Textiles chosen for the custom ottoman, cornice and pillows extend the warm color story into the family room. Cinder gray leather seating on perpendicular walls surrounds a large storage ottoman which doubles as a footrest. Floor lamps on either side of the sofa provide illumination for reading and other task lighting activities. A plush abstract pattern area rug softens the space and repeats the cool neutral color scheme.

Custom Home Built for Real Life Our clients came to us with a clear vision: a home that could adapt to their lifestyle and growing family. They needed a home built with intention, designed with the future in mind, and built around the routines they loved and the people they loved more. Open-Concept Living With Hosting in Mind Our clients hosted often and lived actively, so the main level had to be flexible for all of life’s moments. The goal was a space that felt grand without losing its warmth. Cooking together as a family mattered to our clients – the Wolf range, farmhouse sink, integrated appliances, and large island gave them a kitchen that flowed effortlessly while looking beautiful. This space also served as the bridge between other parts of the main level so that they would stay in view of the next. This created the perfect environment for gathering where everyone had their own spot without ever feeling apart from the whole group. For the living room, our clients wanted space that felt open without losing its warmth. Soaring ceilings created that sense of scale, while warm tones and materials, like the wood coffered ceiling and fireplace wall, kept it grounded. That same warmth carried outside, where an outdoor lounge with a fireplace and dining area made sure guests felt welcomed the moment they stepped out. A Backyard Built for Real Rest Every corner of the backyard was designed with one goal: to be the ultimate outdoor retreat. The elevated, white-brick-framed pool and integrated spa hot tub gave them a place to truly exhale. As the sun set, the fire pit lounge next to the pool became the hangout spot when they hosted their youth groups and family gatherings. Room to Grow With kids in the house, “custom” had to also mean flexible. Our clients had 2 young sons and needed their rooms to grow with them through the years. The two bedrooms and a full bath sat beside a loft that served as both their hangout-and-homework spot. The guest suite sat on the same level where a four-poster bed, floor-to-ceiling wood-look tile, and a frameless glass shower welcomed their guests from day one. A Retreat That’s Actually Theirs Between hosting and raising kids, this couple needed a suite that felt like a true escape. The wood-planked tray ceiling and French doors grounded the room in warmth the moment you walked in, while the ensuite bathroom carried a spa-like feeling with a freestanding soaking tub, custom double vanity, and a glass-enclosed shower. This Is What Approachable Luxury Looks Like The approachable luxury experience meant starting with conversations about how they wanted their space to live with them – how they hosted, how their kids played, how they wanted to feel walking through their own front door, and how we took their goals and experience and used it as the foundation of every decision that was made from start to finish. We wanted our clients to feel taken care of through the process and, most importantly, feel heard.

A severely outdated master bath lacked appropriate space and functionality for this active couple. An unused tub took up important floor and traffic space, and storage was missing at each vanity. The new frameless glass shower enclosure created the openness this couple desired, and now they have a Master Bath retreat that meets all their needs. Photography by Matrix Tours

A severely outdated master bath lacked appropriate space and functionality for this active couple. An unused tub took up important floor and traffic space, and storage was missing at each vanity. The new frameless glass shower enclosure created the openness this couple desired, and now they have a Master Bath retreat that meets all their needs. Photography by Matrix Tours

After just moving to STL from Atlanta with her husband, triplets, and 4 rescue dogs...this client was looking for a sophisticated space that was a reflection of her love of Design and a space that kept in line with an overall budget. The Great Room needed to accommodate the daily needs of a family of 5 and 4 dogs.... but also the extended family and friends that came to visit from out of town. 2 CR Laine custom sofas, oversized cocktail table, leather updated custom wing chairs, accent tables that not only looked the part, but that were functional for this large family...no coasters necessary, and a plethora of pillows for cozying up on the floor. After seeing the potential of the home and what good Design can accomplish, we took to the Office and Dining Room. Using the clients existing furniture in the Dining, adding an updated metal server and an oversized Visual Comfort Lantern Light were just the beginning. Top it off with a deep navy high gloss paint color , custom window treatments and a light overdyed area rug to lighten the heavy existing dining table and chairs, and job complete! In the Office, adding a coat of deep green/gray paint to the wood bookcases set the backdrop for the bronze metal desk and glass floor lamps. Oversized tufted ottoman, and chairs to cozy up to the fire were the needed layers. Custom window treatments and artwork that reflected the clients love of golf created a functional and updated space. THE KITCHEN!! During our First Design phase, the kitchen was going to stay "as is"...but after completing a stunning Great Room space to accommodate triplets and 4 dogs, we knew the kitchen needed to compliment. Wolf appliances, Sub Zero refrigeration, custom cabinets were all a great foundation to a soon to be spectacular kitchen. Taj Mahal quartzite was just what was necessary to enhance the warm tones of the cabinetry and give the kitchen the necessary sustainability. New flooring to compliment the warm tones but also to introduce some cooler tones were the crescendo to this update! This expansive space is connected and cohesive, despite its grand footprint. Floating shelves and simple artwork all reflect the lifestyle of this active family. Cure Design Group (636) 294-2343 https://curedesigngroup.com/ Town & Country, MO

This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell

LOWELL CUSTOM HOMES, Scott Lowell, Lowell Management Services, LAKE GENEVA, WI. Cabinets: Geneva Cabinet Company The large kitchen features a dining and storage island with industrial cable lighting with an industrial feel. The white kitchen floor to ceiling cabinetry is finished in white with display lighting in the transom cabinets.

Based on extensive interviews with our clients, our challenges were to create an environment that was an artistic mix of traditional and clean lines. They wanted it dramatic and sophisticated. They also wanted each piece to be special and unique, as well as artsy. Because our clients were young and have an active son, they wanted their home to be comfortable and practical, as well as beautiful. The clients wanted a sophisticated and up-to-date look. They loved brown, turquoise and orange. The other challenge we faced, was to give each room its own identity while maintaining a consistent flow throughout the home. Each space shared a similar color palette and uniqueness, while the furnishings, draperies, and accessories provided individuality to each room. We incorporated comfortable and stylish furniture with artistic accents in pillows, throws, artwork and accessories. Each piece was selected to not only be unique, but to create a beautiful and sophisticated environment. We hunted the markets for all the perfect accessories and artwork that are the jewelry in this artistic living area. Some of the selections included clean moldings, walnut floors and a backsplash with mosaic glass tile. In the living room we went with a cleaner look, but used some traditional accents such as the embroidered casement fabric and the paisley fabric on the chair and pillows. A traditional bow front chest with a crackled turquoise lacquer was used in the foyer.

After just moving to STL from Atlanta with her husband, triplets, and 4 rescue dogs...this client was looking for a sophisticated space that was a reflection of her love of Design and a space that kept in line with an overall budget. The Great Room needed to accommodate the daily needs of a family of 5 and 4 dogs.... but also the extended family and friends that came to visit from out of town. 2 CR Laine custom sofas, oversized cocktail table, leather updated custom wing chairs, accent tables that not only looked the part, but that were functional for this large family...no coasters necessary, and a plethora of pillows for cozying up on the floor. After seeing the potential of the home and what good Design can accomplish, we took to the Office and Dining Room. Using the clients existing furniture in the Dining, adding an updated metal server and an oversized Visual Comfort Lantern Light were just the beginning. Top it off with a deep navy high gloss paint color , custom window treatments and a light overdyed area rug to lighten the heavy existing dining table and chairs, and job complete! In the Office, adding a coat of deep green/gray paint to the wood bookcases set the backdrop for the bronze metal desk and glass floor lamps. Oversized tufted ottoman, and chairs to cozy up to the fire were the needed layers. Custom window treatments and artwork that reflected the clients love of golf created a functional and updated space. THE KITCHEN!! During our First Design phase, the kitchen was going to stay "as is"...but after completing a stunning Great Room space to accommodate triplets and 4 dogs, we knew the kitchen needed to compliment. Wolf appliances, Sub Zero refrigeration, custom cabinets were all a great foundation to a soon to be spectacular kitchen. Taj Mahal quartzite was just what was necessary to enhance the warm tones of the cabinetry and give the kitchen the necessary sustainability. New flooring to compliment the warm tones but also to introduce some cooler tones were the crescendo to this update! This expansive space is connected and cohesive, despite its grand footprint. Floating shelves and simple artwork all reflect the lifestyle of this active family. Cure Design Group (636) 294-2343 https://curedesigngroup.com/ Town & Country, MO

The Brompton Leather Recliner is a stylish and comfortable piece of furniture that is sure to enhance any living room or den. The recliner is crafted from high-quality, full grain leather with hand burnished details. The leather has a rich, warm tone that is reminiscent of traditional western living room furniture. The design of the Brompton Leather Recliner is both classic and traditional, featuring clean lines and a sleek silhouette. The wide, padded armrests and deep, cushioned seat provide exceptional comfort and support, making it the perfect spot to relax after a long day. The recliner also features a smooth reclining mechanism that can be easily activated by simply pushing back. The overall aesthetic of the Brompton Leather Recliner is one of understated elegance. The leather is accented by subtle stitching details, and the recliner rests on dark wooden legs that add a touch of rustic charm. Whether you're looking for a comfortable spot to read, watch TV, or just unwind, the Brompton Leather Recliner is a versatile and stylish choice that is sure to become a favorite in any home. 100% American Made to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship! Overall Dimensions: 40" H x 35" W x 40" D Arm Height: 26" Seat Dimensions: 20" H x 20" W x 22" D Overall Layout: 71" Leather Description: Artisan Leathers beautifully evoke this time worn quality, unique to every individual piece, like the originals. To pure aniline leather crusts, already fully and carefully upholstered to the piece, a base color is created with multiple applications of waxes and oils, hand-worked by the leather Artisan. After drying, this craftsman then carefully builds-up the finish with an expert’s eye, and touch, to achieve an aged patina in just the right places to reflect the aged qualities only time, wear, and frequent care could have accomplished naturally. Every individual piece upholstered with Artisan Leather finishing methods is first beautifully built to the highest standards of quality. The leather is then hand-colored and aged to bespeak the loving touch of time, providing a quality antique appearance to a beautiful new piece of quality leather furniture. Every chair, sofa, or bench has its very own unique identity only these hand-crafted methods can provide, reflecting the presence of a time honored past. True 100% top grain cowhide leather is characterized by variations in shade, texture, color and grain. Healed marks and scars are to be expected and enhance the natural beauty of the hides. These variations are normal and unique features of true genuine 100% top grain cowhide leather. Frame Construction: Using traditional hand craftsmanship with modern manufacturing methods to produce frames that are among the finest used in the upholstery business. Each frame is precisely cut and hand assembled using kilned dried lumber. Double dowels are utilized in all structural parts to form sturdy, long lasting joints. To complete construction and add stability to the frame, large precisely cut corner blocks are positioned at each corner where the greatest stress occurs using both glues and screws. Limited Lifetime Warranty

The Brompton Leather Recliner is a stylish and comfortable piece of furniture that is sure to enhance any living room or den. The recliner is crafted from high-quality, full grain leather with hand burnished details. The leather has a rich, warm tone that is reminiscent of traditional western living room furniture. The design of the Brompton Leather Recliner is both classic and traditional, featuring clean lines and a sleek silhouette. The wide, padded armrests and deep, cushioned seat provide exceptional comfort and support, making it the perfect spot to relax after a long day. The recliner also features a smooth reclining mechanism that can be easily activated by simply pushing back. The overall aesthetic of the Brompton Leather Recliner is one of understated elegance. The leather is accented by subtle stitching details, and the recliner rests on dark wooden legs that add a touch of rustic charm. Whether you're looking for a comfortable spot to read, watch TV, or just unwind, the Brompton Leather Recliner is a versatile and stylish choice that is sure to become a favorite in any home. 100% American Made to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship! Overall Dimensions: 40" H x 35" W x 40" D Arm Height: 26" Seat Dimensions: 20" H x 20" W x 22" D Overall Layout: 71" Leather Description: Artisan Leathers beautifully evoke this time worn quality, unique to every individual piece, like the originals. To pure aniline leather crusts, already fully and carefully upholstered to the piece, a base color is created with multiple applications of waxes and oils, hand-worked by the leather Artisan. After drying, this craftsman then carefully builds-up the finish with an expert’s eye, and touch, to achieve an aged patina in just the right places to reflect the aged qualities only time, wear, and frequent care could have accomplished naturally. Every individual piece upholstered with Artisan Leather finishing methods is first beautifully built to the highest standards of quality. The leather is then hand-colored and aged to bespeak the loving touch of time, providing a quality antique appearance to a beautiful new piece of quality leather furniture. Every chair, sofa, or bench has its very own unique identity only these hand-crafted methods can provide, reflecting the presence of a time honored past. True 100% top grain cowhide leather is characterized by variations in shade, texture, color and grain. Healed marks and scars are to be expected and enhance the natural beauty of the hides. These variations are normal and unique features of true genuine 100% top grain cowhide leather. Frame Construction: Using traditional hand craftsmanship with modern manufacturing methods to produce frames that are among the finest used in the upholstery business. Each frame is precisely cut and hand assembled using kilned dried lumber. Double dowels are utilized in all structural parts to form sturdy, long lasting joints. To complete construction and add stability to the frame, large precisely cut corner blocks are positioned at each corner where the greatest stress occurs using both glues and screws. Limited Lifetime Warranty

Photography by Peter Vanderwarker This Second Empire house is a narrative woven about its circulation. At the street, a quietly fanciful stoop reaches to greet one's arrival. Inside and out, Victorian details are playfully reinterpreted and celebrated in fabulous and whimsical spaces for a growing family - Double story kitchen with open cylindrical breakfast room Parents' and Children's libraries Secret playspaces Top floor sky-lit courtyard Writing room and hidden library Basement parking Media Room Landscape of exterior rooms: The site is conceived as a string of rooms: a landscaped drive-way court, a lawn for play, a sunken court, a serene shade garden, a New England flower garden. The stair grows out of the garden level ordering the surrounding rooms as it rises to a light filled courtyard at the Master suite on the top floor. On each level the rooms are arranged in a circuit around the stair core, making a series of distinct suites for the children, for the parents, and for their common activities.

This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell

We designed a tower of custom cabinetry to create maximum storage for this active family. Custom lighting finishes the look and creates interest.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless master gray tile and white tile corner shower remodel with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, purple walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Ken Muellers
Example of a classic stone patio design in New York with a fire pit

Ken Muellers
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in New York.

LOWELL CUSTOM HOMES, Scott Lowell, Lowell Management Services, LAKE GENEVA, WI. Cabinets: Geneva Cabinet Company Storage is available with individual personalized cubbies in the pool area.

A classic Portland foursquare, lovingly owned by an active and lively family of four, had undergone some unfortunate previous renovations that were in desperate need of updating. A cramped kitchen layout, lacking countertop work space, non-functional appliance locations (the range was floating on it’s own!), cramped kitchen nook not large enough for eat-in space and therefor left underutilized, and a general lack of storage all needed to be addressed. To increase functional space, we enclosed a small back porch and re-built the adjacent nook, folding in the square footage to create an expansive kitchen footprint. We relocated the back door and added a back deck while creating space for a mud bench for littles to tuck away their gear! The enlarged kitchen now boasts a extensive natural light thanks to the addition of several windows. An easy work flow was created within the new kitchen layout featuring an in-island sink with range and hood flanked by matching windows. Custom cabinet accessories make storage a breeze and provide a space for all the necessities to be right at the homeowner’s fingertips. The eat-in kitchen space allows not only for lingering family chats, but homework and craft projects to be done while dinner simmers on the stove. This kitchen truly is the heart of this home! All of the updates were completed with the home’s original foursquare architecture in mind. with a focus on classic architectural molding styles, traditional window details, and clean-lined classic fixtures. Youthfulness and modernity are infused into the space with the contemporary handmade tile backsplash, rich and timeless green cabinets, and artistic wallpaper with a whimsical floral print and subtle European nod. The custom range in cream and brass is a stunning showstopper and a testament that even the most functional of elements in a kitchen can still be beautiful! Which one is the star of the show? How do we pick just one?!

After just moving to STL from Atlanta with her husband, triplets, and 4 rescue dogs...this client was looking for a sophisticated space that was a reflection of her love of Design and a space that kept in line with an overall budget. The Great Room needed to accommodate the daily needs of a family of 5 and 4 dogs.... but also the extended family and friends that came to visit from out of town. 2 CR Laine custom sofas, oversized cocktail table, leather updated custom wing chairs, accent tables that not only looked the part, but that were functional for this large family...no coasters necessary, and a plethora of pillows for cozying up on the floor. After seeing the potential of the home and what good Design can accomplish, we took to the Office and Dining Room. Using the clients existing furniture in the Dining, adding an updated metal server and an oversized Visual Comfort Lantern Light were just the beginning. Top it off with a deep navy high gloss paint color , custom window treatments and a light overdyed area rug to lighten the heavy existing dining table and chairs, and job complete! In the Office, adding a coat of deep green/gray paint to the wood bookcases set the backdrop for the bronze metal desk and glass floor lamps. Oversized tufted ottoman, and chairs to cozy up to the fire were the needed layers. Custom window treatments and artwork that reflected the clients love of golf created a functional and updated space. THE KITCHEN!! During our First Design phase, the kitchen was going to stay "as is"...but after completing a stunning Great Room space to accommodate triplets and 4 dogs, we knew the kitchen needed to compliment. Wolf appliances, Sub Zero refrigeration, custom cabinets were all a great foundation to a soon to be spectacular kitchen. Taj Mahal quartzite was just what was necessary to enhance the warm tones of the cabinetry and give the kitchen the necessary sustainability. New flooring to compliment the warm tones but also to introduce some cooler tones were the crescendo to this update! This expansive space is connected and cohesive, despite its grand footprint. Floating shelves and simple artwork all reflect the lifestyle of this active family.