Step Inside One Couple’s Game-Changing Live/Work Loft

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

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

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

This article explores the interior design choices of Andrei Teo, an engineer, and Averyl Chen, a finance executive assistant, for their top-floor condominium in Sembawang. Having previously resided in the United States, the couple incorporated Western and European design elements into their new home, with a particular focus on coffered ceilings and fireplaces. Despite encountering initial challenges with interior designers who were unfamiliar with coffered ceilings, they found a suitable partner in Cottage Crafts, whose previous projects demonstrated expertise in this area. Cottage Crafts' interior designer, Daniel Ho, was experienced in European-style interiors and adept at customizing designs to meet client preferences. Key to the implementation of the coffered ceiling was the condominium's inherent height, a crucial prerequisite for achieving the desired aesthetic. The couple and their designer dedicated considerable time to ensuring the uniform grid and proportions of the coffered ceiling in the living room, meticulously considering its relationship with the chandelier and sofa placement. The resulting coffered ceiling serves as a focal point, drawing the eye upward and imparting a grand, palatial ambiance to the space. Complementing the European-American design theme are wainscoting panels installed along the lower sections of the walls and a fireplace mantelpiece. This mantelpiece, acquired in the United States and brought over from their previous five-room HDB flat in Punggol, was thoughtfully integrated into the new living room. Previously a faux fireplace resting directly on the floor, it was elevated on a console to create a hearth effect and now frames the television. The couple also retained and repurposed several sentimental furniture pieces from their Punggol flat and items shipped from their former US residence. These included their dining set and armchairs, which were reupholstered and repainted to blend with the new design. A notable instance of repurposing involved a four-poster bed from their previous home. Due to its size, the bed posts were removed and creatively suspended over the dining table in a gazebo style, enhancing the balcony's atmosphere. Additionally, excess moldings from earlier renovations were utilized to create decorative wall features in a bedroom converted into a dressing room. For new furniture acquisitions, the couple opted for custom-made pieces, such as their navy blue sofa, designed by Nikki Hunt of Design Intervention. The choice of a bold color for the sofa was initially adventurous for the couple but was encouraged by Daniel Ho to create a standout piece. The apartment, despite being occupied for a year at the time of the feature, maintains a well-kept appearance, surprising observers. The homeowners expressed their appreciation for the living room's high ceiling and open feel, as well as the dedicated music room, which they particularly enjoy during their leisure time. This design project highlights the successful integration of personal preferences, cultural influences, and creative repurposing to create a unique and comfortable living space. #EuropeanInteriorDesign #HomeTour #Sembawang #Wainscoting #CofferedCeiling #CondominiumDesign #RepurposedFurniture #CustomFurniture

The Designer Show House, a biennial event sponsored by the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, showcases diverse interior and exterior design inspirations across its 6,000 square feet of space and nearly an acre of outdoor areas. This event serves as a platform for regional designers to present their expertise and offers visitors a wealth of ideas for their own homes. One featured space is a sunken living room, designed by Kate FitzGerald-Wilks of Timeless Design in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. This room embodies a West Indies aesthetic, characterized by bold lines, soft sandy hues, and rich textures. Key elements include vintage stick bamboo chairs painted black, adorned with Kuba cloth and Ralph Lauren zebra-stripe pillows on a slipcovered camel-backed sofa. A mid-century hutch is repurposed as a cocktail bar, complemented by sculptural metal and glass console tables flanking the fireplace. Wood mirrors with faux tortoise shell lean against textured wallpaper, while modern sculptures and art blend with antique books and global treasures. FitzGerald-Wilks also designed the dining room, aiming for a dramatic effect with a backdrop of 200 wine bottles and a striking Dolcetti chandelier crafted from shells and crystals, evoking sea glass. An 8-foot-long reclaimed wine rack sits atop a buffet. The room's color palette consists of soft creams and tans, punctuated by emerald green accents in the chandelier and wine bottles. Windows are framed with woven ikat print panels. An airy sunroom, conceived by Alfred Wolf Home (a new venture from Design Center of Rehoboth or DCOR), was designed to create a light-filled, contemporary transition between the house and garden. This involved removing existing French doors and window grills, painting the room in various shades of white and French gray-green, and incorporating textural elements of white canvas, iron, and marble. The family room, also by DCOR, maintained the warmth of its original paneling and fireplace stone, setting the foundation for a soft khaki and cream palette. The room is furnished with herringbone, tweed, and leather fabrics, offset by tortoise shell wood finishes and local tidal scene artwork. Mary Stewart of M. Stewart Interiors in Bear designed the upstairs hobby room, named "Just Us," intended as a shared family space for various pastimes like painting, photography, reading, chess, and Lego building. The room features updated cherished family heirlooms and is painted simply white to highlight paintings by Nadia Zychal. Nile Johnson of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, designed the second-floor paneled library, drawing inspiration from Rehoboth's laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. This space offers an updated interpretation of a classic library, decorated in layers of sandy tans. Cyndi and Ron Oronzio and Cathie Sheetz of Dreamweaver Interiors of Rehoboth Beach decorated a bedroom and bath, inspired by vibrantly patterned fabrics. They utilized Robert Allen fabrics as wallpaper for an accent wall, building the room's design around this print. The team selected fabrics for their depth, crisp patterns, contrasting textures, and detailed embroidery, incorporating a bright coral pink accent color and rhinestone embellishments for a feminine touch. Brenda Carder of blcINTERIORS of Rehoboth Beach designed a small guest bedroom, combining natural cotton and linen fabrics with metal and reclaimed wood. Crown moldings add formality. To compensate for limited sunlight, the room was kept light and bright, with a deep navy blue accent wall and touches of bright yellow for warmth. The second floor features art by Libby Zando of Zando Designs and Art Affects in Milton, alongside works by award-winning regional artists. Boardwalk Builders of Rehoboth transformed a hallway into a gallery space by adding wainscot paneling, creating an updated cottage aesthetic that visually broadened the hallway. Mark A. Polo of The Urban Dweller in Boonton, New Jersey, designed the master suite, aiming for comfort with soft textural colors ranging from taupe to blue. The furniture is upholstered to enhance the room's softness, featuring taupe draperies of embroidered sheer linen and silk edged in leather and freshwater pearls. Blonde floors are softened by a long-fiber rug. Outdoors, Erin Walls and Justin Bartels of Bella Terra Landscaping in Lincoln repurposed existing flagstone patios and walkways, adding new stones to create a Celtic-inspired design. The layout divides the space into a grand area for social gatherings and secluded nooks for quiet retreats. Creative Concepts Furniture of Lewes and Ocean View furnished the patios as outdoor rooms with bright coastal colors, including a sectional, loveseat, dining area for six, and lounge chairs, inviting visitors to envision themselves in the setting. #DesignerShowHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RehobothBeach #DelawareDesign #LuxuryInteriors #OutdoorLiving #DesignInspiration