The Insider: Built-ins Maximize Small Live/Work Space for Architect Couple

This blog post details the new construction home of Tyler and Amanda Tarver in Benton, highlighting their design choices and experiences. The couple's journey began with an inspiring trip to Israel, where they connected with the author, Tanner Cangelosi. Upon visiting their new home, Cangelosi was impressed by the detailed design and unique style, suggesting Amanda pursue a career in contracting. The Tarvers shared insights into their family life, including Amanda's role at New Life Church Saline County, her support for Tyler's YouTube Channel (Tarver Academy), and their three children: Titus (8), Ezra (6), and Finnick (2). Tyler is the dean of NLC College and manages multiple YouTube channels. Their home's design plans were largely spearheaded by Amanda, who conducted extensive research using platforms like Pinterest, Google, and Instagram to compile a 'highlight reel' of open-floor plans and 'hipster features'. These compiled ideas were then provided to a draftsperson to create their custom blueprints. Tyler contributed his opinions for consideration throughout the process. Key aspects of their new home that the Tarvers love most include the open floor plan, which integrates the kitchen, living room, and dining area. This design choice allows Amanda to feel included in family activities while cooking and provides ample space for hosting guests. The inclusion of a pool is also a cherished feature for future enjoyment. Another favorite is the kitchen bar, which serves as a versatile space for family gatherings, meals, and children's homework or craft projects, fostering more family time. The design emphasizes functionality and communal living. The Tarvers also provided five money-saving tips for those considering building a house. Their advice includes utilizing Amazon.com for comparing quotes and purchasing items, undertaking non-dangerous tasks independently, and being present during construction to minimize material waste by subcontractors. They also highlighted the importance of managing return timelines for purchases and finishing certain areas of the house independently to reduce costs associated with per-square-footage charges. They deliberately chose smaller room sizes for their children, recognizing that the kids prefer to spend time in the main living area, thus maximizing space in shared zones and simplifying cleaning and decorating. The daughter’s private bathroom is also appreciated. The fixtures in their home were sourced from a variety of retailers, including West Elm, Cb2, and Wayfair, with Amanda noting that her favorite light fixture surprisingly came from Walmart. The color palette was selected by Amanda from Instagram photos, aiming for a bright, clean, and open feel with added character. The base color is white, complemented by wood tones, blacks, and golds, reflecting current popular trends and personal style. Both Tyler and Amanda expressed interest in building again in the future or assisting others with their construction projects, fueled by Amanda's passion for design and navigating the building process. #HomeDesign #NewConstruction #OpenFloorPlan #InteriorDesign #MoneySavingTips #FamilyHome #CustomBuild #DesignInspiration #ModernLiving

Architects Dylan Baker-Rice and his wife, both originally from the US, transformed their 1,700 sq ft, three-bedroom Jardine's Lookout apartment in Hong Kong into a living showcase of their design philosophy and personal style. Having moved to Hong Kong in 2010, the couple embarked on a renovation project that allowed them to meticulously plan an interior space tailored to their needs and possessions, including a significant piece of art. Baker-Rice, whose first job out of university was as an assistant to artist Roxy Paine, brought with him a cherished polyurethane sculpture named 'Scumak.' This black, heavy, and somewhat grotesque piece, created by Paine's assembly-line machine, became a focal point in their design considerations, prompting them to create a designated space for its display within their new home. The apartment's design reflects a blend of practicality and artistic expression, moving beyond conventional Hong Kong interior aesthetics. The couple’s architectural background enabled them to approach the renovation with a deep understanding of spatial dynamics and material use. Their design choices were not merely about aesthetics but also about crafting an environment that resonated with their personal history and professional expertise. This bespoke approach allowed them to experiment with unconventional ideas and materials, turning their apartment into a unique demonstration of their capabilities. The process involved a complete overhaul, ensuring that every element, from the layout to the finishes, served a purpose, either functional or artistic. Beyond accommodating specific art pieces, the renovation aimed to create a comfortable and inspiring living space that defied the typical constraints of urban dwelling. Their design likely incorporates elements that maximize light and space, common challenges in Hong Kong's dense environment, while also reflecting a global perspective influenced by their experiences in London and the US. The transformation of their apartment illustrates how professional designers can leverage their own homes as laboratories for innovative ideas, showcasing how architectural principles can be applied to create a highly personalized and functional domestic environment. The project serves as a practical example of integrating art, personal history, and design expertise into a cohesive living space. #ArchitectCouple #HongKongLiving #InteriorDesign #ApartmentRenovation #SculptureDisplay #BespokeDesign #SpatialDynamics #ArtIntegration

Design studio Livit, known for its 'Birdbox' adventure cabin, has introduced the 'Studypod,' a detached office cabin designed to provide a secluded workspace close to nature. This new offering responds to the growing trend of remote work, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing a dedicated space that minimizes distractions and enhances focus. The Studypod is a compact, minimalist structure, boasting internal dimensions of just over 2 x 1.8 meters, making it versatile for various uses beyond a home office. The cabin is delivered ready for immediate use, with an optional detachable desk to suit different functional requirements. Its small footprint allows it to serve as a yoga room, an annex for guests, or a private space for hobbies. The design prioritizes a connection with the outdoors, featuring a prominent large black-tinted glass panel at the front. This design element creates the sensation of working outdoors while providing shelter and privacy, fostering a serene and inspiring environment. Torstein Aa, the designer behind the Studypod, emphasizes Livit's core mission to create exceptional experiences for people. He believes the Studypod adds significant value to daily life by offering a 'breathing space' free from interruptions, where individuals can concentrate and engage with nature. The minimalist aesthetic of the cabin contributes to its tranquil ambiance, promoting a focused and calm state for its occupants. The Studypod's adaptability is a key feature, allowing users to transform the space to fit their evolving needs. For instance, it can comfortably accommodate a king-size bed, making it suitable as a unique guest room or a children's hideaway. This innovative cabin concept offers a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution for individuals seeking to establish a dedicated work-from-home area or a versatile personal retreat within their property. The design addresses the modern need for flexible living and working arrangements, providing a compact yet functional space that seamlessly integrates with outdoor environments. Livit's approach with the Studypod highlights a thoughtful consideration of contemporary lifestyle demands, merging functionality with an appreciation for natural surroundings. The starting price for a Studypod is 11,900 EUR plus tax, positioning it as an accessible option for those looking to invest in a dedicated, distraction-free space at home. #HomeOffice #DetachedCabin #BackyardOffice #RemoteWork #MinimalistDesign #TinySpaces #WorkFromHome #ArchitecturalDesign #NatureIntegration

This article highlights the innovative design solutions implemented in a tri-level Ascot Vale home, built on a narrow block, to accommodate a family with three young children. The primary objectives were to maximize natural light, provide ample storage, and create a long-term living space suitable for raising a family. Figr Architecture Studio was tasked with creating a design that met these needs while complementing the building's footprint and respecting the streetscape. Architect Michael Artemenko describes the home as an "emotional journey" with thoughtful design ideas creating diverse experiences. A key principle was the considered use of space, where space was reallocated from less critical areas to more essential ones. This approach resulted in a generous living, kitchen, and dining area, serving as the family's central gathering point, and a sizable study that can function as a second living space. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom contemporary home showcases six notable design concepts. The first idea is a unique day bed in the living room, which serves as an intimate relaxation spot. Its materials visually link it to the adjacent kitchen, with a stone bench wrapping from the kitchen into the living area, forming the day bed and creating a continuous visual flow. Dark-stained oak veneer, also used in the kitchen joinery, forms the base, offering textural contrast with the stone. This design aims for uniformity and gives the building's length a distinct presence. The second design highlight is the strategic use of the color green. Vibrant green carpet on the top level provides a bold color accent, enhancing the natural beauty of materials like stone and timber, and connecting the interior with the garden. This green carpet gives the main bedroom and study a strong identity and creates a dramatic transition between floors. Each level has a distinct feel, with the top level featuring green carpet, the middle level having blackbutt-timber floors, and the lower level, housing the children's bedrooms, featuring traditional light-grey carpet. The varying tones of green in the carpet evoke a sense of being on a "grassy knoll" as one moves up through the house. The combination of green and timber on the top level creates a "treehouse" effect when sunlight filters in. Green is also incorporated into the laundry joinery, which is concealed behind bi-fold doors, transforming a traditionally overlooked space into a visually appealing one. Creative window designs form the third point of inspiration. At the front, a large rectilinear window encased in a black metal shroud offers a bold, modern interpretation of traditional architectural forms, providing depth and presence against the crisp white weatherboards. At the rear, a picture window next to the day bed opens to the garden, functioning like a door and creating a reading nook that allows for both indoor and outdoor views. Fourth, dark highlights, particularly the color black, are used to give rooms a bold, modern edge and contrast with lighter materials. Black penny-round tiles are featured on the kitchen's splashback and a living room wall, creating a striking visual element. The architect notes that using black highlights specific design aspects and that the penny-round tiles interact with the surrounding light and colors, causing the wall to appear to change throughout the day. Black is also used around some doorways to emphasize transition areas, and strategically placed black can paradoxically make a space feel larger. The fifth idea focuses on imaginative storage solutions. Storage was crucial for the family but designed to be unobtrusive and engaging. Overhead cabinetry in the kitchen appears as an extension of the timber-lined ceiling. In the study, storage is sculptural, following the building's lines and cathedral ceiling, and incorporating fun display spaces. Floor-to-ceiling storage in the main bedroom seamlessly integrates with the walls, with white-painted wardrobe doors enhancing uniformity and the sense of space. Even the top cupboards, designed to follow the cathedral ceiling, are functional. Finally, feature ceilings are highlighted as the sixth design idea. The cathedral ceiling ensures compliance with council residential guidelines and the overall architectural plan, blending with the streetscape and increasing internal volume. It also allows for skylights, maximizing winter sunlight and sky views. In contrast, a blackbutt-timber-veneer lined ceiling in the kitchen and living area adds warmth and draws the eye outdoors. Despite this section having a lower ceiling, the light, grain, and texture reflected by the timber prevent it from feeling compressed, instead creating a dramatic effect and signifying a change in space. #Architecture #HomeDesign #NarrowBlock #SpaceUtilization #InteriorDesign #SustainableLiving #FamilyHome #AscotVale #FigrArchitecture

The Noahs' residence in east Springfield, a 1970s foreclosure, underwent extensive renovation from 2011 to 2013, transforming a dilapidated property into a beautifully appointed home. The couple, Phil and Sharon Noah, were initially drawn to the property by its open ground-level floor plan and the captivating view from the top-floor balcony, even though the house was in a state of disarray. They embraced the challenge, seeking a project that would allow them to reimagine and personalize their living space. The renovation process was comprehensive, impacting every aspect of the house. The Noahs added new structures and dedicated countless hours over two years to the project, living in the home throughout the entire construction period. This commitment meant enduring dust and significant disruption, at one point even requiring a ladder to access their top-floor master bedroom. Their creativity was evident in their resourcefulness, as they repurposed materials from unconventional sources. For instance, terra cotta tiles, columns, and lighting fixtures from a former Macaroni Grill were integrated into a newly constructed gazebo and the kitchen design. The kitchen itself features Phenix marble countertops, unique for their embedded fossils, adding a distinctive natural element to the space. The lower level of the home was reconfigured to include modern entertainment amenities. Two existing bedrooms were converted into a dedicated home theater and a game room. The game room boasts a wet bar, ingeniously equipped with beer taps that Phil, a retired fire marshal, crafted from an antique fire extinguisher, reflecting a personal touch and a nod to his past profession. On the upper floor, the couple optimized their living space by transforming a former bedroom into a luxurious master bathroom and converting a loft area into a spacious walk-in closet, enhancing both functionality and comfort. For the interior decoration, the Noahs opted for a refined aesthetic, furnishing the entire house with European antiques, which contribute to a sense of timeless elegance and character. The extensive work and thoughtful design of their home will soon be showcased to the public as part of the 23rd Annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour. This event benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks, offering attendees a glimpse into the Noahs' remarkable transformation project. Sharon Noah expressed her joy in decorating the house, particularly for Christmas, indicating her passion for creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere. The tour provides an opportunity for the community to appreciate the intricate details and the successful revitalization of the 1970s residence. #HomeRenovation #ForeclosureTransformation #OpenFloorPlan #InteriorDesign #DIYProjects #EuropeanAntiques #HomeTour #RonaldMcDonaldHouseCharities #SpringfieldHomes