The Main Stay House exists as a straightforward proposal on an urban infill lot, paring down the components of a house to a minimal amount of planes and openings. The scheme is anchored by a modern entry sequence and a staircase volume, both clad in iron spot masonry externally and internally, creating thresholds between the respective realms of public, common and private, by minimal means. The masonry contrasts with an otherwise muted interior atmosphere of smooth, desaturated surfaces. The entry sequence is a twist upon the conventional domestic front door, front facade, and fence. The front masonry wall replaces the typical residential fence and frames an indirect access to the front door, functioning as a privacy barrier while revealing slices of the interior to the public street. The staircase bifurcates the layout to provide a clear division between the common and private zones of the house, while clearly reading as a mass from all outside view. Brick and glass become portals between common and private zones. The design consolidates the service core along the west façade, allowing the structure to fully open the living zone to the pool court and existing trees. This directly connects interior and exterior, as well as human and nature. Freedom to vary the program or functional use of the area is enabled and strongly encouraged. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Thalictrum dasycarpum / tall meadow-rue

The Main Stay House exists as a straightforward proposal on an urban infill lot, paring down the components of a house to a minimal amount of planes and openings. The scheme is anchored by a modern entry sequence and a staircase volume, both clad in iron spot masonry externally and internally, creating thresholds between the respective realms of public, common and private, by minimal means. The masonry contrasts with an otherwise muted interior atmosphere of smooth, desaturated surfaces. The entry sequence is a twist upon the conventional domestic front door, front facade, and fence. The front masonry wall replaces the typical residential fence and frames an indirect access to the front door, functioning as a privacy barrier while revealing slices of the interior to the public street. The staircase bifurcates the layout to provide a clear division between the common and private zones of the house, while clearly reading as a mass from all outside view. Brick and glass become portals between common and private zones. The design consolidates the service core along the west façade, allowing the structure to fully open the living zone to the pool court and existing trees. This directly connects interior and exterior, as well as human and nature. Freedom to vary the program or functional use of the area is enabled and strongly encouraged. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

[Michael Moran - Photographer] Media Room: In the downstairs media room Stephanie started with the fireplace as a focal point, creating a global feel within a club-like atmosphere. Dark, rich browns and blues combine with fabrics from velvet to leather to create an inviting space unlike the typical media room or man cave. Stephanie featured pieces from Century Furniture, Lazar and Natuzzi, selecting recliners and swivel chairs to encourage engagement among guests. Outside the media room, Stephanie created a seating area with selections from Vanguard and Century Furniture. Complementary colors connect the two spaces and offer an overflow room for entertaining. This home was designed from start to finish by Stephanie James with Allen and James Interiors at Furnitureland South. While Stephanie’s long-time clients were in the process of determining finishes and textures, from cabinetry to flooring to counter tops, they visited Furnitureland South. He had contemporary tastes that gravitated toward leather and angles; she was drawn toward softer fabrics and curves that occasionally bordered on traditional. They both agreed that Stephanie should help them select furnishings, fabrics and textures that would result in a contemporary home with warm elements that were beautiful, comfortable and welcoming, while reflecting both their aesthetics. The slideshow above visualizes the story of their search for beauty and art in each piece of furniture, in each room and within the house as a whole.

Originally built in 1938, this bungalow cottage had enduring character, but its traditional closed kitchen layout – typical of the era – didn’t align with the way the homeowners envisioned living in the space. Inspired by their travels through England’s Cotswolds, the French countryside, and Carmel’s whimsical Storybook Cottages by the Sea, the homeowners dreamed of a home that captured the romance of cottages and one that would seamlessly connect with their stunning English-style garden. After years of attempting to reimagine the kitchen in its original location the homeowners realized it would never truly suit the way they lived & wanted to entertain. The original kitchen was historical & was built when the kitchen was the last room you wanted guests to see. It was tucked into the front corner of the home off a hallway leading to the main level bedrooms and bath. To reach the dining room, you passed through a servery swing door, then continued into the living room. While the original door had charm, it disrupted the flow and connection between the kitchen and the main living areas. To bring the homeowners’ vision to life, the design called for a bold move—relocating the kitchen entirely. We designed a 560-square-foot addition off the living room – placing the kitchen at the heart of the home and connecting it to the gardens. The new space includes a sunlit breakfast nook, a charming butler’s pantry, a garden vestibule with its own entry porch, and a wraparound porch that encourages indoor-outdoor living. The main level remodel also redefined existing spaces: the old dining room was transformed into a cozy study library, while a former bedroom became an elegant dining room just off the new kitchen. Every design decision honored the home’s original 1938 architecture and character. Matching the home’s original 1.5-story proportions, the new kitchen wing was designed with intersecting gables that echo the scale and pitch of the existing roofline. A stone-wrapped chimney topped with a handcrafted copper cap is straight from the pages of a storybook. Decorative corbels, intricate window trim, and cedar shake in the gable ends further connect the new architecture to the home’s historic detailing. Finishes and fixtures were thoughtfully chosen to marry the home’s moodier, character-rich original rooms with the brighter, lighter new spaces. The result is a timeless transformation that feels as though it has always been part of the home – an enchanting blend of storybook charm, functional design, and garden-centered living. At the ground level, a Pennsylvania bluestone porch and stone skirting ground the addition in traditional materials. Inside, a tongue-and-groove ceiling with hand-hewn beams gives purpose and intimacy to the heightened kitchen ceiling. The home’s signature arched openings were meticulously replicated in the new kitchen, breakfast nook, and dining room, ensuring a seamless transition between old and new. Every element – inside and out – was chosen to honor the original home while enhancing the charm, character, and connection to the garden. Photos by MK Photography

Originally built in 1938, this bungalow cottage had enduring character, but its traditional closed kitchen layout – typical of the era – didn’t align with the way the homeowners envisioned living in the space. Inspired by their travels through England’s Cotswolds, the French countryside, and Carmel’s whimsical Storybook Cottages by the Sea, the homeowners dreamed of a home that captured the romance of cottages and one that would seamlessly connect with their stunning English-style garden. After years of attempting to reimagine the kitchen in its original location the homeowners realized it would never truly suit the way they lived & wanted to entertain. The original kitchen was historical & was built when the kitchen was the last room you wanted guests to see. It was tucked into the front corner of the home off a hallway leading to the main level bedrooms and bath. To reach the dining room, you passed through a servery swing door, then continued into the living room. While the original door had charm, it disrupted the flow and connection between the kitchen and the main living areas. To bring the homeowners’ vision to life, the design called for a bold move—relocating the kitchen entirely. We designed a 560-square-foot addition off the living room – placing the kitchen at the heart of the home and connecting it to the gardens. The new space includes a sunlit breakfast nook, a charming butler’s pantry, a garden vestibule with its own entry porch, and a wraparound porch that encourages indoor-outdoor living. The main level remodel also redefined existing spaces: the old dining room was transformed into a cozy study library, while a former bedroom became an elegant dining room just off the new kitchen. Every design decision honored the home’s original 1938 architecture and character. Matching the home’s original 1.5-story proportions, the new kitchen wing was designed with intersecting gables that echo the scale and pitch of the existing roofline. A stone-wrapped chimney topped with a handcrafted copper cap is straight from the pages of a storybook. Decorative corbels, intricate window trim, and cedar shake in the gable ends further connect the new architecture to the home’s historic detailing. Finishes and fixtures were thoughtfully chosen to marry the home’s moodier, character-rich original rooms with the brighter, lighter new spaces. The result is a timeless transformation that feels as though it has always been part of the home – an enchanting blend of storybook charm, functional design, and garden-centered living. At the ground level, a Pennsylvania bluestone porch and stone skirting ground the addition in traditional materials. Inside, a tongue-and-groove ceiling with hand-hewn beams gives purpose and intimacy to the heightened kitchen ceiling. The home’s signature arched openings were meticulously replicated in the new kitchen, breakfast nook, and dining room, ensuring a seamless transition between old and new. Every element – inside and out – was chosen to honor the original home while enhancing the charm, character, and connection to the garden. Photos by MK Photography

A rustic stone path meanders through a wooded site to arrive at the entry of this 2,800-square-foot home on Martha’s Vineyard, completed in 2001. The path sets the tone for the project itself: simple, functional, and integrated with the natural environment. The couple that commissioned the residence uses it as a summer getaway for family and friends. A master bedroom wing, a guest wing, and a central living, dining, and kitchen area provide a variety of spaces for living and entertaining. Augmenting these spaces are a porch, terrace, and roof deck—providing places for quite reading, gathering for drinks, or taking in unobstructed views of the night sky. The house generates human interaction and connections with the natural world. Ground level terraces and rooftop decks promote this interactivity while large sliding windows and doors literally bring the outdoors inside and encourage individuals to venture outside. The typical inside vs. outside boundaries of traditional buildings are dissolved.

A rustic stone path meanders through a wooded site to arrive at the entry of this 2,800-square-foot home on Martha’s Vineyard, completed in 2001. The path sets the tone for the project itself: simple, functional, and integrated with the natural environment. The couple that commissioned the residence uses it as a summer getaway for family and friends. A master bedroom wing, a guest wing, and a central living, dining, and kitchen area provide a variety of spaces for living and entertaining. Augmenting these spaces are a porch, terrace, and roof deck—providing places for quite reading, gathering for drinks, or taking in unobstructed views of the night sky. The house generates human interaction and connections with the natural world. Ground level terraces and rooftop decks promote this interactivity while large sliding windows and doors literally bring the outdoors inside and encourage individuals to venture outside. The typical inside vs. outside boundaries of traditional buildings are dissolved.

Quartzite and Slate Patio with Firepit
Example of a small eclectic backyard stone patio design in Seattle with a fire pit and no cover

A rustic stone path meanders through a wooded site to arrive at the entry of this 2,800-square-foot home on Martha’s Vineyard, completed in 2001. The path sets the tone for the project itself: simple, functional, and integrated with the natural environment. The couple that commissioned the residence uses it as a summer getaway for family and friends. A master bedroom wing, a guest wing, and a central living, dining, and kitchen area provide a variety of spaces for living and entertaining. Augmenting these spaces are a porch, terrace, and roof deck—providing places for quite reading, gathering for drinks, or taking in unobstructed views of the night sky. The house generates human interaction and connections with the natural world. Ground level terraces and rooftop decks promote this interactivity while large sliding windows and doors literally bring the outdoors inside and encourage individuals to venture outside. The typical inside vs. outside boundaries of traditional buildings are dissolved.

Gardening opportunities are sharply defined by the seasons in New England’s variable climate. Our team was tasked with expanding the growing season for Newtonville, Massachusetts homeowners. The clients envisioned a structure that could perform double duty by serving as both a fully functional four season greenhouse as well as a comfortable home extension. The resulting 24’ x 11’ hybrid addition stunningly captures the sun’s rays while keeping the elements at bay. The project required careful architectural planning. Working in close collaboration with the team at Legault Design LLC of Concord, MA, Sunspace fabricated a custom aluminum framework that complements the home’s existing aesthetic. Our aluminum products have terrific strength-to-weight ratios allowing for slender profile lines that maximize glass areas without sacrificing structural integrity. Aluminum framing is also inherently resistant to the high humidity levels typical of a working greenhouse. This was doubly important given the space’s dual purpose. Another key to this greenhouse’s performance is found in its glazing. A glass structure intended for year-round habitation demands intelligent thermal management. We outfitted the enclosure with Cardinal Low-E 366 high-performance glass. Cardinal’s 1” thick insulated units, filled with argon gas, act as a crucial thermal barrier. These units also feature a specialized coating blocking 95% of damaging UV rays, enabling them to retain heat in the winter while reflecting it during the summer. The best modern glass technology allows spaces like this one to remain temperate sanctuaries in any environmental condition. This greenhouse’s design incorporates three expansive 42” x 60” awning windows to encourage natural airflow, and the 10′ folding glass wall system dissolves the boundary between the interior and exterior yard when fully opened. The seamless indoor-outdoor flow is perfect for summer entertaining or simply letting the space breathe. The space is instantly adaptable to the needs of the moment, whether shielding the home from harsh snows or thrown open to invite a summer breeze.

Quaint and cozy bedrooms with a view can offer a peaceful and relaxing retreat that brings the beauty of nature into the home. A quaint and cozy bedroom is typically designed with a warm and inviting ambiance that encourages relaxation and rest. This can be achieved through the use of soft lighting, comfortable bedding, and tasteful decor that creates a calming atmosphere. The addition of a view can further enhance the peaceful atmosphere by providing a picturesque backdrop that can be enjoyed from the comfort of the bed. The view can be of many different types of natural scenery, such as a mountain range, a lake, a forest, or a garden. It can be framed by large windows, a balcony, or a porch that allows for fresh air and natural light to flow into the room. Together, a quaint and cozy bedroom with a view can create a peaceful and rejuvenating space where you can escape from the stresses of daily life and unwind in the beauty of nature. It can be the perfect place to read a book, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, or simply relax and enjoy the view.

Gardening opportunities are sharply defined by the seasons in New England’s variable climate. Our team was tasked with expanding the growing season for Newtonville, Massachusetts homeowners. The clients envisioned a structure that could perform double duty by serving as both a fully functional four season greenhouse as well as a comfortable home extension. The resulting 24’ x 11’ hybrid addition stunningly captures the sun’s rays while keeping the elements at bay. The project required careful architectural planning. Working in close collaboration with the team at Legault Design LLC of Concord, MA, Sunspace fabricated a custom aluminum framework that complements the home’s existing aesthetic. Our aluminum products have terrific strength-to-weight ratios allowing for slender profile lines that maximize glass areas without sacrificing structural integrity. Aluminum framing is also inherently resistant to the high humidity levels typical of a working greenhouse. This was doubly important given the space’s dual purpose. Another key to this greenhouse’s performance is found in its glazing. A glass structure intended for year-round habitation demands intelligent thermal management. We outfitted the enclosure with Cardinal Low-E 366 high-performance glass. Cardinal’s 1” thick insulated units, filled with argon gas, act as a crucial thermal barrier. These units also feature a specialized coating blocking 95% of damaging UV rays, enabling them to retain heat in the winter while reflecting it during the summer. The best modern glass technology allows spaces like this one to remain temperate sanctuaries in any environmental condition. This greenhouse’s design incorporates three expansive 42” x 60” awning windows to encourage natural airflow, and the 10′ folding glass wall system dissolves the boundary between the interior and exterior yard when fully opened. The seamless indoor-outdoor flow is perfect for summer entertaining or simply letting the space breathe. The space is instantly adaptable to the needs of the moment, whether shielding the home from harsh snows or thrown open to invite a summer breeze.

A rustic stone path meanders through a wooded site to arrive at the entry of this 2,800-square-foot home on Martha’s Vineyard, completed in 2001. The path sets the tone for the project itself: simple, functional, and integrated with the natural environment. The couple that commissioned the residence uses it as a summer getaway for family and friends. A master bedroom wing, a guest wing, and a central living, dining, and kitchen area provide a variety of spaces for living and entertaining. Augmenting these spaces are a porch, terrace, and roof deck—providing places for quite reading, gathering for drinks, or taking in unobstructed views of the night sky. The house generates human interaction and connections with the natural world. Ground level terraces and rooftop decks promote this interactivity while large sliding windows and doors literally bring the outdoors inside and encourage individuals to venture outside. The typical inside vs. outside boundaries of traditional buildings are dissolved.

Gardening opportunities are sharply defined by the seasons in New England’s variable climate. Our team was tasked with expanding the growing season for Newtonville, Massachusetts homeowners. The clients envisioned a structure that could perform double duty by serving as both a fully functional four season greenhouse as well as a comfortable home extension. The resulting 24’ x 11’ hybrid addition stunningly captures the sun’s rays while keeping the elements at bay. The project required careful architectural planning. Working in close collaboration with the team at Legault Design LLC of Concord, MA, Sunspace fabricated a custom aluminum framework that complements the home’s existing aesthetic. Our aluminum products have terrific strength-to-weight ratios allowing for slender profile lines that maximize glass areas without sacrificing structural integrity. Aluminum framing is also inherently resistant to the high humidity levels typical of a working greenhouse. This was doubly important given the space’s dual purpose. Another key to this greenhouse’s performance is found in its glazing. A glass structure intended for year-round habitation demands intelligent thermal management. We outfitted the enclosure with Cardinal Low-E 366 high-performance glass. Cardinal’s 1” thick insulated units, filled with argon gas, act as a crucial thermal barrier. These units also feature a specialized coating blocking 95% of damaging UV rays, enabling them to retain heat in the winter while reflecting it during the summer. The best modern glass technology allows spaces like this one to remain temperate sanctuaries in any environmental condition. This greenhouse’s design incorporates three expansive 42” x 60” awning windows to encourage natural airflow, and the 10′ folding glass wall system dissolves the boundary between the interior and exterior yard when fully opened. The seamless indoor-outdoor flow is perfect for summer entertaining or simply letting the space breathe. The space is instantly adaptable to the needs of the moment, whether shielding the home from harsh snows or thrown open to invite a summer breeze.

The living room in a typical Paris apartment is often designed to be elegant and cozy, with a mix of classic and modern decor. The space is usually adorned with large windows that provide an abundance of natural light and offer beautiful views of the city. You might find a comfortable couch, armchairs, and a coffee table, all arranged in a way that encourages conversation and relaxation. The walls might be painted in a soft, muted color or adorned with wallpaper with a classic French pattern. You could also see some beautiful works of art, mirrors, and decorative objects that add character to the space. Overall, the living room in a Paris apartment is a welcoming and stylish place to relax and entertain guests.

A master bedroom in a Paris apartment is a luxurious and comfortable space designed for relaxation and rest. These rooms typically feature a large and comfortable bed, plush bedding, and tasteful decor that exudes sophistication. With ample storage space, en-suite bathrooms with modern fixtures, and tasteful accents such as artwork and lighting, a master bedroom in a Paris apartment offers the ultimate in comfort and convenience. The decor can vary widely, from classic and ornate to modern and minimalist, but the focus is always on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages relaxation. Overall, a master bedroom in a Paris apartment is the perfect retreat for those seeking the ultimate in luxury and comfort.