154 Design Ideas

Sean Costello

Exterior - photos by Andrew Waits Interior - photos by Roger Turk - Northlight Photography

Reed Brown Photography

The art of modern living is expressed with eloquent aplomb in this brand-new showplace on the Intracoastal Waterway in The Estates, historic Old Boca Raton’s prestigious beachside enclave. Created by an award-winning Florida-based Architect Carlos A. Martin, and by noted South Florida builder, Infinity Custom Estates, this Tropical Georgian-inspired masterpiece (I call it Gulfstream Southern Classical Style) exudes serene timelessness with classic symmetry, then takes an unexpected twist with clean-lined high-style interiors by award-winning Marc-Michaels. In each detail, the vision is artistic genius, and the resulting overall effect is simply breathtaking. 10’ high French doors flow to the waterfront verandah and Hamptons-style pool from the open living/dining room, club room/library, and family room, all of which are as sumptuously comfortable as they are stunningly refined. From the gorgeous smoky-hued marble and walnut floors to the sleek custom built-ins, exquisite marble-clad fireplace, and ebony-wood “ribbon” accent wall, the design scheme beautifully balances bold impact and subtle glamour. Opening off the upstairs gallery is a waterfront lounge deck appointed as a resort-like open-air spa room, a sublime luxury. Transcending the ordinary in every aspect, this is a sophisticated Intracoastal estate, rendered to perfection with singular style.

Contemporary remodel on beautiful Whidbey Island.

A one-story Craftsman bungalow was raised to create a two story house. The front bedroom was opened up to create a staircase connecting the two floors. Joe Fletcher Photography

The designers of this home brought us a real challenge; to build a unsupported curved stair that looks like stacked lumber. We believe this solid oak curved stair meets that challenge. LED lighting adds a modern touch to a rustic project. The widening effect at the bottom of the stair creates a welcoming impression. Our innovative design creates a look that floats on air. Photography by Jason Ness

This 1914 family farmhouse was passed down from the original owners to their grandson and his young family. The original goal was to restore the old home to its former glory. However, when we started planning the remodel, we discovered the foundation needed to be replaced, the roof framing didn’t meet code, all the electrical, plumbing and mechanical would have to be removed, siding replaced, and much more. We quickly realized that instead of restoring the home, it would be more cost effective to deconstruct the home, recycle the materials, and build a replica of the old house using as much of the salvaged materials as we could. The design of the new construction is greatly influenced by the old home with traditional craftsman design interiors. We worked with a deconstruction specialist to salvage the old-growth timber and reused or re-purposed many of the original materials. We moved the house back on the property, connecting it to the existing garage, and lowered the elevation of the home which made it more accessible to the existing grades. The new home includes 5-panel doors, columned archways, tall baseboards, reused wood for architectural highlights in the kitchen, a food-preservation room, exercise room, playful wallpaper in the guest bath and fun era-specific fixtures throughout.

As a vacation home with an amazing locale, this home was designed with one primary focus: utilizing the breathtaking lake views. The original lot was a small island pie-shaped lot with spectacular views of Lake LBJ. Each room was created to depict a different snapshot of the lake due to the ratcheting footprint. Double 8’x11’ tall sliding glass doors merge the indoor living to the outdoor living, thus creating a seamless flow from inside to outside. The swimming pool, with its vanishing edge, was designed in such a way that it brings the lake right up to the outside living terrace, giving the feeling of actually being in the lake. There is also a twelve foot beach area under the archways of the pool’s water features for relaxing and entertaining. The beauty of the home is enough to stand alone, but being on the lake as it is makes the entire design come together as a truly stunning vacation home. Photography by Adam Steiner

All images by Paul Bardagjy & Jonathan Jackson

Rob Karosis Photography www.robkarosis.com

JDG undertook a complete transformation of this family residence, taking it from bleak to chic. The space marries custom furnishings, fabulous art and vintage pieces, showcasing them against graphic pops of pattern and color. Photos by Matthew Millman

Staircase