the garage and support spaces takes flight at the entry, wraps the two-story wing, turns, and soars again toward the lake as it approaches the rear patio. The granite wall extending from the entry through the interior living space is mirrored along the opposite end of the rear covered patio. These granite bookends direct focus to the lake. Passive systems contribute to the efficiency. Southeastern exposure of the glassy rear façade is modulated while views are celebrated. Low, northeastern sun angles are largely blocked by the patio’s stone wall and roofline. As the sun rises southward, the exposed façade becomes glassier, but is protected by deep roof overhangs and a trellised awning. These cut out the higher late morning sun angles. In winter, when sun angles are lower, the morning light floods the living spaces, warming the thermal mass of the exposed concrete floor.

The Main Stay House exists as a straightforward proposal on an urban infill lot, paring down the components of a house to a minimal amount of planes and openings. The scheme is anchored by a modern entry sequence and a staircase volume, both clad in iron spot masonry externally and internally, creating thresholds between the respective realms of public, common and private, by minimal means. The masonry contrasts with an otherwise muted interior atmosphere of smooth, desaturated surfaces. The entry sequence is a twist upon the conventional domestic front door, front facade, and fence. The front masonry wall replaces the typical residential fence and frames an indirect access to the front door, functioning as a privacy barrier while revealing slices of the interior to the public street. The staircase bifurcates the layout to provide a clear division between the common and private zones of the house, while clearly reading as a mass from all outside view. Brick and glass become portals between common and private zones. The design consolidates the service core along the west façade, allowing the structure to fully open the living zone to the pool court and existing trees. This directly connects interior and exterior, as well as human and nature. Freedom to vary the program or functional use of the area is enabled and strongly encouraged. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Perched on a ridge at the edge of a wooded expanse, this mid-century modern home was designed to embrace both the intimate connection to the forest and the expansive valley views beyond. The site—carefully chosen from the family’s 52-acre homestead in western Wisconsin—balances privacy and openness, placing the home at the meeting point of dense trees and rolling fields. The approach winds through the forest, offering only glimpses of the structure. Upon arrival, the parking area is subtly positioned below the main level, reinforcing the sense of discovery. As one ascends the entry walk, the house unfolds, revealing a dramatic view through the two-story living space, anchored by a brick fireplace that extends from floor to ceiling. The asymmetrical roofline lifts upward, accentuating the openness and maximizing natural light. Inside, warm materials define the interiors. Wood ceilings and floors, complemented by concrete-look tile, establish a natural, grounded aesthetic. Black wood-clad beams provide scale and structure, subtly delineating spaces within the open-plan layout. A wood lattice screen partially conceals the dining area from the foyer, offering both openness and privacy. The kitchen—designed for gathering—features a large island, a dedicated baking station, and a breakfast counter that catches morning light while serving as a pass-through to the adjacent patio. Two textured glass sliding panels allow the kitchen to be closed off when needed. Just beyond, a hidden gem: the home’s personal Tiki room, complete with a vintage mug collection and a full bar. To the east, the central fireplace marks the transition to more intimate spaces. A wide stair, integrated with the hearth, leads to the lower level, while a library with a corner window creates a quiet retreat, perfect for reading and taking in the valley beyond. The primary suite extends off this wing, featuring a spa-like bath with a textured tile walk-in shower, a soaking tub positioned for dramatic views, and a private balcony overlooking the landscape. The lower level is designed for family gatherings and extended stays. A secondary fireplace, echoing the materials of the main level, anchors a cozy living area with an adjacent kitchenette. Additional bedrooms and baths provide ample accommodations, while a hidden playhouse under the stair and a dedicated bunk room add playful touches for visiting grandchildren. The home is a balance of openness and enclosure, modernity and warmth—designed not only as a retreat but as a multigenerational gathering place, deeply connected to the land.

A 20-year old builder kitchen that desperately needed an update. That is why the Louds called us. A few years previously, we had completed a finished basement project for them that you can view here: https://www.allrd.com/project/loud-basement/ To connect the kitchen a little more with the dining room, we opened the doorway as wide and high as we could. One special feature of the kitchen is the beverage pantry. It was something the homeowner had seen online and wanted to make practical. Because pull outdoors would have been in the way, we went with slide-in, fold-out doors like what you would see in an entertainment center. The other unique feature of the kitchen is the center island. The blue was chosen to match the color theme of the connecting living room. The solid wood countertop is a striking centerpiece that steals the show. The cooktop was moved to the island, but because the homeowner did not want a bulky range hood hanging from the ceiling, we had to get creative with a downdraft range vent and a fan mounted on the outside of the house to pull the air out. Another interesting aspect to the cooktop is that we had originally recommended an induction cooktop instead of regular electric cooktop. The reason being that an induction cooktop cools instantly the moment the pot is removed whereas an electric cooktop stays hot but with no visual cue to warn you. The homeowner initially decided to go with the less expensive electric cooktop. But, before we had even finished construction, one of the family members slid their hand over the cooktop while walking by just after a pan had been removed and got burned. Immediately the homeowner requested we install the induction cooktop instead. Soft Maple Cabinets painted Simply White, Taj Mihal Granite countertops, farmhouse sink, 3” x 6” Antiqua Ceramic tile backsplash in Feelings Grigio, 30” Dacor HoodDowndraft vent, Luxury Vinyl tile floor, and LED i-Lighting undercabinet lighting.

These clients have been long term homeowners, and their backyard had seen the wear and tear while raising their family. With the kids grown and spending less and less time at home, it became clear a revamp to the yard, and new outdoor living space was mandatory so they could once again enjoy the outdoors and entertain with friends and family. The JRP team got to work, putting together ideas of what this entertaining outdoor space could be. A new roof structure complete with lights, fans, and ceiling mounted electric heaters was a must. A new Bifold door was installed to create an open flow from the house into the outdoor space. The new TV and fireplace setup establishes a perfect setting for outdoor living by providing the warmth you need on cool nights, and ambiance in the summer. An outdoor BBQ area was added for food prep and cooking while staying connected to the party. The end result created the perfect outdoor addition that can be enjoyed year-round!

Project Spotlight: ? Be amazed as we shine a spotlight on our latest masterpiece – a total backyard makeover! Swipe to see the stunning before-and-after photos and let the transformation inspire your next outdoor project with Green Scapes! ?? Our dedicated team poured their hearts and souls into this project, and the results speak for themselves! Creating a serene sanctuary, where relaxation and enjoyment take center stage. Admire the beauty of the 2,240sf Frontier 20 Porcelain paver patio that elegantly wraps around the pool. Every detail was meticulously designed to meet our client’s needs and requests. But that’s not all! Let’s not forget about the waterfall feature, gracefully cascading into the existing pool, adding an enchanting touch to this peaceful setting. We selected and planted all the lush landscaping surrounding the backyard, enhancing the beauty and ensuring a harmonious outdoor environment. Approximately 5,400sf of lush sod lawn was laid to create the perfect ‘Grand Lawn’. To complete the transformation, we installed newly designed paths that gracefully wrap around the house, connecting different areas of the yard with effortless elegance. Green Scapes takes pride in turning dreams into a reality, and this backyard makeover is a true testament to our commitment to design and craftsmanship. Stay tuned for the second part of this project which includes the 14’x18’ pavilion that provides shelter when utilizing the luxurious outdoor kitchen. ・・・ design. build. supply. create. ・・・ Unilock Ledgestone Coping Landmark Ceramics Frontier Porcelain Pavers

Perched on a ridge at the edge of a wooded expanse, this mid-century modern home was designed to embrace both the intimate connection to the forest and the expansive valley views beyond. The site—carefully chosen from the family’s 52-acre homestead in western Wisconsin—balances privacy and openness, placing the home at the meeting point of dense trees and rolling fields. The approach winds through the forest, offering only glimpses of the structure. Upon arrival, the parking area is subtly positioned below the main level, reinforcing the sense of discovery. As one ascends the entry walk, the house unfolds, revealing a dramatic view through the two-story living space, anchored by a brick fireplace that extends from floor to ceiling. The asymmetrical roofline lifts upward, accentuating the openness and maximizing natural light. Inside, warm materials define the interiors. Wood ceilings and floors, complemented by concrete-look tile, establish a natural, grounded aesthetic. Black wood-clad beams provide scale and structure, subtly delineating spaces within the open-plan layout. A wood lattice screen partially conceals the dining area from the foyer, offering both openness and privacy. The kitchen—designed for gathering—features a large island, a dedicated baking station, and a breakfast counter that catches morning light while serving as a pass-through to the adjacent patio. Two textured glass sliding panels allow the kitchen to be closed off when needed. Just beyond, a hidden gem: the home’s personal Tiki room, complete with a vintage mug collection and a full bar. To the east, the central fireplace marks the transition to more intimate spaces. A wide stair, integrated with the hearth, leads to the lower level, while a library with a corner window creates a quiet retreat, perfect for reading and taking in the valley beyond. The primary suite extends off this wing, featuring a spa-like bath with a textured tile walk-in shower, a soaking tub positioned for dramatic views, and a private balcony overlooking the landscape. The lower level is designed for family gatherings and extended stays. A secondary fireplace, echoing the materials of the main level, anchors a cozy living area with an adjacent kitchenette. Additional bedrooms and baths provide ample accommodations, while a hidden playhouse under the stair and a dedicated bunk room add playful touches for visiting grandchildren. The home is a balance of openness and enclosure, modernity and warmth—designed not only as a retreat but as a multigenerational gathering place, deeply connected to the land.

When a family living in Singapore decided to purchase a New York City pied-à-terre, they settled on the historic Langham Place, a 60-floor building along 5th Ave which features a mixture of permanent residencies and 5-star hotel suites. Immediately after purchasing the condo, they reached out to Decor Aid, and tasked us with designing a home that would reflect their jet-setting lifestyle and chic sensibility. Book Your Free In-Home Consultation Connecting to the historic Tiffany Building at 404 5th Ave, the exterior of Langham Place is a combination of highly contemporary architecture and 1920’s art deco design. And with this highly unique architecture, came highly angular, outward leaning floor-to-ceiling windows, which would prove to be our biggest design challenge. One of the apartment’s quirks was negotiating an uneven balance of natural light throughout the space. Parts of the apartment, such one of the kids’ bedrooms, feature floor-to-ceiling windows and an abundance of natural light, while other areas, such as one corner of the living room, receive little natural light. By sourcing a combination of contemporary, low-profile furniture pieces and metallic accents, we were able to compensate for apartment’s pockets of darkness. A low-profile beige sectional from Room & Board was an obvious choice, which we complemented with a lucite console and a bronze Riverstone coffee table from Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams. Circular tables were placed throughout the apartment in order to establish a design scheme that would be easy to walk through. A marble tulip table from Sit Down New York provides an opulent dining room space, without crowding the floor plan. The finishing touches include a sumptuous swivel chair from Safavieh, to create a sleek, welcoming vacation home for this international client.

Perched on a ridge at the edge of a wooded expanse, this mid-century modern home was designed to embrace both the intimate connection to the forest and the expansive valley views beyond. The site—carefully chosen from the family’s 52-acre homestead in western Wisconsin—balances privacy and openness, placing the home at the meeting point of dense trees and rolling fields. The approach winds through the forest, offering only glimpses of the structure. Upon arrival, the parking area is subtly positioned below the main level, reinforcing the sense of discovery. As one ascends the entry walk, the house unfolds, revealing a dramatic view through the two-story living space, anchored by a brick fireplace that extends from floor to ceiling. The asymmetrical roofline lifts upward, accentuating the openness and maximizing natural light. Inside, warm materials define the interiors. Wood ceilings and floors, complemented by concrete-look tile, establish a natural, grounded aesthetic. Black wood-clad beams provide scale and structure, subtly delineating spaces within the open-plan layout. A wood lattice screen partially conceals the dining area from the foyer, offering both openness and privacy. The kitchen—designed for gathering—features a large island, a dedicated baking station, and a breakfast counter that catches morning light while serving as a pass-through to the adjacent patio. Two textured glass sliding panels allow the kitchen to be closed off when needed. Just beyond, a hidden gem: the home’s personal Tiki room, complete with a vintage mug collection and a full bar. To the east, the central fireplace marks the transition to more intimate spaces. A wide stair, integrated with the hearth, leads to the lower level, while a library with a corner window creates a quiet retreat, perfect for reading and taking in the valley beyond. The primary suite extends off this wing, featuring a spa-like bath with a textured tile walk-in shower, a soaking tub positioned for dramatic views, and a private balcony overlooking the landscape. The lower level is designed for family gatherings and extended stays. A secondary fireplace, echoing the materials of the main level, anchors a cozy living area with an adjacent kitchenette. Additional bedrooms and baths provide ample accommodations, while a hidden playhouse under the stair and a dedicated bunk room add playful touches for visiting grandchildren. The home is a balance of openness and enclosure, modernity and warmth—designed not only as a retreat but as a multigenerational gathering place, deeply connected to the land.

A 1927 colonial home in Shaker Heights, Ohio, received a breathtaking renovation that required extensive work, transforming it from a tucked away, utilitarian space, to an all-purpose gathering room, a role that most kitchens embrace in a home today. The scope of work changed over the course of the project, starting more minimalistically and then quickly becoming the main focus of the house's remodeling, resulting in a staircase being relocated and walls being torn down to create an inviting focal point to the home where family and friends could connect. The focus of the functionality was to allow for multiple prep areas with the inclusion of two islands and sinks, two eating areas (one for impromptu snacking and small meals of younger family members and friends on island no. two and a built-in bench seat for everyday meals in the immediate family). The kitchen was equipped with all Subzero and Wolf appliances, including a 48" range top with a 12" griddle, two double ovens, a 42" built-in side by side refrigerator and freezer, a microwave drawer on island no. one and a beverage center and icemaker in island no. two. The aesthetic feeling embraces the architectural feel of the home while adding a modern sensibility with the revamped layout and graphic elements that tie the color palette of whites, chocolate and charcoal. The cabinets were custom made and outfitted with beaded inset doors with a Shaker panel frame and finished in Benjamin Moore's OC-17 White Dove, a soft white that allowed for the kitchen to feel warm while still maintaining its brightness. Accents of walnut were added to create a sense of warmth, including a custom premium grade walnut countertop on island no. one from Brooks Custom and a TV cabinet with a doggie feeding station beneath. Bringing the cabinet line to the 8'6" ceiling height helps the room feel taller and bold light fixtures at the islands and eating area add detail to an otherwise simpler ceiling detail. The 1 1/4" countertops feature Calacatta Gold Marble with an ogee edge detail. Special touches on the interiors include secret storage panels, an appliance garage, breadbox, pull-out drawers behind the cabinet doors and all soft-close hinges and drawer glides. A kneading area was made as a part of island no. one for the homeowners' love of baking, complete with a stone top allowing for dough to stay cool. Baskets beneath store kitchen essentials that need air circulation. The room adjacent to the kitchen was converted to a hearth room (from a formal dining room) to extend the kitchen's living space and allow for a natural spillover for family and guests to spill into. Jason Miller, Pixelate