New Construction at Private Residence in Wayland, MA

The Redmond Residence is located on a wooded hillside property about 20 miles east of Seattle. The 3.5-acre site has a quiet beauty, with large stands of fir and cedar. The house is a delicate structure of wood, steel, and glass perched on a stone plinth of Montana ledgestone. The stone plinth varies in height from 2-ft. on the uphill side to 15-ft. on the downhill side. The major elements of the house are a living pavilion and a long bedroom wing, separated by a glass entry space. The living pavilion is a dramatic space framed in steel with a “wood quilt” roof structure. A series of large north-facing clerestory windows create a soaring, 20-ft. high space, filled with natural light. The interior of the house is highly crafted with many custom-designed fabrications, including complex, laser-cut steel railings, hand-blown glass lighting, bronze sink stand, miniature cherry shingle walls, textured mahogany/glass front door, and a number of custom-designed furniture pieces such as the cherry bed in the master bedroom. The dining area features an 8-ft. long custom bentwood mahogany table with a blackened steel base. The house has many sustainable design features, such as the use of extensive clerestory windows to achieve natural lighting and cross ventilation, low VOC paints, linoleum flooring, 2x8 framing to achieve 42% higher insulation than conventional walls, cellulose insulation in lieu of fiberglass batts, radiant heating throughout the house, and natural stone exterior cladding.

"New York" Style Loft in Traditional Greensboro Home

Marta Mitchell Interior Design

Tim Mazzaferro Photography

A Challenging Site, A New Beginning

GDC Construction

The home's main beams feature hidden, recessed hardware that mask the joins, leaving them seamless. Photo Credit: Matt Meier

Aaron Leitz

Amadeus Leitner

Haver & Skolnick LLC Architects

The new cupola washes the Great Room billiards table in natural light. Robert Benson Photography

Porches

Carolina Timberworks

A striking 36-ft by 18-ft. four-season pavilion profiled in the September 2015 issue of Fine Homebuilding magazine. To read the article, go to http://www.carolinatimberworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Glass-in-the-Garden_September-2015-Fine-Homebuilding-Cover-and-article.pdf. Operable steel doors and windows. Douglas Fir and reclaimed Hemlock ceiling boards. © Carolina Timberworks

Carriage House

Butler Armsden Architects

Millwood

Home 21

Contemporary Denver Residence

b+g design inc.

Contemporary Fireplace

Pinecrest Residence

Anders Lasater Architects

photo by Chad Mellon

River House

Mark Dziewulski Architect

Walnut & Glass Display

Woodstock Furniture

Now more than ever before we’re creating ways to stylishly disguise our TV’s, not wanting that big black box to overshadow our beautiful interiors. In this London home we have done just that. Stained walnut cabinets allow for this client to display their glass and ceramic collection and, what is more, the bespoke piece can be transformed by a sliding walnut screen to reveal the concealed television. | www.woodstockfurniture.co.uk

World Travelers Abode

Katie Leede & Company Studio

Fitler Square Residence

User

A 1980's townhouse located in the Fitler Square neighborhood of Philadelphia was in need of an upgrade. The project that resulted included substantial interior renovation to the four-story townhome overlooking the Schuylkill River. The Owners desired a fresh interpretation of their existing space, more suited for entertaining and uncluttered modern living. This led to a reinvention of the modern master suite and a refocusing of architectural elements and materials throughout the home. Originally comprised of a divided master bedroom, bathroom and office, the fourth floor was entirely redesigned to create a contemporary, open-plan master suite. The bedroom, now located in the center of the floor plan, is composed with custom built-in furniture and includes a glass terrarium and a wet bar. It is flanked by a dressing room on one side and a luxurious bathroom on the other, all open to one another both visually and by circulation. The bathroom includes a free-standing tub, glass shower, custom wood vanity, eco-conscious fireplace, and an outdoor terrace. The open plan allows for great breadth and a wealth of natural light, atypical of townhouse living. The main entertaining floor houses the kitchen, dining area and living room. A sculptural ceiling defines the open dining area, while a long, low concrete hearth connects the new modern fireplace with the concrete stair treads leading up. The bright, neutral color palette of the walls and finishes contrasts against the blackened wood floors. Sleek but comfortable furnishing, dramatic recessed lighting, and a full-home speaker system complete the entertaining space. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography

Penthouse Apartment

Woodford Architecture and Interiors

Richard Downer We were winners in a limited architectural competition for the design of a stunning new penthouse apartment, described as one of the most sought after and prestigious new residential properties in Devon. Our brief was to create an exceptional modern home of the highest design standards. Entrance into the living areas is through a huge glazed pivoting doorway with minimal profile glazing which allows natural daylight to spill into the entrance hallway and gallery which runs laterally through the apartment. A huge glass skylight affords sky views from the living area, with a dramatic polished plaster fireplace suspended within it. Sliding glass doors connect the living spaces to the outdoor terrace, designed for both entertainment and relaxation with a planted green walls and water feature and soft lighting from contemporary lanterns create a spectacular atmosphere with stunning views over the city. The design incorporates a number of the latest innovations in home automation and audio visual and lighting technologies including automated blinds, electro chromic glass, pop up televisions, picture lift mechanisms, lutron lighting controls to name a few. The design of this outstanding modern apartment creates harmonised spaces using a minimal palette of materials and creates a vibrant, warm and unique home

Contemporary Living Room

Stunning Twin Classical Orangeries - Sitting Room

Vale Garden Houses

Two classic orangeries provide valuable dining and living space in this renovation project. This pair of orangeries face each other across a beautifully manicured garden and rhyll. One provides a dining room and the other a place for relaxing and reflection. Both form a link to other rooms in the home. Underfloor heating through grilles provides a space-saving alternative to conventional heating. Vale Paint Colour- Caribous Coat Size- 7.4M X 4.2M (each)

Living Design Ideas

The best room for gathering with your family and friends in a cosy environment is your living room or family room. You want to hang out where the lounge furniture is the most comfortable and sofas or chairs create a sense of homeliness. Filling this important space with cheap furniture is unlikely to bring you the same long-lasting comfort as a quality chaise lounge or a couch. These choices will directly affect the quality of your evenings as you wind down from the daily grind. While planning a renovation or redesign, weigh up the priorities of seating, heating, an entertainment unit and bookcases. Identify your main activity in the room and and design around that. Many living rooms aren't complete without a fireplace, but if you can't accommodate that, invest in built-in or furniture that suits your home. Common trends include Danish furniture and other kinds of Scandinavian furniture. Plush sofas, recliner chairs and sofa beds will always be popular. Finally, when the big components are planned out, think about what colour scheme and decor will best suit you and your family. If needed, an interior designer can help here.

Should I include a fireplace in my living room or family room?

Depending on your climate, a fireplace might be a great way to add warmth and interest to your living space. Even if your location is warm year-round, you can always add a faux fireplace or nonfunctioning fireplace as part of your decor. There are many options to choose from, so be sure to check them out. A wood-burning fireplace gives an authentic experience, though a gas one still emits heat without the mess. A double-sided or corner unit strays from the ordinary, or you can go with a wood stove fireplace if you're looking for a piece of art. If you want a contemporary touch, veer away from the traditional wood or tile mantel by going with stone, concrete or metal instead.

What kind of built-ins should I add to my living room?

Although it might not seem glamorous, having enough storage is instrumental when it comes to keeping the room organised and practical. Built-in bookcases, shelves and cabinets are a great way to add hidden, functional storage for all the knickknacks you accumulate. Movie and gaming buffs will love a custom entertainment centre, with enough cabinets for movies, speakers and electronic accessories; you can even create a media room with a projector and lounge chairs! If you still have room to spare, include a booth for homework or craft projects.

How do I decorate my home interiors?

When it comes to decorating, neutrals are always the safe option because they look good and never go out of style. They also give any artwork you hang enough breathing space. If you do want to try out a bolder colour scheme, add colour with walls and accessories. That way, if you get sick of a colour, you can quickly repaint the walls and find new knickknacks, instead of having to replace your sofas every time trends change. Popular colours include blue, green and grey, but don't be afraid to try bright colours like red or yellow, even if it's just on an accent wall. Finally, make sure there is plenty of light. Recessed or track lighting are great ways to hit every corner — better yet, add more natural light by installing additional windows or a skylight.