Search results for "Strategic level" in Home Design Ideas

Our clients are seasoned home renovators. Their Malibu oceanside property was the second project JRP had undertaken for them. After years of renting and the age of the home, it was becoming prevalent the waterfront beach house, needed a facelift. Our clients expressed their desire for a clean and contemporary aesthetic with the need for more functionality. After a thorough design process, a new spatial plan was essential to meet the couple’s request. This included developing a larger master suite, a grander kitchen with seating at an island, natural light, and a warm, comfortable feel to blend with the coastal setting.
Demolition revealed an unfortunate surprise on the second level of the home: Settlement and subpar construction had allowed the hillside to slide and cover structural framing members causing dangerous living conditions. Our design team was now faced with the challenge of creating a fix for the sagging hillside. After thorough evaluation of site conditions and careful planning, a new 10’ high retaining wall was contrived to be strategically placed into the hillside to prevent any future movements.
With the wall design and build completed — additional square footage allowed for a new laundry room, a walk-in closet at the master suite. Once small and tucked away, the kitchen now boasts a golden warmth of natural maple cabinetry complimented by a striking center island complete with white quartz countertops and stunning waterfall edge details. The open floor plan encourages entertaining with an organic flow between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. New skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a tranquil seaside ambiance. New custom maple flooring and ceiling paneling finish out the first floor.
Downstairs, the ocean facing Master Suite is luminous with breathtaking views and an enviable bathroom oasis. The master bath is modern and serene, woodgrain tile flooring and stunning onyx mosaic tile channel the golden sandy Malibu beaches. The minimalist bathroom includes a generous walk-in closet, his & her sinks, a spacious steam shower, and a luxurious soaking tub. Defined by an airy and spacious floor plan, clean lines, natural light, and endless ocean views, this home is the perfect rendition of a contemporary coastal sanctuary.
PROJECT DETAILS:
• Style: Contemporary
• Colors: White, Beige, Yellow Hues
• Countertops: White Ceasarstone Quartz
• Cabinets: Bellmont Natural finish maple; Shaker style
• Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Chrome
• Lighting Fixtures: Pendent lighting in Master bedroom, all else recessed
• Flooring:
Hardwood - Natural Maple
Tile – Ann Sacks, Porcelain in Yellow Birch
• Tile/Backsplash: Glass mosaic in kitchen
• Other Details: Bellevue Stand Alone Tub
Photographer: Andrew, Open House VC

Kitchen - traditional u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen idea in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and white countertops

Northern Michigan is the ultimate getaway destination with serene views and abundance of outdoor recreation. This remote Up North house offers nothing short of that. With the nearest major town almost 45 minutes away, it was essential this vacation home offered all the amenities for entertainment and relaxation. Spire worked with the client to create the perfect lake house retreat with comfort and convenience during any season or weather.
The living room with an attached game room is a versatile space that offers endless entertainment. A 65” TV was installed over the fireplace in the custom stone wall. The adjustable mount allows the TV to lower for comfortable viewing from either the couch or pool table. A pair of Meridian Audio DSP7200 custom color matched speakers equipped with a Meridian Audio 218 digital controller were strategically installed on each side of the fireplace. The floor-standing speakers compliment the natural stone while providing astonishingly life-like sound, perfect for streaming live concerts.
The powerful audio extends to the upper level of the home. Spire installed B&W 700 series bookshelf speakers in the executive office and a Triad custom speaker bar in the master bedroom. These speakers are ideal for smaller rooms, while elevating the TV experience.
The large living room windows offer beautiful lake views and ample lighting. Lutron Palladiom shades were installed to easily control the natural light in the living room, master bedroom and bathroom. They are custom designed and fully automated to let in the morning sun or achieve partial shading or complete privacy. Whether set on a schedule or controlled from an iPad, the shades operate quietly and seamlessly.
The technology was designed to be enjoyed just as much indoors as outdoors. With the whole home audio system, high-quality sound can flow throughout the indoor rooms as well as the outdoor patio. While the location may be remote, Spire ensured the WiFi and network connection is strong both throughout the yard and inside the home. A Lutron HomeWorks QS system integrates the control of all the interior and exterior lighting including motion sensing for the exterior pathway.
Since this is not a permanent residence, a control and security system was very important. A personalized Savant system was integrated for full home control of lighting, climate, entertainment and security from anywhere with a smart device . This includes the ability to control the multiple landscape light zones with timed scenes. The Doorbird cameras and chimes with the integration of camera feeds into the Savant Control provides remote communication with visitors at any of the exterior doors. Remote access also allows rebooting of all essential systems from any location.
Find the right local pro for your project

Our clients are seasoned home renovators. Their Malibu oceanside property was the second project JRP had undertaken for them. After years of renting and the age of the home, it was becoming prevalent the waterfront beach house, needed a facelift. Our clients expressed their desire for a clean and contemporary aesthetic with the need for more functionality. After a thorough design process, a new spatial plan was essential to meet the couple’s request. This included developing a larger master suite, a grander kitchen with seating at an island, natural light, and a warm, comfortable feel to blend with the coastal setting.
Demolition revealed an unfortunate surprise on the second level of the home: Settlement and subpar construction had allowed the hillside to slide and cover structural framing members causing dangerous living conditions. Our design team was now faced with the challenge of creating a fix for the sagging hillside. After thorough evaluation of site conditions and careful planning, a new 10’ high retaining wall was contrived to be strategically placed into the hillside to prevent any future movements.
With the wall design and build completed — additional square footage allowed for a new laundry room, a walk-in closet at the master suite. Once small and tucked away, the kitchen now boasts a golden warmth of natural maple cabinetry complimented by a striking center island complete with white quartz countertops and stunning waterfall edge details. The open floor plan encourages entertaining with an organic flow between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. New skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a tranquil seaside ambiance. New custom maple flooring and ceiling paneling finish out the first floor.
Downstairs, the ocean facing Master Suite is luminous with breathtaking views and an enviable bathroom oasis. The master bath is modern and serene, woodgrain tile flooring and stunning onyx mosaic tile channel the golden sandy Malibu beaches. The minimalist bathroom includes a generous walk-in closet, his & her sinks, a spacious steam shower, and a luxurious soaking tub. Defined by an airy and spacious floor plan, clean lines, natural light, and endless ocean views, this home is the perfect rendition of a contemporary coastal sanctuary.
PROJECT DETAILS:
• Style: Contemporary
• Colors: White, Beige, Yellow Hues
• Countertops: White Ceasarstone Quartz
• Cabinets: Bellmont Natural finish maple; Shaker style
• Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Chrome
• Lighting Fixtures: Pendent lighting in Master bedroom, all else recessed
• Flooring:
Hardwood - Natural Maple
Tile – Ann Sacks, Porcelain in Yellow Birch
• Tile/Backsplash: Glass mosaic in kitchen
• Other Details: Bellevue Stand Alone Tub
Photographer: Andrew, Open House VC

The floor beneath the street level has been built as a child’s retreat of sorts. There are four bedrooms linked in pairs by Jack and Jill bathrooms. This, plus twin study centers, an open play room and a small lounge—strategically tucked away from study and play areas—that’s rigged for gaming and TV-watching. On this floor, the vibe is light and airy, with white walls against light hued floors of engineered oak. “They have a great combination of tones, and are more durable than actual wood,” notes Lazar. There is also plenty of custom cabinetry, from desks and drawers to multiple-sized nooks for stowing away toys and books.
Though positioned as a children’s floor, it doesn’t have to be. The floor, and the entire house, has been designed with enough blank slate so it can be stylistically recast as an owner sees fit. “Everything is very subtle very clean,” says Lazar. “Anyone can come in and use the space any way they choose.”
Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Joel Silva.

The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside.
The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford.
The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views.
Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees.
2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award
Jim Bartsch Photography

Builder: Segard Builders
Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography
Symmetry and traditional sensibilities drive this homes stately style. Flanking garages compliment a grand entrance and frame a roundabout style motor court. On axis, and centered on the homes roofline is a traditional A-frame dormer. The walkout rear elevation is covered by a paired column gallery that is connected to the main levels living, dining, and master bedroom. Inside, the foyer is centrally located, and flanked to the right by a grand staircase. To the left of the foyer is the homes private master suite featuring a roomy study, expansive dressing room, and bedroom. The dining room is surrounded on three sides by large windows and a pair of French doors open onto a separate outdoor grill space. The kitchen island, with seating for seven, is strategically placed on axis to the living room fireplace and the dining room table. Taking a trip down the grand staircase reveals the lower level living room, which serves as an entertainment space between the private bedrooms to the left and separate guest bedroom suite to the right. Rounding out this plans key features is the attached garage, which has its own separate staircase connecting it to the lower level as well as the bonus room above.

Inspiration for a large contemporary master beige tile beige floor and double-sink freestanding bathtub remodel in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a vessel sink, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a floating vanity

strategic layering of floor levels organized around the original central stair, the top portion of the building is a 1600 square-foot, multi-floored home, while the lower floors consist of two studio apartments – one front and one back. \
Photographer Cesar Rubio

Scot Zimmerman
Design ideas for a mid-sized farmhouse full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in Salt Lake City with a fire pit.
Design ideas for a mid-sized farmhouse full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in Salt Lake City with a fire pit.

Northern Michigan is the ultimate getaway destination with serene views and abundance of outdoor recreation. This remote Up North house offers nothing short of that. With the nearest major town almost 45 minutes away, it was essential this vacation home offered all the amenities for entertainment and relaxation. Spire worked with the client to create the perfect lake house retreat with comfort and convenience during any season or weather.
The living room with an attached game room is a versatile space that offers endless entertainment. A 65” TV was installed over the fireplace in the custom stone wall. The adjustable mount allows the TV to lower for comfortable viewing from either the couch or pool table. A pair of Meridian Audio DSP7200 custom color matched speakers equipped with a Meridian Audio 218 digital controller were strategically installed on each side of the fireplace. The floor-standing speakers compliment the natural stone while providing astonishingly life-like sound, perfect for streaming live concerts.
The powerful audio extends to the upper level of the home. Spire installed B&W 700 series bookshelf speakers in the executive office and a Triad custom speaker bar in the master bedroom. These speakers are ideal for smaller rooms, while elevating the TV experience.
The large living room windows offer beautiful lake views and ample lighting. Lutron Palladiom shades were installed to easily control the natural light in the living room, master bedroom and bathroom. They are custom designed and fully automated to let in the morning sun or achieve partial shading or complete privacy. Whether set on a schedule or controlled from an iPad, the shades operate quietly and seamlessly.
The technology was designed to be enjoyed just as much indoors as outdoors. With the whole home audio system, high-quality sound can flow throughout the indoor rooms as well as the outdoor patio. While the location may be remote, Spire ensured the WiFi and network connection is strong both throughout the yard and inside the home. A Lutron HomeWorks QS system integrates the control of all the interior and exterior lighting including motion sensing for the exterior pathway.
Since this is not a permanent residence, a control and security system was very important. A personalized Savant system was integrated for full home control of lighting, climate, entertainment and security from anywhere with a smart device . This includes the ability to control the multiple landscape light zones with timed scenes. The Doorbird cameras and chimes with the integration of camera feeds into the Savant Control provides remote communication with visitors at any of the exterior doors. Remote access also allows rebooting of all essential systems from any location.

The floor beneath the street level has been built as a child’s retreat of sorts. There are four bedrooms linked in pairs by Jack and Jill bathrooms. This, plus twin study centers, an open play room and a small lounge—strategically tucked away from study and play areas—that’s rigged for gaming and TV-watching. On this floor, the vibe is light and airy, with white walls against light hued floors of engineered oak. “They have a great combination of tones, and are more durable than actual wood,” notes Lazar. There is also plenty of custom cabinetry, from desks and drawers to multiple-sized nooks for stowing away toys and books.
Though positioned as a children’s floor, it doesn’t have to be. The floor, and the entire house, has been designed with enough blank slate so it can be stylistically recast as an owner sees fit. “Everything is very subtle very clean,” says Lazar. “Anyone can come in and use the space any way they choose.”
Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Joel Silva.

The stairs leading down to the basement and up to the second floor. The rear wall is the same brick used on the exterior of the house. A series of skylights above flood the space with light. The passage on the lower level at the back leads to a concealed powder room. The staircase consists of a folded plate of metal, open white oak treads, and a winding walnut railing.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

Lorie Gleichman wrote in Portrait of Portland magazine - "the curve of the dropped ceiling over the corridor mimics the curve on the fireplace wall. Both soften the straight lines of the windows and framing, the sharp angles of the roofline, and the structured furnishings."

The interior of the Angled Addition reveals a bright, vaulted master bedroom designed to maximize light and volume. Featuring a dramatic shed roofline, the space is anchored by clerestory windows that provide privacy while flooding the room with natural light. Light oak floors and a minimalist black ceiling fan complement the clean, modern aesthetic. This Annapolis home expansion by Tuckfield Architecture & Design demonstrates how a strategic split-level addition can create a serene, elevated sanctuary.

Builder: Segard Builders
Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography
Symmetry and traditional sensibilities drive this homes stately style. Flanking garages compliment a grand entrance and frame a roundabout style motor court. On axis, and centered on the homes roofline is a traditional A-frame dormer. The walkout rear elevation is covered by a paired column gallery that is connected to the main levels living, dining, and master bedroom. Inside, the foyer is centrally located, and flanked to the right by a grand staircase. To the left of the foyer is the homes private master suite featuring a roomy study, expansive dressing room, and bedroom. The dining room is surrounded on three sides by large windows and a pair of French doors open onto a separate outdoor grill space. The kitchen island, with seating for seven, is strategically placed on axis to the living room fireplace and the dining room table. Taking a trip down the grand staircase reveals the lower level living room, which serves as an entertainment space between the private bedrooms to the left and separate guest bedroom suite to the right. Rounding out this plans key features is the attached garage, which has its own separate staircase connecting it to the lower level as well as the bonus room above.

Builder: Segard Builders
Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography
Symmetry and traditional sensibilities drive this homes stately style. Flanking garages compliment a grand entrance and frame a roundabout style motor court. On axis, and centered on the homes roofline is a traditional A-frame dormer. The walkout rear elevation is covered by a paired column gallery that is connected to the main levels living, dining, and master bedroom. Inside, the foyer is centrally located, and flanked to the right by a grand staircase. To the left of the foyer is the homes private master suite featuring a roomy study, expansive dressing room, and bedroom. The dining room is surrounded on three sides by large windows and a pair of French doors open onto a separate outdoor grill space. The kitchen island, with seating for seven, is strategically placed on axis to the living room fireplace and the dining room table. Taking a trip down the grand staircase reveals the lower level living room, which serves as an entertainment space between the private bedrooms to the left and separate guest bedroom suite to the right. Rounding out this plans key features is the attached garage, which has its own separate staircase connecting it to the lower level as well as the bonus room above.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

“We could never have envisioned what could be” – Steiner Ranch Homeowner and Client
It is an especially fulfilling Project for an Interior Designer when the outcome exceeds Client expectations, and imagination. This remodeling project required instilling modern sensibilities, openness, styles and textures into a dated house that was past its prime. Strategically, the goal was to tear down where it made sense without doing a complete teardown.
Starting with the soul of the home, the kitchen, we expanded out room by room to create a cohesiveness and flow that invites, supports and provides the warmth and relaxation that only a home can.
In the Kitchen, we started by removing the wooden beams and adding bright recessed lighting. We removed the old limestone accent wall and moved the sink and cooktop from the island on to the countertop – the key goal was to create room for the family to gather around the kitchen. We replaced all appliances with modern Energy Star ones, along with adding a wine rack.
The first order of business for the Living Room was to brighten it up by adding more lighting and replacing an unused section with a glass door to the backyard. Multi-section windows were replaced with large no-split glass overlooking the backyard. Once more, the limestone accent was removed to create a clean, modern look. Replacing the dated wooden staircase with the clean lines of a metal, wire and wooded staircase added interest and freshness. An odd bend in the staircase was removed to clean things up.
The Master Bedroom went from what looked like a motel room with green carpet and cheap blinds to an oasis of luxury and charm. A section of the wraparound doors were closed off to increase privacy, accentuate the best view from the bedroom and to add usable space. Artwork, rug, contemporary bed and other accent pieces brought together the seamless look across the home.
The Master Bathroom remodel started by replacing the standard windows with a single glass pane that enhanced the view of the outdoors. The dated shower was replaced by a walk-in shower and soaking tub to create the ultimate at-home spa experience. Lighted LED mirrors frame His & Hers sinks and bathe them in a soft light.
The flooring was upgraded throughout the house to reflect the contemporary color scheme.
Each of the smaller bedrooms were similarly upgraded to match the clean and modern décor of the rest of the house.
After such a transformation inside, it was only appropriate that the exterior needed an upgrade as well. All of the legacy limestone accents were replaced by stucco and the color scheme extended from the interior of the house to the gorgeous wrap around balconies, trim, garage doors etc. to complete the inside outside transformation.

This Milford French country home’s 2,500 sq. ft. basement transformation is just as extraordinary as it is warm and inviting. The M.J. Whelan design team, along with our clients, left no details out. This luxury basement is a beautiful blend of modern and rustic materials. A unique tray ceiling with a hardwood inset defines the space of the full bar. Brookhaven maple custom cabinets with a dark bistro finish and Cambria quartz countertops were used along with state of the art appliances. A brick backsplash and vintage pendant lights with new LED Edison bulbs add beautiful drama. The entertainment area features a custom built-in entertainment center designed specifically to our client’s wishes. It houses a large flat screen TV, lots of storage, display shelves and speakers hidden by speaker fabric. LED accent lighting was strategically installed to highlight this beautiful space. The entertaining area is open to the billiards room, featuring a another beautiful brick accent wall with a direct vent fireplace. The old ugly steel columns were beautifully disguised with raised panel moldings and were used to create and define the different spaces, even a hallway. The exercise room and game space are open to each other and features glass all around to keep it open to the rest of the lower level. Another brick accent wall was used in the game area with hardwood flooring while the exercise room has rubber flooring. The design also includes a rear foyer coming in from the back yard with cubbies and a custom barn door to separate that entry. A playroom and a dining area were also included in this fabulous luxurious family retreat. Stunning Provenza engineered hardwood in a weathered wire brushed combined with textured Fabrica carpet was used throughout most of the basement floor which is heated hydronically. Tile was used in the entry and the new bathroom. The details are endless! Our client’s selections of beautiful furnishings complete this luxurious finished basement. Photography by Jeff Garland Photography

Builder: Segard Builders
Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography
Symmetry and traditional sensibilities drive this homes stately style. Flanking garages compliment a grand entrance and frame a roundabout style motor court. On axis, and centered on the homes roofline is a traditional A-frame dormer. The walkout rear elevation is covered by a paired column gallery that is connected to the main levels living, dining, and master bedroom. Inside, the foyer is centrally located, and flanked to the right by a grand staircase. To the left of the foyer is the homes private master suite featuring a roomy study, expansive dressing room, and bedroom. The dining room is surrounded on three sides by large windows and a pair of French doors open onto a separate outdoor grill space. The kitchen island, with seating for seven, is strategically placed on axis to the living room fireplace and the dining room table. Taking a trip down the grand staircase reveals the lower level living room, which serves as an entertainment space between the private bedrooms to the left and separate guest bedroom suite to the right. Rounding out this plans key features is the attached garage, which has its own separate staircase connecting it to the lower level as well as the bonus room above.
8
