The Santa Lucia Estate is located on a private reserve in Upper Carmel Valley situated on a gentle grassland ridge with dramatic views of the surrounding valleys and coastal range. The house is not immediately visible and is approached from below by a winding drive and the initial view of the house is revealed through a masonry gateway surrounded by curvilinear walls made from local stone that enclose a protected forecourt. The forms of the house are expressed in two materials, stucco and dry stack stone veneer to differentiate the elements, to reflect the vernacular of the Monterey regional style, and to give the house the appearance of having various elements that have been added over time. The entry façade and the arched arcade of the entry court are symmetrical, and that formality gives way to asymmetrical enclosing wings. The building elements are placed to reflect both the Owner’s program and to fit in the topography of the site. A dominant gabled roof centers the composition of the front façade and creates space and light for the Entry Foyer and to the Dining and Living areas that open to the views on the opposite side. The Garage is located on the right of the forecourt, and the three arched openings reiterate the arches of the French doors in the main arcade. This wing contains a second story floor and traditional decorative timber balcony with views of the surrounding landscape. The main hallway that runs the length of the house is located at the entry court, forming and enfilade from which the formal living spaces and outdoor terraces are located on the opposite southeast side. The placement of these rooms allows a transition from indoor to outdoor terraces that takes advantage of protection from the prevailing wind, provides optimal solar exposure, and orients the living spaces toward the dramatic view corridor down the Potrero Valley. Two roof towers at either end of the longitudinal ridge anchor the building and provide space, focal point and daylight to the interior. A stone Caretaker’s Cottage is located down slope from the main residence.

Duplex Y is located in a multi apartment building, typical to the Carmel mountain neighborhoods. The building has several entrances due to the slope it sits on. Duplex Y has its own separate entrance and a beautiful view towards Haifa bay and the Golan Heights that can be seen on a clear weather day. The client - a computer high-tech couple, with their two small daughters asked us for a simple and functional design that could remind them of their frequent visits to central and northern Europe. Their request has been accepted. Our planning approach was simple indeed, maybe even simple in a radical way: We followed the principle of clean and ultra minimal spaces, that serve their direct mission only. Complicated geometry of the rooms has been simplified by implementing built-in wood furniture into numerous niches. The most 'complicated' room (due to its broken geometry, narrow proportions and sloped ceiling) has been turned into a kid's room shaped as a clean 'wood box' for fun, games and 'edutainment'. The storage room has been refurbished to maximize it's purpose by creating enough space to store 90% of the entire family's demand. We've tried to avoid unnecessary decoration. 97% of the design has its functional use in addition to its atmospheric qualities. Several elements like the structural cylindrical column were exposed to show their original material - concrete. Photos: Julia Berezina

At Kitchen Solvers of Grayslake, we're excited to unveil the stunning transformation of the Lake Villa Homeowners' kitchen space! Witness the remarkable journey from tired oak cabinets and grease-covered surfaces to a warm and inviting culinary oasis. Check out the before-and-after shots of this incredible transformation. Our expert team meticulously crafted custom Legacy Collection cabinets from our Kitchen Solvers line, featuring the Marquette door in Natural Hickory. The double arched raised panel design perfectly complements the traditional style preferred by the homeowners. The kitchen now exudes timeless charm with natural hickory wood cabinets and Cambria Quartz countertops in the stunning Montgomery design. The full backsplash in the same material creates a seamless flow and adds a touch of sophistication to the space. The main focus of this kitchen design was functionality and storage. We combined large drawers and rollouts, including a custom pantry split with rollouts and shelves. Filler spice pullouts on both sides of the hood add convenience and organization to the cooking space. To brighten up the room and enhance functionality, we installed a combination of recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting, and a center ceiling fan. This lighting design not only illuminates the space but also creates a welcoming ambiance for cooking and gathering. Every detail was meticulously planned and executed to meet the Lake Villa Homeowners' specific functional requirements. As avid cooks, they now have a kitchen that accommodates all their needs, with ample storage, efficient workflow, and designated prep areas for their culinary endeavors. Ready to turn your kitchen dreams into reality? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your dream kitchen.

Eilien and Kim's property relatively small property is located at the end of a long oak-tree-lined driveway. Once past the huge 55" oak tree, the property reveals a grove of 40" redwoods, as well as two gargantuan 65" redwoods smack dab in the middle of the buildable area. Eilien and Kim desired a home that celebrates these beautiful mature trees and that blended the indoor-outdoor barrier. The home that Aardvark Architecture designed for their family takes the shape of a pseudo-courtyard home built right up to the critical root zones of the gargantuan redwoods in the middle of the lot. Full-height sliding glass doors are centered on these huge trees and open directly onto a large deck built tight to these unique feature trees. A rich material palette of redwood siding and brick veneer blends in harmoniously with the serenely wooded site. Large banks of skylights allow for views of the huge oak tree canopy that would otherwise have been blocked off by other spaces. The second floor is accessed by a light-filled staircase that wraps around a redwood-clad elevator shaft. When coming down the stairs, the full-height windows direct the eye towards a grove of 40" redwood trees. The second floor hosts a luxurious master suite, as well as a second bedroom and a home gym. These spaces are raised up into the canopy of the mature redwood and oak trees, and incorporate full-height windows so the residents can take full advantage of these beautiful specimens.

Eilien and Kim's property relatively small property is located at the end of a long oak-tree-lined driveway. Once past the huge 55" oak tree, the property reveals a grove of 40" redwoods, as well as two gargantuan 65" redwoods smack dab in the middle of the buildable area. Eilien and Kim desired a home that celebrates these beautiful mature trees and that blended the indoor-outdoor barrier. The home that Aardvark Architecture designed for their family takes the shape of a pseudo-courtyard home built right up to the critical root zones of the gargantuan redwoods in the middle of the lot. Full-height sliding glass doors are centered on these huge trees and open directly onto a large deck built tight to these unique feature trees. A rich material palette of redwood siding and brick veneer blends in harmoniously with the serenely wooded site. Large banks of skylights allow for views of the huge oak tree canopy that would otherwise have been blocked off by other spaces. The second floor is accessed by a light-filled staircase that wraps around a redwood-clad elevator shaft. When coming down the stairs, the full-height windows direct the eye towards a grove of 40" redwood trees. The second floor hosts a luxurious master suite, as well as a second bedroom and a home gym. These spaces are raised up into the canopy of the mature redwood and oak trees, and incorporate full-height windows so the residents can take full advantage of these beautiful specimens.

Eilien and Kim's property relatively small property is located at the end of a long oak-tree-lined driveway. Once past the huge 55" oak tree, the property reveals a grove of 40" redwoods, as well as two gargantuan 65" redwoods smack dab in the middle of the buildable area. Eilien and Kim desired a home that celebrates these beautiful mature trees and that blended the indoor-outdoor barrier. The home that Aardvark Architecture designed for their family takes the shape of a pseudo-courtyard home built right up to the critical root zones of the gargantuan redwoods in the middle of the lot. Full-height sliding glass doors are centered on these huge trees and open directly onto a large deck built tight to these unique feature trees. A rich material palette of redwood siding and brick veneer blends in harmoniously with the serenely wooded site. Large banks of skylights allow for views of the huge oak tree canopy that would otherwise have been blocked off by other spaces. The second floor is accessed by a light-filled staircase that wraps around a redwood-clad elevator shaft. When coming down the stairs, the full-height windows direct the eye towards a grove of 40" redwood trees. The second floor hosts a luxurious master suite, as well as a second bedroom and a home gym. These spaces are raised up into the canopy of the mature redwood and oak trees, and incorporate full-height windows so the residents can take full advantage of these beautiful specimens.

Eilien and Kim's property relatively small property is located at the end of a long oak-tree-lined driveway. Once past the huge 55" oak tree, the property reveals a grove of 40" redwoods, as well as two gargantuan 65" redwoods smack dab in the middle of the buildable area. Eilien and Kim desired a home that celebrates these beautiful mature trees and that blended the indoor-outdoor barrier. The home that Aardvark Architecture designed for their family takes the shape of a pseudo-courtyard home built right up to the critical root zones of the gargantuan redwoods in the middle of the lot. Full-height sliding glass doors are centered on these huge trees and open directly onto a large deck built tight to these unique feature trees. A rich material palette of redwood siding and brick veneer blends in harmoniously with the serenely wooded site. Large banks of skylights allow for views of the huge oak tree canopy that would otherwise have been blocked off by other spaces. The second floor is accessed by a light-filled staircase that wraps around a redwood-clad elevator shaft. When coming down the stairs, the full-height windows direct the eye towards a grove of 40" redwood trees. The second floor hosts a luxurious master suite, as well as a second bedroom and a home gym. These spaces are raised up into the canopy of the mature redwood and oak trees, and incorporate full-height windows so the residents can take full advantage of these beautiful specimens.

Eilien and Kim's property relatively small property is located at the end of a long oak-tree-lined driveway. Once past the huge 55" oak tree, the property reveals a grove of 40" redwoods, as well as two gargantuan 65" redwoods smack dab in the middle of the buildable area. Eilien and Kim desired a home that celebrates these beautiful mature trees and that blended the indoor-outdoor barrier. The home that Aardvark Architecture designed for their family takes the shape of a pseudo-courtyard home built right up to the critical root zones of the gargantuan redwoods in the middle of the lot. Full-height sliding glass doors are centered on these huge trees and open directly onto a large deck built tight to these unique feature trees. A rich material palette of redwood siding and brick veneer blends in harmoniously with the serenely wooded site. Large banks of skylights allow for views of the huge oak tree canopy that would otherwise have been blocked off by other spaces. The second floor is accessed by a light-filled staircase that wraps around a redwood-clad elevator shaft. When coming down the stairs, the full-height windows direct the eye towards a grove of 40" redwood trees. The second floor hosts a luxurious master suite, as well as a second bedroom and a home gym. These spaces are raised up into the canopy of the mature redwood and oak trees, and incorporate full-height windows so the residents can take full advantage of these beautiful specimens.

At Kitchen Solvers of Grayslake, we're excited to unveil the stunning transformation of the Lake Villa Homeowners' kitchen space! Witness the remarkable journey from tired oak cabinets and grease-covered surfaces to a warm and inviting culinary oasis. Check out the before-and-after shots of this incredible transformation. Our expert team meticulously crafted custom Legacy Collection cabinets from our Kitchen Solvers line, featuring the Marquette door in Natural Hickory. The double arched raised panel design perfectly complements the traditional style preferred by the homeowners. The kitchen now exudes timeless charm with natural hickory wood cabinets and Cambria Quartz countertops in the stunning Montgomery design. The full backsplash in the same material creates a seamless flow and adds a touch of sophistication to the space. The main focus of this kitchen design was functionality and storage. We combined large drawers and rollouts, including a custom pantry split with rollouts and shelves. Filler spice pullouts on both sides of the hood add convenience and organization to the cooking space. To brighten up the room and enhance functionality, we installed a combination of recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting, and a center ceiling fan. This lighting design not only illuminates the space but also creates a welcoming ambiance for cooking and gathering. Every detail was meticulously planned and executed to meet the Lake Villa Homeowners' specific functional requirements. As avid cooks, they now have a kitchen that accommodates all their needs, with ample storage, efficient workflow, and designated prep areas for their culinary endeavors. Ready to turn your kitchen dreams into reality? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your dream kitchen.

Castaway An Oceanfront Residence Clearwater, Florida ​ This breathtaking ocean-front family vacation retreat is positioned between the beach and harbor, an idyllic haven offering panoramic sunset views that will leave you in awe. Our mission was simple yet profound: to let the natural beauty of the surroundings shine while infusing the interior with elements that evoke the tranquility of the ocean. ​ Drawing inspiration from the sandy shores, we embraced white-washed wood veneers and wood-look porcelain tile flooring, chosen for their practicality and resilience, especially for a space frequented by energetic grandkids. To add a twist of creativity, we installed the tiles in a unique pattern, inviting you to "walk along the plank" towards the mesmerizing vistas. ​ The dining room serves as a tribute to the couple's engagement in Santorini, adorned with canvas prints of photos taken during these cherished memories. In the dining room and master bedroom, we meticulously selected the perfect "Santorini blue" tones for the accent walls to continue to narrate their story. ​ Crafted with Treefrog veneers, the custom millwork combines elegance with durability, while the bathrooms exude a spa-like serenity with their natural textures and sandy hues, enhanced by thoughtful lighting. ​ For the kids' room, we embraced vibrant colors and durable materials, ensuring a space where creativity knows no bounds. Meanwhile, the guest bedroom invites tropical relaxation with its palm leaf motifs and organic accents. Overall, our design ethos revolves around a light and airy color palette, inspired by the tranquil hues of sand and sea. Strategic pops of color breathe life and vibrancy into the space, creating the perfect atmosphere for a dreamy vacation home experience. Join us as we embark on a journey to transform your space into a coastal paradise!

Eilien and Kim's property relatively small property is located at the end of a long oak-tree-lined driveway. Once past the huge 55" oak tree, the property reveals a grove of 40" redwoods, as well as two gargantuan 65" redwoods smack dab in the middle of the buildable area. Eilien and Kim desired a home that celebrates these beautiful mature trees and that blended the indoor-outdoor barrier. The home that Aardvark Architecture designed for their family takes the shape of a pseudo-courtyard home built right up to the critical root zones of the gargantuan redwoods in the middle of the lot. Full-height sliding glass doors are centered on these huge trees and open directly onto a large deck built tight to these unique feature trees. A rich material palette of redwood siding and brick veneer blends in harmoniously with the serenely wooded site. Large banks of skylights allow for views of the huge oak tree canopy that would otherwise have been blocked off by other spaces. The second floor is accessed by a light-filled staircase that wraps around a redwood-clad elevator shaft. When coming down the stairs, the full-height windows direct the eye towards a grove of 40" redwood trees. The second floor hosts a luxurious master suite, as well as a second bedroom and a home gym. These spaces are raised up into the canopy of the mature redwood and oak trees, and incorporate full-height windows so the residents can take full advantage of these beautiful specimens.

Eilien and Kim's property relatively small property is located at the end of a long oak-tree-lined driveway. Once past the huge 55" oak tree, the property reveals a grove of 40" redwoods, as well as two gargantuan 65" redwoods smack dab in the middle of the buildable area. Eilien and Kim desired a home that celebrates these beautiful mature trees and that blended the indoor-outdoor barrier. The home that Aardvark Architecture designed for their family takes the shape of a pseudo-courtyard home built right up to the critical root zones of the gargantuan redwoods in the middle of the lot. Full-height sliding glass doors are centered on these huge trees and open directly onto a large deck built tight to these unique feature trees. A rich material palette of redwood siding and brick veneer blends in harmoniously with the serenely wooded site. Large banks of skylights allow for views of the huge oak tree canopy that would otherwise have been blocked off by other spaces. The second floor is accessed by a light-filled staircase that wraps around a redwood-clad elevator shaft. When coming down the stairs, the full-height windows direct the eye towards a grove of 40" redwood trees. The second floor hosts a luxurious master suite, as well as a second bedroom and a home gym. These spaces are raised up into the canopy of the mature redwood and oak trees, and incorporate full-height windows so the residents can take full advantage of these beautiful specimens.

At Kitchen Solvers of Grayslake, we're excited to unveil the stunning transformation of the Lake Villa Homeowners' kitchen space! Witness the remarkable journey from tired oak cabinets and grease-covered surfaces to a warm and inviting culinary oasis. Check out the before-and-after shots of this incredible transformation. Our expert team meticulously crafted custom Legacy Collection cabinets from our Kitchen Solvers line, featuring the Marquette door in Natural Hickory. The double arched raised panel design perfectly complements the traditional style preferred by the homeowners. The kitchen now exudes timeless charm with natural hickory wood cabinets and Cambria Quartz countertops in the stunning Montgomery design. The full backsplash in the same material creates a seamless flow and adds a touch of sophistication to the space. The main focus of this kitchen design was functionality and storage. We combined large drawers and rollouts, including a custom pantry split with rollouts and shelves. Filler spice pullouts on both sides of the hood add convenience and organization to the cooking space. To brighten up the room and enhance functionality, we installed a combination of recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting, and a center ceiling fan. This lighting design not only illuminates the space but also creates a welcoming ambiance for cooking and gathering. Every detail was meticulously planned and executed to meet the Lake Villa Homeowners' specific functional requirements. As avid cooks, they now have a kitchen that accommodates all their needs, with ample storage, efficient workflow, and designated prep areas for their culinary endeavors. Ready to turn your kitchen dreams into reality? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your dream kitchen.

- HYPER SOFA. A sofa with a special bridge structure, slender and linear, that reveals and enhances the decisive forms and the pronounced volumes of the weight-bearing arms, giving an unusual shape to comfort, strictly in leather. The low back creates an unusual contrast between the height and the depth of the seat, while the cushions create a harmony with the severity of the structural lines, liberating a feeling of comfort and relaxation. Its unusual suspended effect creates a dreamy, relaxed atmosphere, soft and at the same time exquisitely squared, with shapes that give a personal character to the living space. 2 or 3-seaters. https://cassoni.com/Hyper_Sofa - N.C. LANDSCAPE 2016 WALL UNIT. The forms, colors and materials evolve towards a new warmth, a cozy, comfortable mood, which transforms the elegance of the linear shapes into soft, sensory emotions: N.C. Landscape shows new horizons. The large doors made with thin solid wood slats, together with glass that is reflective and transparent at the same time, create an intriguing play of light and shadow, reflection and transparency. The freely sliding doors reveals surprising contrasts of material with the inside of the compartments and the backs of the paneling, emphasizing each time the different functions: concealing and integrating audio-video equipment, displaying books and favorite objects on the shelves or containing them within the spacious closed compartments. 189"W x 20"7/8D x 63"H. https://cassoni.com/NC_Landscape_2016_02 - POND COFFEE TABLE. Family of cocktail tables, side tables, occasional tables with different heights and width. While the conical base tends to disappears in the shadow, the top is raised from the ground and lives of intriguing reflections and shades of colors. The reflections of the glass top, whose perfectly glossy surface mirrors everything around, recreating the mystic reflection effect of perfectly still water, or those of the marble top, for the rich grains and mosaic of minerals it is made of. Base made from molded polyurethane BAYDUR®60, lacquered with glossy finishes. Top in back-lacquered glass or in stone. 47"1/4 version on wheels, hidden inside the base. Ø35''3/8 x 15''H. Ø47''1/4 x 11''7/8H. https://cassoni.com/Pond_Coffee_Table

Duplex Y is located in a multi apartment building, typical to the Carmel mountain neighborhoods. The building has several entrances due to the slope it sits on. Duplex Y has its own separate entrance and a beautiful view towards Haifa bay and the Golan Heights that can be seen on a clear weather day. The client - a computer high-tech couple, with their two small daughters asked us for a simple and functional design that could remind them of their frequent visits to central and northern Europe. Their request has been accepted. Our planning approach was simple indeed, maybe even simple in a radical way: We followed the principle of clean and ultra minimal spaces, that serve their direct mission only. Complicated geometry of the rooms has been simplified by implementing built-in wood furniture into numerous niches. The most 'complicated' room (due to its broken geometry, narrow proportions and sloped ceiling) has been turned into a kid's room shaped as a clean 'wood box' for fun, games and 'edutainment'. The storage room has been refurbished to maximize it's purpose by creating enough space to store 90% of the entire family's demand. We've tried to avoid unnecessary decoration. 97% of the design has its functional use in addition to its atmospheric qualities. Several elements like the structural cylindrical column were exposed to show their original material - concrete. Photos: Julia Berezina

Eilien and Kim's property relatively small property is located at the end of a long oak-tree-lined driveway. Once past the huge 55" oak tree, the property reveals a grove of 40" redwoods, as well as two gargantuan 65" redwoods smack dab in the middle of the buildable area. Eilien and Kim desired a home that celebrates these beautiful mature trees and that blended the indoor-outdoor barrier. The home that Aardvark Architecture designed for their family takes the shape of a pseudo-courtyard home built right up to the critical root zones of the gargantuan redwoods in the middle of the lot. Full-height sliding glass doors are centered on these huge trees and open directly onto a large deck built tight to these unique feature trees. A rich material palette of redwood siding and brick veneer blends in harmoniously with the serenely wooded site. Large banks of skylights allow for views of the huge oak tree canopy that would otherwise have been blocked off by other spaces. The second floor is accessed by a light-filled staircase that wraps around a redwood-clad elevator shaft. When coming down the stairs, the full-height windows direct the eye towards a grove of 40" redwood trees. The second floor hosts a luxurious master suite, as well as a second bedroom and a home gym. These spaces are raised up into the canopy of the mature redwood and oak trees, and incorporate full-height windows so the residents can take full advantage of these beautiful specimens.

At Kitchen Solvers of Grayslake, we're excited to unveil the stunning transformation of the Lake Villa Homeowners' kitchen space! Witness the remarkable journey from tired oak cabinets and grease-covered surfaces to a warm and inviting culinary oasis. Check out the before-and-after shots of this incredible transformation. Our expert team meticulously crafted custom Legacy Collection cabinets from our Kitchen Solvers line, featuring the Marquette door in Natural Hickory. The double arched raised panel design perfectly complements the traditional style preferred by the homeowners. The kitchen now exudes timeless charm with natural hickory wood cabinets and Cambria Quartz countertops in the stunning Montgomery design. The full backsplash in the same material creates a seamless flow and adds a touch of sophistication to the space. The main focus of this kitchen design was functionality and storage. We combined large drawers and rollouts, including a custom pantry split with rollouts and shelves. Filler spice pullouts on both sides of the hood add convenience and organization to the cooking space. To brighten up the room and enhance functionality, we installed a combination of recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting, and a center ceiling fan. This lighting design not only illuminates the space but also creates a welcoming ambiance for cooking and gathering. Every detail was meticulously planned and executed to meet the Lake Villa Homeowners' specific functional requirements. As avid cooks, they now have a kitchen that accommodates all their needs, with ample storage, efficient workflow, and designated prep areas for their culinary endeavors. Ready to turn your kitchen dreams into reality? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your dream kitchen.

Eilien and Kim's property relatively small property is located at the end of a long oak-tree-lined driveway. Once past the huge 55" oak tree, the property reveals a grove of 40" redwoods, as well as two gargantuan 65" redwoods smack dab in the middle of the buildable area. Eilien and Kim desired a home that celebrates these beautiful mature trees and that blended the indoor-outdoor barrier. The home that Aardvark Architecture designed for their family takes the shape of a pseudo-courtyard home built right up to the critical root zones of the gargantuan redwoods in the middle of the lot. Full-height sliding glass doors are centered on these huge trees and open directly onto a large deck built tight to these unique feature trees. A rich material palette of redwood siding and brick veneer blends in harmoniously with the serenely wooded site. Large banks of skylights allow for views of the huge oak tree canopy that would otherwise have been blocked off by other spaces. The second floor is accessed by a light-filled staircase that wraps around a redwood-clad elevator shaft. When coming down the stairs, the full-height windows direct the eye towards a grove of 40" redwood trees. The second floor hosts a luxurious master suite, as well as a second bedroom and a home gym. These spaces are raised up into the canopy of the mature redwood and oak trees, and incorporate full-height windows so the residents can take full advantage of these beautiful specimens.

Duplex Y is located in a multi apartment building, typical to the Carmel mountain neighborhoods. The building has several entrances due to the slope it sits on. Duplex Y has its own separate entrance and a beautiful view towards Haifa bay and the Golan Heights that can be seen on a clear weather day. The client - a computer high-tech couple, with their two small daughters asked us for a simple and functional design that could remind them of their frequent visits to central and northern Europe. Their request has been accepted. Our planning approach was simple indeed, maybe even simple in a radical way: We followed the principle of clean and ultra minimal spaces, that serve their direct mission only. Complicated geometry of the rooms has been simplified by implementing built-in wood furniture into numerous niches. The most 'complicated' room (due to its broken geometry, narrow proportions and sloped ceiling) has been turned into a kid's room shaped as a clean 'wood box' for fun, games and 'edutainment'. The storage room has been refurbished to maximize it's purpose by creating enough space to store 90% of the entire family's demand. We've tried to avoid unnecessary decoration. 97% of the design has its functional use in addition to its atmospheric qualities. Several elements like the structural cylindrical column were exposed to show their original material - concrete. Photos: Julia Berezina