New to the area, this client wanted to modernize and clean up this older 1980's home on one floor covering 3500 sq ft. on the golf course. Clean lines and a neutral material palette blends the home into the landscape, while careful craftsmanship gives the home a clean and contemporary appearance. We first met the client when we were asked to re-design the client future kitchen. The layout was not making any progress with the architect, so they asked us to step and give them a hand. The outcome is wonderful, full and expanse kitchen. The kitchen lead to assisting the client throughout the entire home. We were also challenged to meet the clients desired design details but also to meet a certain budget number.

Dining room - rustic dining room idea in Austin

Design & Supply: Astro Design Centre, Ottawa Canada Photo: JVL Photography We opted for using luxurious materials to add the warmth and glamour synonymous with a more traditional interior. Walnut, marble, brushed nickel and glass were all used to offset simple ivory lacquer cabinetry in the open concept living room. A massive slab of Taj Mahal Quartzite dictated the size of the kitchen island which we kept free of major utilities so that the room would bleed seamlessly into the adjacent living room. The base of the island is natural American walnut. The perimeter of the kitchen houses an industrial range and massive steel hood; which is juxtaposed on a backsplash of mosaic tile. The mosaic is delicate lattice work pattern gently nodding towards the traditional. To add additional depth and dimension to the space we made all the upper cabinetry open glass. The interiors of the glass cabinetry are in the same natural walnut as the island. This unexpected detail is the perfect backdrop to white dishes and crystal stemware. Ultimately the room is elegant and serene.

Final kids bathroom finishes/materials.
Example of a small 1960s kids' white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and gray floor home design design in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

The apartment had not been touched since its construction 30 years prior and was in dire need of an complete renovation. The owners’ main goal was to convert the once crowded space to an open plan, filled with light. The solution lay in a different layout. Changing the previous configuration of bedrooms along the window wall which resulted in very little sunlight reaching the public spaces. Breaking the norm of the traditional building layout, the bedrooms were moved to the back of the unit, while the living room and kitchen were moved towards the new large facing windows in the front, resulting in a flood of natural sunlight. Grey flooring was applied throughout the apartment to maximize light infiltration, the use of natural materials and blue accents were used to obtain a serene and calming atmosphere.

Contemporary dining area thin profile as not to interrupt the view of the water , layers a glass-topped table with mixed wood-and-black seating and an oversized looped sculptural centerpiece. Above, a composition of dark ring pendants and warm copper-toned dome lights creates a dynamic ceiling focal point that continues toward the kitchen. Pale wood flooring, dark cabinetry and subtle cove lighting maintain a cohesive palette throughout the open plan. The combination feels artistic and sociable, designed for both everyday meals and visually memorable entertaining.

See what our client say about Paul Lopa Designs: We hired Paul Lopa to remodel our master bathroom. During the project, we increased the work to include upgrading all moldings and replaced all interior doors including our front door. We are very pleased with his work. There were no hidden costs, he followed through on every last detail and did so in a timely manner. He guided us toward materials that were of a higher quality to prevent problems down the road. His team was respectful of our home and did their best to protect our belongings from the renovation destruction. We will definitely hire Paul Lopa again for future renovations. Haw, Ron

The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature. The courtyard scheme is simplified by two wings representing common and private zones - connected by a glass dining “bridge." This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house. Crips materiality and detailing, deep roof overhangs, and the one-and-half story wall at the rear further enhance the connection between outdoors and indoors, providing nuanced natural lighting throughout and a meaningful framed procession through the property. Photography Charles Davis Smith

The Maverick creates a new direction to this private residence with redefining this 2-bedroom apartment into an open-concept plan 1-bedroom. With a redirected sense of arrival that alters the movement the moment you enter this home, it became evident that new shapes, volumes, and orientations of functions were being developed to create a unique statement of living. All spaces are interconnected with the clarity of glass panels and sheer drapery that balances out the bold proportions to create a sense of calm and sensibility. The play with materials and textures was utilized as a tool to develop a unique dynamic between the different forms and functions. From the forest green marble to the painted thick molded ceiling and the finely corrugated lacquered walls, to redirecting the walnut wood veneer and elevating the sleeping area, all the spaces are obviously open towards one another that allowed for a dynamic flow throughout.

Located on a wooded lot on the south side of Mount Orford in Estrie, this country house is designed to enjoy views of the wooded slope down to a stream at the bottom of the valley and rising to the opposite cliff. The south offers a splendid view of distant mountains. Of modest size, the house is simple, modern and showcases natural materials. It opens towards the forest and the landscape while preserving the intimacy of the customers. The interior is spacious; the living spaces are communicating and friendly, with a high ceiling above the living room and a large picture window in front of the master bedroom, on the mezzanine. The living areas open onto an outdoor terrace that anchors the house to its rocky terrain, protected from the weather and hidden from the street. The rock of the land is highlighted at the edge of the terrace, where a rock face down the slope. A large roof overhang protects the house from the sun in the summer, and the low-level concrete floors absorb sunlight in the winter. The house has been designed according to the criteria of LEED and Novoclimat.

See what our client say about Paul Lopa Designs: We hired Paul Lopa to remodel our master bathroom. During the project, we increased the work to include upgrading all moldings and replaced all interior doors including our front door. We are very pleased with his work. There were no hidden costs, he followed through on every last detail and did so in a timely manner. He guided us toward materials that were of a higher quality to prevent problems down the road. His team was respectful of our home and did their best to protect our belongings from the renovation destruction. We will definitely hire Paul Lopa again for future renovations. Haw, Ron

A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.

Completed 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.

Nestled in the exclusive North Ranch neighborhood of Westlake Village, this 6,600-square-foot masterpiece is a shining example of JRP’s tailored luxury and innovative design. Our client’s vision for this home materialized as a single-story layout seamlessly blending the charm of a mountain aesthetic with a modern, rustic vibe. Every element, from the meticulously crafted ceiling siding and beams to the flush base, narrates a compelling story of extraordinary living. Comprising five bathrooms, three bedrooms, a dedicated office, a gym, and a craft room, each corner of this home was thoughtfully curated to fulfill the unique needs of our discerning clients. A particularly cherished aspect of the Rustic North Ranch project is the astonishing transformation of indoor-outdoor living. Separating the two spaces is a striking 18-foot-wide pocketing sliding door with a screen; when this door is open, the flow becomes seamless towards the reimagined outdoor living and new pool, inviting you to savor the indulgent pleasures of resort-style living within the sanctuary of a private retreat. For more of this Rustic North Ranch project, including before and after images, behind-the-scenes, and design selections, follow along on our social media channels. Photographer: Public 311 Design

Completed 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.

Dining room. The linear storage cabinetry serves as a buffet for the dining room and draws the eye towards the kitchen thus connecting the two related spaces visually. The dark walnut stained table and wall storage unit create a nice visual contrast to the neutral white palette. The architectural elements create a dynamic interplay between surface and light.

Living room in a transitional desert residence remodel by Hyde Evans Design, La Quinta, California. This Mediterranean home was transformed from formal and highly detailed into a soothing, modern desert retreat — a project that required both architectural restraint and careful material selection. The living room anchors the main level with craftsman furnishings that balance comfort and clean lines, drawing the eye toward the desert landscape beyond. Hyde Evans Design maintains studios in both Seattle, WA and the Palm Springs area, serving luxury residential clients across both markets. Interior Design: Hyde Evans Design, Seattle, WA.

A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.