Search results for "Viewing experience" in Home Design Ideas

Experience breathtaking views in this one-of-a-kind dining room with three fully glass walls. The dining room overlooks the beautiful surrounding landscape, providing a stunning backdrop for every meal. The room's minimalist design, combined with the expansive windows, creates an airy and open atmosphere, bringing the outdoors in.

"About This Project: This cozy lakefront home is the perfect place to enjoy all that lake life has to offer. With plenty of room to entertain, play and relax, it’s the perfect spot for a family getaway or a romantic weekend escape. The expansive deck overlooking the lake is the perfect place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine, and the large dock is great for swimming, fishing and boating. Inside, the comfortable living room with its wood-burning fireplace is the perfect place to curl up with a good book or watch a movie. And when it’s time to retire for the night, the spacious bedrooms with their views of the lake will ensure a good night’s sleep. So come and experience all that lake life has to offer at this cozy lakefront home.
Norman Builders is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, Norman Builders is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information."

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury.
The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!)
Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss.
Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views:
Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south.
Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area…
A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension:
In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.)
Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire.
While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas.
Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least…
Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area.
An Art-Infused Dining Area:
The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar.
On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm.
Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state.
A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture:
This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance.
Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug.
A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna:
For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston.
This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over.
Praise from Our Clients:
This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it!
“Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.”
If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.
Find the right local pro for your project

This rustic Colorado lodge-like lake home has views of a cascading waterfall in a wooded hillside landscape. Stone steps, flagstone and mulch paths and landings provide invitation and access to explore and experience various garden vignettes and experience the hillside from different views and vantage points.
Photographer: James Maidhof

This interior door has all the characteristics of its glassless sister model and the entire range of advantages that an interior door with glass can provide. Depending, again, on the finish you select, it can invoke images of various memorable views and experiences of the city it is named after: the sunset, with the translucent blue and gray shadows playing on the mountains that surround the city; the gentle breeze blowing from the Tyrrhenian Sea (as you enjoy your drink at a rooftop terrace café, looking over the domes below); the famous Renaissance fountain created by a Florentine architect and brought over to Sicily towards the end of the Sixteenth Century, with the stylish marble statues of the twelve Olympians and other intriguing features. Palermo interior doors are simply irresistible!

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury.
The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!)
Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss.
Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views:
Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south.
Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area…
A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension:
In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.)
Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire.
While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas.
Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least…
Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area.
An Art-Infused Dining Area:
The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar.
On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm.
Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state.
A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture:
This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance.
Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug.
A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna:
For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston.
This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over.
Praise from Our Clients:
This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it!
“Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.”
If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

Eichler X-100 Family Room: The Social Core of a Modernist Vision
The family room in the Eichler X-100 is where the home truly comes alive—a space designed not just for gathering, but for experiencing architecture in motion. Created by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, it embodies the ideal balance between openness, comfort, and innovation.
A Structure That Disappears
At first glance, the room feels effortlessly open—but that freedom is the result of the X-100’s steel-frame construction, which eliminates the need for interior support walls. This allows the family room to function as a true uninterrupted volume, seamlessly connected to adjacent spaces.
The structure is still present—expressed through subtle steel elements—but it never interrupts the flow.
Light-Filled and Ever-Changing
The family room is bathed in natural light from every direction:
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls bring in expansive views and daylight
Overhead skylights soften and diffuse light across the space
Reflections from surrounding surfaces create a gentle, dynamic glow
From morning to evening, the room shifts in tone and atmosphere, making it feel alive and responsive.
Living Without Boundaries
One of the defining qualities of the family room is its ability to blur boundaries. Large sliding glass panels open directly to the outdoors, transforming the space into an indoor-outdoor pavilion.
Whether open or closed, the connection to nature is constant—air, light, and landscape are always part of the experience.
Designed for Everyday Life
Unlike more formal living spaces, the family room is grounded in functionality. It’s where:
Conversations happen naturally
Daily routines unfold
Relaxation and connection take center stage
The openness allows for flexibility—furniture arrangements, uses, and moods can evolve without constraint.
Views That Extend Through the Home
From this space, sightlines stretch across the home—often landing on interior gardens or atriums. This creates a layered visual experience where multiple zones are always in dialogue with one another.
The effect is subtle but powerful:
you are always aware of the entire home, not just the room you’re in.
The Essence of Eichler Living
The family room captures what made Eichler homes revolutionary—a focus on how people actually live. It’s not about formality or separation, but about connection, openness, and ease.
In the X-100, that idea is pushed to its highest level—creating a space that feels as relevant today as it did in 1956. image Sabrina Huang

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Free consultation for landscape design!
Peabody Landscape Group
Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

On Lake Washington, an existing pool terrace was disconnected from the rest of the yard and and waterfront. The site had a challenging slope, but it was no match for a thoughtful design and some earth moving equipment! A retaining wall at the edge of the existing pool was replaced with a wide, generous stair welcoming guests to a new, bocce-style terrace below complete with gas fire pit and stunning views. A gentle, winding path leads down to a waters-edge patio with intersecting stone and concrete patterns creating a visually dynamic experience. A small sandy beach and generous lawn complete the experience. A California style planting palette with beach groundcover, perennials and elegant, flowing grasses highlighted with LED low-voltage outdoor lighting complete the vacation-home-in-the-city feel.
Photography by: Miranda Estes

About This Project: This cozy lakefront home is the perfect place to enjoy all that lake life has to offer. With plenty of room to entertain, play and relax, it’s the perfect spot for a family getaway or a romantic weekend escape. The expansive deck overlooking the lake is the perfect place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine, and the large dock is great for swimming, fishing and boating. Inside, the comfortable living room with its wood-burning fireplace is the perfect place to curl up with a good book or watch a movie. And when it’s time to retire for the night, the spacious bedrooms with their views of the lake will ensure a good night’s sleep. So come and experience all that lake life has to offer at this cozy lakefront home.
MMD Construction is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, MMD Construction is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.

Experience the innovative Orion virtual fireplace that utilizes the most optimized technology, creating the most life-like fire in an electric fireplace.
• High Viewing Area - Enjoy a stunning visual experience with the Orion’s 15″ or 18″ high viewing angle.
• Custom Colors & Patterns - Personalize your fireplace with the Orion’s custom colors and patterns.
• Adjustable Flame Speed - Set the perfect mood with Orion’s adjustable flame speed.
• Ambient Crackling Sound - Immerse yourself in the cozy ambiance created by Orion’s ambient crackling sound.
• Multi-Color Ember Bed & Downlighting - Enhance your space with Orion’s vibrant multi-colored downlight.

It is a luxury hotel located in Noordwijk aan Zee, a coastal town in the Netherlands.The hotel is situated on the shores of the North Sea and offers stunning views of the beach and the surrounding area. Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin is a five-star hotel. It is recognized for its high level of luxury, amenities, and service, which align with the criteria for a five-star rating.
Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin is known for its elegance, exceptional service, and extensive facilities.It has been a prominent landmark since its establishment in 1885 and has hosted many high-profile events and guests over the years.The hotel features a range of luxurious accommodations, including rooms, suites, and penthouses, all furnished with upscale amenities and stylish decor.
HIGOLD's outdoor furniture is also a partner of the five-star hotel.The hotel is decorated with HIGOLD‘s outdoor furniture, and the furniture in the picture is from HIGOLD.
The hotel also offers various dining options, including several restaurants and bars that cater to different culinary preferences.Guests can enjoy fine dining experiences, international cuisine, or relax with a drink while taking in the panoramic views of the sea.
Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin is also well-known for its extensive conference and event facilities, making it a popular venue for corporate gatherings, weddings, and other special occasions.The hotel's dedicated staff ensures that guests have a memorable and comfortable stay, and the location provides easy access to the beach and nearby attractions.
Overall, Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin is a prestigious hotel that combines luxury, beauty, and excellent service to offer a memorable experience for its guests.

Laborde Condo is a project initiated by Michel Abboud, principal and founder of SOMA Architects. The project is located on the 41st floor of the famous City Spire building in Midtown Manhattan. This condo (condominium) hovering in mid-space over Central Park enjoys panoramic city views all around thanks to its fully glazed façade. The stupefying and full-blown views of Central Park to the North and the Hudson River to the East would have never been visible without our design onto the existing space. Whereas now one can stand in the center of the main living room with an unobstructed and direct experience of New York City from close to 500 feet up in the air, the original space was quite different. Indeed, a bedroom and a bathroom originally existed right in the middle of the now seamless living room, separating what once were 2 different apartment units. Combining both apartments into a single continuous and open space was a natural gesture given the envisioned outcome: standing in that living room and experiencing the best that the city has to offer all-at-once is an unforgettable experience that 'wows' any visitor, even the most blasé.

About This Project: This cozy lakefront home is the perfect place to enjoy all that lake life has to offer. With plenty of room to entertain, play and relax, it’s the perfect spot for a family getaway or a romantic weekend escape. The expansive deck overlooking the lake is the perfect place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine, and the large dock is great for swimming, fishing and boating. Inside, the comfortable living room with its wood-burning fireplace is the perfect place to curl up with a good book or watch a movie. And when it’s time to retire for the night, the spacious bedrooms with their views of the lake will ensure a good night’s sleep. So come and experience all that lake life has to offer at this cozy lakefront home.
MMD Construction is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, MMD Construction is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Free consultation for landscape design!
Peabody Landscape Group
Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

The major kitchen renovation of this old country farmhouse was a task of love, one that had been planned for many years by these Barrington seasoned homeowners. After interviewing no less than five companies, the homeowners chose the design team at Advance Design Studio to make the transformation they had long planned for.
“They had an understanding of the right design for the space almost from the instant they walked in the room”, says Sharon Scott of the design team of Nicole Ryan at Todd Jurs at Advance Design Studio. “They were the only designers who laid out ideas in the first meeting at the house that we really loved”, she says. “It was obvious that they understood the house, and understood us - and from then on the decision to hire them literally made itself”.
The original kitchen had a dividing “wall” of cabinetry…that made the rather large space seem very small, and cut off the kitchen from the eating area that has a beautiful garden view completely hidden from the main kitchen. Circulation was poor, leaving family members on top of one another when entertaining family and friends.
The new kitchen design nearly doubles the kitchen size within the original space; opening it up completely and enjoying an expansive island containing a new Kohler Whitehaven Smart Divide farm sink, a dishwasher, and pull out double trash receptacle. The great new gathering space accommodates four pull out stools beckoning grandchildren and friends alike. Removing the range from the island and relocating it to create a dramatic “feature” wall, completely out of the way of guests; it is now crowned with a beautiful completely customized wood hood designed to ventilate much more efficiently than the original island range containing a limited downdraft system.
The much more efficient use of the space after removing a pantry closet made way for a fully functional “tall wall” housing a double oven and refrigerator, out of the way of guests. Removing the restrictive cabinetry wall now allowed for an expansive floor to ceiling pantry cabinet with full extension pull out shelving, and an elegant display area complete with a beautiful furniture detailed buffet.
Fitting perfectly into the farmhouse charm of the old estate, Medallion Silver Lancaster cabinetry was chosen in a soft white Maple Divinity paint finish lining the perimeter. The stunning island hints to this old home’s past with Medallion Gold’s Maple Devonshire style graced with a Carriage Black Heirloom painted finish. The rubbed off black paint finish reveals the soft wood tones beneath, mimicking furniture you’d see in your grandmother’s home that has lovingly been polished for years to reveal a soft, subtly rubbed-off sheen.
Counter tops reverse contrast with perimeter tops of black “Raven” granite possessing a subtle honed finish, and a shift to Quartz Difinity Viareggio - resembling white Carrera marble on the island. A simple herringbone detail completes the decorative range wall, and subtle porcelain subway tiles grace the backsplash throughout.
The design is finished off with crisp Thermador and Bosch stainless steel appliances, and bright brushed cup pull and handle combination hardware. A pull down Kohler Bellaria faucet makes cleanup a breeze, and soft under-cabinet LED lighting throughout makes every work surface shine softly, and highlights the cabinetry display area with grace.
One special detail was created to make the dramatic ceiling transition to a vaulted area above the breakfast nook extra special. A tongue and groove solid wood ceiling was hung above, and a subtle greenish-grey distressed paint finish was hand developed on site by the talented crew, complementing the new kitchen with a completely unique surface that appears as if it’s been there for many, many years. It’s just one standout feature in the amazing new space that is sure to be in every conversation as newcomers enjoy the newest best hangout in this old home renewed!
After 30 years of renovating homes, this now content homeowner sips a cup of tea enjoying her new garden view, and reminisces projects of past – and lastly reports their experience with Advance Design Studio culminating with their amazing new kitchen to be the most enjoyable and satisfying home experience yet.
Designer: Nicole Ryan
Photographer: Joe Nowak

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury.
The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!)
Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss.
Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views:
Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south.
Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area…
A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension:
In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.)
Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire.
While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas.
Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least…
Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area.
An Art-Infused Dining Area:
The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar.
On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm.
Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state.
A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture:
This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance.
Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug.
A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna:
For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston.
This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over.
Praise from Our Clients:
This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it!
“Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.”
If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

"About This Project: This cozy lakefront home is the perfect place to enjoy all that lake life has to offer. With plenty of room to entertain, play and relax, it’s the perfect spot for a family getaway or a romantic weekend escape. The expansive deck overlooking the lake is the perfect place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine, and the large dock is great for swimming, fishing and boating. Inside, the comfortable living room with its wood-burning fireplace is the perfect place to curl up with a good book or watch a movie. And when it’s time to retire for the night, the spacious bedrooms with their views of the lake will ensure a good night’s sleep. So come and experience all that lake life has to offer at this cozy lakefront home.
Norman Builders is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, Norman Builders is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information."

About This Project: This cozy lakefront home is the perfect place to enjoy all that lake life has to offer. With plenty of room to entertain, play and relax, it’s the perfect spot for a family getaway or a romantic weekend escape. The expansive deck overlooking the lake is the perfect place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine, and the large dock is great for swimming, fishing and boating. Inside, the comfortable living room with its wood-burning fireplace is the perfect place to curl up with a good book or watch a movie. And when it’s time to retire for the night, the spacious bedrooms with their views of the lake will ensure a good night’s sleep. So come and experience all that lake life has to offer at this cozy lakefront home.
Showcase Builders is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, Showcase Builders is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.

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Westerville, OH
Custom Home Works
Franklin County's Award-Winning Design, Build and Remodeling Expert

On Lake Washington, an existing pool terrace was disconnected from the rest of the yard and and waterfront. The site had a challenging slope, but it was no match for a thoughtful design and some earth moving equipment! A retaining wall at the edge of the exciting pool was replaced with a wide, generous stair welcoming guests to a new, bocce-style terrace below complete with gas fire pit and stunning views. A gentle, winding path leads down to a waters-edge patio with intersecting stone and concrete patterns creating a visually dynamic experience. A small sandy beach and generous lawn complete the experience. A California style planting palette with beach groundcover, perennials and elegant, flowing grasses highlighted with LED low-voltage outdoor lighting complete the vacation-home-in-the-city feel.
Photography: Miranda Estes

This traditional Muskoka style home built by Tamarack North has just about everything you could ever possibly need. The gabled dormers and gazebo located on the exterior of this home add character to the cottage as well as an old Muskoka component to its design. The lush green landscapes complement both the natural scenery and the architectural design beautifully making for a very classic look. Moving toward the water is a floating gazebo where guests may be surrounded by the serene views of Lake Rosseau rain or shine thanks to the innovative automated screens integrated into the gazebo. And just when you thought this property couldn’t get any more magical, a sports court was built where residents can enjoy both a match of tennis and a game of ball!
Moving from the exterior to the interior is a seamless transition of a traditional design with stone beams leading into timber frame structural support in the ceilings of the living room. In the formal dining room is a beautiful white interior design with a 360-circular view of Lake Rosseau creating a stunning space for entertaining. Featured in the home theatre is an all Canadian classic interior design with a cozy blue interior creating an experience of its own in just this one room itself.
Tamarack North prides their company of professional engineers and builders passionate about serving Muskoka, Lake of Bays and Georgian Bay with fine seasonal homes.

The Clients contacted Cecil Baker + Partners to reconfigure and remodel the top floor of a prominent Philadelphia high-rise into an urban pied-a-terre. The forty-five story apartment building, overlooking Washington Square Park and its surrounding neighborhoods, provided a modern shell for this truly contemporary renovation. Originally configured as three penthouse units, the 8,700 sf interior, as well as 2,500 square feet of terrace space, was to become a single residence with sweeping views of the city in all directions.
The Client’s mission was to create a city home for collecting and displaying contemporary glass crafts. Their stated desire was to cast an urban home that was, in itself, a gallery. While they enjoy a very vital family life, this home was targeted to their urban activities - entertainment being a central element.
The living areas are designed to be open and to flow into each other, with pockets of secondary functions. At large social events, guests feel free to access all areas of the penthouse, including the master bedroom suite. A main gallery was created in order to house unique, travelling art shows.
Stemming from their desire to entertain, the penthouse was built around the need for elaborate food preparation. Cooking would be visible from several entertainment areas with a “show” kitchen, provided for their renowned chef. Secondary preparation and cleaning facilities were tucked away.
The architects crafted a distinctive residence that is framed around the gallery experience, while also incorporating softer residential moments. Cecil Baker + Partners embraced every element of the new penthouse design beyond those normally associated with an architect’s sphere, from all material selections, furniture selections, furniture design, and art placement.
Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography
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