Search results for "Strong foundation" in Home Design Ideas

Saturday, May 30, 1:30 to 3:00pm | Santa Monica
Hightree by Jay Griffith of Jay Griffith Design
This half-acre site is nestled into the Rustic Canyon neighborhood, and is the second collaboration between the landscape designer and client. Architect Steven Ehrlich designed the striking Modernist home fifteen years ago. It is set on the canyon floor amidst native California sycamores, the only holdover from the previous design. The garden is naturalistic in spirit, but carefully calibrated to include species that thrive in the canyon’s specific microclimate, primarily determined by soil conditions and limited light quality. A dramatic rectilinear elevated pool, based on the house’s strong geometry, offsets the sycamore’s angularity and curvilinear nature. The pool’s design is practical, it’s five-foot tall walls address safety concerns associated with having small children; but It’s also very sculptural, a seamless, buff-colored plaster-coated concrete monolith. The watery surface suggests one of the house’s giant windows. Vast sweeps of understory plantings offer subtle contrasts both textural and though tonal variations of green. Photos by Jorge Rafael

Rivertown Landscapes LLC
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Grand Rapids.
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Grand Rapids.

Saturday, May 30, 1:30 to 3:00pm | Santa Monica
Hightree by Jay Griffith of Jay Griffith Design
This half-acre site is nestled into the Rustic Canyon neighborhood, and is the second collaboration between the landscape designer and client. Architect Steven Ehrlich designed the striking Modernist home fifteen years ago. It is set on the canyon floor amidst native California sycamores, the only holdover from the previous design. The garden is naturalistic in spirit, but carefully calibrated to include species that thrive in the canyon’s specific microclimate, primarily determined by soil conditions and limited light quality. A dramatic rectilinear elevated pool, based on the house’s strong geometry, offsets the sycamore’s angularity and curvilinear nature. The pool’s design is practical, it’s five-foot tall walls address safety concerns associated with having small children; but It’s also very sculptural, a seamless, buff-colored plaster-coated concrete monolith. The watery surface suggests one of the house’s giant windows. Vast sweeps of understory plantings offer subtle contrasts both textural and though tonal variations of green. Photos by Jorge Rafael
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Saturday, May 30, 1:30 to 3:00pm | Santa Monica
Hightree by Jay Griffith of Jay Griffith Design
This half-acre site is nestled into the Rustic Canyon neighborhood, and is the second collaboration between the landscape designer and client. Architect Steven Ehrlich designed the striking Modernist home fifteen years ago. It is set on the canyon floor amidst native California sycamores, the only holdover from the previous design. The garden is naturalistic in spirit, but carefully calibrated to include species that thrive in the canyon’s specific microclimate, primarily determined by soil conditions and limited light quality. A dramatic rectilinear elevated pool, based on the house’s strong geometry, offsets the sycamore’s angularity and curvilinear nature. The pool’s design is practical, it’s five-foot tall walls address safety concerns associated with having small children; but It’s also very sculptural, a seamless, buff-colored plaster-coated concrete monolith. The watery surface suggests one of the house’s giant windows. Vast sweeps of understory plantings offer subtle contrasts both textural and though tonal variations of green. Photos by Jorge Rafael

Saturday, May 30, 1:30 to 3:00pm | Santa Monica
Hightree by Jay Griffith of Jay Griffith Design
This half-acre site is nestled into the Rustic Canyon neighborhood, and is the second collaboration between the landscape designer and client. Architect Steven Ehrlich designed the striking Modernist home fifteen years ago. It is set on the canyon floor amidst native California sycamores, the only holdover from the previous design. The garden is naturalistic in spirit, but carefully calibrated to include species that thrive in the canyon’s specific microclimate, primarily determined by soil conditions and limited light quality. A dramatic rectilinear elevated pool, based on the house’s strong geometry, offsets the sycamore’s angularity and curvilinear nature. The pool’s design is practical, it’s five-foot tall walls address safety concerns associated with having small children; but It’s also very sculptural, a seamless, buff-colored plaster-coated concrete monolith. The watery surface suggests one of the house’s giant windows. Vast sweeps of understory plantings offer subtle contrasts both textural and though tonal variations of green. Photos by Jorge Rafael

● The Climbing furniture is made from high class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition.
● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, do not emit harmful substances.
● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination.
DIMENSIONS
•━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━•
● Climbing Arch
Small size:
Height: 37 cm / 14.6 inches
Width: 73 cm / 28.7 inches
Length steps : 52 cm / 20,5 inches

● The Climbing furniture is made from high class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition.
● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, do not emit harmful substances.
● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination.
DIMENSIONS
•━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━•
● Climbing Arch
Small size:
Height: 37 cm / 14.6 inches
Width: 73 cm / 28.7 inches
Length steps : 52 cm / 20,5 inches

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

● The Climbing furniture is made from high class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition.
● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, do not emit harmful substances.
● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination.
DIMENSIONS
•━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━•
● Climbing Arch
Small size:
Height: 37 cm / 14.6 inches
Width: 73 cm / 28.7 inches
Length steps : 52 cm / 20,5 inches

● The Climbing furniture is made from high class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition.
● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, do not emit harmful substances.
● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination.
DIMENSIONS
•━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━•
● Climbing Arch
Small size:
Height: 37 cm / 14.6 inches
Width: 73 cm / 28.7 inches
Length steps : 52 cm / 20,5 inches

This kitchen remodel features a warm transitional aesthetic defined by light neutral shaker-style cabinetry, classic detailing, and refined built-in elements. The design centers around a custom hood surround that creates a strong focal point along the main cooking wall, framed by tall cabinetry and balanced storage.
The cabinetry gives the kitchen a timeless foundation, while the soft neutral finish keeps the space feeling bright and fresh. White quartz countertops add a crisp, polished surface, complementing the light backsplash and allowing the warm brass hardware to stand out throughout the composition.
A rectangular tile backsplash introduces subtle movement and texture without overwhelming the palette, reinforcing the clean and elegant character of the room. Built-in stainless steel appliances contribute to the tailored feel, while wide drawers beneath the cooktop improve day-to-day functionality and storage.
Warm wood-look flooring grounds the entire design and adds a natural, inviting tone that softens the brighter finishes. Altogether, the remodel creates a kitchen that feels refined, timeless, and highly livable.

Kitchen in Trailside View | Refined Transitional Home in Scottsdale, AZ |
Room Type: Whole Home Remodel and Furnishings |
Project Name: Trailside View Residence |
Key Feature: A full home remodel and furnishings project anchored by white oak cabinetry and countertops, where the clients gave Living with Lolo real creative freedom to play with bold fabrics, wallpapers, and drapery that most homeowners would talk themselves out of.
Challenge: Transitional design can play it safe by default, neutral palette, inoffensive finishes, nothing that makes you catch your breath. The remodel needed a strong foundation that felt refined and timeless, but the clients wanted more than that. They wanted a home with personality, and the challenge was channeling that creative openness into something cohesive rather than chaotic.
Solution: Living with Lolo used white oak cabinetry and countertops to ground the remodel in warmth and quiet sophistication, then let the soft goods carry the personality. Bold fabric choices, expressive wallpapers, and thoughtful drapery gave each room its own moment without losing the thread that connected the whole home. Because the remodel and furnishings were managed together under one roof, the bolder design choices landed the way they were intended to rather than feeling like afterthoughts layered onto a finished renovation.
Materials: White oak cabinetry, white oak countertops, curated wallpapers, bold upholstery fabrics, custom drapery, and layered accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships.
Budget: $250,000 to $550,000 |
Timeline: Approximately 5 to 9 months from design through completion.

JANE BEILES
Inspiration for a large contemporary open concept living room remodel with gray walls
Inspiration for a large contemporary open concept living room remodel with gray walls

This kitchen remodel features a warm transitional aesthetic defined by light neutral shaker-style cabinetry, classic detailing, and refined built-in elements. The design centers around a custom hood surround that creates a strong focal point along the main cooking wall, framed by tall cabinetry and balanced storage.
The cabinetry gives the kitchen a timeless foundation, while the soft neutral finish keeps the space feeling bright and fresh. White quartz countertops add a crisp, polished surface, complementing the light backsplash and allowing the warm brass hardware to stand out throughout the composition.
A rectangular tile backsplash introduces subtle movement and texture without overwhelming the palette, reinforcing the clean and elegant character of the room. Built-in stainless steel appliances contribute to the tailored feel, while wide drawers beneath the cooktop improve day-to-day functionality and storage.
Warm wood-look flooring grounds the entire design and adds a natural, inviting tone that softens the brighter finishes. Altogether, the remodel creates a kitchen that feels refined, timeless, and highly livable.

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

This outdoor design uses green Moroccan floor tiles to create a dramatic foundation for a relaxed Moroccan-style patio. The glossy Bejmat tile surface reflects natural light beautifully, adding dimension and richness to the seating and dining areas. Warm plaster walls, handcrafted lanterns, natural wood, woven chairs, colorful pillows, and lush plants complete the look, making this setting a strong example of how Moroccan Bejmat floor tiles can bring color, texture, and personality to exterior spaces.
Planning a patio, courtyard, kitchen, bathroom, backsplash, or custom tile project? Visit our website and use the Free Moroccan Tile Calculator to estimate your tile needs based on your measurements and selected tile size.
Free Moroccan Tile Calculator:
https://badiadesign.com/pages/free-moroccan-tile-calculator
Badia Design Inc. offers Moroccan tiles, zellige tiles, Bejmat tiles, tile tables, fountains, rugs, lighting, furniture, and handcrafted Moroccan home decor.

This kitchen remodel features a warm transitional aesthetic defined by light neutral shaker-style cabinetry, classic detailing, and refined built-in elements. The design centers around a custom hood surround that creates a strong focal point along the main cooking wall, framed by tall cabinetry and balanced storage.
The cabinetry gives the kitchen a timeless foundation, while the soft neutral finish keeps the space feeling bright and fresh. White quartz countertops add a crisp, polished surface, complementing the light backsplash and allowing the warm brass hardware to stand out throughout the composition.
A rectangular tile backsplash introduces subtle movement and texture without overwhelming the palette, reinforcing the clean and elegant character of the room. Built-in stainless steel appliances contribute to the tailored feel, while wide drawers beneath the cooktop improve day-to-day functionality and storage.
Warm wood-look flooring grounds the entire design and adds a natural, inviting tone that softens the brighter finishes. Altogether, the remodel creates a kitchen that feels refined, timeless, and highly livable.

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood.
INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site.
EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot.
THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place.
HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde.
YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting.
ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements.
RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage.
OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet.
ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer
Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor
Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering
Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design
Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings
Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Kitchen in Trailside View | Refined Transitional Home in Scottsdale, AZ |
Room Type: Whole Home Remodel and Furnishings |
Project Name: Trailside View Residence |
Key Feature: A full home remodel and furnishings project anchored by white oak cabinetry and countertops, where the clients gave Living with Lolo real creative freedom to play with bold fabrics, wallpapers, and drapery that most homeowners would talk themselves out of.
Challenge: Transitional design can play it safe by default, neutral palette, inoffensive finishes, nothing that makes you catch your breath. The remodel needed a strong foundation that felt refined and timeless, but the clients wanted more than that. They wanted a home with personality, and the challenge was channeling that creative openness into something cohesive rather than chaotic.
Solution: Living with Lolo used white oak cabinetry and countertops to ground the remodel in warmth and quiet sophistication, then let the soft goods carry the personality. Bold fabric choices, expressive wallpapers, and thoughtful drapery gave each room its own moment without losing the thread that connected the whole home. Because the remodel and furnishings were managed together under one roof, the bolder design choices landed the way they were intended to rather than feeling like afterthoughts layered onto a finished renovation.
Materials: White oak cabinetry, white oak countertops, curated wallpapers, bold upholstery fabrics, custom drapery, and layered accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships.
Budget: $250,000 to $550,000 |
Timeline: Approximately 5 to 9 months from design through completion.

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

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood.
INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site.
EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot.
THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place.
HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde.
YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting.
ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements.
RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage.
OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet.
ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer
Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor
Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering
Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design
Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings
Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Some driveways are more than just a place to park. Aqua-Bric® is designed for homes that need performance, beauty, and purpose built into every square foot. It offers a refined look while solving real-world drainage and sustainability challenges.
Belgard Aqua-Bric® is a permeable paver designed to allow water to pass through the joints and back into the ground, reducing runoff and meeting eco-conscious standards. With a clean, rectangular shape and smooth finish, it can be laid in patterns like herringbone for added strength and visual movement. It is ideal for driveways, parking areas, and any large surface where water control and longevity are essential.
Now picture your driveway not only enhancing curb appeal but working smarter. The surface stays dry. The base holds strong. And the pavers lock into place with quiet elegance. Aqua-Bric® isn’t just environmentally smart, it’s investment-smart.
This is not just a driveway. It is a forward-thinking foundation for your home.
Let’s explore how this material can bring your outdoor story to life.
Schedule your consultation today: 516-522-8249

Kitchen in Trailside View | Refined Transitional Home in Scottsdale, AZ |
Room Type: Whole Home Remodel and Furnishings |
Project Name: Trailside View Residence |
Key Feature: A full home remodel and furnishings project anchored by white oak cabinetry and countertops, where the clients gave Living with Lolo real creative freedom to play with bold fabrics, wallpapers, and drapery that most homeowners would talk themselves out of.
Challenge: Transitional design can play it safe by default, neutral palette, inoffensive finishes, nothing that makes you catch your breath. The remodel needed a strong foundation that felt refined and timeless, but the clients wanted more than that. They wanted a home with personality, and the challenge was channeling that creative openness into something cohesive rather than chaotic.
Solution: Living with Lolo used white oak cabinetry and countertops to ground the remodel in warmth and quiet sophistication, then let the soft goods carry the personality. Bold fabric choices, expressive wallpapers, and thoughtful drapery gave each room its own moment without losing the thread that connected the whole home. Because the remodel and furnishings were managed together under one roof, the bolder design choices landed the way they were intended to rather than feeling like afterthoughts layered onto a finished renovation.
Materials: White oak cabinetry, white oak countertops, curated wallpapers, bold upholstery fabrics, custom drapery, and layered accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships.
Budget: $250,000 to $550,000 |
Timeline: Approximately 5 to 9 months from design through completion.
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