This homeowner’s outdoor living area was redesigned to add some elegant characteristics. In order to do this, various materials were used. The retaining walls found along the property were made from PA Fieldstone Wallstone. The textures and various colors found throughout this stone easily enhance the outdoor area and offer visual stimulation. Ashler pattern brownstone was used throughout the patio, creating a clean and polished look. This patio surrounded a beautiful swimming pool that was aligned with brownstone caps along the border.The materials that were used in this landscape exterior created a relaxing and enjoyable space, perfect for the family.

The idea of this project was to create a special environment that stimulates all senses in the human body, an environment that is vibrant and most importantly interactive for all ages. We began by searching for the right materials to create a specific feeling of time and space. Placement of the water feature was designed by studying how the customer used their home. The waterfalls and streams connect separate outdoor spaces and accommodate for all views outdoors and indoors. A sense of mystery is designed into every detail in this water feature. The layout of the ponds play accordingly with the sun for excellent reflections, and each rock formation has time designed into it. The environment is inviting, and interactive. Each person that walks out to explore the environment has his or her curiosity rewarded by discovering plant life, trickling streams, and several waterfalls only to be discovered by the inquisitive explorer. Photos by: Linda Oyama Bryan

Contemporary walnut and paint kitchen with terrazzo style countertops. Pocketing doors hide a wonderful "stimulant center" - caffeine in the morning, alcohol in the evening!

"We often rush to divide everything as white and black and store them separately in a separate place. But seemingly opposing things that are inseparable - that is the world - are a mixture of different things." _Matisyahu_ The contrast between black and white is not only a choice but also a way to make it special. When stepping into an all-white or all-black living space, it is easy to feel purity or luxury, but it can also suggest a little skepticism about the monotony or oppressiveness it brings. So using black and white is therefore not difficult but definitely not easy. In the apartment project at Vinhomes Symphony apartment that we implemented this time, white and black are no longer just two opposing colors, but they are combined and mixed, intertwined creatively to create a unity. As an expression of day and night, brilliance and mystery, white and black have adopted tricks and materials, arrays of blocks and light, blending together with the goal of creating living spaces with comfort, convenience and luxury. "This is probably a very special and interesting project for me and my colleagues, right from the first approach, the investor is also a sister, a person with a young, dynamic way of thinking with a very special and very own taste. After each actual project, we keep a diary of the conceptualization, design and execution process. Join us to look back on the process of project formation as well as better understand the philosophy, ideas and functions that have been sent in the project" - Kts. Dang Duong - Founder of D2Architects. The current status of the project is 2 apartments located at location A-20 and A-21 in S6A building of Vinhomes Symphony apartment. With an east-facing façade, the apartment is endowed with the advantage of natural light as well as excellent panoramic views. The highlight of this apartment is the view opening to the Phuc Loi lotus lagoon with a large area, more than 10 hectares and airy landscape by the Duong River. These are not merely apartments, but they are also places to express creativity and make harmonious use of natural light and surrounding nature. Every view from these apartments not only opens up amazing scenery but also a lifestyle full of relaxation and tranquility amidst the noisy city. With the special importance of location and unique views, making perfect use of space and light here is not only an advantage but also a great potential to create a sophisticated and classy living space. The sophistication in design and handling of space has been put on top by us, in order to make the most of these extremely special advantages. In order for a living space to truly become a place called "Home" – a place where we want to return and feel peaceful while there, we have carefully researched the preferences and desires of the owner. Sharing with me about her hobby, Ms. Yen expressed that she loves a modern space with minimalist style and cool tones, creating a sense of tranquility and elegance. This is clearly reflected in the original idea for the apartment. What's even more interesting is his teenage son's hobby of playing Lego. This is not only a personal preference but also a special source of inspiration for the design process. From these data, we built a preliminary idea for the comprehensive living space of the apartment. The combination of the requirement of modern, minimalist space and cool tones along with creative elements from his son's personal hobby of playing Lego has created a unique living space, both reflecting the owner's own personality and meeting the needs of living and personal preferences. This is the foundation for creating a real home, where each member of the family feels content and peaceful every time they return. The project uses the main tone of industrial wood painted in dark gray, white and dark veneer. Versatile combination with other modern materials such as smoke glass and artificial stone,... Create a work of architectural art where everything intersects harmoniously with natural light like a great symphony. The contrast between the bass of the cool tone and the warm, gentle touch of the light creates an impressive picture of a delicate blend of opposing elements. The soft, beautiful touch of this space is hidden in the strength and modernity of the materials used. This is not only a house, but also a mirror that clearly reflects the personality and philosophy of life of the owner. The modern, youthful spirit is clearly shown from the moment you cross the threshold to enter the house. Flexibility, creativity and the harmonious intersection of materials and light have created a colorful and sophisticated living space, while celebrating the beauty of modernity and youthful vitality. LIVING ROOM: The living room is not merely a living area or common living space of the family, but according to feng shui concept, this is the place where the best energy of the house is concentrated. Therefore, creating a special living room space is extremely important. Neutral gray-white tones are made in the background, creating the foundation for sophistication and elegance. Color accents are subtly applied, creating a unique touch for the house, increasing the creativity and style of the owner. Maintaining the spirit of LEGO - unlimited creativity - through every corner, every architectural line has created an interesting space experience right in the living room. It stimulates the imagination of all ages, opening up space for each person to freely create, build and connect with each other through the common language of LEGO. KITCHEN & DINNING ROOM: The kitchen is an indispensable piece in every family, this place is likened to the heart of the whole house. All one needs to create great taste is love and creativity in the kitchen. Because the kitchen with family meals is the emotional bond between members. Therefore, designing a beautiful and functional kitchen requires a delicate combination of colors, shapes and meticulousness in choosing the right materials. Today's kitchen is invested by many people in both form and quality, so a beautiful, luxurious, modern, comfortable kitchen that fully meets the needs of each family is the design criterion D2 Architects aims for. The Lego House project is not just a project anymore but it is really the result of sending all our core values and creative spirit to create a living space that symbolizes the interconnectedness of design, art and soul. D2Architects A : Khuat Duy Tien -Thanh Xuan Bac - Ha Noi – Viet Nam M: d2architects.vn@gmail.com W: d2architects.vn P: 0965551101 - 0965554792

Nicholas Rosaci Interiors Bold pops of colour stimulate and energize the senses while a comfortable and practical slipcovered Ikea KARLSTAD Sofa and club chairs make a tailored statement. The LIATORP coffee table in gray adds additional storage and display and sits atop a teal patchwork SILKEBORG rug grounding the spece and making a colourful bold statement.

A strong expressive value for a piece of furniture intended to stimulate our most creative and imaginative side. A wraparound softness which affords intense moments of relaxation. The ability to create the perfect composition: PEANUT, thanks to the host of different modules available, is an extremely versatile sofa, which blends in seamlessly with any space and style. The white feather and polyurethane foam padding make it especially comfortable; the composition can also include certain modules fitted with a sliding mechanism to extend the length of the seat, for further comfort. The fully removable upholstery covers are available in fabric or leather.

Set at pre-war, mid-rise apartment building amongst the hustle and bustle of New York City's Hell's Kitchen, the client's main objective was to construct a sanctuary and quiet space while incorporating their love of mid-century modern furniture. This perfect challenge for Yates Desygn allowed us to add life and visual stimulation to a limited footprint. In this space, we incorporated our client's existing furniture blending in new pieces to create a peaceful haven in the fast-paced city they love.

This property was developed in the 1950’s with a relatively bare landscape. The rear yard was nothing special, but had some privacy. The owners set out to create mini gardens around the entire house. A koi pond was added first. Over time, plants were added that began creating pockets of spaces that gave each area a room-like feel. With each hole dug, rock was removed from it to install the pond or install a plant. The rock in the ground became the same rock used around the pond and used for stone walls. There is sun, shade, privacy, and the sound of water that stimulates the senses. The latest section of the master plan was to develop a more formal area (seen from the living room) with the diagonal blue stone set into the lawn. A picket fence separates it from a vegetable garden. A new fire pit is nestled among a row of hemlocks and rimmed shrubs. Photo by Daniel Contelmo Jr.

This homeowner’s outdoor living area was redesigned to add some elegant characteristics. In order to do this, various materials were used. The retaining walls found along the property were made from PA Fieldstone Wallstone. The textures and various colors found throughout this stone easily enhance the outdoor area and offer visual stimulation. Ashler pattern brownstone was used throughout the patio, creating a clean and polished look. This patio surrounded a beautiful swimming pool that was aligned with brownstone caps along the border.The materials that were used in this landscape exterior created a relaxing and enjoyable space, perfect for the family.

Brighten up your white bedroom space with tropical fruits theme to have a fun and interesting statement in your chamber. Orange color associated with yellow encourages social interaction in a fun, conversational way. Orange is also the color that stimulates the appetite. With this theme color, it will help you brighten up your morning everyday! Complete your bedroom space with a clean and elegant white furniture pieces providing style and function. The beds have storage space for your collectibles and spacious storage dressers and chests to keep your things organize and clean. It will lessen your worries when you're in a space like this!

This feminine color palette was intentionally selected to appropriately age with the girls. These stimulating patterned textiles have all been selected and treated to be children,friendly and paired with graceful art pieces.

The Belmont's study is a serene and inspiring space designed for productivity and focus. Large windows allow abundant natural light to fill the room, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The white walls provide a clean and fresh backdrop, promoting a sense of calmness and clarity. A sturdy wooden desk takes center stage, offering ample workspace for tasks, projects, or study sessions. Its natural beauty adds a touch of warmth and elegance to the room. Whether it's tackling work assignments, diving into research, or indulging in creative pursuits, the Belmont's study provides the ideal environment to stimulate concentration and creativity. The combination of natural light, white walls, and a well-crafted wooden desk creates a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that the study is a space where ideas can flow freely and work can be accomplished with ease.

The mammoth phalanxes of white-brick apartment houses that proliferated in the 1960s occupy an architectural purgatory; generic, with boxy interiors devoid of detail, many aren’t even interesting enough to excite a raised eyebrow. Our solution for this exemplar near Astor Place, which fortunately was blessed with premium skyline views, was to relieve the interior ordinariness by stimulating the senses with tactile variety. Axis Mundi created a complexly layered textural palette that injects visual adrenaline into the architectural envelope: a television set into a waxed steel panel topped by clerestory windows with a built-in planter for grasses; wenge wood walls rising from richly figured walnut floors; white subway tile surrounding a subtly colored penny-tile mosaic tub and wall; in the kitchen, Venetian plaster, steel, stone and wood mix harmoniously as a surprisingly spiced exotic concoction. The interiors exude a confident masculinity that challenges the complacency of bland, white-box living. Project Team: John Beckmann and Esther Sperber | Studio ST Photography: Andrew Garn Contractor: John Marsh © Axis Mundi Design LLC

Upon acquiring the property, the homeowner faced a compact backyard dominated by a neglected lawn that offered little usability. The ambition was not only to enhance the outdoor space's utility but to inject it with vibrant aesthetics and dynamism through the hardscape. To bring this vision to life, we embraced a palette of colorful materials, choosing multicolored concrete, pavers, and tiles that introduce a playful yet sophisticated charm. Further creativity was applied in the design through the use of curvy lines that flow organically throughout the space, leading the eye and inviting movement. Beach rocks were thoughtfully embedded into decorative bands, adding a tactile and visual texture that complements the curvilinear approach. This strategic combination of color, texture, and form transformed the backyard into a visually stimulating and highly functional outdoor living area.

**Featured Baltimore Sun's Dream Home** In need of a place to call home in the States, this Australian family with a primary residence in Hong Kong needed a turn-key residence, complete with kitchen utensils and linens. We carefully designed each room with a color scheme that matches its function. The children's room features stimulating primary colors. The kitchen utilized bold blue to inspire creativity. Warm and relaxing tones are used in the living room and bedroom. Assisted by Jenny Wohl of Turner Design Firm

Nature inspired lighting fixtures and twig adorned sideboard plays with geometric rug and textured window coverings to add visual interest. Neutral and dark colors highlight the colorful Asian & Indian inspired collected art and artifacts with ornately decorated corner cabinet add to stimulating dinner conversation of worldly travel in this tranquil yet refined setting.

2 years after building their house, a young family needed some more space for needs of their growing children. The decision was made to renovate their unfinished basement to create a new space for both children and adults. PLAYPOD The most compelling feature upon entering the basement is the Playpod. The 100 sq.ft structure is both playful and practical. It functions as a hideaway for the family’s young children who use their imagination to transform the space into everything from an ice cream truck to a space ship. Storage is provided for toys and books, brining order to the chaos of everyday playing. The interior is lined with plywood to provide a warm but robust finish. In contrast, the exterior is clad with reclaimed pine floor boards left over from the original house. The black stained pine helps the Playpod stand out while simultaneously enabling the character of the aged wood to be revealed. The orange apertures create ‘moments’ for the children to peer out to the world while also enabling parents to keep an eye on the fun. The Playpod’s unique form and compact size is scaled for small children but is designed to stimulate big imagination. And putting the FUN in FUNctional. PLANNING The layout of the basement is organized to separate private and public areas from each other. The office/guest room is tucked away from the media room to offer a tranquil environment for visitors. The new four piece bathroom serves the entire basement but can be annexed off by a set of pocket doors to provide a private ensuite for guests. The media room is open and bright making it inviting for the family to enjoy time together. Sitting adjacent to the Playpod, the media room provides a sophisticated place to entertain guests while the children can enjoy their own space close by. The laundry room and small home gym are situated in behind the stairs. They work symbiotically allowing the homeowners to put in a quick workout while waiting for the clothes to dry. After the workout gym towels can quickly be exchanged for fluffy new ones thanks to the ample storage solutions customized for the homeowners.

Example of a minimalist home design design in San Francisco

SURFACE DEPTH : Furniture, walls, and floors each present a way to combine the architectural design with fun, stimulating, even unexpected places to store things. A European style, built-in armoire provides for both efficient storage and a beautiful wall.