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

For those who want more of a good thing, we offer our Tealight 4 plan. This is the only Tealight home design that comes standard with three bedrooms (which can easily become four) plus a loft. You’ll see that the living room, kitchen and other spaces are just a bit more, well, spacious. You may also notice that the master bedroom is placed over the garage. This arrangement not only expands the upstairs, it lets you monitor when your teenager gets home at night. Which is also a good thing.

Colorful and rich style When a repeat client shows up on your doorstep with his third home to furnish and wants to start from scratch and go really bold, you just embrace him, scoot him right up to the resource room, and don’t ask questions! I mean, who does not love a client that embraces velvet, leather, silk and wallcoverings? This lush, vibrant lounge space was all created from the want to really deep dive into something different, eclectic and more traveled. The original small, narrow, dimly lit room totally delivered on helping accomplish that mood. Mixing a little of that Ming dynasty-inspired strawberry red with a deep chocolate mohair on the sectional and cladding the room in a soft, amethyst woven wallcovering. We loved the interplay and “non-matchiness” that this space embraced. Lighting and art were both about telling a story in this room – accenting conversational opportunities and an almost gallery-esque feel. Designating a more dynamic and unusual, sculptural feel – from the harder lines of the statement floor lamp in the living room across to the sprawling, slightly modern bloom of the dining area fixture. Jewel of a space The area rug had to ground the already bold furniture and lend itself to the darker wood floors, and a dusky green wool proved the ticket. We loved the almost pixelated pattern the hand-knotted wool lent to the overall design. A little hint of oxblood, chocolate and blue picked up in accents elsewhere, but the tone of almost jade really caught us about this piece. Not enough can be said about the accent of a dining space either (which in terms of space planning was the only way to balance this long, narrow “hallway” of a room off the kitchen). Citron velvet on the low-profile chairs left the space feeling open, but fun for games and cocktail parties. Plus, the cerused wood dining table was a great complement – offering depth without a conflict to the existing flooring or nearby sectional. Being able to view this space as a whole was very important to us! From the selection of sconces carried throughout (that wonky placement was existing and with so little opportunity to add cans we had to play up the new fixtures in a way that make them feel purposeful and desirable.), to the balance of color and temperature in each furniture grouping. Sometimes working floor to ceiling in an existing space can pose a lot of unique challenges when it comes to furnishing projects. However, we loved that the client embraced our drive to really punch up the visual feel of this living/dining combo. Also, we know the enjoyment he gets from the finished product is a testament to hunting for the right pieces, designing with unusual and luxe fabric combinations, and managing the inclusion of budget-friendly surprises that always balance a job well done. What the client says “From the moment that Cheryl arrived, I felt that she was definitely the designer that I needed to help facilitate & execute my vision for the space. I’m not the “cookie cutter” type, and I immediately realized that Cheryl had a knack for envisioning ideas that were unique, yet tasteful, timeless, and sophisticated.” From its beginnings as a plain Jane envelope, this combination living/dining space becomes a study in texture and color!

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Singapore

Colorful and rich style When a repeat client shows up on your doorstep with his third home to furnish and wants to start from scratch and go really bold, you just embrace him, scoot him right up to the resource room, and don’t ask questions! I mean, who does not love a client that embraces velvet, leather, silk and wallcoverings? This lush, vibrant lounge space was all created from the want to really deep dive into something different, eclectic and more traveled. The original small, narrow, dimly lit room totally delivered on helping accomplish that mood. Mixing a little of that Ming dynasty-inspired strawberry red with a deep chocolate mohair on the sectional and cladding the room in a soft, amethyst woven wallcovering. We loved the interplay and “non-matchiness” that this space embraced. Lighting and art were both about telling a story in this room – accenting conversational opportunities and an almost gallery-esque feel. Designating a more dynamic and unusual, sculptural feel – from the harder lines of the statement floor lamp in the living room across to the sprawling, slightly modern bloom of the dining area fixture. Jewel of a space The area rug had to ground the already bold furniture and lend itself to the darker wood floors, and a dusky green wool proved the ticket. We loved the almost pixelated pattern the hand-knotted wool lent to the overall design. A little hint of oxblood, chocolate and blue picked up in accents elsewhere, but the tone of almost jade really caught us about this piece. Not enough can be said about the accent of a dining space either (which in terms of space planning was the only way to balance this long, narrow “hallway” of a room off the kitchen). Citron velvet on the low-profile chairs left the space feeling open, but fun for games and cocktail parties. Plus, the cerused wood dining table was a great complement – offering depth without a conflict to the existing flooring or nearby sectional. Being able to view this space as a whole was very important to us! From the selection of sconces carried throughout (that wonky placement was existing and with so little opportunity to add cans we had to play up the new fixtures in a way that make them feel purposeful and desirable.), to the balance of color and temperature in each furniture grouping. Sometimes working floor to ceiling in an existing space can pose a lot of unique challenges when it comes to furnishing projects. However, we loved that the client embraced our drive to really punch up the visual feel of this living/dining combo. Also, we know the enjoyment he gets from the finished product is a testament to hunting for the right pieces, designing with unusual and luxe fabric combinations, and managing the inclusion of budget-friendly surprises that always balance a job well done. What the client says “From the moment that Cheryl arrived, I felt that she was definitely the designer that I needed to help facilitate & execute my vision for the space. I’m not the “cookie cutter” type, and I immediately realized that Cheryl had a knack for envisioning ideas that were unique, yet tasteful, timeless, and sophisticated.” From its beginnings as a plain Jane envelope, this combination living/dining space becomes a study in texture and color!

The renovated building showing the majority of the project. The house was constructed circa 1910 and did not have a third level. The existing roof was removed and a gable roof added to get three bedrooms on the upper story. The basement was excavated level for three more bedrooms.

West Seattle offers great views to Puget Sound and this house is no exception. It almost felt like we were in the water from the second and third floor. The bamboo floors were getting a tremendous amount of fading and the air conditioning was having a difficult time keeping up with the heat. We installed 3M Prestige 50 to keep the view and solve the problems from the sun.

Incredible opportunity to purchase a completely renovated turnkey rental property with incredible ocean views and great beach access. Step into the tiled foyer and be delighted with the reverse floor plan that takes advantage of the ocean views. The main living level is bright and sunny with brand new wood floors and an open floor plan. The living room features a vaulted ceiling, dramatic views, ceiling fan, a fireplace, and access to the deck and screen porch. The dining room is open with a bay window and great views. The kitchen is any chef's dream with new white cabinets, quartz counters, tile backsplash, eat at bar, microwave, smooth top electric range & additional wall oven, dishwasher, & more. The large screen porch offers a ceiling fan and there is quite a bit of deck space. The spacious master suite features a vaulted ceiling, great views, deck access, ceiling fan, an owners closet, large closet, tile floor in the bathroom, dual vanity with marble counter, and a walk in shower. Bedroom two is on the main level with carpet, a ceiling fan, a private covered porch, closet, and a private bath with tile floor, two vanities, and a tub and shower combo. Also on the main level is the powder bath, a coat closet, and an additional owner's closet. On the lower level you will find two more spacious bedrooms. Bedroom three features two closet, a ceiling fan, and deck access. Bedroom four has ample closet space, deck access, and a private bath with dual shower. The hall bath offers tile floor, a vanity with a marble top and a tub and shower combo. The third floor features a loft/home office space. The fifth bedroom is also on this level. It does not have a closet, but one could easily be added. The views are amazing. Don't let this home get away! Home is being sold fully furnished with some exclusions. Seabrook Island is a 2200-acre resort with 3 miles of beaches, Equestrian Center, Island House, 2 golf courses, Racquet Club, Beach Club, and Lake House. Nearby is Bohicket Marina, and Freshfields Village. Historic downtown Charleston, Kiawah, other islands, medical facilities and airports are within easy biking or driving distance.

Designed By: Richard Bustos Photos By: Jeri Koegel Ron and Kathy Chaisson have lived in many homes throughout Orange County, including three homes on the Balboa Peninsula and one at Pelican Crest. But when the “kind of retired” couple, as they describe their current status, decided to finally build their ultimate dream house in the flower streets of Corona del Mar, they opted not to skimp on the amenities. “We wanted this house to have the features of a resort,” says Ron. “So we designed it to have a pool on the roof, five patios, a spa, a gym, water walls in the courtyard, fire-pits and steam showers.” To bring that five-star level of luxury to their newly constructed home, the couple enlisted Orange County’s top talent, including our very own rock star design consultant Richard Bustos, who worked alongside interior designer Trish Steel and Patterson Custom Homes as well as Brandon Architects. Together the team created a 4,500 square-foot, five-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bathroom contemporary house where R&R get top billing in almost every room. Two stories tall and with lots of open spaces, it manages to feel spacious despite its narrow location. And from its third floor patio, it boasts panoramic ocean views. “Overall we wanted this to be contemporary, but we also wanted it to feel warm,” says Ron. Key to creating that look was Richard, who selected the primary pieces from our extensive portfolio of top-quality furnishings. Richard also focused on clean lines and neutral colors to achieve the couple’s modern aesthetic, while allowing both the home’s gorgeous views and Kathy’s art to take center stage. As for that mahogany-lined elevator? “It’s a requirement,” states Ron. “With three levels, and lots of entertaining, we need that elevator for keeping the bar stocked up at the cabana, and for our big barbecue parties.” He adds, “my wife wears high heels a lot of the time, so riding the elevator instead of taking the stairs makes life that much better for her.”

Wallingford, Ct. Living beyond the walls of your home outdoors seamlessly to capture the serenity of the morning sun and after evening dinner gatherings were on the menu for this great family. The idea at hand brought forth by outdoor living fabulously designer Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES were graciously accepted and the work began to not only enlarge the deck space but to capture value centers for Outdoor culinary, evening bar and Alfresco and the convenience of a nearby splash in the hot tub surrounded by granite and even a remote Fire feature above the hot tub. All these features part of the recipe for Living Outdoors fabulously. If you look close enough you can see the masonry details in which Preferred Properties is known for. The elegance of Stone surrounding Brown Jordan's cabinetry in Java color shows the insightfulness of masterful outdoor Kitchen builder Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES. The sprawling outdoor grill island has plenty of work or play space for that matter highlighting DCS grill, plenty of storage, two drawer refrigerator and a trash pull all capped off with large swirling granite counters. A nice touch here is the top shelf designed for sight lines from entering the back yard, wind blockage for grilling, receptacles, and even night lighting underneath to illuminate at night. The second area is the sprawling bar and beverage Alfresco up against the house. Even the top shelf mimics the octagon bow window shape. The stone and granite details surround a nice layout of outdoor cabinetry for user convenience. The third area more of a splash to the outdoor living fabulously label is a Sundance spa enabled by a step down into from the deck. The new Deck and multi level stone surround with Remote firewalls keeps the fire visible from the house and poses as a privacy screen and back drop for the hot tub. These subtle features and design ideas by our team make the homeowners feel absolutely fabulous about the newly unfound space. For more great outdoor kitchens go to THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES. www.OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com or call right away at 1-855-GET OUTDOORS

This La Jolla condo, located steps away from Wind n Sea beach was our client's third home we completed for them in San Diego. As vacation rental property owners, this Texas couple plans on making this their retirement escape in the years to come. In the meantime, the design had to be suitable for short time renters. Keeping our clients' needs in mind, the interior design was geared to appeal to the out of towners. With a focus on durability, clean, simple and modern coastal design, we're all pretty certain this little gem is going to stand out amongst its competition. The formula is pretty simple, but our job is to make it happen! :) Most of the furnishings were custom-made to fit the space perfectly, taking advantage of every inch and maximizing the space. Doubling up 2 full size beds in each of the guest rooms made this vacation rental property perfect for families and large groups. One of our biggest challenges? Finding pieces we loved that had no metal accents! ((The salt air takes its toll on those pieces faster than you'd ever guess when you're this close to the ocean!) We take no credit for the incredible sunsets you're guaranteed to get almost every night of your stay here, just one of the many perks of vacationing at Neptune Place. :) Photo Credits: Anthony Ghiglia

Let me start by saying this was by far the hardest job I’ve ever done and as you read on you will soon realise why. The customer called me out to quote on a Quarry tiled floor at a house in Danehill that was covered in concrete screed. She said it had always been there and she’s lived there for years always meaning to get it bought back to a state that she could live with. Undaunted by the state of the floor (see photo below) we agreed a price and fixed a date to do the work. For the next two days I spent all my time pouring neat Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up onto small areas and working it in with a metal scraper and wire brush. Once removed the resultant muck was rinsed and extracted using a wet vacuum, laborious work as you can imagine although I was kept entertained by playing the occasional game of fetch with a very keen Collie dog who seemed fascinated by the bloke sitting on his floor all day. After two days of this my hands were throbbing but I could see red quarry tile emerging. The final two hours on the second day were spent making good any areas under the washing machine and fridge and giving the floor a thorough rinse to remove any trace of cleaning product. The floor dried off overnight and I came back the third day to seal the tiles making sure that my canine companion had been sent next door first. To seal the floor I used six coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go which really brought back the colour in the floor and gave it an amazingly shiny surface. Once sealed the floors transformation was complete and when the customer returned from work she was utterly speechless. I’d turned what looked like a building site into a stunning tiled floor.

Incredible opportunity to purchase a completely renovated turnkey rental property with incredible ocean views and great beach access. Step into the tiled foyer and be delighted with the reverse floor plan that takes advantage of the ocean views. The main living level is bright and sunny with brand new wood floors and an open floor plan. The living room features a vaulted ceiling, dramatic views, ceiling fan, a fireplace, and access to the deck and screen porch. The dining room is open with a bay window and great views. The kitchen is any chef's dream with new white cabinets, quartz counters, tile backsplash, eat at bar, microwave, smooth top electric range & additional wall oven, dishwasher, & more. The large screen porch offers a ceiling fan and there is quite a bit of deck space. The spacious master suite features a vaulted ceiling, great views, deck access, ceiling fan, an owners closet, large closet, tile floor in the bathroom, dual vanity with marble counter, and a walk in shower. Bedroom two is on the main level with carpet, a ceiling fan, a private covered porch, closet, and a private bath with tile floor, two vanities, and a tub and shower combo. Also on the main level is the powder bath, a coat closet, and an additional owner's closet. On the lower level you will find two more spacious bedrooms. Bedroom three features two closet, a ceiling fan, and deck access. Bedroom four has ample closet space, deck access, and a private bath with dual shower. The hall bath offers tile floor, a vanity with a marble top and a tub and shower combo. The third floor features a loft/home office space. The fifth bedroom is also on this level. It does not have a closet, but one could easily be added. The views are amazing. Don't let this home get away! Home is being sold fully furnished with some exclusions. Seabrook Island is a 2200-acre resort with 3 miles of beaches, Equestrian Center, Island House, 2 golf courses, Racquet Club, Beach Club, and Lake House. Nearby is Bohicket Marina, and Freshfields Village. Historic downtown Charleston, Kiawah, other islands, medical facilities and airports are within easy biking or driving distance.

This elegant Craftsman style house plan features plenty of space for the whole family to do their own thing with no interruptions … but there’s space where everyone can get together for movie night or other family activities. The downstairs features a well-designed open floor plan highlighted by a vaulted gathering room, gourmet kitchen with breakfast area, formal dining space and a home office. The downstairs master suite opens onto a covered loggia, and also features a large dressing room/walk-in closet area. Upstairs you’ll find three suites, each opening onto a bathroom, making any of them a perfect mother-in-law suite. Oh, there’s also one of the largest bonus rooms you’ll find anywhere. The garage with 3-car dimensions is perfect for adding workshop space — or the ultimate man cave. First Floor Heated: 2,976 Master Suite: Down Second Floor Heated: 2,376 Baths: 6.5 Third Floor Heated: Main Floor Ceiling: 10' Total Heated Area: 5,352 Specialty Rooms: Outdoor Living, Office/Media Room, Exercise, Game Room Garages: Three Garage: 1,126 Bedrooms: Five Footprint: 90'-8" x 93'-1" www.edgplancollection.com

Simple Floors Orange Project installation by Proelite
Tuscan staircase photo in Orange County

This La Jolla condo, located steps away from Wind n Sea beach was our client's third home we completed for them in San Diego. As vacation rental property owners, this Texas couple plans on making this their retirement escape in the years to come. In the meantime, the design had to be suitable for short time renters. Keeping our clients' needs in mind, the interior design was geared to appeal to the out of towners. With a focus on durability, clean, simple and modern coastal design, we're all pretty certain this little gem is going to stand out amongst its competition. The formula is pretty simple, but our job is to make it happen! :) Most of the furnishings were custom-made to fit the space perfectly, taking advantage of every inch and maximizing the space. Doubling up 2 full size beds in each of the guest rooms made this vacation rental property perfect for families and large groups. One of our biggest challenges? Finding pieces we loved that had no metal accents! ((The salt air takes its toll on those pieces faster than you'd ever guess when you're this close to the ocean!) We take no credit for the incredible sunsets you're guaranteed to get almost every night of your stay here, just one of the many perks of vacationing at Neptune Place. :) Photo Credits: Anthony Ghiglia

The owner wanted her master suite to be a daily retreat, a place to get away and relax in her tub. The existing bathroom didn't have a tub and two small closets that opened into the cramped space. An extensive collection of jewelry and shoes overflowed chaotically into the bathroom. In the master bedroom a small desk tucked into a corner by a third small closet took up valuable real estate. The master bath and bedroom were gutted and reconfigured. The closets moved out of the bathroom, and by stealing space above the stairwell and the aforementioned desk nook, a large walk in closet with built in storage was designed at one end of the bedroom. An additional wall of cabinets that houses the TV also serves as a place for shoes and accessory storage. In the new master bath, a new tiled walk in shower with a frameless shower door, and a freestanding bathtub give the room a much more spacious feel. Luxe finishes like marble, handmade tiles, and sleek custom cabinetry add to the spa like feel of the new master bath. A new custom makeup vanity adds even more storage, and the full length mirror disguises another storage cabinet. At the end of the day, the client loves to soak in the tub as she looks out over the treetops in this second story master suite retreat.

Alongside Jeff King & Company, Marina Blvd., won CotY 2016 National Winner of Landscape Design/Outdoor Living The project was to transform an existing flat roof and master bedroom suite floor into a dramatic deck with kitchen, dining and living areas leading to a stair to an upper deck for America’s Cup race viewing. The existing home is a 3-story 4,000 square foot Spanish Mission-style home built in the 1920’s and sits directly across from the St. Francis Yacht Club on Marina Boulevard in San Francisco – a prime location. No changes were possible for the historic façade and the new construction was to be out of view from the street, as much as possible. Going up the traditionally detailed stairway with decorative railing, you land at the third floor which becomes contemporary in style for the redesigned master bedroom suite, guest bath, sitting room and the roof deck. Large roof decks require careful attention to waterproofing and a Bison pedestal system was used to create a level deck surface and easy maintenance. Heavy ceramic tile pavers were interspersed with walkable in-floor skylights on the main deck with ipe wood floors at the upper deck and stairs. From both the master bedroom and the outdoor deck you can access a sitting room with large pocket or sliding doors to enclose it. If watching the fireworks on July 4th and it gets cold, people can move to the sitting room which has a fireplace to watch in a heated environment. The sitting room gas fireplace is surrounded by steel with a figured steel panel re-purposed from old sea pier metal that has been cleaned and sealed. A guest bath is adjacent to the master bath for guest use. A square recessed pattern tile was used to tie the old Spanish Mission-style feeling into the new more contemporary walls. In a large home that was short on storage, a large built-in armoire was built into the master bathroom for extra capacity. The project took two and a half years to complete including design and construction, in part due to historic reviews by the State of California.

Alongside Jeff King & Company, Marina Blvd., won CotY 2016 National Winner of Landscape Design/Outdoor Living The project was to transform an existing flat roof and master bedroom suite floor into a dramatic deck with kitchen, dining and living areas leading to a stair to an upper deck for America’s Cup race viewing. The existing home is a 3-story 4,000 square foot Spanish Mission-style home built in the 1920’s and sits directly across from the St. Francis Yacht Club on Marina Boulevard in San Francisco – a prime location. No changes were possible for the historic façade and the new construction was to be out of view from the street, as much as possible. Going up the traditionally detailed stairway with decorative railing, you land at the third floor which becomes contemporary in style for the redesigned master bedroom suite, guest bath, sitting room and the roof deck. Large roof decks require careful attention to waterproofing and a Bison pedestal system was used to create a level deck surface and easy maintenance. Heavy ceramic tile pavers were interspersed with walkable in-floor skylights on the main deck with ipe wood floors at the upper deck and stairs. From both the master bedroom and the outdoor deck you can access a sitting room with large pocket or sliding doors to enclose it. If watching the fireworks on July 4th and it gets cold, people can move to the sitting room which has a fireplace to watch in a heated environment. The sitting room gas fireplace is surrounded by steel with a figured steel panel re-purposed from old sea pier metal that has been cleaned and sealed. A guest bath is adjacent to the master bath for guest use. A square recessed pattern tile was used to tie the old Spanish Mission-style feeling into the new more contemporary walls. In a large home that was short on storage, a large built-in armoire was built into the master bathroom for extra capacity. The project took two and a half years to complete including design and construction, in part due to historic reviews by the State of California.