The stunning Byron Bay home combining style and sustainability

This article highlights a four-year-old home in Byron Bay that seamlessly blends urban design features with coastal aesthetics, creating a laid-back and family-friendly environment. Owned by Karla Rose of Zulu & Zephyr, the home showcases a minimalist approach to decorating, focusing on displaying only beloved items and concealing clutter behind closed doors. This strategy maintains a fresh and organized feel throughout the living spaces. The design ethos centers around a neutral color palette, which includes blonde-timber dining settings and soft furnishings that add warmth. The kitchen exemplifies contrast with its white cabinetry, benches, and splashback set against a black bulkhead and pendant lights. Terracotta planters, earthen ceramics, and woven bar stools introduce natural textures, enhancing the home's overall inviting atmosphere. Indoor plants are strategically incorporated to complement the neutral backdrop and natural finishes such as wicker, rattan, and weathered timber. These plants are placed on shelves, benchtops, in hanging pots, and as floor arrangements, contributing to a vibrant and lively interior. The article also suggests selecting coffee table books that align with the home's style, such as architecture volumes for modern homes or travel tomes for eclectic settings. Lighting plays a crucial role in the home's design, with an emphasis on utilizing both natural and artificial light to showcase decorative items. Vignettes are often created near windows to achieve a fresh and effortless ambiance, while lamps are used to build a moodier atmosphere. In the bedrooms, abstract artwork adds a pop of color against a black feature wall, and sheer curtains ensure ample natural light. The primary bedroom pays homage to the coastal location with textural woven bedding, tropical-themed artwork, and a dried palm frond acting as a wall feature. The children's room maintains a clutter-free environment, adhering to Karla’s philosophy of minimal display. Soft carpet and breathable linen enhance comfort in this space. The bathroom's design mirrors the rest of the home, featuring black tiled walls, a white vanity and sink, grey floors, and a verdant potted plant, maintaining consistency in the aesthetic. The use of wicker and rattan furniture, including a comfortable daybed on the balcony, reinforces the home's laidback retro and coastal vibes, making it ideal for relaxing and enjoying the hinterland views. These elements are also practical, being weather-resistant for outdoor areas. #ByronBayHome #ModernCoastalDesign #MinimalistDecor #NeutralPalette #FamilyFriendly #InteriorDesign #ClutterFreeLiving #NaturalMaterials #IndoorPlants #WickerAndRattan

This article showcases a luxurious three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom condominium located on Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard. The residence, occupying an entire floor of the Sanctuary at Alexandra Place, was designed to balance modernism with comfort for its owners, Lisa and Philip Stein, who downsized from their Palma Ceia home in 2021. Interior designer Carin Zwiebel of CZ Designs Tampa was responsible for bringing the 3,900-square-foot space to life, emphasizing customizations that maximize the stunning water views through extensive glass walls. Zwiebel's design philosophy centers on creating interiors that are both exquisite and functional. The condominium's design incorporates striking, colorful art pieces strategically placed in custom nooks against white walls. To introduce natural elements, textured stone and wood accent walls were integrated throughout the space. The furnishings include cozy upholstered seating paired with sleek, low-profile tables, contributing to the overall comfort and modern aesthetic. Various chandeliers and unique lighting fixtures were chosen to enhance the home's ambiance, creating a warm and inviting glow. The homeowners express deep satisfaction with the design, describing their residence as calming, peaceful, and a source of happiness. Key areas of the home are highlighted, including the foyer, which features marble inlay mosaic tile flooring by Artistic Tile, a clear table by Michael Dawkins, and wall lights by Sonneman. The kitchen boasts a captivating backlit bar made of Cristallo quartzite, complemented by custom marble and granite countertops, and leather counter stools from RH Modern. The dining area is equipped with a custom table featuring a metal inlay by Altura Furniture and a custom console by Berman Rosetti. Special wall nooks were designed to perfectly accommodate the owners' art collection, ensuring each piece is thoughtfully displayed, such as "The Climber." The office space includes a custom-built desk with fluted wood and painted finishes. This desk also features custom-designed bat holders by YN Design, catering to the owners' baseball memorabilia. The article credits various professionals and companies involved in the project, including Plaza Construction as the builder, Place Architecture as the architect, and Rickie Agapito of AOFOTOS for the photography. Other contributors include Ceramic Matrix and Casale Design Source for flooring and tile, Haven Smart for technology, and Hammerton for lighting, collectively contributing to the sophisticated and personalized environment of the Bayshore Boulevard condominium.

The Bay Area Home, a collaboration between Olson Kundig architecture firm and NICOLEHOLLIS interiors, presents a sophisticated blend of modern architecture and carefully curated interiors. This residence is designed to accommodate a family’s active and art-centric lifestyle within an established San Francisco Bay Area neighborhood. It functions as a serene retreat, integrating indoor and outdoor living through the incorporation of mature oak trees, reflective water features, and expansive garden views. Architect Tom Kundig's design strategically divides the home into distinct zones, offering both formal spaces for entertaining and more intimate areas for family life. This dual functionality provides a sense of openness while simultaneously fostering warmth and closeness. The design emphasizes a strong connection to nature through extensive use of glass walls and kinetic architectural elements, effectively blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. The home's entrance is marked by a dramatic black steel bridge spanning a lightwell, leading to a bronze pivoting front door that opens into an art-filled entryway. Large walls throughout the residence are dedicated to showcasing the family’s significant art collection, which includes works by artists such as Oscar Murillo and Alma Allen. Oversized glass windows ensure uninterrupted views of the surrounding lush landscape, further integrating the natural environment into the living experience. An Olympic-sized swimming pool runs along the axis of the primary suite, extending into a covered outdoor living area. Adjacent to the pool, a cabana houses a sauna, a cold plunge pool, and an outdoor gym, promoting an active and wellness-focused lifestyle for the residents. The formal wing of the house features reflecting pools and is framed by black steel columns. Two 13-foot pivoting glass doors allow ample natural light to penetrate the space. Custom elements, such as a botanical bronze screen created by artist David Wiseman, introduce intricate textures and artistic depth. Nicole Hollis highlighted this custom screen as one of the most distinctive design choices. In contrast to the formal areas, the family zones are designed for casual yet luxurious living. The kitchen, distinguished by a 28-foot-long Titiano marble island, extends onto a terrace. This outdoor extension includes dedicated areas for cooking and dining, sheltered beneath the cantilevered volume of the primary suite. The outdoor kitchen, pool, and sports facilities are central to encouraging an active lifestyle, with Kundig noting that the outdoor kitchen specifically extends the home’s energy into the landscape and the pool links the various recreational activities. The upper level of the home includes a tranquil primary suite, featuring a marble bathtub positioned to offer peaceful views of the tree canopy. A separate wing is dedicated to children, providing both privacy and play areas. The basement level contains a gym and a recreation room, which open into a landscaped lightwell, ensuring that even the lower sections of the home receive natural light. Nicole Hollis's interior design approach creates a serene and inviting atmosphere, thoughtfully contrasting soft furnishings with the home’s bold architectural lines. The selected materials and finishes are chosen to complement the exterior landscape, establishing a calming environment. This interplay between rigorous architecture and playful interior details ensures the space is both functional and refined, enhancing the overall livability of the home. The integration of various functional and aesthetic elements underscores a cohesive design vision, where every detail contributes to a harmonious and sophisticated living experience. #BayAreaHome #OlsonKundig #NicoleHollis #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #ArtIntegration #LuxuryHome #ArchitecturalDesign

This article details the transformation of a 1990s-built, 3,000-square-foot home in Bay Village, designed to blend industrial and contemporary styles for art-collecting homeowners who enjoy entertaining. The primary focus of the renovation, led by Laura Suglia-Isgro of KAS Interior Design, was to open up the previously constrained foyer area. The original wooden staircase and catwalk, which dominated the entryway, were reconfigured to a side wall. This strategic relocation allowed for better utilization of natural light from the home's large front and rear windows, creating an expansive and open-concept space. To complement the new open design, wrought-iron railings were custom-made by Finelli Ironworks, enhancing the flow of light and contributing to the industrial aesthetic. A custom chandelier, composed of seven clustered pendants, was installed in the foyer, adding a playful touch of color and modernity. The overall design emphasizes a mix of materials, including the wrought iron, lacquer cabinetry, and various glass accents, to achieve a luxurious yet industrial feel. Beyond the foyer, the renovation extended to other key areas of the house. A former first-floor master suite was converted into a large gathering area, specifically designed for entertainment. This space now features a bar, a pool table, a powder room, and a small laundry room, conveniently located for use with the adjacent outdoor pool. The bar area showcases high-end automotive-style finish on the cabinets, juxtaposed with wood accents to introduce a rustic element. In the family room, a large center sectional provides ample seating for guests, while the focal point is a fireplace adorned with a hand-carved stone-tile facade and a custom-designed wood surround. To address the increased openness in the foyer, which reduced privacy, a retractable ceiling shade was discreetly installed under the catwalk, creating a customizable barrier from the entryway. Similarly, motorized skylight shades were incorporated to manage glare and light, offering flexibility for the homeowners. The kitchen was updated with a distinctive two-tiered island. The upper tier features a floating slab porcelain countertop capable of seating up to six people, while the lower tier serves as a food preparation area with quartz counters and an undermount galley sink system. Sleek brown, flat-panel cabinets from Rino’s contribute to the contemporary look. Wine storage was integrated into the pathway leading to the dining area, allowing the homeowners to showcase their extensive wine collection. This design choice reinforces the home's suitability for frequent entertaining, creating a seamless connection between the kitchen, dining, and family rooms. Finally, a two-story home office was designed to double as a music room for the guitar-playing homeowner. This space includes a custom-designed desk and storage unit crafted from steel and walnut by Robert Knauer of Sawhorse Woodworks, highlighting the collaborative and custom nature of the renovation project. The design successfully marries the owners' passion for art and entertaining with a sophisticated blend of industrial and contemporary elements throughout the home. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #BayVillageHome #IndustrialContemporary #OpenConcept #CustomCabinetry #EntertainingSpace #FoyerTransformation #LuxuryFinishes

Miken Builders, a company founded in northern Delaware in 1986 by Mike Cummings and later relocated to the coast in 1994, specializes in crafting custom beach homes. Mike's son, Sean Cummings, now leads the company. A couple with two college-aged children commissioned Miken Builders to create a custom summer home in Bethany Beach. Sean Cummings collaborated with architect Greg Hastings of Ocean View, known for his 40-year career in coastal construction and ability to create unique coastal designs, a partnership that has spanned over a decade. The resulting custom-designed house, located within walking distance of downtown Bethany, blends traditional coastal elements with unexpected details. The exterior showcases a classic shingle style, featuring a gambrel roofline—characterized by two shallow slopes above two steeper ones—and an oval-within-an-oval window. A distinctive gable emerges from another gable, forming a roof for a third-floor porch-like terrace, a nod to Miken Builders' origins in deck and porch construction. This facade presents an assertive yet inviting aesthetic, complemented by white railings, shingle and metal roofs, and board-and-batten detailing, contributing to a "cottage feel" for the expansive 4,500-square-foot home, which includes five bedrooms, four with en suite bathrooms. The home's indoor-outdoor living experience is highlighted by its 14-by-24-foot screened-in porch, a testament to Miken Builders' expertise in porch design. A casual, swing-like daybed, featuring nautical-style rope and plaid fabric, anchors the space. The porch is seamlessly integrated with the living room through a pair of four-panel French doors, creating a glass wall effect. The house employs an inverted floor plan, common in flood zones, with the main living area on the second floor and bedrooms on the third. A game room occupies the ground floor. Interior design choices, guided by Denise Perkins, lead interior designer at Bountiful Interiors, embrace bold colors and patterns. The home's bright-blue front door foreshadows the vibrant interior. A kitchen island and wet-bar millwork are painted in Sherwin-Williams' Blue Refrain, complemented by vivid wallpaper, primarily from Thibaut, which deviates from typical beach house aesthetics. The clients actively embraced these unconventional color choices. The kitchen features a scalloped fish-scale tile backsplash and cabinetry by Atlantic Millwork & Cabinetry, along with a Kohler stainless steel apron sink. These design elements ensure the house is both visually pleasing and functional. The living room is anchored by a sectional sofa from Universal Furniture, upholstered in performance fabric, and receives ample natural light through the French doors. Whitewashed beams contribute to a modern beach aesthetic. Innovative design extends to the bedrooms. One guest room features a sophisticated bunk-bed design with an extra-large single mattress above a queen-sized bed. A bunk-bed room, designed with future family use in mind, incorporates an ingenious whitewashed staircase with drawer steps and rope handles, maximizing space and utility. A latch on the upper bunk's railing allows for easier bed-making. In one of the main bedrooms, flooring material, specifically wood veneer, was used to create a weathered, faded-blue angled ceiling, complementing the woven headboard from Universal Furniture and contributing to the overall cottage feel. One en suite bathroom showcases subway shower tiles in a herringbone pattern, with the vanity provided by Perkins. These distinctive design choices create a relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic that reflects the homeowners' preferences for originality. #CoastalCharm #CustomHome #BethanyBeach #MikenBuilders #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #LuxuryLiving #BeachHouse #HomeDecor

Kimo and Sarah Bertam, after being outbid on traditional homes, discovered a passion for floating homes after renting a houseboat in the Bay Area’s Mission Creek. This experience, fueled by their shared love for water—Kimo as a surfer and Sarah from childhood summers on a sailboat—led them to commission architect Robert Nebolon for their own floating home project. Despite Nebolon’s lack of prior floating home experience, his background in building near and on water made the transition seamless. The 2,100-square-foot, two-bedroom floating house was constructed on land over six months before being moored in Mission Creek. A primary challenge involved maximizing storage within the limited space while ensuring essential functionalities and managing weight, as the home would not move once in place. The resulting structure, inspired by the area's industrial heritage, features a sculptural, loft-like design that integrates seamlessly with its waterfront surroundings. Its distinctive sawtooth roof and expansive windows optimize space and natural light, creating a bright and airy interior. Architectural elements like the door, staircase, and kitchen incorporate an orange hue, referencing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The home boasts three decks, enhancing its connection to the water. Oversized warehouse-style windows are strategically placed to allow reflections of the water to ripple across the ceilings, further integrating the aquatic environment into the living space. The exterior is clad in 24-gauge metal siding with a fluorocarbon finish, selected for its durability and resistance to fading and chalking for up to 40 years, eliminating the need for periodic painting. This choice also circumvents the difficulty of painting a floating structure. The warehouse-style windows, made of black anodized aluminum with stainless steel hinges, are designed to withstand corrosion. No wood was used on the exterior, except for the finger pier that provides access to the front door and the couple's boat. From the main deck, residents can enjoy views of downtown San Francisco, including AT&T Park. The first-floor deck is furnished with Amazonia Terra teak chairs and IKEA Runnen teak outdoor floor decking. Inside, the living room features Australian cypress flooring with a tung oil finish, a Solas wall-mounted fireplace by Hearth Innovators, and a unique chair by Putra Salahin from Bali. The kitchen is equipped with a Wolf gas range, a white Carrara marble countertop bar, and Cobb Rise & Fall pendants by Original BTC. A custom wine glass holder, designed by the architect, is also present. The orange staircase, fabricated by Stocklin Iron Works and designed by Nebolon, uses steel railings and IKEA wood butcher blocks for treads, aiming to make the ascent to the second floor an engaging experience. The bathroom includes a teak live-edge countertop and a custom yellow cabinet supporting a Duravit double wash basin. A mirror from Restoration Hardware is paired with custom steampunk-style lights designed by the homeowner. The second-floor master bedroom features a custom captain’s bed, designed by the homeowner, with integrated drawers and storage. Its elevated height provides expansive views through the nearby window, contributing to the home's overall sense of openness and connection to its unique aquatic setting. #FloatingHome #WaterfrontLiving #RobertNebolonArchitects #MissionCreek #BayAreaDesign #ModernArchitecture #CustomHome #SustainableDesign #IndustrialInspiration

This blog post explores a 5,445-square-foot Bethany Beach home designed by C&E;, a third-generation interior design studio led by Kate Winnington. The design ethos, described as 'coastal and elevated,' deliberately moves away from stereotypical kitschy coastal aesthetics, opting instead for elegance, luxury, and warmth. Situated on Fenwick Island, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and a picturesque bay, the home seamlessly integrates its natural environment into its design. A central goal of the project was to blend modern architectural elements with the inherent oceanside atmosphere. Winnington aimed for an organic and earthy feel, layering various natural textures and maintaining a relatively neutral color palette. Subtle modern touches were incorporated to enhance the overall design without overpowering the coastal essence. This approach is evident in an entryway alcove, featuring wooden cladding, a custom console table, a modern mirror, and a carefully placed light fixture, all contributing to the 'coastal modern' aesthetic. Texture plays a crucial role in the home's design, evolving naturally throughout the project as outdoor views influenced interior choices. The space showcases a rich array of natural and nature-inspired textures, including weathered wood, a limewash-finish fireplace, boucle armchairs, and natural stone. This symphony of textures contributes to an earthy, inviting atmosphere, making the neutral color palette more dynamic and elevated. Winnington emphasizes that achieving the right balance of shades and textures is vital to creating a sophisticated space. The design continuously acknowledges the strong influence of the beach environment, ensuring that all elements complement rather than compete with the outdoor views. The neutral color palette and textures are directly inspired by the natural tones outside, implemented subtly to prevent them from dominating the scenery. Winnington's favorite room, the custom-built kitchen, exemplifies this philosophy with natural stone counters and backsplash, wooden cabinetry, open shelving, and a mix of gold and matte black hardware. She highlights the kitchen as a key investment area in a home, given its central role in daily life. The article also discusses how organic elements can be incorporated into any home, regardless of location. Winnington suggests using natural fibers and textures like jute, bamboo, cane, and rush in rugs and mixed-material furniture to introduce an earthy and organic feel. While most of the home maintains a neutral palette, the main bedroom diverges with dark, moody black paneled walls combined with a wood-clad ceiling and a textured bedframe. This bolder choice creates a cozy, retreat-like ambiance, demonstrating that master bedrooms are ideal spaces for design experimentation due to their function-forward nature and relative size. Finally, the integration of C&E;'s own furniture line into the design was seamless, with pieces thoughtfully selected to enhance the nature-inspired aesthetic. Winnington notes that such projects often see elements falling into place effortlessly, making the furnishing process intuitive. The furniture, including outdoor sofas and streamlined wooden coffee tables, reflects a sculptural quality through curves, details, and mixed materials. This Delaware home serves as a prime example of coastal modern style, balancing elevated design with an appreciation for its natural surroundings. #CoastalModernDesign #InteriorDesign #BeachsideHome #OrganicDesign #NeutralPalette #NaturalTextures #CustomKitchen #MoodLighting #DelawareHome

A unique custom home in Bethany Beach, designed by Marnie Custom Homes (MCH) and architect Aga Sokolow/Bernardon, caters to two siblings and their families. Situated on Loop Canal, the over 5,000-square-foot residence emphasizes shared living while ensuring privacy through a distinctive dual-wing configuration. The core design philosophy centered on creating equivalent spaces for each family, including two primary suites located on opposing sides of the house to maximize individual privacy. The project presented specific challenges, particularly concerning the oddly shaped lot on Loop Canal, which deviated from traditional Bethany lots. Despite these site constraints, MCH successfully obtained a variance to construct a home that aligns with the local architectural style. The construction also accounted for its location in a flood zone, incorporating measures such as waterproofing the bottom level, reinforcing the bulkhead, and utilizing water-resistant materials on the first floor. Each primary suite features its own indoor-outdoor shower, a standout design element that incorporates ipe decking and privacy walls. These flexible bathing areas evoke the serene aesthetic of Balinese spas, with one shower notably featuring luxurious Billie glass mosaic tiles in an ombré pattern and a unique pivot door, which was the most significant expense in the bathroom design. The house's front door serves as a central divider between the two wings, offering a direct view through to the canal. While the waterside exterior boasts a contemporary feel, the street-side facade adopts a more decorative, local style with gables, eaves, and shingle-style windows. Marnie Oursler was responsible for both the interior design and the structural aspects of the home. The interior includes a great room, illuminated by Andersen Windows & Doors, which seamlessly connects to the dining area and a specialized bar. The bar features a soapstone granite countertop, Decor shaker-style cabinets in Cotton White Oil, and a Sub-Zero wine fridge. Its strategic placement allows for direct access via a staircase to the outdoor pool area and showers, facilitating easy transitions from the beach. The kitchen is equipped with Caesarstone Statuario Nuvo countertops, a Shimmer Waters Edge Surf Textured tile backsplash, Decor shaker-style cabinets (with an island in Hale Navy and perimeter in Chantilly Lace), and high-end Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, complemented by a Bosch dishwasher. The dining room showcases a custom table crafted by Amish artisans from Dutch Home and Portside chairs by Serena & Lily, under an Abaca design collection chandelier by Elk. Outside, a small, custom 8x9-foot pool, built by Poolside Construction, is positioned just feet from the canal, and is five feet deep. Additionally, the home includes built-in dog crates and a feeding station with a water filler, specifically designed to accommodate the families' pets. This custom residence exemplifies a thoughtful approach to multi-family living, blending functional design with luxurious details and addressing specific site challenges. #customHome #BethanyBeach #multiFamilyLiving #architecturalDesign #interiorDesign #MarnieCustomHomes #coastalLiving #luxuryHome #homeBuilding

Tiburon Bay View, a contemporary residence on the eastern edge of California's Tiburon Peninsula, was designed by Walker Warner Architects for a family with a strong appreciation for art and nature. The clients sought a spacious home suitable for entertaining and multi-generational living, with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay. To mitigate the visual impact of the 12,000-square-foot structure, the architects terraced the two-story property into the hillside, giving it the appearance of a compound composed of low-slung horizontal volumes. The design incorporates a natural material palette and extensive high-performance glazing to seamlessly integrate the home with its surroundings. Materials such as Aegean limestone, western red cedar, zinc, and board-formed concrete contribute to this integration. Interior designer Nicole Hollis further enhanced the indoor/outdoor connection through a minimalist approach, employing surface materials and custom furnishings that echo the exterior's palette. Rift-sawn, white-oak wall paneling and engineered European oak flooring add warmth to the modern interior. The home was also designed to complement the clients' extensive contemporary art collection, featuring pieces like a custom bronze divider by Michele Oka Doner and pendant lighting fixtures by Lindsey Adelman Studio. The main residence is oriented towards the bay views and split across two levels. The ground floor houses the primary living areas and an accessible in-law bedroom, while the master suite and a second bedroom are located upstairs. An additional guest wing provides two more bedrooms. Large glass doors from Fleetwood Windows & Doors in the great room blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, facilitating an open and connected living experience. The master bedroom, with a Holly Hunt walnut bed, offers impressive bay views, and the master bath features custom teak cabinetry and Aged Petit Granit counters. A unique touch for the clients' teenage son includes a colorful bedroom with an elevated bed and a small climbing wall. Sustainability and energy efficiency were central to the home's design. A passive solar approach was implemented, featuring large roof overhangs over glass walls, automated solar shades, and an emphasis on natural ventilation. Radiant heating is installed throughout the home, complemented by Energy Star appliances, low-flow fixtures, LED lighting, and occupancy sensors. To conserve water, a native, drought-resistant planting plan with sensor-controlled drip irrigation was designed by SCDA and Strata Landscape Architecture, limiting the lawn area to less than 10 percent of the landscape. Photovoltaic panels have been installed at the pool house, further contributing to the home's energy independence. The architects highlighted that the residence's bold architectural elements create unexpected spaces, fulfilling the clients' desire for a home that celebrates both art and nature. #TiburonBayView #WalkerWarnerArchitects #EnergyConsciousHome #WaterfrontProperty #SustainableDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ModernArchitecture #NorthernCaliforniaHomes #PassiveSolarDesign

This article highlights the recent redesign of a four-bedroom farmhouse-style home located in Montecito, California, specifically in the Hedgerow neighborhood. The property, originally built in the 1970s, offers a secluded setting with a stunning garden and views of the Montecito mountains. Despite its idyllic location, the home presented interior design challenges before its transformation into a perfect retreat. The homeowners, a young family, enlisted interior designer Hayley English to create an unpretentious, youthful take on traditional farmhouse style, incorporating coastal decor elements. The primary goal was to establish a better backdrop for vacations and casual gatherings, as well as to improve the overall flow of the space. English focused on softening the home's original aesthetic and enhancing its warmth. In the kitchen, the designer opted for white units, moving beyond the often predictable and unremarkable nature of white kitchens. She introduced humble materials like a butcher block island and rattan chairs to create a surprisingly warm atmosphere. Feminine floral fabrics were used for drapery and upholstery, adding a softer touch, complemented by grosgrain cushion ties for a whimsical and chic feel. A vintage rug in muted shades of pink and gold further contributed to the warm color scheme. Key pieces in the kitchen include a pendant light from Hector Finch (Harbinger), barstools from Serena & Lily with Lisa Fine cushion fabric, and other fabrics from Soane Britain and Fermoie. The dining room, an open-plan area connected to the living room, was designed for a casual and comfortable ambiance. The wooden tabletop, intended to bear the marks of years of family gatherings, anchors the space. Chairs from Redford House with cushions from Schuyler Samperton (Jasper Showroom), Match Pewter candleholders, and table linen from Connected Goods complete the setting. For the living room, which serves as the first impression for guests, an open floor plan was strategically implemented to ensure optimal flow and an airy feel. A light color palette was chosen as a foundation, with pops of earth tones in the upholstery playing off the stone fireplace surround. Denim blues were integrated to introduce a coastal element. Antiques and vintage accessories were curated to create a traditional, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere. The pitched ceiling with white clapboard paneling further reinforces the coastal theme. Notable items in this space include ottomans upholstered in Lisa Fine fabric, a coffee table from Redford House, a rug from Jamal Rugs, and throw pillows from Nickey Kehoe. The artwork throughout the home, including the living room, consists of vintage, commissioned, and antique pieces depicting California scenery, unifying the color schemes. The primary bedroom was designed to be unique and nostalgic, featuring a tall four-poster bed with crisp linen drapes that complement the cathedral ceiling. Key elements include a Serena & Lily bedframe, a bed cover from Chelsea Textiles, a quilt from Les Indiennes (Nickey Kehoe), drapery from Schumacher, and sconces by Mark Sikes for Hudson Valley Lighting. Another bedroom adopted a cheerful, English cottage style, featuring pale green walls painted in Benjamin Moore's 'Guilford Green.' This room stands out for its playful mix of patterns and colors. Drapery by Penny Morrison, a quilt from Nicky Kehoe, a lampshade from Maison Maison, and pillowcases from ST Frank (Over the Moon) contribute to its distinctive character. A third bedroom exhibits a sophisticated yet approachable design with a punchy palette. Cool blue walls, painted in Benjamin Moore's 'Woodlawn Blue,' and elements like a cane bed and woven wood shades incorporate coastal motifs. The bedframe is from Serena & Lily, the quilt from Neem (Nicky Kehoe), euro pillow fabric from Décors Barbares Tissus Tartares, and pillowcases from Annie Selke. All photographs for the project were taken by Sara Tramp, with styling by Lauren May. #MontecitoHome #FarmhouseStyle #CoastalDecor #InteriorDesign #HayleyEnglishInteriors #HomeRenovation #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDecor #BedroomIdeas

Shutterstock founder Jon Oringer and his wife Talia embarked on a search for a home in Miami Beach that would align with their vision of a welcoming oasis, distinct from the prevailing aesthetic characterized by aggressive geometrics and glossy surfaces. Their quest led them to a property overlooking Biscayne Bay, which, despite requiring significant renovation, offered an exceptional location and views. To transform this property into their dream home, they enlisted the expertise of AD100 interior designer Kelly Behun, who had previously worked on their Bridgehampton residence. Behun is recognized for her ability to create interiors that blend fanciful elements with refined sophistication, resulting in spaces that are both imaginative and serene. The home’s architectural transformation was initiated by Blaze Makoid of BMA Architects, who softened the exterior’s angularity with bronze and wood accents and introduced a sculptural staircase to enhance the interior’s dynamism. This established a visual language emphasizing fluidity and warmth, a quality the homeowners desired. Behun further collaborated with To Better Days Building, another AD PRO Directory firm, to realize the couple's vision. Within this architectural framework, Behun curated a vibrant collection of pieces from a global network of artisans, combining them with striking art and vintage items. Each room's design is often anchored by a central element, such as a unique lighting fixture or a captivating artwork, which harmonizes the color, pattern, and scale. Contemporary materials like white oak, plush fabrics, and muted metals are employed in sculptural forms, grounding the whimsical elements in an atmosphere of elegance and luxury. The entryway, for instance, features a custom stained glass light fixture by Greek artist Kostas Lambridis, whose design reflects the client's personal narrative. This piece hangs above a Mimi table by Garcé & Dimofski, complemented by Martino Gamper circus stools and a woven chair from Space Available Studio, all echoing the fixture's colors. Similarly, a stained glass fixture by Maarten de Ceulaer commands attention in the dining room, balancing a substantial table by Yabu Pushelberg. In the double-height library, four ceiling pendants by Bennet Schlesinger, inspired by cumulus clouds, playfully disrupt the room's formal upholstered seating arrangements. The lounge is enlivened by a cut-paper collage of dancing women by Heidi Lanino, set against curvaceous furniture by designers like Achille Salvagni and Chris Wolston. For the children’s playroom, a Nuage fixture by Wout Wessemius creates an ethereal ambiance. Beyond individual pieces, foliage plays a crucial role in animating the spaces. Large Alocasia Calidora leaves at the second-floor atrium window add drama to the primary bedroom. Landscape architect Raymond Jungles collaborated on the home's vegetation, including an immense American oil palm at the entryway that helps scale down the property, contributing to a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere despite its grandeur. The overall design achieves a ravishing and rejuvenating effect, perceived as both sublime and sensual by the homeowners. Jon Oringer praised Behun’s capacity to translate their identity into the living space, affirming that the designer successfully delivered a home that is uniquely theirs. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #MiamiArchitecture #ContemporaryDesign #CustomFurniture #ArtCollection #LandscapeDesign #ArchitecturalDigest

The Knitting Bee Surf House, a project by Commune Design and Feldman Architecture, won the 2020 Best of Year award for Beach House. This 4,500-square-foot residence was conceptualized around the persona of “a professor who surfs,” aiming to create a nuanced and sustainable building that departs from traditional seaside design aesthetics. Jonathan Feldman, founding principal of Feldman Architecture, and Roman Alonso, principal of Commune Design, collaborated on the project. The design deliberately avoids conventional coastal decor elements such as driftwood. Instead, the team prioritized sustainable and locally sourced materials, specifically utilizing rich Monterey cypress timber from Aborica, a Marin County sawyer known for reclaiming and repurposing native Californian wood. This Monterey cypress was used extensively for both exterior cladding and interior finishes, contributing to a cohesive and natural aesthetic throughout the house. Complementary materials include soapstone, concrete, and unlacquered copper and brass. These materials were specifically chosen for their ability to develop a natural patina over time when exposed to the salt air, further enhancing the house's connection to its coastal environment and ensuring a graceful aging process. Commune Design was responsible for the interior design, which is characterized as “polished bohemian.” This style balances intellectual sophistication with a free-spirited feel, creating an environment that is both refined and relaxed. The interior spaces feature a mix of high-end custom pieces, vintage finds, and furniture from renowned designers such as George Nakashima Woodworkers and BDDW. This eclectic approach adds depth and character to the living spaces, reflecting the imagined inhabitant's intellectual yet adventurous spirit. The layout of the house begins with a front courtyard that leads into a great room and kitchen area, forming the central social hub. Beyond this, a back patio provides direct access to ocean views, integrating the natural surroundings into the daily living experience. The upstairs quarters house additional living and sleeping areas, all designed to maximize the stunning ocean vistas. Beyond the residential spaces, the property includes practical amenities such as a garage and a dedicated surfboard workshop, catering directly to the owner’s surfing passion. The project team involved Roman Alonso, Abbey Santamaria, and Sam Spenser from Commune Design, and Jonathan Feldman, Christopher Kurrle, Matt Lindsay, Humbeen Geo, and Leila Bijan Kuehr from Feldman Architecture. #BeachHouse #SustainableDesign #CoastalArchitecture #InteriorDesign #CommuneDesign #FeldmanArchitecture #MontereyCypress #PolishedBohemian #AwardWinningDesign

Sun Ranch is a 55-acre coastal estate located in the Byron Bay hinterland, designed by Balanced Earth Architects to offer guests privacy, on-site experiences, and luxury hotel living. The project, completed in 2023, spans an area of 1000 square meters. The architectural team for Sun Ranch included Michael Leung and Leo Dewitte, with Carlotta Phelan serving as the interior designer. Engineering was provided by Lucena Engineering and Dougal May, while Laughlan Rabbidge and LAND were responsible for the landscape design. The construction was handled by Balanced Earth Building, with Ture Schmitd and Luke Wrencher overseeing the process. The design of Sun Ranch emphasizes a departure from conventional hospitality experiences, focusing on creating a unique and exceptional environment for guests. The choice of materials and construction methods reflects a commitment to integrating the structures within their natural surroundings while providing high-quality accommodations. Wood is a prominent material used throughout the project, contributing to its aesthetic and potentially its sustainability credentials. Key manufacturers involved in the project include Archdomus, Eco Outdoor, and Microcement, indicating a blend of high-end and natural materials. The estate features a variety of spaces, including bedrooms, dining areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, all meticulously designed to enhance the guest experience. The interior photography highlights elements such as exposed beams, strategic lighting, and large windows that connect the indoor spaces with the scenic outdoors. Exterior photography showcases the integration of the architecture with its natural landscape, featuring gardens, decks, patios, and courtyards, suggesting an emphasis on outdoor living and interaction with the coastal hinterland environment. The project falls under the categories of Hospitality Architecture and Cabins & Lodges, signifying its purpose as a destination for leisure and accommodation. The location in Byron Bay, Australia, further emphasizes its appeal as a serene retreat. The architectural approach appears to balance modern design with a respect for the natural setting, aiming to provide a distinct and memorable stay for its visitors. The overall design intent is to create a sense of total privacy and luxury, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the unique offerings of Sun Ranch. #HospitalityArchitecture #CabinsLodges #ByronBay #Australia #WoodConstruction #CoastalEstate #LuxuryAccommodation #BalancedEarthArchitects #InteriorDesign

This article provides a visual tour and description of a modern mountain retreat located in Mountain Brook, highlighting its unique architectural features and interior design choices. The exterior of the home showcases a deliberate contrast between dark cypress siding and creamy Texas limestone, adhering to a design philosophy that favors clean and crisp lines within a traditional framework. This blend of materials creates a sophisticated and contemporary curb appeal. Inside, the residence emphasizes natural light and a harmonious aesthetic across various spaces. The wet bar features mosaic marbled tile as a textured backsplash, complemented by open shelving and simple marble countertops, which together create a visually appealing and functional area. The kitchen is designed to maximize natural light through large windows, bathing the well-appointed space in brightness. It includes a substantial marble island with a farmhouse sink and detailed decorative edges, contributing to a relaxed ambiance achieved through cool tones and modern fixtures. The functionality of the home extends to practical areas such as the laundry room, which is equipped with roll-out hampers, closed cabinets, and open shelving, ensuring an organized and efficient space. The living area is centered around a custom limestone fireplace, which elegantly pairs with herringbone-patterned hardwood floors, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The master bathroom is another highlight, featuring a marbled mosaic floor, polished nickel plumbing, and custom steel-and-glass shower doors, all contributing to a luxurious and refined experience. Even transitional spaces are utilized for both style and utility, as seen in the breakfast room where a stylish storage area doubles as a display for beautiful serving pieces, integrating aesthetic appeal with practical storage solutions. Throughout the home, the design consistently blends modern elements with comfortable functionality, creating a retreat that is both visually stunning and highly livable. The meticulous attention to material selection and spatial design is evident in every room, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to contemporary living. #ModernArchitecture #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #MountainBrook #LimestoneExterior #CypressSiding #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign

This article showcases a curated selection of homes featured in a regional tour of homes, spanning from Pawleys Island, South Carolina, to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. Each home highlights distinct design philosophies, personal touches, and the collaboration between homeowners and design professionals to create unique living spaces. The tour emphasizes how these residences reflect the owners' personalities, travel experiences, and specific functional needs, while also showcasing contemporary design trends and regional architectural styles. The first featured home belongs to Steve and Lisa Campbell in The Dunes Club, a Mediterranean-style residence inspired by their travels to Italy, particularly Tuscany. The Campbells' design choices prioritize warm, welcoming colors for walls and ceilings. Each bedroom in their home is themed around specific Italian travel memories, such as the Positano Room, which features art, furniture, and colors reminiscent of the region. The couple also incorporated vibrant and colorful artwork, requiring ample wall space and built-in cubbies for displaying glass collections from their global travels. An open floor plan in the main living area, kitchen, and outdoor pool/deck is a key feature, designed for entertaining. Next, Ricky and Malia Segal's custom-built Pawleys Island home, a collaboration with Susan White at Classic Homes, presents a classic French Acadian-inspired ivory exterior that contrasts with bold interior colors and statement wallpapers. Malia Segal describes her style as transitional, blending contemporary art with traditional furniture elements and distinctive wall coverings. The home features a high vaulted ceiling in the great room with thick architectural beams and a gourmet kitchen with light gray, baby blue, and brass accents. A deep teal dining room with a butler's pantry is also highlighted. The design prioritizes open spaces for entertaining, accommodating family gatherings, and providing a large backyard for their dogs. Sam and Lisa Kinon's new-build home in Myrtle Beach, designed by Jill Heaton of Jill Heaton Interiors, adopts a blue-and-white chinoiserie palette, creating an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere. The home is described as light, airy, and uplifting. Heaton guided the Kinons through selections including furnishings, accessories, architectural plans, room layouts, window placements, paint colors, wallpaper, lighting, and cabinet hardware. The aesthetic incorporates subdued blues in upholstery, window treatments, floral wallpaper, throw pillows, and rugs, with seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, including a pool and jacuzzi. Billy and Elly Brundage's "forever home" in Ocean Ridge Plantation, Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, is characterized as light, open, airy, and coastal. Elly's vision for her home, realized with the design team of Geralyn Li Vecchi Marshburn and Catherine “Kitty” Bliss, aimed for a welcoming, spa-like beach atmosphere. The living space features blues, creams, and coastal grays, complemented by a beach glass wall shade. The kitchen, central to Elly's daily cooking and entertaining, is open to seating areas. The home was showcased in the 2024 Brunswick County Parade of Homes. Phil and Elaine Saccente's Mediterranean-style home in the Members Club section of Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach, built by Nations Homes, features a modern and relaxed interior. Walls are painted in shades of gray, and the grand living room has a coffered ceiling in white and slate. The kitchen includes a sleek waterfall island, a metal range hood, and charcoal tile. The primary bath is notable for its gold-plated soaking tub, modern gold finishes, and ethereal lighting. The outdoor area, with a pool and patio, serves as a retreat for entertaining and relaxation. Joe and Kelly Victoria's custom modern farmhouse in Myrtle Beach, developed in partnership with Heritage Construction, balances traditional farmhouse aesthetics with contemporary elements. Kelly desired natural, light, and welcoming colors with pops of accent colors, and incorporated crown molding. The four-bedroom home on three acres was designed for their family of six, featuring both gold and black finishes and a large custom pantry with plywood shelving, butcher block countertops, a prep sink, and printed tile. Finally, Mary Beth and Emory Thompson's extensively remodeled oceanfront home on North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, originally purchased by Emory's parents in 1999, underwent a significant transformation. Working with Debi Pinelli and Coastal Luxe, a bedroom was converted into a dining room, and a sauna/jacuzzi area became a 1,000-square-foot kitchen and pantry. The indoor pool area and a two-story deck addition with a spiral staircase are highlights. The remodel aimed to modernize the 1940s-era home while honoring its history and Emory's parents. The article also briefly mentions Andrew Entwistle's three-story oceanfront home, "Surfside Beach Wander," in Surfside Beach, North Carolina. This custom-designed home features eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms, six workstations, a private heated pool, hot tub, and elevator. Its design includes coffered ceilings, shiplap and slat wood accent walls, marble accents, and high-end finishes, offering panoramic ocean views and private balconies for most bedrooms. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalStyles #CoastalLiving #LuxuryHomes #CustomBuilds #HomeTour #MyrtleBeach #PawleysIsland