Outbuildings grow out of their particular function and context. Design maintains unity with the main house and yet creates interesting elements to the outbuildings itself, treating it like an accent piece.

A built-in cherry shelving unity is nestled below the continuous mantel to display the home owner's collectables.

Large elegant open concept living room photo in Chicago with beige walls

Kitchen - coastal kitchen idea in Los Angeles

Plastra Series luminaires, are a perfectly integrated lighting solution, designed to create indirect ambient lighting. Their unique paintable surface allows the fixture to blend discretely into its environment creating unity between the wall and the fixture. This fixture can be painted over with wall paint after priming.

Color: Spirit-Forest-Oak
Large trendy open concept dark wood floor living room library photo in Chicago with multicolored walls, no fireplace and no tv

Living room - rustic dark wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Salt Lake City with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The formal dining room is directly opposite the formal living space at the very entry of the estate. These two rooms mirror each other in coloration, shape, size, lighting, and drapery treatment. The final effect is one of unity and cohesion. Upholstering the dining chairs in two fabrics adds additional interest and texture to 10 chairs. The antique hutch displays heirloom china and adds character to the room while balancing out the large fireplace on the opposite wall in the living room. Photos by: Julie Soefer

Outbuildings grow out of their particular function and context. Design maintains unity with the main house and yet creates interesting elements to the outbuildings itself, treating it like an accent piece.

Color: Spirit Sand Oak
Living room - large coastal open concept light wood floor living room idea in Chicago with a music area, white walls, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace

Color:Spirit-Sand-Oak
Example of a large classic open concept light wood floor living room design in Chicago with a music area, white walls, a corner fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

The expansive lobby of the Columbus Center in Coral Gables, designed by CRTKL Design. Big patterns in large spaces make the environment feel more spacious. Here, the Rubicon pattern by Marble Systems (from the Talya Collection) achieves unity with the hall area, adding striking density and depth to the room.

Breathtaking open kitchen concept uses marble white marble slabs to create unity and simplicity .
Open concept kitchen - large contemporary galley porcelain tile open concept kitchen idea in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This living room design in Sarasota, Florida embraces nature-themed characteristics with a mid century/ modern twist. The unity of the browns and greens create a nice warm, yet exciting, living space in this home.

While a neutral palette provides a soothing common ground for a couple, it’s only half of the equation: the key to a perfectly designed romantic bedroom is balancing the common ground with elements that give him and her a sense of their own space. Just as a couple is the union of two individuals, their private oasis should be a room that celebrates their unity while honoring their individuality.

Embracing the notion of commissioning artists and hiring a General Contractor in a single stroke, the new owners of this Grove Park condo hired WSM Craft to create a space to showcase their collection of contemporary folk art. The entire home is trimmed in repurposed wood from the WNC Livestock Market, which continues to become headboards, custom cabinetry, mosaic wall installations, and the mantle for the massive stone fireplace. The sliding barn door is outfitted with hand forged ironwork, and faux finish painting adorns walls, doors, and cabinetry and furnishings, creating a seamless unity between the built space and the décor. Michael Oppenheim Photography

Jackie and Sean loved the Algonquin neighborhood they lived in with the peaceful neighborhood and the close proximity to work and school. What they didn’t love was how outdated their home had become. With a cramped kitchen and an unused dining room, they decided a remodel was the perfect solution to their problem. They would be able to continue to live in the area they loved, while at the same time they could have the dream home they envisioned. After a thorough search, Jackie came across Advance Design Studio. She was impressed by all of the positive reviews she saw on the internet and saw herself identifying with all of the project stories she saw on the website. Once they met with designer Scott Christensen and owner Todd Jurs, they knew Advance Design was the right company to make their dreams a reality. The project consisted of four main areas: the kitchen/dining/powder room, the laundry room, the master bathroom, and the kid’s bathroom. They wanted to expand the kitchen into the seldom used dining room and add a large island for hosting parties and family gatherings. They also wanted new hardwood flooring throughout the first level. The laundry room needed to be more functional, and all three bathrooms were in dire need of updating. The closed off kitchen was opened up to create a sweeping space between the new eating area and the much larger kitchen. A handsome dry bar complete with a beverage refrigerator and lighted glass door cabinetry makes an elegant transition across from a peninsula area filled with storage. An additional decorative cabinet lighting up elegant dishware through the mullioned glass sits directly across from the drybar. An expansive island was critical to the kitchen plans. Jackie, Sean and Scott worked closely together to create just the right details for their design. They wanted the island to be functional in addition to being the centerpiece of the room. Added storage for the kid’s school supplies was hidden behind cabinet doors so the children could do their schoolwork right at the island, and a microwave drawer glides open with the touch of a finger hidden inconspicuously within the island space. The easy to care for Cambria Britannica Quartz island top with its sweeping grey and white marble look perched atop hand-carved Craftsman corbels was absolutely what they were hoping for, blending both beauty and function perfectly. Adding a nice contrast to the brightness of the quartz and the white cabinetry, Kodiak - Leather granite countertops were used to balance the light and dark tones of the space. Dura Supreme Classic White painted cabinets grace the perimeter, while Maple Poppy Seed stained cabinets with a beautiful soft grey woodgrain were used in the beverage center and island. The two tones compliment the large space balancing it out nicely creating interest and elegance with the simple Craftsman style full overlay doors. A deep warm Barnwood White Oak flooring was added throughout the lower level. The new floor brings additional contrast to the bright kitchen and provides unity with the now open floorplan as it rolls in to the foyer and family room. Final details like the show-stopping lunar like duo light fixtures complete the space and intermix expertly with crisscross details of the glass door mullions, the island bar seating and even accessories in the space. The small cluttered laundry room needed more space and more storage. With a busy family it seemed to overflow daily and did not have anywhere to hide the families “in and out stuff.” Scott designed the new space with a stackable washer and dryer and much more efficiently organized cabinetry. Doing laundry is now (almost!) a pleasure and keeping everyone’s “stuff” hidden, but readily accessible is now a snap. The master bath was not a place where the couple enjoyed spending time getting ready for their day. The tub almost never was used, so removing it made it possible to build an extra-large shower, replacing the small cramped cube of the previous shower they hated. Clean, horizontal lines softly draw your eye around the space with porcelain tile called Driftwood Sea spray. Full overlay cabinetry in a soft white vanity with double sinks makes getting ready for the day much more convenient for the busy couple. Long floor planks made of porcelain tile mimic real hardwood floors in a soft grey to compliment the shower, but with the ease and care of a tile surface. Cambrian Black Granite counters with a matte finish and under mount porcelain sinks with handsome brushed chrome hardware complete the handsome space. A real bonus in any master bath; a custom built in storage nook was tucked in the corner of the space for linens and heavenly storage. The kid’s bath was in sad shape because it was original to the house. To keep the budget in control, the tub which was in great condition was retained, but focus was on the new large brick style porcelain charcoal tile on the floor, crisp white new Craftsman style cabinetry with pretty furniture details on the corner base, a striking granite top with white under mount porcelain sinks and fresh hardware and faucets. Some beautiful soft grey wood mirrors to match mom and dads were custom sized and placed under new lighting, and 4 hooks were smartly arranged down the wall for kids’ towels. This couple was determined not to move, and made their house their dream home. Not only does their home function greatly now, but Jackie says, “When the neighbors come to visit, they’re asking if they can “steal” the design”! The added functionality, elegance, and open floor plan were exactly what this family needed in order to stay. Advance Design Studio, Joe Nowak

The objective was to create a warm neutral space to later customize to a specific colour palate/preference of the end user for this new construction home being built to sell. A high-end contemporary feel was requested to attract buyers in the area. An impressive kitchen that exuded high class and made an impact on guests as they entered the home, without being overbearing. The space offers an appealing open floorplan conducive to entertaining with indoor-outdoor flow. Due to the spec nature of this house, the home had to remain appealing to the builder, while keeping a broad audience of potential buyers in mind. The challenge lay in creating a unique look, with visually interesting materials and finishes, while not being so unique that potential owners couldn’t envision making it their own. The focus on key elements elevates the look, while other features blend and offer support to these striking components. As the home was built for sale, profitability was important; materials were sourced at best value, while retaining high-end appeal. Adaptations to the home’s original design plan improve flow and usability within the kitchen-greatroom. The client desired a rich dark finish. The chosen colours tie the kitchen to the rest of the home (creating unity as combination, colours and materials, is repeated throughout). Photos- Paul Grdina

Outbuildings grow out of their particular function and context. Design maintains unity with the main house and yet creates interesting elements to the outbuildings itself, treating it like an accent piece.