Search results for "Vital elements" in Home Design Ideas

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

Marisa Vitale Photography
www.marisavitale.com
Inspiration for a large country master gray tile and ceramic tile white floor bathroom remodel in Los Angeles with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets and white walls
Inspiration for a large country master gray tile and ceramic tile white floor bathroom remodel in Los Angeles with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets and white walls
Find the right local pro for your project

Harmony of heart and mind | The bathroom collection combines unique design with a highly sensual water experience, at low consumption. Axor Starck Organic also guarantees responsible use of the vital element of water. This is born by a revolutionary control concept and numerous functional and ecological qualities. The collection, from renowned designer Philippe Starck, therefore appeals to both heart and intellect in equal measure. It also blends in harmoniously with a variety of style worlds. | Available at www.shopstudio41.com

We introduce to you one of our newer services we are providing here at Kitchen Design Concepts: spaces that just need a little reviving! As of recent, we are taking on projects that are in need of minimal updating, as in, spaces that don’t need a full-on remodel. Yes, you heard right! If your space has good bones, you like the layout of your kitchen, and you just need a few cosmetic changes, then today’s feature is for you! Recently, we updated a space where we did just this! The kitchen was in need of a little love, some fresh paint, and new finishes. And if we’re being honest here, the result looks almost as if the kitchen had a full-on remodel! To learn more about this space and how we did our magic, continue reading below:
The Before and After
First, see what an impact new finishes can make! The “before” image shows a kitchen with outdated finishes such as the tile countertops, backsplash, and cabinetry finish. The “after” image, is a kitchen that looks almost as if its brand new, the image speaks for itself!
Cabinetry
With the wooden cabinetry in this kitchen already having great bones, all we needed to do was our refinishing process that involved removing door and drawer fronts, sanding, priming, and painting. The main color of the cabinetry is white (Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005) and as an accent, we applied a deep navy blue that really pops in this space (Sherwin Willaims Naval 6244). As a special design element, we incorporated a natural wooden band across the hood which is subtle but adds an element of surprise.
Countertops
The original countertops in this space were a 12×12 tile with cracks and discolored grout from all the wear and tear. To replace the countertops, we installed a clean and crisp quartz that is not only durable but easy to maintain (no grout here!). The 3cm countertops are a Cambria quartz in a grey-tone color (Carrick).
Backsplash
Keeping things simple, yet classic, we installed a 3×6 subway tile from Interceramic. The crisp white pairs well with all the other finishes of the space and really brighten the space up! To spice things up, we paired the white tile with a contrasting grout color (Cape Grey) that matches the countertop. This is a simple method to add interest to your white backsplash!
Fixtures and Fittings
For the fixtures and fittings of the kitchen, we wanted pieces that made a statement. That’s why we selected this industrial style faucet from Brizo! The faucet is a Brizo LITZE™ PULL-DOWN FAUCET WITH ARC SPOUT AND INDUSTRIAL HANDLE (63044LF-BLGL). The matte black paired with the luxe gold elements really make a statement! To match the gold elements of the faucet, we installed cabinetry hardware from Topknobs in the same gold finish. The hardware is a Channing pull TK743HB. Lastly, the large single bowl sink (who doesn’t want a large sink?!) is a great functional touch to the kitchen. The sink is a Blanco Precision 16″ R10 super single with 16″ Drainer in stainless steel (516216).

This is a typical outdoor living and dining area created by Landscape Logic. We have a built-in seatwall in the back for fixed seating and a raised planter bed. The pergola has a waterproof shade sail above to keep the dining table dry from the elements. The bbq is up against the house and ready for grilling. We love to put up wall art on the fence and we used potted plants for this one. Photo by Tony Vitale

From its English-style conservatory to its wealth of French doors, this impressive family home - at once stately, yet welcoming - ushers the vitality of its premiere urban setting into historically-inspired interiors. Here, soaring ceilings, inlaid floors, and marble-wrapped, walnut-paneled, and mirror-clad walls honor the luxurious traditions of classic European interior architecture. Naturally, symmetry is its muse, evinced through a striking collection of fine furnishings, splendid rugs, art, and accessories - augmented, all, by unexpectedly fresh bursts of color and playfully retro silhouettes. Formal without intimidation -or apology- it personifies the very finest in gracious city living.
Photos by Nathan Kirkman http://nathankirkman.com/

Marisa Vitale Photography
www.marisavitale.com
Bathroom - large farmhouse master gray tile and ceramic tile white floor bathroom idea in Los Angeles with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets and white walls
Bathroom - large farmhouse master gray tile and ceramic tile white floor bathroom idea in Los Angeles with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets and white walls

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

From its English-style conservatory to its wealth of French doors, this impressive family home - at once stately, yet welcoming - ushers the vitality of its premiere urban setting into historically-inspired interiors. Here, soaring ceilings, inlaid floors, and marble-wrapped, walnut-paneled, and mirror-clad walls honor the luxurious traditions of classic European interior architecture. Naturally, symmetry is its muse, evinced through a striking collection of fine furnishings, splendid rugs, art, and accessories - augmented, all, by unexpectedly fresh bursts of color and playfully retro silhouettes. Formal without intimidation -or apology- it personifies the very finest in gracious city living.
Photos by Nathan Kirkman http://nathankirkman.com/

Other people call this style Zen gardens because they are meant for contemplation. This garden style originated in Japan at the same time Zen Buddhism started to become more popular around 1300 AC.
Japanese gardens tend to be minimalist, monochromatic and well-trimmed. Not straight lines like in Formal gardens, but rather round or smoothly in and out shapes. Since the purpose of creating this garden style is for contemplation, relaxation and meditation, every element brought into the design has to be in alignment with this philosophy. These gardens are meant to connect visually but not physically. Japanese gardens calm your senses.
Like English gardens, they are meant to be around your home. This garden style wants to replicate the mountains and rivers seeing in the beautiful natural landscapes in Asia but at a small, intimate scale. Every element brought to Japanese gardens has a meaning. These elements have to be well curated and carefully placed. Boulders represent mountains, raked white sands represent rivers and waves from the ocean, bridges mean connection between the earthly world and the spiritual earth, islands symbolize of longevity and health, water basins are used for ritual cleansing and the round trimmed bushes provide smoothness and calm to your senses. Sound is
something not to forget when planning these gardens. You can achieve this by incorporating soft running water or planting bamboo (its leaves produce a soft, crackling sound when wind passes by). Water also represents life-giving force.
Other garden elements to consider are stone lanterns, color red (denotes strength, strong emotions, vitality, power). Plants mostly used in Japanese gardens are cherry trees, Japanese maples, pines, Yaupon hollies, bamboo, azaleas, camelias, hydrangeas, water lilies, mosses among others.

In this Manhattan pied-à-terre renovation, Gallery tackled the entire apartment. A true full renovation, we updated the kitchen, master bathroom, and powder room, installed new flooring throughout the entire space, and built the entertainment center in the living room.
DESIGN DETAILS
The clients wanted their pied-à-terre to have some modern touches, but not too sleek or contemporary. Since it combines a number of styles and elements, transitional turned out to be their ideal aesthetic. Whites, grays, and earthy tones carried this color theme throughout the apartment.
One of the clients is an artist and wanted wall space to display their original work, visible in the dining area and powder room in the photos below. The entertainment center is another highlight, with its white mosaic brick tile accent wall and glass open shelves to display family photos on both sides.
Instead of tiles, the new powder room walls received a textured concrete application, resulting in an almost industrial vibe. In the master bathroom renovation, glass mosaic tile accent walls bring a touch of personality to both the shower and a storage nook opposite the vanity.
UNIQUELY-SHAPED ROOMS
We specialize in adapting to every potential challenge, including uniquely-shaped rooms like the nearly-triangular kitchen in this Manhattan pied-à-terre renovation.
It’s important to design an uncommonly-shaped space as practically as possible, including specs seemingly as small as sink positioning. Every little detail counts tenfold in a room that’s not rectangular!
Other design details in the kitchen renovation include the classic combination of Shaker-style cabinets and quartz countertops, with a glass mosaic backsplash that matches the one used in the bathroom.
VISIBILITY = TRUST
Communication is always a core value at Gallery, but it’s even more vital when working with bi-coastal clients who were in another state throughout almost the entire process. We met with them once; everything else was done virtually thanks to JobTracker, our project management system.
The client had complete visibility into the renovation, including all design renderings, scheduled installations, and daily progress videos and photos. Even though they were 3000 miles away, they had a direct line to everyone on the team at all times.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS
- Entertainment center designed and built to serve as focal point, with white brick mosaic accent wall and open shelves made of glass
- Track lighting for ease of displaying art and to preserve ceiling height instead of the dropped ceiling that recessed lighting would necessitate
- Deliberate consideration of space in the unusually-shaped, nearly triangular kitchen
- Glass mosaic tile accent walls in the master bathroom with matching tile for the backsplash in the kitchen
Thinking about renovating your bathroom? Contact us today to find out how you can benefit from our expertise in remodeling New York City bathrooms. As a design-and-build firm with a full-scale approach, we handle every single aspect of your home renovation from start to finish.

Beestone tiles provide a neutral, warm color palette in an authentic duplication of the style of Belgian Blue Stone. This series is a simple, natural solution for the latest architectural and interior design trends. The visual impact is very much thanks to the material. The surface is alive with and animated by contemporary colors and shades. Tones range from white to black to enhance surfaces with details reminiscent of stone, a very vital element. The lapatto finish purposefully contains some small unpolished areas

Sponsored
McLean, VA
Pierre Jean-Baptiste Interiors
Loudoun Co, VA's Award-Winning Interior Designer | 17x Best of Houzz

This 1940’s Colonial style home in Boston’s Jamaica Plain had strong bones and rich character but lacked the space, modern conveniences, and storage that our clients desired. While they wished to retain the look of the exterior, as well as some of the home’s unique original features,, the kitchen and dining room needed to be reimagined in design, layout, and functionality.
Key considerations were the compact size of the home and a smaller lot that didn’t give our client the flexibility of an addition. Without adding on to the existing floor plan, we needed to find a way to gain vital extra space in the kitchen, which, with walls enclosing it on all sides, was dark and disconnected from the rest of the house. Our design team coordinated with our client to reconfigure the space by opening up the wall between the dining room and the kitchen to add a few extra inches – just enough to create an open flow between the two rooms. With the removal of that wall, the formerly dark kitchen was flooded with the natural light coming from the existing dining room windows, making the entire space feel brighter and more cohesive.
The original kitchen dated back to the mid-20th century and lacked, among other conveniences, a dishwasher, enough storage, or even countertop space for food prep. In redesigning the kitchen, we visually expanded the space by incorporating white upper cabinetry, open shelving, and white subway tiles extending from the backsplash to the ceiling. A new, larger window featuring a deep stone sill brought in even more light, and the appliances and apron sink were selected to retain the traditional look of the home while delivering modern functionality.
Considering how our client would use this space, we focused on creating a purposeful workspace and storage, ensuring that there was ample countertop space and cabinetry between the sink and range. A multi-purpose cabinet and countertop which serves as a microwave station and food service area were added to the backside of the dining room wall, packing a lot of utility into a small space.
Prior to this renovation, our client had painted the dining room in Mount Saint Anne by Benjamin Moore, a tranquil blue-gray that suited the room well and allowed the original built-in corner cabinetry to stand out, highlighting the home’s charm. With the newly opened floor plan extending into the kitchen, we selected a deep custom color for the base cabinets, Yorktowne Green by Benjamin Moore, to complement the dining room and pull all of the elements together in a cohesive space.
This transformation was remarkable, both functionally and visually. The kitchen is now a bright and inviting space that flows seamlessly into the rest of the house. The homeowners are thrilled with the results, and the small changes we incorporated that made a big difference in the overall feel and functionality of the space.

We here at Archadeck of Northern Virginia believe design elements and material selections are vital to the creation of a one-of-a-kind structure as opposed to a run-of-the-mill deck when creating a custom space. Notice the details at the bottom of the columns of the deck.

A stunningly original and cutting-edge furniture set which will make a dramatic statement in any bathroom. Again, the inspiration is organic, the stacked cubist shapes redolent of the layered strata of a cliff edge or mountain face. This set is completed by a frameless rectangular mirror (900w x 700h mm / 35.5 x 27.5 in) with an overhead LED light, for makeup, shaving, and other vital bathroom functions.
Attractive ceramic composite top
The worktop and built-in lavatory has been crafted from superb Black Oxide composite. This innovative ceramic composite is made from a mixture of crushed clay, granite, rock and ceramic pigments that is combined under extreme temperature and pressure. The result is a state of the art material that is incredibly tough, with homogeneous color throughout. Here, the elemental black tones are the perfect choice for the deep, hard edged, angular design of this urban inspired top, with its large, rectangular built-in basin.
Staggered cabinetry
The design is deceptive in its simplicity. Wall-mounted, it creates a dynamic paradox between the solid, staggered shapes of the basin console and cabinetry which at the same time appear to float. The basin is ‘supported’ below by staggered cabinetry that features complementary dark brown veneer drawer fronts, beautifully offset by the blue grey lacquered top and side panels. The clip handles feature a slim, metallic, contrast top strip. ark brown veneer drawer cabinets is a new, elegant finish with a vintage twist, which gives a new interpretation of the typical veneers of sandblasted spruce wood in a wide range of colours. A pleasantly evocative solution, which maintains the the distinctive Cleaf style in the most traditional aesthetic modules, in a perfectly contemporary vision.

Sponsored
Chantilly, VA
Award Winning Design & Service!
FineLine Kitchens, Inc.
Award Winning Kitchen & Bath Design Center Serving the DMV Area

The project is a series of mural panels painted in the artist’s studio and installed on all walls of a dining room. The imagery is of soft landscape with classical architectural elements, loosely based on an Arcadian 18th century French wallpaper scenic.
The murals are painted in grisaille, a traditional technique which uses a monochromatic palette of grey to create depth. In this case the artist used the soft painterly style of Fragonard and Boucher to create the lush landscape in the same grey palette. The freshness and vitality of the brushwork distinguishes these murals from printed wall covering. Silver leaf detailing on the pilasters adds a luminous effect.
This project won an Acanthus Award for excellence from the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art in 2014.

In this small studio loft, every facet is a testament to thoughtful design and creativity, inviting inhabitants to embark on a journey where style, comfort, and nostalgia intertwine in perfect harmony.
In the heart of the studio loft, a vibrant indigo hue ignites the space, drawing the eye to the stunning paneled detail adorning the headboard wall. This bold choice sets the stage for fusion of style and comfort. Anchoring the room is a masterpiece of design: a captivating bed, crafted in a low platform style, marrying the warmth of acaia wood with the timeless allure of leather accents.
Yet, what truly sets this space apart is its soulful narrative, woven through every carefully curated element. The walls tell a story, adorned with custom-framed relics of the past - the client's father's cherished football programs from the 1950s, preserved in a symphony of nostalgia and reverence.
As the eyes wander, they discover an enclave of creativity and leisure. A vinyl record player and station beckon music aficionados to indulge in a symphony of sound, while a dedicated gaming and work area invites productivity and play. And grounding the room with a bold assertion of character is a captivating area rug, weaving together disparate elements into a tapestry of cohesion and charm.
Venturing into the adjacent bathroom is a sensory delight. Deco tiles cascade in elegant patterns, harmonizing with a vibrant blue palette that infuses the space with a refreshing vitality. Here, every detail exudes a meticulous craftsmanship, inviting inhabitants to immerse themselves in a realm where luxury and functionality converge seamlessly.

Located in the Sky Lofts building in Tribeca (once home to the most expensive apartment sale in NYC), our clients were ready to renovate and modernize their centerpiece kitchen. Due to the unique nature of loft renovations (high ceilings, columns, creative and skillful lighting applications, among other factors), Gallery’s expertise in loft spaces was vital to our clients. In addition to the loft particularities, it’s important in a kitchen of this size to ensure that all the elements have been laid out with purpose from a functional perspective and a design perspective.
CENTERPIECE KITCHEN
Color was an important design element in this kitchen. This is evident in the striking blues and grays of the marble countertops and backsplash, as well as the dark navy hue of the built-in cabinets. White lower cabinets create two-tone contrast, while glass cabinets and a long wood open shelf make the most of the available height.
The built-in cabinets also include built-in appliances: an espresso maker, coffee machine, two side-by-side wine fridges, and even an integrated refrigerator paneled to match the cabinetry for an essentially seamless look. The cabinets are all push-to-open, eliminating knobs to complete the overall sleek, contemporary style.
The marble backsplash is also book-matched, meaning the slabs of stone have been cut and polished to match each other, creating a mirroring effect that further contributes to the cohesive, contemporary aesthetic of this apartment.
BUILDING CONSIDERATIONS
Functional factors are another vital component to New York City apartment building renovations. In this particular project, we had to consider how to get large slabs of stone into the loft without having to cut them up. When working with slabs, and especially when the design is as sleek and contemporary as this one, it’s vital to eliminate seams as much as possible. Elevators and stairs are often not large enough to handle large slabs of stone, which means there are only two other options: cutting the stone and putting it back together on site (but this will create a seam, so it’s not always an option) or using a crane to bring it in through a window.
Higher-end buildings tend to have more restrictions and management companies with stricter renovation guidelines – with good reason. A good relationship with the super and staff of the building is absolutely essential; effective communication with everyone involved will result in an ideal outcome for all parties.
ARTFUL LOGISTICS
Seemingly minor elements such as apartment protections are also just as crucial. While every renovation will require protections in hallways, common spaces, zip walls, and perhaps the floors, those protections are doubled when renovating in an apartment that’s currently occupied. In the case of this particular client, who owned a great deal of valuable artwork in addition to their furniture and other belongings, Gallery exacted their own form of art when putting the protections in place and maneuvering around them with skill.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS
- Unique marble slabs (Azul Macauba quartzite and Calacatta Diamond quartzite) for the countertops and backsplash
- Book-matched backsplash
- Gaggenau appliances
- Glass cabinets with built-in lighting
- Custom millwork for the cabinets
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