The perfect spot for any occasion. Whether it's a family movie night or a quick nap, this neutral chaise sectional accompanied by the stone fireplace makes the best area.

Moving onto touring the public spaces the entryway was the zone that really set the tone of this home. We designed the storage cabinets minimally with delicate wooden textures and sharp black accessories. Although mostly functional, we added interest by working with differential heights in the cabinetry. As one walks through the foyer a stately wall arrangement comes to the fore. We designed an impactful circular mirror which took the focus.Sharp flutes in black flanked one side which we decided to break with a contrasting grunge texture in gray. We love how we conceptualised this zone in a concoction of textures and details.

Casual yet refined family room with custom built-in, custom fireplace, wood beam, custom storage, picture lights. Natural elements.

Shiplap Fireplace

Modern Living Room

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

For millennia, humanity has looked to the natural world for inspiration, crafting architectural marvels that mirrored the grandeur of mountains, the soaring grace of trees, and the openness of the sky. From the light-drenched temples of ancient Greece to the sky-piercing Gothic cathedrals, our built environments have always reflected a profound connection with the natural world. Today, this dialogue takes a new form - biophilic design. This philosophy transcends mere aesthetics, aiming to create a profound shift in how we experience interior spaces. Biophilic design seeks to seamlessly weave elements of nature into our homes and workplaces, fostering a deep connection with the environment and nurturing our well-being. In this article, Ar. Sumit Dhawan, Founder and Principal Architect of Cityspace’ 82 Architects, talks about the key strategies to embracing nature in architectural design. Harnessing the Power of Natural Light Natural light is a significant aspect of biophilic design. Optimal daylight helps in regulating our circadian rhythms, impacting sleep patterns and energy levels. When designing a space, prioritise maximising natural light. Utilise large windows, skylights, or light tubes to draw in daylight. Strategically placed mirrors can further enhance the effect, bouncing light deeper into a room. Consider furniture placement to avoid blocking windows and opt for light-coloured walls and flooring to create a sense of openness. Weaving Nature's Materials into the Design Surrounding ourselves with natural materials fosters a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors. Wood, stone, bamboo, and even elements like woven rattan or cork bring a touch of the organic world indoors. Wood textures offer warmth and visual interest, while stone adds a touch of grounding stability. Consider incorporating these materials through furniture, flooring, wall accents, or even decorative objects. The raw beauty of natural materials fosters a sense of connection with the natural world, creating a more serene and inviting atmosphere. Bringing the Greenery Indoors Plants are not merely decorative elements in biophilic design; they are active contributors to a healthy and vibrant space. Houseplants not only purify the air but also reduce stress and boost mood. Strategically placed greenery adds pops of color and life to a room. Hanging plants, potted succulents on windowsills, or a strategically placed indoor tree can breathe new life into a space. For those with limited space or sunlight, there are a growing number of low-maintenance and shade-tolerant plants that can thrive indoors. Blurring the Lines Between Inside and Out Biophilic design aspires to create a seamless flow between the built environment and the outdoors. Large windows that showcase natural landscapes, operable doors that open onto patios or gardens, and the use of natural materials that echo the surrounding environment all contribute to this effect. Strategic use of water features, like fountains or reflecting pools, can add a touch of tranquillity and the soothing sounds of nature. When possible, incorporate outdoor living spaces like balconies, terraces, or courtyards, creating an extension of the interior living area and maximising opportunities to connect with the natural world. By embracing these strategies, we can transform our interior spaces into sanctuaries that celebrate nature's beauty and enhance our well-being. Biophilic design is not just a trend; it's a conscious movement towards creating a more harmonious and restorative relationship between humanity and the natural world, one thoughtfully designed space at a time.

Tom Stringer of Tom Stringer Design Partners designed the beautiful Living Room for the 2014 DreamHome, featuring furniture and accessories from Baker Knapps & Tubbs, Benjamin Moore, CAI Designs, Dessin Fournir Companies, Donghia, Inc., Edelman Leather, Holly Hunt, John Rosselli & Associates, LALIQUE, Mike Bell, Inc. & Westwater Patterson, Remains Lighting, Richard Norton Gallery, LLC, Samuel & Sons Passementerie, Schumacher/Patterson, Flynn & Martin, and Watson Smith Carpet – Rugs – Hard Surfaces. Other resources: Tom Stringer’s Personal Collection. Explore the Living Room further here: http://bit.ly/1m2qKKK

This home brings the Hamptons flare to La Jolla, CA. Inspired by historical East Coast style, the nautical and cozy home has charm with a view. Resting a block from the ocean, the open layout of the house allows for scenic ocean views from every room.

A captivating transformation in the coveted neighborhood of University Park, Dallas The heart of this home lies in the kitchen, where we embarked on a design endeavor that would leave anyone speechless. By opening up the main kitchen wall, we created a magnificent window system that floods the space with natural light and offers a breathtaking view of the picturesque surroundings. Suspended from the ceiling, a steel-framed marble vent hood floats a few inches from the window, showcasing a mesmerizing Lilac Marble. The same marble is skillfully applied to the backsplash and island, featuring a bold combination of color and pattern that exudes elegance. Adding to the kitchen's allure is the Italian range, which not only serves as a showstopper but offers robust culinary features for even the savviest of cooks. However, the true masterpiece of the kitchen lies in the honed reeded marble-faced island. Each marble strip was meticulously cut and crafted by artisans to achieve a half-rounded profile, resulting in an island that is nothing short of breathtaking. This intricate process took several months, but the end result speaks for itself. To complement the grandeur of the kitchen, we designed a combination of stain-grade and paint-grade cabinets in a thin raised panel door style. This choice adds an elegant yet simple look to the overall design. Inside each cabinet and drawer, custom interiors were meticulously designed to provide maximum functionality and organization for the day-to-day cooking activities. A vintage Turkish runner dating back to the 1960s, evokes a sense of history and character. The breakfast nook boasts a stunning, vivid, and colorful artwork created by one of Dallas' top artist, Kyle Steed, who is revered for his mastery of his craft. Some of our favorite art pieces from the inspiring Haylee Yale grace the coffee station and media console, adding the perfect moment to pause and loose yourself in the story of her art. The project extends beyond the kitchen into the living room, where the family's changing needs and growing children demanded a new design approach. Accommodating their new lifestyle, we incorporated a large sectional for family bonding moments while watching TV. The living room now boasts bolder colors, striking artwork a coffered accent wall, and cayenne velvet curtains that create an inviting atmosphere. Completing the room is a custom 22' x 15' rug, adding warmth and comfort to the space. A hidden coat closet door integrated into the feature wall adds an element of surprise and functionality. This project is not just about aesthetics; it's about pushing the boundaries of design and showcasing the possibilities. By curating an out-of-the-box approach, we bring texture and depth to the space, employing different materials and original applications. The layered design achieved through repeated use of the same material in various forms, shapes, and locations demonstrates that unexpected elements can create breathtaking results. The reason behind this redesign and remodel was the homeowners' desire to have a kitchen that not only provided functionality but also served as a beautiful backdrop to their cherished family moments. The previous kitchen lacked the "wow" factor they desired, prompting them to seek our expertise in creating a space that would be a source of joy and inspiration. Inspired by well-curated European vignettes, sculptural elements, clean lines, and a natural color scheme with pops of color, this design reflects an elegant organic modern style. Mixing metals, contrasting textures, and utilizing clean lines were key elements in achieving the desired aesthetic. The living room introduces bolder moments and a carefully chosen color scheme that adds character and personality. The client's must-haves were clear: they wanted a show stopping centerpiece for their home, enhanced natural light in the kitchen, and a design that reflected their family's dynamic. With the transformation of the range wall into a wall of windows, we fulfilled their desire for abundant natural light and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Our favorite rooms and design elements are numerous, but the kitchen remains a standout feature. The painstaking process of hand-cutting and crafting each reeded panel in the island to match the marble's veining resulted in a labor of love that emanates warmth and hospitality to all who enter. In conclusion, this tastefully lux project in University Park, Dallas is an extraordinary example of a full gut remodel that has surpassed all expectations. The meticulous attention to detail, the masterful use of materials, and the seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics create an unforgettable space. It serves as a testament to the power of design and the transformative impact it can have on a home and its inhabitants. Project by Texas' Urbanology Designs. Their North Richland Hills-based interior design studio serves Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Fort Worth, and upscale clients nationwide.

Keeping the space creative, fun and vibrant was the key brief by the client. Utilizing the lovely sunlight which lightens and brightens up the space which allows us to play wuth some bold colours and patterns