Search results for "Towards material" in Home Design Ideas
Cape Associates, Inc.Overthinking a situation isn’t always a bad thing, particularly when the home in question is one in which the past is suddenly meeting the present. Originally designed by Finnish architect Olav Hammarstrom in 1952 for fellow architect Eero Saarinen, this unique home recently received its first transformation in decades. Still in its 1950s skin, it was completely gutted, inside and out. It was a serious undertaking, as the homeowner wanted modern upgrades, while keeping an eye toward retaining the home’s 1950s charm. She had a vision for her home, and she stuck to it from beginning to end.
Perched on a rise of land and overlooking the tranquil Wellfleet Herring Pond, the home initially appears split, with the guest house on the left, and the main house of the right, but both ends are connected with a breezeway. The original home’s bones were in good shape, but many upgrades and replacements were necessary to bring the house up to date.
New siding, roofing, gutters, insulation and mechanical systems were all replaced. Doors and windows with metal frames were custom made by a company in Long Island that fabricates doors for office buildings. Modern heating and cooling systems were added, and the three bathrooms were all updated. The footprint of the home remained unchanged. Inside, the only expansion was more closet space.
The attention to detail in retaining the 50s-style look took a lot of online searching, from handles and knobs to lighting fixtures, with bits and pieces arriving from all over the world, including a doorstop from New Zealand. The homeowner selected many of the fixtures herself, while a very detail-oriented foreman exhaustively researched as well, looking for just the right piece for each and every location.
High-end appliances were purchased to modernize the kitchen and all of the old cabinetry was removed, replaced and refaced with NUVACOR, a versatile surfacing material that not only provided a sleek, modern look, but added convenience and ease of use.
Bare, wood-beamed ceilings throughout give a nod to the home’s natural surroundings, while the main living area (formerly a fisherman’s cabin), with a brick fireplace, was completely trimmed in walnut, while multiple windows of varying sizes welcome sunlight to brighten the home. Here, the sheetrock ceiling with faux rafters provides an interesting and room-brightening feature.
Behind the house sits the serene pond, which can now be enjoyed from the stunning new deck. Here, decking material was not laid out side by side, as it typically is but, instead, meticulously laid out on edge, creating an unusual and eye-catching effect. A railing of tempered glass panels allows unobstructed views of the surrounding natural beauty, and keeps consistent with the open, airy feel of the place. A new outdoor shower is accessible via the deck and left open to the wilderness and the pond below, completing the bold yet sophisticated feeling of this retro-modern home.
Lincoln Lighthill ArchitectHow do you make an impact within a familiar project typology? For our first cafe for Spro Coffee Lab, and their flagship location, we combined a long-held vision of a cafe with a faceted ceiling, their red & white material palette, and the building owner’s desire for an iconic street presence into a unified, minimalist language of angles and facets that extends throughout the cafe.
Overhead, a faceted soffit juts out dramatically over the service bar, the two objects mirroring each other’s footprints and satisfying Health Code requirements for a smooth, cleanable surface overhead. Concealing an egress corridor above that bisects the space, the soffit presents a bold visual gesture through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls of this corner space, beckoning passersby inside.
The service bar points toward the entry, with a minimalist espresso-tap system as the focal point, and angled sections branching off in both directions to create seating and service areas and direct customer flow.
Throughout the space, surfaces customers interact with are clad in chocolate-colored cork, providing a highly textured, tactile contrast to the smooth, white primary materials and complementing the bronze window system, red logos, and customer seating. The unfinished cork is durable and stain-resistant, resilient to the touch, provides acoustic dampening, and is highly sustainable.
The result is a cafe that goes far beyond the project brief, creating a memorable experience and an iconic presence for the brand.
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Open Door FurnitureThis was such a special project that we were completely honored to be trusted with. Our client had saved over 400 corks over a decade and was looking for help to incorporate them into a piece of furniture. Our thought behind the design was to create something that had a resemblance to a window since these corks all represented memories she could look back on. When you are dealing with material as priceless as that, the stakes are high but we are excited with how this turned out!
The case is a solid walnut with a hand rubbed and burnished oil finish to help accentuate the beautiful grain pattern. Our goal was to make the top the star of the show so we tried to make the drawer as discreet as so instead of adding hardware we made it a push to open drawer with a nice soft close. The steel base is flush all around the case and provides a nice contrast and mix of materials.
The top has a 1/4" thick piece of glass. Each section of cork is broken up by sections of flat black steel that are then framed out with bead molding which draws the eye toward the obvious feature of the corks.
We are so honored to be trusted with such a precious piece and thrilled that our client loved the finished result!
Open Door FurnitureThis was such a special project that we were completely honored to be trusted with. Our client had saved over 400 corks over a decade and was looking for help to incorporate them into a piece of furniture. Our thought behind the design was to create something that had a resemblance to a window since these corks all represented memories she could look back on. When you are dealing with material as priceless as that, the stakes are high but we are excited with how this turned out!
The case is a solid walnut with a hand rubbed and burnished oil finish to help accentuate the beautiful grain pattern. Our goal was to make the top the star of the show so we tried to make the drawer as discreet as so instead of adding hardware we made it a push to open drawer with a nice soft close. The steel base is flush all around the case and provides a nice contrast and mix of materials.
The top has a 1/4" thick piece of glass. Each section of cork is broken up by sections of flat black steel that are then framed out with bead molding which draws the eye toward the obvious feature of the corks.
We are so honored to be trusted with such a precious piece and thrilled that our client loved the finished result!
Housing & Building Association of Colorado SpringsThe Home
Welcome home to this desirable ranch-style floor plan. Here, you’ll find a private, large, primary suite with a spacious walk-in closet
and a second private bedroom on the opposite side of the home toward the front. Centrally located is the great room, dining and eat-in kitchen with a large island. With our varying lives, enjoy the flex room space towards the back of the home. This space can be used as an office, storage or transformed into a domestic suite prepped for your craft room or workshop. This plan also earns merit with its patio options. Transform the included patio into the “Colorado Room,” a partial or full enclosure with multi-accessible entries...perfect for an all-season retreat. Finally, this home includes an expansive basement with a full wet bar and “anything” room.
The Builder
As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that is unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life.
The Interior Design
A delicate blend of modern elegance and minimalist ease, combined with sophistication and warmth is the best way to describe the Aspen’s home style. Bold patterns and dark woods mixed with light linen upholstery create a sense of drama throughout. A classic color scheme of bright whites and rich blacks make for a solid backdrop while hints of sleek grays and brushed gold and chrome metals offer energy to each space.
George OcampoUpper Valley Estate Curb Appeal – El Paso, Texas
This curb appeal transformation was conceived as a deliberate sequence—an arrival experience where architecture, landscape, and lighting work together as one. Every element was designed to honor the home’s stone construction, turreted forms, and Old World character while responding precisely to the Upper Valley climate and lifestyle.
By day, the experience is grounded and composed. Brick-edged concrete drives establish order and permanence, guiding movement through the property with clarity and intention. Natural stone walls and columns anchor the architecture, while layered gravel beds, drought-tolerant plantings, and manicured turf soften transitions and connect the home to its desert setting. Mature trees were preserved and carefully integrated, providing scale, shade, and a sense of continuity.
As afternoon shifts toward sunset, the materials begin to speak differently. Stone warms, textures deepen, and sightlines subtly draw the eye toward the front entry. The landscape narrows the focus, creating a moment of pause before arrival—calm, quiet, and refined.
At night, the design reveals its final layer. Low-voltage lighting is integrated with precision, washing stone surfaces, tracing architectural curves, and uplighting specimen trees to create depth without glare. The drive, walkways, and entry feel safe, legible, and inviting, while the home itself glows with a restrained elegance. Coming home after dark feels intentional—protected, welcoming, and unmistakably yours.
What was created is more than curb appeal. It is a cohesive design-build solution where nothing is ornamental without purpose and nothing is built without intention. A daily experience of arrival that reflects craftsmanship, care, and the enduring character of the Upper Valley.
Cowbell DesignsThis striking renovation transforms the ashes of a burned-down house into a modern, dramatic masterpiece. The entire exterior is cloaked in deep black tones, creating a bold, unified aesthetic across the siding, windows, trim, roof, foundation walls, and gutters. The rich, matte black finish exudes both sophistication and resilience, paying homage to its past while looking toward the future. To soften the boldness, a natural wood deck and matching handrail warmly invite visitors to the front door, providing a touch of organic charm and balance to the otherwise monochromatic exterior. This blend of bold design and comforting accents ensures a unique home with a story.
Vitruvius BuiltSet against Deer Valley with expansive views toward Bald Mountain and Mount Timpanogos, Axis is a 6,000-square-foot modern mountain residence that feels inevitable within the landscape. The home is positioned with an exceptional depth of field, allowing the ridgelines, changing alpine light, and long mountain views to remain a defining part of daily life.
Inside, refined interiors and storied personal collections bring warmth, depth, and a strong sense of identity. The result is a deeply personal, precisely executed residence designed for generations.
Vitruvius BuiltSet against Deer Valley with expansive views toward Bald Mountain and Mount Timpanogos, Axis is a 6,000-square-foot modern mountain residence that feels inevitable within the landscape. The home is positioned with an exceptional depth of field, allowing the ridgelines, changing alpine light, and long mountain views to remain a defining part of daily life.
Inside, refined interiors and storied personal collections bring warmth, depth, and a strong sense of identity. The result is a deeply personal, precisely executed residence designed for generations.
Vitruvius BuiltSet against Deer Valley with expansive views toward Bald Mountain and Mount Timpanogos, Axis is a 6,000-square-foot modern mountain residence that feels inevitable within the landscape. The home is positioned with an exceptional depth of field, allowing the ridgelines, changing alpine light, and long mountain views to remain a defining part of daily life.
Inside, refined interiors and storied personal collections bring warmth, depth, and a strong sense of identity. The result is a deeply personal, precisely executed residence designed for generations.
Granit Architects + InteriorsWe are delighted to have completed the radical transformation of a tired detached property in South Croydon.
When they appointed Granit, our clients were living in the property which had previously been divided into a number of flats.
The historic sub-division had resulted in an extremely poor use of space with redundant staircases, kitchens and bathrooms throughout.
Our clients sought to reconfigure the property back into a single dwelling for his growing family.
Our client had an eye for design and was keen to balance contemporary design whilst maintaining as much of the character of the original house.
Maximising natural light, space and establishing a visual and physical connection were also key drivers for the design. Owing to the size of the property, it became apparent that reconfiguration rather than extension provided the solution to meet the brief.
A metal clad ‘intervention’ was introduced to the rear facade. This created a strong horizontal element creating a visual balance with the vertical nature of the three storey gable.
The metal cladding specified echoed the colour of the red brick string courses tying old with new. Slender frame sliding doors provide access and views of the large garden.
The central circulation space was transformed by the introduction of a double height glazed slot wrapping up the rear facade and onto the roof. This allows daylight to permeate into the heart of the otherwise dark deep floor plan. The staircase was reconfigured into a series of landings looking down over the main void space below and out towards the tree canopies at the rear of the garden.
The introduction of double pocket doors throughout the ground floor creates a series of interconnected spaces and the whitewashed Larch flooring flows seamlessly from room to room. A bold palette of colours and materials lends character and texture throughout the property.
The end result is a spacious yet cosy environment for the family to inhabit for years to come.
Sponsored
Westerville, OH
Custom Home Works
Franklin County's Award-Winning Design, Build and Remodeling Expert
QBANA DESIGNS PVT LTDArchitecture and Interior Designing has evolved significantly over the years in response to changing lifestyles, rapid urbanisation, and technological advancements. Today, the focus is no longer just on creating visually appealing spaces, but on designing environments that are intelligent, adaptable, sustainable, and deeply human-centric. Elite 18 reflects this evolution through a modern residential narrative that balances functionality, comfort, and emotional well-being.
Designed by Sandeep & Shreya Sahani, the project responds thoughtfully to the demands of contemporary urban living. As cities continue to grow denser, architecture is increasingly shifting towards smarter planning and efficient use of space. Compact yet breathable layouts, multifunctional areas, and vertical living concepts are becoming essential in modern residential developments. At Elite 18, the design approach embraces openness, fluidity, and practicality, ensuring that spaces remain functional while maintaining a sense of luxury and calm.
Changing lifestyles have also transformed the way homes are designed. With remote work and flexible routines becoming part of everyday life, modern residences now require adaptable spaces that can seamlessly support work, leisure, and social interaction. The interiors at Elite 18 are curated with clean lines, soothing tones, and uncluttered layouts that enhance comfort while supporting modern living patterns.
Technology has further reshaped architecture by introducing smarter and more responsive environments. Contemporary buildings increasingly integrate smart lighting, climate control systems, touchless features, and digital planning tools to improve convenience and efficiency. This shift towards intelligent architecture allows spaces to become more personalised and responsive to user behaviour.
Sustainability has also become a defining aspect of modern architectural thinking. With growing environmental awareness and climate concerns, architects are prioritising energy efficiency, natural ventilation, climate-responsive materials, and sustainable construction practices. At Elite 18, strategic placement of openings, balanced natural light, and thoughtful material selection contribute to a more energy-efficient and comfortable indoor environment.
Overall, architecture today is evolving beyond aesthetics to create spaces that are adaptive, environmentally responsible, and emotionally enriching. Elite 18 stands as a reflection of this transformation, where thoughtful design, sustainability, technology, and modern lifestyles come together to shape the future of urban living.
Vitruvius BuiltSet against Deer Valley with expansive views toward Bald Mountain and Mount Timpanogos, Axis is a 6,000-square-foot modern mountain residence that feels inevitable within the landscape. The home is positioned with an exceptional depth of field, allowing the ridgelines, changing alpine light, and long mountain views to remain a defining part of daily life.
Inside, refined interiors and storied personal collections bring warmth, depth, and a strong sense of identity. The result is a deeply personal, precisely executed residence designed for generations.
Vitruvius BuiltSet against Deer Valley with expansive views toward Bald Mountain and Mount Timpanogos, Axis is a 6,000-square-foot modern mountain residence that feels inevitable within the landscape. The home is positioned with an exceptional depth of field, allowing the ridgelines, changing alpine light, and long mountain views to remain a defining part of daily life.
Inside, refined interiors and storied personal collections bring warmth, depth, and a strong sense of identity. The result is a deeply personal, precisely executed residence designed for generations.
Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations
Vitruvius BuiltSet against Deer Valley with expansive views toward Bald Mountain and Mount Timpanogos, Axis is a 6,000-square-foot modern mountain residence that feels inevitable within the landscape. The home is positioned with an exceptional depth of field, allowing the ridgelines, changing alpine light, and long mountain views to remain a defining part of daily life.
Inside, refined interiors and storied personal collections bring warmth, depth, and a strong sense of identity. The result is a deeply personal, precisely executed residence designed for generations.
Vitruvius BuiltSet against Deer Valley with expansive views toward Bald Mountain and Mount Timpanogos, Axis is a 6,000-square-foot modern mountain residence that feels inevitable within the landscape. The home is positioned with an exceptional depth of field, allowing the ridgelines, changing alpine light, and long mountain views to remain a defining part of daily life.
Inside, refined interiors and storied personal collections bring warmth, depth, and a strong sense of identity. The result is a deeply personal, precisely executed residence designed for generations.
Shuler ArchitectureCompleted in 2011 this 4 BR, 3 1/2 bath custom home is situated on a very tight urban infill lot in Northern, Virginia. Our clients were relocating to the D.C. area from New England and wanted to retain some of the New England vernacular they were familiar with in their new home. Due to heavy zoning restrictions, stylistic CCR's and a large program of almost 7000 sf, our design response is a modern take on a traditional hipped 4-square.
We intentionally kept the skin and form of the building simple in order to contain cost and allow for a higher level of interior finish. The main level employs our favorite Great Room scheme that merges cooking, eating and entertaining into one seamless space that flows onto an expansive deck overlooking the rear yard. The entry elevation welcomes guests with a traditional front porch and stone path that passes by a small rain garden. The basement accommodates a guest room, media room, exercise area, and full shop while the upper level orients 2 kid's bedrooms, a Jack-n-Jill bath and the master suite toward a territorial view of the rear yard. All of this program is housed beneath a hipped roof that minimizes the scale of the house while presenting a thoughtful appearance toward the street and neighbors.
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