Search results for "Supplementing" in Home Design Ideas

Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards.
Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home.
The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year.
Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling.
A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function.
Photo by Philip Liang Photography.

NatureKast has a reputation for long lasting and beautiful outdoor products. As a result of years of experience and sensational craftsmanship, we’ve come up with a product that is stunningly beautiful, but also ruggedly functional. These cabinets are constructed out of 3/4” thick White or Black PVC and feature 100% Stainless Steel hardware. On top of that, we’ve pioneered a closed-cell weatherproof Resin that we’ve moulded to create exterior beauty that you will love at first sight. Available in 3 captivating door styles, and 15 finishes, these cabinets are designed to beautifully supplement your outdoor living space by providing comfort, style and longevity.

Aesthetic Value: Six flights of stacked curved stairways wind up this 80’ tall stair tower. The handrail adds elegance to the overall design as it flows continuously through all floors and pitch change transitions without any interruptions.
Stair Safety: The sturdy rail system provides safe guard which is especially crucial at these great heights.
Quality: Pre-built stairway and balustrade prior to delivery to jobsite. Solid hardwood staircase and supplemental structural iron work for securing the freestanding stair all done in house. Curved stringer and handrail transitions at all pitch changes.
Technical Challenge: Assisting with engineering freestanding floor systems and integrated stairways. Rigging and hoisting stairways up multiple floors. Designing floor areas and transitions to accommodate flights becoming narrower as they went higher. Logistics of working in Manhattan.
Find the right local pro for your project

Brunch is served! An oversize pendant provides interest and pleasant lighting for dining. The vintage tesselated marble table and bar cart have been supplemented with contemporary chairs with custom upholstery and new draperies.

This 4 bedroom (2 en suite), 4.5 bath home features vertical board–formed concrete expressed both outside and inside, complemented by exposed structural steel, Western Red Cedar siding, gray stucco, and hot rolled steel soffits. An outdoor patio features a covered dining area and fire pit. Hydronically heated with a supplemental forced air system; a see-through fireplace between dining and great room; Henrybuilt cabinetry throughout; and, a beautiful staircase by MILK Design (Chicago). The owner contributed to many interior design details, including tile selection and layout.

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

Elfa make a variety of shelves and book ends all based on their classic 1960's modular shelving designs.
We have reverse engineered all the main Elfa components on our CAD system, we start by building an accurate 3D model of your space the we can quickly populate it with our Elfa component models. We offer a complete design, supply and install service and often supplement the Elfa range with bespoke parts.

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.

Certainly a conversation piece, this stunning globe light acts as decor and supplemental lighting.
Inspiration for a contemporary dining room remodel in Salt Lake City
Inspiration for a contemporary dining room remodel in Salt Lake City

This 900 square foot NYC residence features a wealth of fold-out furniture, hidden storage, and other space-saving features. What really makes it feel expansive, though, is the use of specially-coated front-surface mirrors in strategic locations. These mirrors are placed above eye level to make the ceiling appear to extend far beyond the perimeter walls. Front-surface mirrors are also located directly adjacent to windows to multiply the views and increase the light brought into the space. It is a new take on an old idea, and one that subtly and invisibly reinforces the architecture. The loft is mainly one big open space that includes a kitchen and living room supplemented with a multi-use area that can serve as an office, guest bedroom, or 10-person dining room depending on the configuration of the retractable furniture.The bathroom and main bedroom are designed as small ͞cabinets͟ that flow from this space. White epoxy floors and gloss lacquered surfaces continue the sense of reflectivity, and contrast sharply with dark walnut cabinetry and panels at the perimeter. Dimmable concealed lighting at the perimeter combined with small point sources at art locations allow for a wide variety of moods depending on the light levels.The overall effect is minimal, yet warm and inviting. Architect: Specht Architects Contractor: TCM Photographer: Dror Baldinger

Revamped casual Oakland garden. Supplemented existing Napa Basalt walls and stairs to reduce slope and add gravel patio, replaced traditional sod lawn with synthetic turf, added new planting and low-voltage lighting throughout.

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

NatureKast has a reputation for long lasting and beautiful outdoor products. As a result of years of experience and sensational craftsmanship, we’ve come up with a product that is stunningly beautiful, but also ruggedly functional. These cabinets are constructed out of 3/4” thick White or Black PVC and feature 100% Stainless Steel hardware. On top of that, we’ve pioneered a closed-cell weatherproof Resin that we’ve moulded to create exterior beauty that you will love at first sight. Available in 3 captivating door styles, and 15 finishes, these cabinets are designed to beautifully supplement your outdoor living space by providing comfort, style and longevity.

The Lincoln House is a residence in Rye Brook, NY. The project consisted of a complete gut renovation to a landmark home designed and built by architect Wilson Garces, a student of Mies van der Rohe, in 1961.
The post and beam, mid-century modern house, had great bones and a super solid foundation integrated into the existing bedrock, but needed many updates in order to make it 21st-century modern and sustainable. All single pane glass panels were replaced with insulated units that consisted of two layers of tempered glass with low-e coating. New Runtal baseboard radiators were installed throughout the house along with ductless Mitsubishi City-Multi units, concealed in cabinetry, for air-conditioning and supplemental heat. All electrical systems were updated and LED recessed lighting was used to lower utility costs and create an overall general lighting, which was accented by warmer-toned sconces and pendants throughout. The roof was replaced and pitched to new interior roof drains, re-routed to irrigate newly planted ground cover. All insulation was replaced with spray-in foam to seal the house from air infiltration and to create a boundary to deter insects.
Aside from making the house more sustainable, it was also made more modern by reconfiguring and updating all bathroom fixtures and finishes. The kitchen was expanded into the previous dining area to take advantage of the continuous views along the back of the house. All appliances were updated and a double chef sink was created to make cooking and cleaning more enjoyable. The mid-century modern home is now a 21st century modern home, and it made the transition beautifully!
Photographed by: Maegan Walton

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.

A brand-new two bedroom laneway suite with a large balcony, perfect for aging-in-place or supplemental income, complements the renovated exterior on this charming bungalow. A new private porch complete with outdoor heater, ceiling fan and hidden storage completes the transformation. This is a thoughtful alternative to typical inner-city redevelopment, which allows for preservation of the existing home.

This loft is situated in the former International Tailoring Company Building in New York’s East Village. The clients bought a top-floor loft and an abandoned mechanical room directly above it. Our task was to combine the rooftop space with the loft to create a cohesive triplex apartment. We achieved this by carefully opening up the roof’s 100-year-old structural members to install a staircase connecting the existing loft to the additional upper two levels. On the main floor, the first run of the staircase is located in the apartment's entry and is made of a sculptural form of dark oak. The second run of the staircase is more open, allowing light from the top level's many windows to filter into the spaces below. The existing main loft was gut-renovated to create a more open space. The open kitchen/living space was strategically positioned to be surrounded by the building’s huge industrial steel windows, taking advantage of the apartment's high vantage over Union Square. Opposite the windows, custom woodwork serves to unify the kitchen with the living room. The built-in spans the full width of the apartment with dark textured oak panels concealing the appliances, the TV, and creating ample storage. The blackened steel paneled backsplash and chunky black granite countertops complete the dark color palette used in the kitchen. Throughout the apartment, a play of dark and light elements creates a distinctive atmosphere. In the open living areas, the light pouring in from the large windows contrasts with the dark colors selected for the built environment. The more private spaces, such as the bedroom, have a darker feel, with walls and ceilings painted in a deep purple that borders on black alongside more dark oak custom built-ins. The dining room functions as a bridge between the public and private spaces, with walls and ceiling painted in the same moody purple and a vintage mirrored tile accent wall reflecting natural light from the adjacent room’s windows. The middle floor, which has fewer windows, is painted bright white to enhance light in the home office located there.. On the penthouse level, panoramic views were achieved by installing new floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels, supplementing the existing industrial steel windows, and opening onto an adjacent roof terrace. The top floor functions as a lounge overlooking the city and includes unique custom features, such as a steel multi-drop lighting fixture above the stairs, hanging glass and steel shelving, and a built-in wet bar. Here again, dark-colored finishes and materials are used as a counterpoint to the abundant light entering the space. A future plan for the apartment is to create a private roof garden on top of the penthouse with an outdoor stair connecting it to the roof terrace below.

Shown with the Stainless Steel Fireback, Driftwood Twigs & Stone Interior Decor, and Platinum Crushed Glass.
Includes under floor lighting, Tile Trim Kit, GreenSmart Remote, 180 CFM (twin 90) Fans, Safety Screen.
Operates during a power outage and can direct supplemental heat into 2 additional areas!
Heating Capacity: 1,700 sq ft
BTU Range: 33,000 - 18,300 (NG) 33,000 - 17,500 (LP)
Glass View: 34" x 13"

Shown with the Black Enamel Fireback and Bronze Crushed Glass.
Includes under floor lighting, Tile Trim Kit, GreenSmart Remote, 180 CFM (twin 90) Fans, Safety Screen.
Operates during a power outage and can direct supplemental heat into 2 additional areas!
Heating Capacity: 2,100 sq ft
BTU Range: 42,000 - 21,670 (NG) 42,00 - 21,400 (LP)
Glass View: Two Sides 41-3/4" x 12-15/16"

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
20