Search results for "Vital elements" in Home Design Ideas

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

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

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.
Find the right local pro for your project

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

Set in a quiet neighborhood and framed by mature trees, this residence presented a unique opportunity: to thoughtfully evolve a custom mid-century modern home into a space that supports the everyday rhythms of a growing family. With a deep respect for the home’s original architecture, Klopf Architecture reimagined the house to better meet the needs of its owners—introducing functional improvements while preserving the spirit and character of its mid-century roots.
The clients approached Klopf Architecture with a clear vision: refresh their home while seamlessly integrating new programmatic elements. Key goals included clarifying and enhancing the entry sequence; connecting the detached garage to the main house with a practical yet architecturally intentional intervention; adding functional spaces such as a mudroom and laundry room; expanding and remodeling the primary suite’s bathroom and closet; and creating a more engaging outdoor space that capitalized on the site’s impressive views, featuring a fire pit and outdoor kitchen.
As a couple with distinct yet complementary perspectives—one focused on modern functionality and technology, and the other dedicated to preserving the home’s architectural integrity—their collaboration with Klopf Architecture resulted in a solution that harmonized both ideals. Their shared commitment to improving the livability of their home led to a design dialogue rooted in balance. This dynamic partnership shaped the direction of the renovation, ensuring that every decision honored the spirit of the original home while aligning with the practical needs of their growing family.
Designing within the constraints of the sloped site posed one of the project’s central challenges. The detached garage sat at a higher elevation than the main house, requiring a solution that ensured architectural and geometric compatibility between the two structures. Rather than create a purely utilitarian link, Klopf Architecture introduced an intentional connection that contributes to the overall architectural language. A notable pinch point in the plan—where differing geometries converged—was treated as a hinge point, turning a potentially awkward juncture into an architectural feature. This area now functions as both a transition and a moment of design interest that unifies the overall plan.
The design also addressed the underutilized outdoor area, which was located in a shadowed portion of the site with geometrical limitations. A new connection to the rear deck was created in this same area, making the outdoor space more useful and inviting. Klopf Architecture introduced carefully positioned openings and spatial improvements that forged a strong visual and functional connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor area now reads as a deliberate extension of the home, embracing natural light and emphasizing the dramatic views.
Working through multiple design iterations, Klopf Architecture crafted a solution that preserved the architectural language of the original home while supporting the functional needs of modern life. The garage-to-house connection became more than a passage—it evolved into an architectural moment of transition. A new mudroom and laundry space enhanced convenience without compromising the clean lines of the design. The primary suite was expanded to create a private, serene retreat. The reimagined backyard, complete with fire pit and kitchen, now plays a vital role in the family’s daily routine and social life.
Outcomes and Lasting Impact
The result is a home that balances heritage with contemporary design, technical precision with design sensibility. The redesign not only met the clients’ initial goals but also exceeded expectations in its ability to seamlessly blend past and present, function and beauty, making the outdoor kitchen a favorite gathering place.
Beyond aesthetics, the renovation has significantly improved daily life for the family. The newly integrated garage connection has streamlined routines, providing a seamless transition between arriving home, storing belongings, and entering the main living spaces. The expanded primary suite offers a retreat-like atmosphere, creating a private space to unwind at the end of the day. The redesigned outdoor areas have also become an extension of their lifestyle—whether it's casual family dinners around the fire pit, entertaining friends in the outdoor kitchen, or simply enjoying the view from the reimagined backyard.
Through a thoughtful and strategic approach, the house has been successfully evolved into a home that remains true to its mid-century modern roots while enhancing livability, functionality, and the overall quality of life for the modern-day owners.
Klopf Architecture Team: Geoffrey Campen, Fernanda Bernardes
Architectural Interior Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Base Design Inc.
Contractor: Golden Snail Builders
Photography: Mariko Reed
Year Completed:2022

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

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.

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/

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.

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.

Geno.
While I’m a classically trained master stone carver, as an artist and sculptor I work in a variety of materials to express my conceptually driven ideas in novel sculptural form, experimenting with texture, materials, color, or interactive elements. I try to realize the potential of art as my unique, vital contribution to society or your home.

L.Z. Horizon Residence is a luxury apartment designed to restore clarity and presence. Its palette of soft tones, natural materials, and open flow creates a subtle emotional rhythm—supporting both stillness and vitality. Light moves gently through the space, textures invite touch, and every element was chosen not only for beauty, but for how it feels. More than a home, it’s a quiet system that brings balance back to the body and mind.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Trish Takacs Design
Award Winning & Highly Skilled Kitchen & Bath Designer in Columbus

Designers gave the house a wood-and-steel façade that blends traditional and industrial elements.Photography by Eric Hausman
Designers gave the house a wood-and-steel façade that blends traditional and industrial elements. This home’s noteworthy steel shipping container construction material, offers a streamlined aesthetic and industrial vibe, with sustainable attributes and strength. Recycled shipping containers are fireproof, impervious to water and stronger than traditional building materials. Inside, muscular concrete walls, burnished cedar beams and custom oak cabinetry give the living spaces definition, decorative might, and storage and seating options.
For more than 40 years, Fredman Design Group has been in the business of Interior Design. Throughout the years, we’ve built long-lasting relationships with our clients through our client-centric approach. When creating designs, our decisions depend on the personality of our clients—their dreams and their aspirations. We manifest their lifestyle by incorporating elements of design with those of our clients to create a unique environment, down to the details of the upholstery and accessories. We love it when a home feels finished and lived in, with various layers and textures.
While each of our clients and their stories has varied over the years, they’ve come to trust us with their projects—whether it’s a single room to the larger complete renovation, addition, or new construction.
They value the collaborative team that is behind each project, embracing the diversity that each designer is able to bring to their project through their love of art, travel, fashion, nature, history, architecture or film—ultimately falling in love with the nurturing environments we create for them.
We are grateful for the opportunity to tell each of clients’ stories through design. What story can we help you tell?
Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation - 312-587-9184

Set in a quiet neighborhood and framed by mature trees, this residence presented a unique opportunity: to thoughtfully evolve a custom mid-century modern home into a space that supports the everyday rhythms of a growing family. With a deep respect for the home’s original architecture, Klopf Architecture reimagined the house to better meet the needs of its owners—introducing functional improvements while preserving the spirit and character of its mid-century roots.
The clients approached Klopf Architecture with a clear vision: refresh their home while seamlessly integrating new programmatic elements. Key goals included clarifying and enhancing the entry sequence; connecting the detached garage to the main house with a practical yet architecturally intentional intervention; adding functional spaces such as a mudroom and laundry room; expanding and remodeling the primary suite’s bathroom and closet; and creating a more engaging outdoor space that capitalized on the site’s impressive views, featuring a fire pit and outdoor kitchen.
As a couple with distinct yet complementary perspectives—one focused on modern functionality and technology, and the other dedicated to preserving the home’s architectural integrity—their collaboration with Klopf Architecture resulted in a solution that harmonized both ideals. Their shared commitment to improving the livability of their home led to a design dialogue rooted in balance. This dynamic partnership shaped the direction of the renovation, ensuring that every decision honored the spirit of the original home while aligning with the practical needs of their growing family.
Designing within the constraints of the sloped site posed one of the project’s central challenges. The detached garage sat at a higher elevation than the main house, requiring a solution that ensured architectural and geometric compatibility between the two structures. Rather than create a purely utilitarian link, Klopf Architecture introduced an intentional connection that contributes to the overall architectural language. A notable pinch point in the plan—where differing geometries converged—was treated as a hinge point, turning a potentially awkward juncture into an architectural feature. This area now functions as both a transition and a moment of design interest that unifies the overall plan.
The design also addressed the underutilized outdoor area, which was located in a shadowed portion of the site with geometrical limitations. A new connection to the rear deck was created in this same area, making the outdoor space more useful and inviting. Klopf Architecture introduced carefully positioned openings and spatial improvements that forged a strong visual and functional connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor area now reads as a deliberate extension of the home, embracing natural light and emphasizing the dramatic views.
Working through multiple design iterations, Klopf Architecture crafted a solution that preserved the architectural language of the original home while supporting the functional needs of modern life. The garage-to-house connection became more than a passage—it evolved into an architectural moment of transition. A new mudroom and laundry space enhanced convenience without compromising the clean lines of the design. The primary suite was expanded to create a private, serene retreat. The reimagined backyard, complete with fire pit and kitchen, now plays a vital role in the family’s daily routine and social life.
Outcomes and Lasting Impact
The result is a home that balances heritage with contemporary design, technical precision with design sensibility. The redesign not only met the clients’ initial goals but also exceeded expectations in its ability to seamlessly blend past and present, function and beauty, making the outdoor kitchen a favorite gathering place.
Beyond aesthetics, the renovation has significantly improved daily life for the family. The newly integrated garage connection has streamlined routines, providing a seamless transition between arriving home, storing belongings, and entering the main living spaces. The expanded primary suite offers a retreat-like atmosphere, creating a private space to unwind at the end of the day. The redesigned outdoor areas have also become an extension of their lifestyle—whether it's casual family dinners around the fire pit, entertaining friends in the outdoor kitchen, or simply enjoying the view from the reimagined backyard.
Through a thoughtful and strategic approach, the house has been successfully evolved into a home that remains true to its mid-century modern roots while enhancing livability, functionality, and the overall quality of life for the modern-day owners.
Klopf Architecture Team: Geoffrey Campen, Fernanda Bernardes
Architectural Interior Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Base Design Inc.
Contractor: Golden Snail Builders
Photography: Mariko Reed
Year Completed:2022

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/

This serene living space combines modern and organic elements to create a harmonious ambiance. Sculptural light fixtures resembling stones float above a minimalistic dining table surrounded by plush, curved chairs, enhancing the room's soft, inviting feel. The use of natural wood for the flooring and furniture, along with tall, slim windows dressed in light drapes, introduces a refreshing, light-filled atmosphere. The integration of indoor plants adds a touch of vitality, making the space feel alive and connected to nature.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Trish Takacs Design
Award Winning & Highly Skilled Kitchen & Bath Designer in Columbus

BOSSA – the successful real wood surface programme for elegant cosiness
In its 2021 collection, LEICHT entered completely new territory and laid the foundation for a new type
of room concept and furnishing aesthetic in the high-end kitchen segment with the BOSSA programme.
Their courage was rewarded: since its market launch, BOSSA has proven to be extremely successful and
style-defining for diverse planning in the cross-kitchen living area. The characteristic design element is
the vertically lined surface structure of the real wood fronts, which makes a powerful statement. Protruding,
linear ridges, 7.5 millimetres wide with a gap of 5 millimetres between each ridge, give BOSSA
a delicate, extremely vital, three-dimensional look. The overall grid of the ridges of 12.5 millimetres corresponds
exactly to the vertical joint pattern of LEICHT – a graphic effect the new pullout system M8
also uses for orientation. The result is a stringent, visual fusion of kitchen, wall and unit fronts to create
a furnishing soloist. BOSSA comes in two veneers: the version in light oak has a Scandinavian look characterised
by tranquillity, while the version in dark walnut is sublime and elegantly reminiscent of Italian
‘grandezza’. BOSSA is architectural, modern, bold – and will retain these characteristics in the living space
of the future, too.

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.

Our Eden Prairie homeowners are enjoying having a large island for food preparation and entertaining. The placement of the island is important to give a balanced look.On the far end, the pedestal leg allows for a total of 6 chairs at the island. Lighting is a vital element to any remodeling project. Pendant lighting and under-cabinet lights increase options for task-related jobs.
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