Designers Tackle an Unusual Problem in This Carroll Gardens Home: Too Much Space

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 article explores an often-neglected space in home design that interior designers consistently prioritize: the hallway. While homeowners typically focus design efforts on main rooms such as kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, a poll of 15 interior designers revealed that 10 experts identified the hallway as a crucial area that should not be overlooked. The hallway, frequently perceived as merely a transitional space, possesses significant untapped potential for enhancing a home's aesthetic and cohesive feel. Designers emphasize that investing creative energy in hallways can transform them into integral parts of the home's overall design narrative. Kelsey Matyas of Kelsey Deirdre Designs describes the hallway as "connective tissue — not just between rooms, but between design ideas." Sarah Beth Wood of Rigby Wood Interior Design highlights that passageways, especially those connecting key spaces, should be carefully considered, particularly in new construction. She suggests incorporating architectural millwork, faceted lighting, and wall coverings to elevate a basic hallway into a special journey. Homeowners often default to neutral paint and bare walls in hallways, neglecting proper lighting and architectural opportunities. This oversight results in a lack of personality in what could be a visually engaging area. Michelle Murphy, founder of Demi Ryan, states that small spaces like hallways can set the tone for the entire home, making it feel more inviting and personal. Yena Jung of By Yena Designs adds that these overlooked nooks and hallways can be transformed into memorable areas that draw attention. The article provides several practical suggestions from designers on how to elevate a hallway's design. Lighting is a key element, with recommendations for playful overhead fixtures like pendants or flush mounts, and decorative wall sconces to illuminate long corridors. Kristyn Harvey of Kristyn Harvey Interiors notes that repetition of light fixtures in longer hallways can create a strong statement. Architectural details, such as molding or wainscoting, are also highly recommended to add visual interest. Ellen Hatton, principal of BVA BarnesVanze Architects, suggests enhancing hallway openings with custom stained wood fretwork, arches, or pilasters instead of simple casing. Wall treatments offer another avenue for transformation, with designers advocating for bright paint colors, funky wallpaper (even on the ceiling), or textural paints like limewash or Venetian plaster, or a high-gloss finish. Ceiling design, often referred to as the "fifth wall," is presented as a significant opportunity to create impact in a small space. Hatton advises experimenting with bold ceiling treatments such as barrel or groin vaults, coffering, or eye-catching paint colors. The article also highlights the importance of mirrors and artwork, suggesting that large canvas prints or gallery walls can make a narrow corridor feel larger and add personal flair. Jung points out that a simple mirror in a corner or on a wall with a window can make a space feel more open and inviting. Runner rugs are recommended not only for protecting floors but also for introducing vintage styles or colorful patterns to transform the hallway's vibe. Interior designer Taniya Nayak suggests incorporating various prints through rugs, curtains, wall art, or even table books for a maximalist aesthetic. Finally, the article promotes the inclusion of tiny built-ins, even in small hallways, to serve functional purposes such as a homework area with a desk, a home bar, or a drop zone in an entry hall. Seth Ballad of DC Ballard & Mensua Architecture notes that even a simple niche bookshelf can add character to the space. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #HallwayDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #LightingDesign #WallTreatments #CeilingDesign #HomeStyling #SpaceUtilization

This article showcases six distinct interior design projects by local Rochester designers, highlighting their unique approaches to transforming living spaces. Each project demonstrates how designers blend client needs with creative vision to achieve functional and aesthetically pleasing outcomes. Bob Breissinger, owner of Designers Library, details a kitchen remodel in a Perinton ranch house. The original kitchen was dark and enclosed, prompting a complete overhaul. Breissinger's team removed soffits, gutted the room, and eliminated a wall between the dining room and den to create an open floor plan. This transformation allowed for two islands, a 36-inch stove, a prep sink, and various ovens. White perimeter cabinets, white and amber-gray granite counters, and glass-fronted, lit cabinets contribute to a light and airy feel. Walnut-stained oak floors were matched to existing den floors, creating a cohesive look. The project dramatically changed the home's feel and functionality, making it ideal for cooking and entertaining. Ayse Lewis, an interior designer based in Canandaigua and Rochester, shares her personal project: an 800-square-foot cottage on Canandaigua Lake that she transformed into a 2,000-square-foot, two-story home. Lewis, who always envisioned living on a boat, retained the original footprint due to legal requirements but maximized the lake views with numerous windows. Her design features a non-traditional nautical theme, incorporating colors from nature with touches of red and black. The master bedroom offers spectacular views, with a black-and-white zigzag rug evoking waves and pinkish-yellow lighting creating a sunset ambiance. The all-white, open-plan kitchen takes advantage of the lake views, designed to let natural outdoor colors infuse the space. Lewis emphasizes meaningful design that balances aesthetics with practicality, especially for a home frequently visited by grandchildren. Margit Jacobson, an interior designer and senior project manager at Leighton Design Group, discusses designing a grandchildren's suite in a Canandaigua Lake house. This project creatively utilized existing architectural elements like a pickled-wood ceiling, wood floors, and sloped roof angles to create specialized children's spaces. Jacobson focused on making the room functional and whimsical. She designed a reading nook with a daybed and open storage in a corner, alongside Dutch doors concealing a playroom. A built-in desk with a continuous paper scroll for art projects and a metal board above it offers creative outlets. The closet was converted into a nursery with wallpaper, built-in storage, and a chandelier, transforming it into a magical space. Jacobson highlights the satisfaction of seeing children actively engage with the room as intended. Robin Muto, owner of Robin Muto Interiors, addresses the challenge of merging disparate aesthetic preferences of a husband and wife in a Pittsford home. Muto, an interior and lighting designer, navigated the couple's preference for French Country (feminine) and industrial urban (masculine) styles. Through inspiration photos, she discovered common ground in the color gray and a rustic, warm aesthetic. The project, a whole-house interior design completed in two phases, prioritized the family room as a stylistic anchor. Muto opted for simplicity, focusing on color and texture rather than elaborate patterns. Elements like plain natural linen drapes, a traditional English sofa in linen velvet, a shabby-chic linen sofa, an industrial coffee table ottoman, and burgundy chairs were combined to create a handsome yet inviting space that satisfied both partners. Heather DeMoras, from Heather DeMoras Design Consultants, recounts the renovation of a 1901 Queen Anne home in Canandaigua. The goal was to preserve its Victorian charm while updating it for modern living. DeMoras conducted extensive research to ensure period appropriateness, incorporating Victorian and Arts & Crafts styles for a more casual feel. Period hardware, lighting from Historic Houseparts, and Bradbury & Bradbury wall coverings were selected, with colors inspired by the home's stained-glass windows. The kitchen was expanded by integrating the butler's pantry and a smoking room, featuring hidden appliances and custom cherry cupboards. Bathrooms incorporated Carrara marble, hand-painted subway tile, and oil-rubbed bronze fixtures. In the bedroom, a fabric matching the wall-covering was used for curtains around a bay window, creating a cohesive and anchored look. Jason Longo, founder of JDL Design, shares a career-defining project with a client in Henrietta. This client, a positive and resilient woman, sought a light, efficient, and eco-friendly home with warm colors after her husband's passing. Longo, who went full-time with his design company around this time, collaborated closely with her. The project involved improving the entry by creating a foyer and separating it from the new dining room (originally the living room) with a wall. The great room became the new living room. Longo reconfigured windows, added walls, and installed a flat wall of windows with an alcove in the dining room, alongside built-ins and an arch-top alcove. In the living room, square windows were replaced with a small arched window above a tiled fireplace, flanked by new windows. The client's trust allowed for significant structural changes. Longo reflects on her profound impact, as she validated his work and inspired him, even as she battled terminal cancer during the project's completion. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #KitchenRemodel #LakesideLiving #ChildrensRoomDesign #VictorianHome #DesignChallenges #ClientRelationships #SpaceTransformation

Debra Newell, the real-life interior designer who served as the basis for the Bravo hit series 'Dirty John,' has successfully transitioned her life following the events depicted in the show. She has since relocated to Las Vegas and established Ambrosia Home, a company specializing in furnishings and interior design. Newell's primary focus at Ambrosia Home is to assist clients in crafting inspiring and functional living spaces, a passion she continues to pursue. In a recent interview with 'Home & Design,' Newell shared several professional tips for maximizing the potential of any living area. Her first piece of advice emphasizes the importance of considering circulation and traffic flow when initially planning a room's layout. She highlights that understanding how people will move through a space is crucial for effective design and space planning, ensuring that each room is optimized for accessibility and comfort. Newell's second key objective is for individuals to clearly define the intended use of a room. She stresses that function is an extremely important factor in interior design, prompting questions like, "How are you going to live in that room? Is it a room where you’re going to work or are you going to relax?" This functional assessment helps guide subsequent design decisions. For instance, if the goal is to create a serene environment in a bedroom, incorporating exercise equipment would be counterproductive to that aim. Once the aspects of circulation and primary function are firmly established, Newell explains that the subsequent design choices become much more straightforward. By thoroughly evaluating each space and considering the inhabitants' lifestyle, individuals can make informed decisions that lead to a well-designed and highly livable home. These foundational steps ensure that the design aligns with practical needs and aesthetic preferences, ultimately creating a harmonious and personalized environment. #InteriorDesign #HomeRedesign #DebraNewell #SpacePlanning #FunctionalDesign #HomeDecor #LivingSpace #DesignTips

This article details the experience of a homeowner seeking professional advice from interior designer Reya Duenas to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of a small kitchen in a rental home. The homeowner, a passionate cook, faced challenges with limited counter space and a stylistic disconnect between the kitchen and the adjacent living room. Duenas provided several key recommendations aimed at maximizing space, improving storage, and achieving a cohesive design. One primary piece of advice focused on decluttering countertops. Duenas suggested removing non-essential items like butter dishes and oil canisters. If oil canisters needed to remain visible, she recommended grouping them in a stylish tray or basket to create a more intentional and organized look. She also advised relocating coffee-related appliances to a dedicated coffee station, possibly using an existing cart or investing in a new one, to free up valuable counter space. To create the illusion of a larger area, Duenas emphasized utilizing vertical space. For the dinette, she suggested replacing the current table with an extendable one, allowing for more seating when needed and a smaller footprint otherwise. Opting for a counter or bar-height table was another tip to visually expand the space. A significant challenge addressed was the lack of cabinet space, which led to kitchen appliances being stored in various closets throughout the house. Duenas proposed replacing a small shelving unit with a larger sideboard cabinet. This larger storage solution could accommodate appliances like microwaves, air fryers, bread machines, and toasters, making them more accessible and freeing up closet space. The stylistic discrepancy between the rustic/industrial kitchen and the mid-century modern living room was another point of concern. Duenas recommended choosing a single stylistic focus for each area rather than trying to blend two disparate styles. She specifically pointed out that the existing bar cart and shelving unit were too industrial and suggested replacing them. To improve the transition between the kitchen and living room, she advised swapping out a large recliner in the living room for a smaller chair to prevent blocking the natural flow of movement. Finally, Duenas addressed the high contrast between the kitchen's large black appliances and white countertops. Since replacing appliances in a rental is often not feasible, she suggested incorporating more black decorative elements, such as artwork, a runner, or frames, to create visual balance and tie the dark appliances into the overall design. The homeowner's main takeaway from the critique was the importance of investing in larger, more functional storage solutions to reduce clutter and make the kitchen more usable. #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #SmallSpaceSolutions #HomeOrganization #RentalDecor #StylingTips #CountertopDeclutter #StorageSolutions #SpaceMaximization