photos by Pedro Marti The owner’s of this apartment had been living in this large working artist’s loft in Tribeca since the 70’s when they occupied the vacated space that had previously been a factory warehouse. Since then the space had been adapted for the husband and wife, both artists, to house their studios as well as living quarters for their growing family. The private areas were previously separated from the studio with a series of custom partition walls. Now that their children had grown and left home they were interested in making some changes. The major change was to take over spaces that were the children’s bedrooms and incorporate them in a new larger open living/kitchen space. The previously enclosed kitchen was enlarged creating a long eat-in counter at the now opened wall that had divided off the living room. The kitchen cabinetry capitalizes on the full height of the space with extra storage at the tops for seldom used items. The overall industrial feel of the loft emphasized by the exposed electrical and plumbing that run below the concrete ceilings was supplemented by a grid of new ceiling fans and industrial spotlights. Antique bubble glass, vintage refrigerator hinges and latches were chosen to accent simple shaker panels on the new kitchen cabinetry, including on the integrated appliances. A unique red industrial wheel faucet was selected to go with the integral black granite farm sink. The white subway tile that pre-existed in the kitchen was continued throughout the enlarged area, previously terminating 5 feet off the ground, it was expanded in a contrasting herringbone pattern to the full 12 foot height of the ceilings. This same tile motif was also used within the updated bathroom on top of a concrete-like porcelain floor tile. The bathroom also features a large white porcelain laundry sink with industrial fittings and a vintage stainless steel medicine display cabinet. Similar vintage stainless steel cabinets are also used in the studio spaces for storage. And finally black iron plumbing pipe and fittings were used in the newly outfitted closets to create hanging storage and shelving to complement the overall industrial feel. Pedro Marti

Deschampsia Cespitosa 'Goldtau' / Golden Dew Tufted Hair Grass
Photo of a landscaping in Other.

Project by Wiles Design Group. Their Cedar Rapids-based design studio offers commercial interior design services, creating functional and aesthetically pleasing environments tailored to enhance brand identity and optimize workspace efficiency. They serve the entire Midwest, including Iowa City, Dubuque, Davenport, and Waterloo, as well as North Missouri and St. Louis.

Family room - craftsman family room idea in DC Metro

Starry Nights Farm, an organic cattle farm in southern Wisconsin, requested a home in line with their sustainability goals: net zero energy, health-promoting, and a functional farmhouse. Durability and resilience were also priorities, so we chose Insulated Concrete Forms as the wall system, and in addition to heat-pump space conditioning, added a pellet stove for supplemental and backup heating.

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

This 84 square foot daylight basement kitchen utilizes every square inch of space and provides ample counter space for cooking and entertaining. Featuring Dura Supreme Cabinetry in Knotty Alder with cashew stain and floating shelves. Flooring is Mannington Adura LVT in Napa Dry Cork. Appliances: Wolf 24" induction cooktop, Bosch 24" convection microwave, Bosch, 18" panel ready slim-line dishwasher, Bosch fully vented pull-out exhaust hood and Bosch freestanding counter depth 24" refrigerator. Countertops and backsplash are Formica laminate in Limestone Matte with ogee edge detail. LED track lighting and LED under-cabinet lighting creates an inviting space. Individually controlled convection radiant wall heaters by Stelpro supplement the home's forced air heating system. A Kitchen That Works LLC

This primary suite bathroom is a tranquil retreat, you feel it from the moment you step inside! Though the color scheme is soft and muted, the dark vanity and luxe gold fixtures add the perfect touch of drama. Wood look wall tile mimics the lines of the ceiling paneling, bridging the rustic and contemporary elements of the space. The large free-standing tub is an inviting place to unwind and enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding trees. To accommodate plumbing for the wall-mounted tub filler, we bumped out the wall under the window, which also created a nice ledge for items like plants or candles. We installed a mosaic hexagon floor tile in the bathroom, continuing it through the spacious walk-in shower. A small format tile like this is slip resistant and creates a modern, elevated look while maintaining a classic appeal. The homeowners selected a luxurious rain shower, and a handheld shower head which provides a more versatile and convenient option for showering. Reconfiguring the vanity’s L-shaped layout opened the space visually, but still allowed ample room for double sinks. To supplement the under counter storage, we added recessed medicine cabinets above the sinks. Concealed behind their beveled, matte black mirrors, they are a refined update to the bulkier medicine cabinets of the past.

This south and west facing kitchen has spectacular sweeping views from Central Park to Columbus Circle. An eleven foot long island accommodates a microwave oven drawer and two supplementary refrigerator drawers as well as seating for three. The 6 burner Wolf range is supplemented with a convenient wall oven and steam oven. The white perimeter cabinets with white Glassos counters harmonize with the light gray island topped with Calacatta marble. The Mosaic House Nejarine tile backsplash unifies the subtle color variations. photo by Josh Nefsky

Blau-Thompson Residence This Civil War era, 1680-square-foot three-story row house is located in the Italian Market section of Philadelphia. The BluPath Design principals and their young child were the clients. The project goal was to upgrade a traditional housing type to meet a contemporary lifestyle, applying both sustainable criteria and clean, modern yet sensual aesthetics. The challenge of the property (only 830 square feet in lot size) was to create a design that was small, but smart. The structure formerly housed a luncheonette with two apartments above. The interior was gutted and renovated into a single family home. The construction of a small rear addition added a new kitchen on the first floor and new bathrooms on the second and third levels. The east-west orientation of the home was ideal for the roof-mounted solar collectors, which were installed to provide domestic hot water and supplement the new radiant floor heating system. Exterior sensors improve the efficiency of the heating system's response to fluctuations in outside temperature. A new white-coated, rubber membrane roof reduced the structure's heat gain by 20 percent. A water catch system collects rainwater and air conditioner condensation to water the home's small rear garden. Large windows and skylights bring light deep into the row house and reduce the use of light fixtures. The rear yard garden features ipe decking (a dense, water-repellent hardwood) on permeable compacted gravel to minimize storm water runoff. BluPath Design’s principals used the project to demonstrate how sustainability can be integrated with beauty and function, with sensual materials and colors, well-proportioned and light-filled rooms, economic use of space, and thoughtful details. Cherry flooring and custom stairs complement the Indian slate tile in the kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen features custom walnut cabinets with blue granite counters and backsplashes. The first floor dining area is illuminated by a BluPath-designed fiber-optic chandelier. Ipe hardwood is also used for the master bath tub-surround and shower floor. Sliding frosted glass panels separating the master bath from other living areas allows light from the corner windows to naturally illuminate the adjacent room. Awards Honorable Mention for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency IIDA Philadelphia City Center Chapter 3rd Annual Interior Design Awards, June 2007 Bronze 2006 Commonwealth Design Award 10,000 Friends of PA, May 2006 Media HGTV ‘What You Get for the Money’ February 2007 Philadelphia Style Magazine March/April 2007 Philadelphia Inquirer June 11, 2006 Philadelphia CityPaper September 25-October 2, 2003 Photography by Barry Halkin

Many recent renovations had already taken place at this phenomenal old Tudor home. The kitchen redo was saved for last. Our mission, imposed by our client, was to create a jaw-dropping, ultra-functional space for family and friends to gather in for years to come. Naturally, the new kitchen would have to reflect the style of the home seamlessly. One challenge was to incorporate very large professional style appliances into the space while keeping the feel of a stately, yet warm home. Custom wood panels were designed for the refrigerator units to give a furniture feel. A copper hood was designed to bring in an old world element. Wood panels were applied to all other appliances – two dishwashers, a wine refrigerator, and a beverage refrigerator. An iron I-beam that separated the original kitchen from the butler’s pantry and back entry was covered in wood with chamfers to match the other ceiling beams in the home by a local woodworker. Due to the age of the home, the outside walls are concrete block. This necessitated chiseling troughs into the concrete for electrical wiring. Ceilings were studded randomly, so finding openings for recessed lighting was hit or miss. A large cluster of wiring and plumbing to the second floor had to be hidden behind cabinetry to the left of and above the refrigerators. HVAC wasn’t straight forward either. Toe kick heaters from the old kitchen had to be replaced with other sources. A propane tank had to be added to fuel the large dual fuel, double oven range. The homeowner wanted to add a walk-in pantry for extra storage, so space was taken from an existing exterior space. This created the need for extra insulation, supplemental heat and added lighting. Needless to say, mechanicals were a big challenge. Natural stone was added in backsplash areas to the ceiling to mimic the rectangular stone on the exterior of the home. Wood panels fill the backsplash areas under wall cabinets. Large chandeliers light the space. Open shelves at the wet bar/prep area offer convenient storage for grab and go service items. A built-in pantry with antique mirrored mullion doors hides a microwave, several other small appliances as well as dishes and food items. This pantry was tucked into an alcove for an added architectural element. Herringbone wood floors are classic and timeless. Wrought iron hardware and shelf brackets fit right in. Large Barley twist legs ground the island giving a nod to the Tudor style. Mission accomplished. Matt Villano Photography

Snowberry / Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus Photo: Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

We brought in some supplemental staging to redesign and enhance and refine the space and help achieve their highest asking price. Columbus Pics
Trendy bedroom photo in Columbus

THEME Every element of this room evokes images from the Enchanted Forest. Tiny lights twinkle like fireflies; curtains swing from real tree limbs and sticker stones lay a pathway to the bed. Ceramic mushrooms and birdhouses are scattered throughout the room, creating perfect hiding spots for fairies, pixies and other magical friends. The dominant color of both bedroom and bathroom — a soft, feminine pink — creates a soothing, yet wondrous atmosphere. In the corner sits a large tree with a child-size door at the base, promising a child-size adventure on the other side. FOCUS Illuminated by two beautiful flower-shaped lamps, the six-footdiameter circular bed becomes the centerpiece of the room. Imitation bark on the bed’s exterior augments the room’s theme and makes it easy for a child to believe they have stepped out of the suburbs and into the forest. Three lily pads extending from tree bark serve as both steps to the bed and stools to sit on. Ready-made for princess parties and sleepovers, the bed easily accommodates two to three small children or an adult. Twelvefoot ceilings enhance the sense of openness, while soft lighting and comfy pillows make this a cozy reading and resting spot. STORAGE The shelves on the rear of the bed and the two compartments in the tree — one covered by a doubledoor, the other by a miniature door — supplement the storage capacity of the room’s giant closet without interrupting the theme. GROWTH The bed meets standard specifications for a baby crib, and can accommodate both children and adults. The railing is easily removed when baby girl becomes a “big girl,” and eventually, a teenager. SAFETY Rounded edges on all of the room’s furnishings help prevent nasty bumps, and lamps are positioned well out-of-reach of small children. The mattress is designed to fit snugly to meet current crib safety standards, while a 26-inch railing allows this bed to act as a safe, comfortable and fun play area.

We borrowed square footage from the bedroom to create a luxurious en suite bathroom. In order to make sure the bedroom didn't feel too small, we created a cathedral ceiling that soars all the way up to the underside of the roof. While we lost square footage on the ground, we added volume, and so the bedroom retained an airy feel. To support this airiness, we painted the entire room white. We also designed custom built-ins in lieu of dressers. These drawer/shelf combination units perfectly blend with the white walls and, when supplemented with closet storage, provide clothing storage that is visually quiet and well-composed. The comforter is white as well, but we added pops of hunter green and honey brown, which, when paired with the wood bedframe and rug, add warmth to the otherwise neutral space.

Austin Street Buils A Custom Urban Residence by Seven Rivers Design + Build Highlight The defining feature of the Austin St. Build is the use of natural plaster walls throughout the interior. Plaster brings a quiet richness—subtle texture, visual depth, and a sense of solidity that makes the home feel both timeless and grounded. This material choice reinforces Seven Rivers Design + Build’s focus on craftsmanship and tactile, human-centered design. Detail Efficient Two-Story Living This 1,500-square-foot, two-story custom home is thoughtfully organized for comfort and flow. The main level includes a bedroom and full bathroom, along with an open kitchen and living area and a conveniently placed powder room. A light-filled, open stairwell leads to the second floor, which houses an additional bedroom and bathroom, creating a balanced and flexible layout well suited for urban living. High-Performance Building Envelope The exterior walls are constructed using Hebel Block (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete)—a high-performance building system that combines structural strength with excellent insulation. By incorporating air into the concrete matrix, Hebel Block delivers superior thermal performance while remaining lightweight and durable, contributing to the home’s overall energy efficiency. Energy-Efficient Comfort Systems Heating and cooling loads are intentionally minimized through envelope performance and system design. The home features in-floor radiant heating as the primary heat source, complemented by mini-split systems for supplemental heating and cooling. The result is a comfortable, efficient living environment with low operational demands. Durable, Timeless Finishes Windows: Andersen E-Series (aluminum-clad) Flooring: Natural slate on the main level Exterior Cladding: Traditional stucco Roof: Standing-seam metal Each material was selected for longevity, performance, and aesthetic restraint—supporting a home that will age gracefully over decades. The Seven Rivers Design + Build Approach The Austin St. Build exemplifies Seven Rivers Design + Build’s design/build philosophy: integrating architecture, materials, and systems into a cohesive whole. By pairing traditional finishes with modern building science, this project delivers a refined, efficient custom home that feels both contemporary and enduring.

New 2 Story 1,200-square-foot laneway house. The two-bed, two-bath unit had hardwood floors throughout, a washer and dryer; and an open concept living room, dining room and kitchen. This forward thinking secondary building is all Electric, NO natural gas. Heated with air to air heat pumps and supplemental electric baseboard heaters (if needed). Includes future Solar array rough-in and structural built to receive a soil green roof down the road.

Many recent renovations had already taken place at this phenomenal old Tudor home. The kitchen redo was saved for last. Our mission, imposed by our client, was to create a jaw-dropping, ultra-functional space for family and friends to gather in for years to come. Naturally, the new kitchen would have to reflect the style of the home seamlessly. One challenge was to incorporate very large professional style appliances into the space while keeping the feel of a stately, yet warm home. Custom wood panels were designed for the refrigerator units to give a furniture feel. A copper hood was designed to bring in an old world element. Wood panels were applied to all other appliances – two dishwashers, a wine refrigerator, and a beverage refrigerator. An iron I-beam that separated the original kitchen from the butler’s pantry and back entry was covered in wood with chamfers to match the other ceiling beams in the home by a local woodworker. Due to the age of the home, the outside walls are concrete block. This necessitated chiseling troughs into the concrete for electrical wiring. Ceilings were studded randomly, so finding openings for recessed lighting was hit or miss. A large cluster of wiring and plumbing to the second floor had to be hidden behind cabinetry to the left of and above the refrigerators. HVAC wasn’t straight forward either. Toe kick heaters from the old kitchen had to be replaced with other sources. A propane tank had to be added to fuel the large dual fuel, double oven range. The homeowner wanted to add a walk-in pantry for extra storage, so space was taken from an existing exterior space. This created the need for extra insulation, supplemental heat and added lighting. Needless to say, mechanicals were a big challenge. Natural stone was added in backsplash areas to the ceiling to mimic the rectangular stone on the exterior of the home. Wood panels fill the backsplash areas under wall cabinets. Large chandeliers light the space. Open shelves at the wet bar/prep area offer convenient storage for grab and go service items. A built-in pantry with antique mirrored mullion doors hides a microwave, several other small appliances as well as dishes and food items. This pantry was tucked into an alcove for an added architectural element. Herringbone wood floors are classic and timeless. Wrought iron hardware and shelf brackets fit right in. Large Barley twist legs ground the island giving a nod to the Tudor style. Mission accomplished. Matt Villano Photography

Pathway circles gathering area to enjoy working at veggie bed, dining with friends, irrigating supplementally on hot days. Moki likes it also.
Example of an eclectic patio design in San Francisco