In many of our modern homes, the owners no longer want a big formal living room and we create smaller, but nice, sitting areas for meetings and conversation. Porcelain tile floors, cedar ceilings and Fleetwood windows frame dramatic views of the San Francisco Bay.

This mid-century modern was a full restoration back to this home's former glory. The vertical grain fir ceilings were reclaimed, refinished, and reinstalled. The floors were a special epoxy blend to imitate terrazzo floors that were so popular during this period. Reclaimed light fixtures, hardware, and appliances put the finishing touches on this remodel. Photo credit - Inspiro 8 Studios

Game room opens to patio through Nana Wall system. Photo Credit: Vista Estate Visuals

Photo by Vance Fox showing the dramatic Great Room, which is open to the Kitchen and Dining (not shown) & Rec Loft above. A large sliding glass door wall spills out onto both covered and uncovered terrace areas, for dining, relaxing by the fire or in the sunken spa.

Photo Credit: Andy Beasley

Nestled in the heart of Bath, Papilio have created a traditional handmade bespoke kitchen with contemporary elements, providing a modern yet functional space with breath-taking views across the valley. Designed in collaboration with Simon Moray Jones architects, a large glazed wall and ceiling lantern offer a fresh and airy shell for the open plan kitchen and dining space – the perfect space for this sociable family. The outstanding architectural design allowed the stunning countryside views to become the focal point of the room and maintaining this tranquil ambience became essential to the client. Matt and Stephen of Papilio carefully positioned workstations and appliances in order to continually bring the outside in, while still providing a practical space for the family to cook and entertain in. The resulting L-shaped island configuration has created maximum storage space and workflow as well as optimising the view throughout the space. A Belfast sink has been placed facing out of the island to allow the client to see across the garden area, with a large Gaggenau fridge freezer behind, keeping in mind the ‘golden triangle’ theory for ease of movement and functionality. A key appliance for the family was a 4 door Aga to celebrate their love of cooking and dining. The Pearl Ashes 4 door electric Aga chosen has been set in the far end of the traditional handmade bespoke kitchen between two feature glazed panels. Paired with the on trend metro tiles and the copper pans on the bespoke pot rack designed by Papilio, the elevation provides a striking backdrop to the traditional shaker-style cabinetry. Integrated bespoke storage solutions include a hidden charging draw for numerous smart devices and the water filtration has been positioned behind a magnetic panel to allow for easy access. The children are able to sit and get on with homework at the breakfast bar while the adults can use the same space to prepare food and socialise. Hand blown pendants by Rothschild and Bickers finish off the island area and complete the stylish set-up.

A 19th Century farm complex in the middle of Dartmoor National Park, Devon. This farmhouse and its associated barns were in much need of refurbishment and renovation. The brief was to create a new large family home, combining the Farmhouse and the Attached Barn with a contemporary glass extension between. Ancillary accommodation for guests and parties would be provided within the former milking parlour barn. Partial demolition removed the 1950’s extensions and attached garage. The farmhouse now boasts 4 large bedrooms with ensuites, sitting room, dining room and a generous kitchen/living area within the ‘Glass box’. This light-weight metal and glass extension utilised glazing systems of the highest quality and technology, and allows panoramic views of the surrounding grounds and the park beyond and creates an axis of movement and light through the existing buildings. Each sliding glass panel, supplied and installed by Cantifix that forms this extension are 3.8m high and 2m wide; at the time the upper limits of what was achievable.

Photography by Jorge Alvarez.

Lillie Thompson

Renaud Konopnicki

© Adolfo Gosálvez Photography

Staircase with Starphire ultra clear low-iron glass divider wall. Breakfast Nook at right and Dining Room at left (with backyard access beyond). Photo by Clark Dugger

Adam Carter Photography