The board & batt siding was stained black- the same color as the standing seam metal roof, so that the roof and the walls blended into the woods. The red windows add a touch of pop to the exterior.

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

Traditional design blends well with 21st century accessibility standards. Designed by architect Jeremiah Battles of Acacia Architects and built by Ben Quie & Sons, this beautiful new home features details found a century ago, combined with a creative use of space and technology to meet the owner’s mobility needs. Even the elevator is detailed with quarter-sawn oak paneling. Feeling as though it has been here for generations, this home combines architectural salvage with creative design. The owner brought in vintage lighting fixtures, a Tudor fireplace surround, and beveled glass for windows and doors. The kitchen pendants and sconces were custom made to match a 1912 Sheffield fixture she had found. Quarter-sawn oak in the living room, dining room, and kitchen, and flat-sawn oak in the pantry, den, and powder room accent the traditional feel of this brand-new home. Design by Acacia Architects/Jeremiah Battles Construction by Ben Quie and Sons Photography by: Troy Thies

The Summer Master Suite has cathedral ceilings, and a ladder that transports you to the reading loft with skylights and railings that match the exterior balcony railings

Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor dedicated laundry room remodel in Other with beige cabinets, a side-by-side washer/dryer, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, granite countertops and gray walls

Wrap yourself in the tranquility of the Tisbury freestanding bathtub in white. The smooth interior and exterior combined with the curved ends help transport you to a calm and relaxing place. Our high quality Acrylic construction is both strong and light. Due to the insulation of acrylic, this tub will stay warmer longer than other tub materials. The included drain allows for fast and easy drainage. A freestanding tub filler will complete the look. Features: *Premium quality acrylic construction for strength and durability *Modern oval design *Smooth interior and exterior finish *Overall dimensions: 66.19" Length x 30.94" Width x 23.25" Height *Drain and overflow assembly with polished chrome trim included

This large pantry features custom cabinetry in a light stain to give this space a larger feel. Open shelves and drawers provide various areas for storage. Countertop space allows for larger appliance storage such as the microwave and crockpot.

Custom live edge cedar table / countertop.
Large l-shaped concrete floor and gray floor eat-in kitchen photo in Vancouver with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2015 Houzz
Home design - contemporary home design idea in New York

Jackie Meiring
Inspiration for a small contemporary bedroom remodel in Auckland

Pale purple coneflower / Echinacea pallida
This is an example of a landscaping in Minneapolis.

After years of enjoying their backyard, the clients of this property enlisted our firm to improve the original landscape we had completed over ten years ago. Our goal was to update the patio and further develop their backyard by creating a garden with a variety of color and texture. Over time the existing patio had settled, plantings grew, and an existing Oak thrived. During the initial home and landscape construction our clients were particularly concerned about the health of the mature Oak located just off the home. Special care was given when the patio was first built. Precautions were again taken in working around the Oak as the existing patio was removed and replaced. Surrounding trees and shrubs had grown and enclosed the backyard limiting access. This required almost all work and transport of material to be done by hand. The old concrete paver patio was replaced with bluestone. Existing mortared limestone around the edges of the patio levels were cleaned and tuck-pointed. A new stoop was constructed with mortared limestone risers and bluestone treads. A built-in grill and fireplace further updated the backyard space. The fireplace was designed to follow the organic curve of the patio. Mortared limestone and bluestone material were repeated on all elements, tying them together. Along with the updated patio, many additions were made in transforming the modest backyard into a lush garden. Masses of annuals, ornamental grasses, and perennials along with mixed shrubs created sweeps of color and texture in front of a new arborvitae hedge and other existing trees and shrubs. After careful planning and execution the completed landscape gave our clients the updated landscape they desired. The completion of the project was a rewarding and fulfilling experience as we transformed a good past project into a fantastic new project.

Every now and again we have the good fortune to provide our services in a location with stunningly gorgeous scenery. This Cape Neddick, Maine project represents one of those occasions. Nestled in the client’s backyard, the custom glass conservatory we designed and built offers breathtaking views of the Cape Neddick River flowing nearby. The picturesque result is a great example of how our custom glass enclosures can enhance your daily experience of the natural beauty that already surrounds your home. This conservatory is iconic in its form, designed and styled to match the existing look of the client’s residence, and built to withstand the full brunt of a New England winter. Positioned to maximize views of the river, the glass addition is completed by an adjacent outdoor patio area which provides additional seating and room to entertain. The new space is annexed directly to the home via a steel-reinforced opening into the kitchen in order to provide a convenient access path between the home’s interior and exterior. The mahogany glass roof frame was engineered in our workshop and then transported to the job site and positioned via crane in order to speed construction time without sacrificing quality. The conservatory’s exterior has been painted white to match the home. The floor frame sits atop helical piers and we used wide pine boards for the interior floor. As always, we selected some of the best US-made insulated glass on the market to complete the project. Low-e and argon gas-filled, these panes will provide the R values that make this a true four-season structure.

Design by Blue Heron in Partnership with Cantoni. Photos By: Stephen Morgan For many, Las Vegas is a destination that transports you away from reality. The same can be said of the thirty-nine modern homes built in The Bluffs Community by luxury design/build firm, Blue Heron. Perched on a hillside in Southern Highlands, The Bluffs is a private gated community overlooking the Las Vegas Valley with unparalleled views of the mountains and the Las Vegas Strip. Indoor-outdoor living concepts, sustainable designs and distinctive floorplans create a modern lifestyle that makes coming home feel like a getaway. To give potential residents a sense for what their custom home could look like at The Bluffs, Blue Heron partnered with Cantoni to furnish a model home and create interiors that would complement the Vegas Modern™ architectural style. “We were really trying to introduce something that hadn’t been seen before in our area. Our homes are so innovative, so personal and unique that it takes truly spectacular furnishings to complete their stories as well as speak to the emotions of everyone who visits our homes,” shares Kathy May, director of interior design at Blue Heron. “Cantoni has been the perfect partner in this endeavor in that, like Blue Heron, Cantoni is innovative and pushes boundaries.” Utilizing Cantoni’s extensive portfolio, the Blue Heron Interior Design team was able to customize nearly every piece in the home to create a thoughtful and curated look for each space. “Having access to so many high-quality and diverse furnishing lines enables us to think outside the box and create unique turnkey designs for our clients with confidence,” says Kathy May, adding that the quality and one-of-a-kind feel of the pieces are unmatched. rom the perfectly situated sectional in the downstairs family room to the unique blue velvet dining chairs, the home breathes modern elegance. “I particularly love the master bed,” says Kathy. “We had created a concept design of what we wanted it to be and worked with one of Cantoni’s longtime partners, to bring it to life. It turned out amazing and really speaks to the character of the room.” The combination of Cantoni’s soft contemporary touch and Blue Heron’s distinctive designs are what made this project a unified experience. “The partnership really showcases Cantoni’s capabilities to manage projects like this from presentation to execution,” shares Luca Mazzolani, vice president of sales at Cantoni. “We work directly with the client to produce custom pieces like you see in this home and ensure a seamless and successful result.” And what a stunning result it is. There was no Las Vegas luck involved in this project, just a sureness of style and service that brought together Blue Heron and Cantoni to create one well-designed home. To learn more about Blue Heron Design Build, visit www.blueheron.com.

After years of enjoying their backyard, the clients of this property enlisted our firm to improve the original landscape we had completed over ten years ago. Our goal was to update the patio and further develop their backyard by creating a garden with a variety of color and texture. Over time the existing patio had settled, plantings grew, and an existing Oak thrived. During the initial home and landscape construction our clients were particularly concerned about the health of the mature Oak located just off the home. Special care was given when the patio was first built. Precautions were again taken in working around the Oak as the existing patio was removed and replaced. Surrounding trees and shrubs had grown and enclosed the backyard limiting access. This required almost all work and transport of material to be done by hand. The old concrete paver patio was replaced with bluestone. Existing mortared limestone around the edges of the patio levels were cleaned and tuck-pointed. A new stoop was constructed with mortared limestone risers and bluestone treads. A built-in grill and fireplace further updated the backyard space. The fireplace was designed to follow the organic curve of the patio. Mortared limestone and bluestone material were repeated on all elements, tying them together. Along with the updated patio, many additions were made in transforming the modest backyard into a lush garden. Masses of annuals, ornamental grasses, and perennials along with mixed shrubs created sweeps of color and texture in front of a new arborvitae hedge and other existing trees and shrubs. After careful planning and execution the completed landscape gave our clients the updated landscape they desired. The completion of the project was a rewarding and fulfilling experience as we transformed a good past project into a fantastic new project.

THEME This room is dedicated to supporting and encouraging the young artist in art and music. From the hand-painted instruments decorating the music corner to the dedicated foldaway art table, every space is tailored to the creative spirit, offering a place to be inspired, a nook to relax or a corner to practice. This environment radiates energy from the ground up, showering the room in natural, vibrant color. FOCUS A majestic, floor-to-ceiling tree anchors the space, boldly transporting the beauty of nature into the house--along with the fun of swinging from a tree branch, pitching a tent or reading under the beautiful canopy. The tree shares pride of place with a unique, retroinspired room divider housing a colorful padded nook perfect for reading, watching television or just relaxing. STORAGE Multiple storage options are integrated to accommodate the family’s eclectic interests and varied needs. From hidden cabinets in the floor to movable shelves and storage bins, there is room for everything. The two wardrobes provide generous storage capacity without taking up valuable floor space, and readily open up to sweep toys out of sight. The myWall® panels accommodate various shelving options and bins that can all be repositioned as needed. Additional storage and display options are strategically provided around the room to store sheet music or display art projects on any of three magnetic panels. GROWTH While the young artist experiments with media or music, he can also adapt this space to complement his experiences. The myWall® panels promote easy transformation and expansion, offer unlimited options, and keep shelving at an optimum height as he grows. All the furniture rolls on casters so the room can sustain the action during a play date or be completely re-imagined if the family wants a makeover. SAFETY The elements in this large open space are all designed to enfold a young boy in a playful, creative and safe place. The modular components on the myWall® panels are all locked securely in place no matter what they store. The custom drop-down table includes two safety latches to prevent unintentional opening. The floor drop doors are all equipped with slow glide closing hinges so no fingers will be trapped.

At Mobalco we use high quality 26 litre waste bins to optimize waste management. The bins have handles for easy transportation. The specially designed covers seal their contents to prevent the spread of unpleasant odors, and include a carbon filter.

Jennifer and Dan have lived in their Deer Park Illinois home for 15 years, slowly making minor fixes like painting and decorating; but they had a new plan for their kitchen the entire time. An awkwardly placed garage door, and an island cooktop with a terrible downdraft made a full-scale kitchen remodel an absolute must. Jennifer had many ideas in mind and wanted to work with a company that could provide high-end work, while partnering with a designer that would tailor the kitchen to her ideas. She was intrigued by the phrase “Common Sense Remodeling” in Advance Design’s feature she discovered while perusing an issue of the community’s Quintessential Barrington Magazine. Doing further research on the company’s website, as she looked through project profiles and read about Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy, she promptly scheduled an appointment to see if the people and ideas she read about were truly who they said they were. The more she read, the more she knew that the “Common Sense” approach to remodeling they described was exactly the type of company she was looking for. The partnership was sealed after an initial consultation with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Michelle Lecinski. They displayed a combination of friendliness, professionalism and respect that was unmatched by any of the other companies Jennifer talked to. She knew that with Advance Design, she would be able to retain the vision that she had in mind with high-quality craftsmanship. “I reached out to Advance Design because of the ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ tagline,” Jennifer said. “That’s what lingered for me”. “Advance Design was the most respectful- of the house and of my design ideas, and the most professional of the handful of companies that looked at my project”. Soon after the meeting Jennifer began working with Michelle on the project design. They quickly developed chemistry. Jennifer loved how Michelle researched and located every detail that Jennifer wanted for the kitchen. Between the two of them, every concept and idea was worked through and perfected. “Jennifer had definite ideas about what she wanted the new kitchen to look like, she just didn’t know how to bring it all together. We worked together really well to make her ideas into the practical reality necessary for a well-functioning kitchen, with the look and feel that she had envisioned”, says Michelle. “Michelle was wonderful in using the CAD system she would show me new drawings every time we changed the layout while working through the design,” Jennifer said. “She was a really wonderful partner in execution, she made sure everything happened quickly and easily.” The finished design drew out elements of Jennifer’s style and personality. The pair call the look “sophisticated farmhouse” to describe the kitchen renovation to family and friends. The result was a beautifully crafted, authentic-feeling space that satisfied Jennifer’s dreams 15 years in the making. The whole project consisted of a kitchen remodel, mudroom upgrade with powder room, and garage entry relocation. “The projects I personally like the best, are the ones that put the client’s dreams on display,” Project Designer Michelle said. “And this is one of those projects.” The main focal point of the kitchen is custom zinc and brass ventilation hood with a vintage sheen, which was hand made to order by a small company in Indiana named Vogler Metalworking. “It’s like sculpture, a true work of art”, says Jennifer. Your eye is immediately drawn towards this elegant yet practical hood that eliminated the home’s downdraft problem and added a striking conversation piece at the same time. The carpenters had to use special gloves when transporting and installing it, so they didn’t smudge it with fingerprints. The beautiful hood centers proudly over the stunning black enamel and brass LaCornue Range. “I had a friend who had a LaCornue range and after learning how easy it was to cook perfect meals, I was convinced I wanted to have one”, says Jennifer. This unique, breathtaking combination anchors the entire kitchen and is apparent immediately as you walk into the great room the surrounds the space. DuraSupreme Crestwood cabinets with a Kendall Panel add function and sophistication. A custom gray paint color paired with a storm blue was developed so that the new kitchen looked like it belonged to the existing space. Unlacquered brass faucets and hardware were important to Jennifer because she wanted the living finishes to age over time. Remarkable brass diamond mesh cabinet door inserts imported from the UK continue to add this one-of-a-kind kitchen renovation; giving it a “you won’t see this everywhere” quality. The use of old railcar flooring for the coffee bar countertop and reclaimed oak for the open shelving gives an authenticity to the space uncommon in kitchens today. Jennifer and Michelle fell in love with the Limestone Grey Stone while they were investigating unique island countertop ideas. They liked the fact that the limestone as a living finish will age and change over time. Calcutta Miel Quartz countertops made for an excellent pairing around the perimeter, as it’s durable and perfect for cooking preparations. A textured white subway tile backsplash that runs to the ceiling keeps your eye moving towards the open shelving, and to the main focal point of the stunning range hood combination. “The kitchen functions beautifully, and it’s gorgeous,” beams Jennifer as she gestures with both hands while smiling ear to ear. “The most important thing was I wanted a kitchen that had a wonderful flow, cooked beautiful meals and was a great gathering place for family and friends, and this space does that perfectly! Beauty wise, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned. I felt the function part was the hardest part, and that was nailed”! Relocating the garage entry to the new mudroom was a huge priority and has finally separated the family’s arriving home functions from their kitchen. Now coats and shoes and bags have their own area for dropping once members arrive home. Matching gray DuraSupreme cabinetry helped create gorgeous, purposeful lockers for the family. A reclaimed vintage sink and custom wall paper were added to the tiny powder room to beautify the once previously only functional space. Advance Design was even able to create a custom space for their dog to sleep while the family is away. “It was unbelievable that a project of this size was completed in such a short time, and I think that’s because of the large amount of planning and preparation that went into it,” Jennifer marveled, “When we started, we were ready, and everything was prepared”. When it came to execution, Project Manager Justin Davis and his crew were quick, accessible, and organized. Projects like this kitchen are typically completed in as little as 8-10 weeks. Jennifer’s kitchen however despite the relocation of some challenging HVAC in a soffit and moving of an exterior door was completed remarkably fast in part because the team was working with an existing tile floor that ran throughout the first floor that the client really loved. “You get to know these people really well because they’re living in your house while you’re living in your house. They were so fast and really good, it didn’t take as long as even planned” reported Jennifer. “I would text Justin and he always responded almost immediately. I got to know all the guys who were working in our house and they were all wonderful people”. Details in a customized kitchen like this one require skill and care from the people who install it. “All the guys on the job were skilled at what the did. I wanted small details like little feet to look like furniture, that is where their carpentry skill came in to make these all perfect”, said Jennifer. “The tile guys were wonderful. They even let me determine how I wanted the texture with the grout to appear for a salt and pepper look; now that is a very skilled trade person making it custom”. In Jennifer’s interview, she continued to reference Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling”, so I took a minute to ask her exactly what that phrase meant to her and how it played out in her experience with her project and the Advance Design team. Here is what she said: “I was intrigued about Common Sense Remodeling and in my head that there would be clear costs and prices, great communication between the design team, the execution team and me”, said Jennifer. They did deliver on that, it was so clear about the cost breakdown, what I could expect from everyone who came to my house, and everything that we had ordered. That to me is the Common Sense”! It’s great to see a client take literally our assertion that a well-planned remodeling project is simply “Common Sense”! She anticipated each step of the way would be clear, concise, and predictable, all the while protecting the outcome due to the careful upfront planning. “Advance Design delivered on their ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ promise,” Jennifer said. “From the design team, to the execution team - everything was straight forward like I imagined. The project turned out exactly how I envisioned, I enjoyed this process and absolutely would recommend Advance Design Studio to anyone.”

A British colonial teakwood campaign chest of drawers; can be split in two parts for ease of transport. Campaign or “knock down” furniture was portable military furniture and used by British officers when they set out for a campaign in India. However, because campaign furniture was extremely versatile, it also appealed to home owners who appreciated its elegance, strength and ease of storage. Interesting, unique piece paired with a selection of antique maps.