Two Houses Are Better Than One

DesignHex created an 8BHK duplex apartment in Mumbai, titled “2 Brothers,” for two brothers and their families. The project aimed to create a comforting home that could grow with their children, accommodate extended family, and host shared rituals without an overly stylized aesthetic. The core challenge and opportunity lay in the brothers' distinct design preferences: one favoring earthy minimalism with tactile textures and soft restraint, the other drawn to bold contrasts and structured forms. DesignHex addressed this by approaching each floor as an expression of these individual inclinations, ensuring they remained distinct yet connected. The duplex occupies the eighth and ninth floors of a residential tower, and the design capitalized on the expansive volumes, generous natural light, and open sea views available from the bare-shell site. Despite the distinct styles of each level, spatial flow, a neutral Michelangelo marble floor, and abundant natural light seamlessly knit the spaces together. Shared zones, such as an activity room and a grandparents' suite, were incorporated to reinforce a sense of togetherness and facilitate layered, cross-generational living. The eighth floor, reflecting the first brother's preference, is characterized by a calm, light-filled, and quietly composed ambiance. The living room features monochrome walls, layered artwork, and expressive bespoke furniture, including a beige sofa, single-seaters, and a custom coffee table. A hand-tufted rug designed by DesignHex for Cocoon Rugs anchors the space, while a textured ply panel with solid wood accents adds warmth behind the television. Casual seating pockets offer relaxed breaks from the main sofa, complemented by custom furniture and artwork. The dining zone features a vibrant artwork by Tanvi Kulshreshtha, a marble-topped table, upholstered chairs, and an eye-catching chandelier. The master bedroom on the eighth floor is warm and understated, with beige walls, an ombré lime-plaster headboard, and comfortable, crafted furnishings. The guest bedroom adopts a simpler, cleaner palette, distinguished by the word “blithe” etched into the bed back. The children’s bedroom, shared by a brother and sister, balances playfulness with symmetry through custom arched beds, a site-built study table, ash wood chairs, and a whimsical metal and acrylic-glass chandelier. An adjacent multifunctional activity room, featuring mirrored sliding shutters and concealed storage, can transform into a play space, workout area, or guest room. The ninth floor, designed for the second brother's family, offers a shift in mood, drawing inspiration from Bali and rainforest hues. It features a softer palette, deeper tones, and natural textures, creating an immersive and calm environment. The living room combines grey lime plaster with bold tropical wallpaper, grounded by a custom Amazonia rug. A mix of cane, rattan, and upholstered furniture contributes to a relaxed, global warmth. The television backdrop integrates marble with metal inlay work and HDF cutouts, complemented by lush potted plants. The dining area includes a custom-designed marble-topped table with concrete-textured legs and upholstered chairs. The master bedroom on the ninth floor, for the parents, is enveloped in gentle green tones, leafy prints, and soft textures, evoking a cocoon-like quality. Custom wardrobes are flush-built for a clean aesthetic. The guest bedroom continues the tropical theme more expressively, with jungle-inspired wallpaper, wooden accents, and Balinese touches like hanging lamps and patterned cushions. A study nook with open shelving provides a quiet space for reflection, making the entire duplex a harmonious blend of contrasting styles tailored to the family's needs and individual tastes. #MumbaiHome #DuplexDesign #DesignHex #EarthyMinimalism #TropicalMaximalism #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalDigest

This article details a creative solution for maximizing sleeping arrangements in a Ventura, California, beach home designed by Jess Diab. The clients, who frequently hosted a large, kid-filled extended family, sought to accommodate as many guests as possible without resorting to typical, often unappealing, options like sleeping bags, bunk beds, or pull-out sofas. The designer's challenge was to create aesthetically pleasing and comfortable sleeping spaces that also catered to adults, addressing the common limitations of standard overflow solutions. Initially, Diab explored sleeper sofas for the two guest bedrooms. However, the unique architectural features of the rooms, specifically the corner window placements and closet dimensions, made conventional 87-inch, three-seater sleeper sofas impractical. These options were not only ill-fitting but also costly due to their complex pull-out mechanisms. This prompted Diab to seek an alternative that would better integrate with the room's layout and offer a more tailored experience. The innovative solution involved crafting custom twin XL bed nooks. Diab began by placing a box spring and mattress in each corner of the bedrooms, near the windows. To transform these basic setups into integrated and attractive features, she designed bespoke L-shaped upholstered borders. These borders were made using the same graphic Drop It Modern fabric that was applied to the custom headboards of the main beds in the house, ensuring a cohesive design aesthetic. The custom framework was constructed from solid wood, providing durability and allowing both children and teenagers to comfortably lean against the edges without concerns about damage. The custom twin XL bed nooks served a dual purpose: they functioned as comfortable sleeping areas at night and versatile reading or lounging spaces during the day. While each custom solution cost approximately $1,500, comparable to the price of many basic sleeper sofas, Diab offset this expense by creatively upgrading budget-friendly nightstands. For example, a $100 nightstand in one of the darker bedrooms, originally a "tacky gold" hue, was spray-painted black to complement the room's design, creating a visual echo of the headboard pattern. This approach demonstrates how thoughtful design and strategic material choices can yield effective and stylish solutions for challenging space and budget constraints. #KidsRooms #GuestBedroom #SpaceSaving #CustomFurniture #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #BedroomIdeas #FlexibleLiving

The article details the transformation of two conjoined homes in Melbourne, Australia, into a single, cohesive living space for entrepreneur and yogi Cheryl Mainland and her three children. Mainland, who has lived in numerous cities globally, sought a home that could integrate her diverse collection of artwork and souvenirs while accommodating her family's needs. After an extensive search, she found an unconventional property in Armadale consisting of two merged houses, complete with two inner stairwells and two living rooms. Despite its ample size and lush garden, the property required significant renovation to align with Mainland's 'industrial beach chic' aesthetic. With the assistance of interior design studio Eat.Bathe.Live, Mainland initiated a comprehensive remodel. This included renovating existing bathrooms, adding a primary en suite, polishing concrete floors, and creating a dedicated library and office space. The subsequent phase focused on incorporating Mainland's cherished belongings, a task that led her to collaborate with Melbourne stylist Simone Haag. Despite their contrasting design preferences—Haag favoring neutral tones and Mainland having a strong affinity for color—they established an immediate rapport. Haag's team, led by senior designer Melissa Strauch, translated Mainland's vision, which explicitly excluded brown and 1970s styles, into a design that blended bright and muted hues, playful silhouettes, and natural fibers like sisal. The design drew inspiration from key pieces like neon Chinese icons by artist Juno Shen, London and California posters, and a Kit Kemp mannequin, establishing a vibrant palette of lilacs, pinks, and turquoise accented with natural tones. A particular challenge arose in the layout of the downstairs living spaces, where the entry points of the original two structures converged, creating what initially felt like a large circulation area. The existing concrete flooring and steel banisters contributed to a cold, industrial ambiance. To address these issues, Strauch creatively utilized awkward nooks under the staircases, incorporating sculptural storage solutions such as a rounded rattan console and a hand-painted hanging shoe cabinet. The designers introduced cozy textures through elements like a rainbow-hued wool, mohair, and alpaca fabric chair by Pierre Frey, seagrass floor cushions, and lima bean-shaped wood stools, aiming for a less structured, modern conversation pit aesthetic. The main bedroom became Mainland's favorite space, featuring a custom, channel-tufted headboard that spans the room's unusual width, providing scale and gravitas. The most dramatic transformation occurred in the powder room, which was adorned with graphic brushstroke wallpaper covering the walls, ceiling, and door. This was further enhanced with pink tile grout, a black-lit mirror, and a rose-toned sink basin, creating an immersive and joyful space. Mainland expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting how the design team successfully integrated her love for colors and clashing prints, ultimately creating a house that truly feels like home after years of international living. #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #SpacePlanning #MelbourneHome #Renovation #EclecticDecor #ColorPalette #SustainableDesign

The concept of a spacious tiny house might appear paradoxical, given the prevalent trend in tiny home design towards extreme minimalism and compact living spaces. However, many individuals and families require more expansive living areas while still desiring the advantages of tiny living, such as reduced costs and a smaller environmental footprint. The Ohana tiny home, designed by Viva Collectiv, represents an innovative solution that seeks to harmonize the need for increased space with the core principles of small-scale living. This unique dwelling was specifically created for a family with children and consists of two distinct tiny houses, each measuring 24 feet in length and 8 feet in width. These two structures are interconnected by a central, glass-roofed porch, effectively creating a larger, integrated living environment. The layout of the Ohana home is thoughtfully divided to accommodate various functions. One of the tiny house wings is dedicated to essential living spaces, housing the kitchen, a full bathroom, and the master bedroom. This arrangement ensures that the primary occupants have a private and functional area for their daily needs. The second tiny house wing is designed with the children in mind, featuring a comfortable living room area and a lofted bedroom, providing them with their own dedicated space for relaxation and sleep. The central connecting element, the glass-roofed porch, serves as an open-air common area. While this design choice allows for an abundance of natural light and a connection to the outdoors, it presents certain practical considerations. The porch is neither screened-in nor fully integrated with the insulated living spaces of the two tiny houses, which could lead to challenges during different seasons. Specifically, it might be susceptible to insect intrusion during warmer months and could experience significantly colder temperatures in the winter, potentially limiting its usability year-round. From an aesthetic perspective, the Ohana tiny home exhibits a somewhat eclectic style. The central structure, characterized by its steel-and-glass construction, offers a contemporary and industrial feel. This contrasts with the painted timber siding of the two tiny house modules, which evokes a more traditional or rustic charm. This juxtaposition of materials and styles results in an aesthetic that could be described as a "mishmash," where the different elements do not entirely coalesce into a singular, cohesive look. Despite these potential aesthetic and practical challenges related to the open-air porch, the fundamental concept of the Ohana home holds significant promise. By creatively combining two separate tiny houses with a shared central space, the design efficiently utilizes approximately 400 square feet of interior space. This approach demonstrates a viable pathway for families or individuals who find conventional tiny homes too restrictive but are still committed to the benefits and lifestyle associated with smaller, more sustainable living. The design offers a flexible and adaptable model for expanding the utility and comfort of tiny living, proving that "spacious tiny house" doesn't have to be an oxymoron. #TinyHomes #FamilyHomes #InnovativeDesign #ModularLiving #SustainableLiving #HomeArchitecture #VivaCollectiv #OpenAirSunroom #SmallFootprint

Architects Michael Chen and Kari Anderson of Normal Projects undertook a renovation project transforming two separate pre-war apartments into a single, cohesive, and sustainable living unit for an environmentally conscious couple and their young children. The design prioritized ecological soundness in materials and aimed to foster a sustainable lifestyle through innovative architectural solutions. During the demolition phase, all discarded materials were either reclaimed or recycled, underscoring a commitment to sustainability from the project's inception. A key feature of the redesigned apartment is its flexible floor plan, achieved through the implementation of custom sliding panels. These adjustable walls allow residents to adapt the living space for varying needs, providing options for both privacy and openness. This adaptability also facilitates optimal transmission of natural light and airflow throughout the home. The enhanced natural ventilation is designed to allow the family to endure New York summers without relying heavily on air conditioning, significantly reducing electricity consumption and thus the home's environmental footprint. Material selection was another critical aspect of the sustainable design. A substantial portion of the custom cabinetry, including kitchen volumes and storage elements, was crafted from local walnut and strand woven bamboo. These materials were chosen not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for their ecological credentials, reflecting the homeowners' desire for an environmentally responsible living space. In terms of lighting, the apartment incorporates affordable and energy-efficient fluorescent light strips. These lights are strategically placed within small coves, cabinetry pockets, and other areas where their reflection off resin panels creates a warm and inviting ambiance. This lighting choice contributes to energy efficiency without compromising on the desired atmosphere within the home. The expansive and adaptable floor plan offers significant versatility. It can be configured to create a loft-like open space across the entire unit, fostering a sense of community and connectivity among family members. Alternatively, the sliding walls enable the home to be divided into separate sections, providing distinct private areas for parents and children, with the kitchen serving as a central, connecting space. This flexible layout is central to the home's sustainable design, allowing it to evolve with the family's needs while maintaining its energy-efficient characteristics. Michael Chen has since established his own firm, Michael K. Chen Architecture, which specializes in micro housing, continuing his work in innovative and adaptable living spaces. #SustainableHome #PreWarApartments #FlexibleDesign #SlidingWalls #MichaelChenArchitecture #NormalProjects #GreenLiving #EnergyEfficient #NYCRealEstate

In 2007, Joe and Katie Hollowell celebrated their wedding on Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, with their families accommodated in the charming Hardison Cottage on East Fayetteville Street. Joe, having always praised the casual, laid-back atmosphere of Wrightsville Beach, saw it as the ideal location for their nuptials, especially as their careers took them to the West Coast. Over the years, despite residing in northern California and raising two boys, the Hollowells maintained their connection to Wrightsville Beach, frequently returning for vacations. In 2020, their affection for the area led them to purchase a smaller beach home on West Fayetteville Street, further solidifying their ties to the community. Joe Hollowell, originally from Edenton, North Carolina, reminisces about visiting Wrightsville Beach even before the opening of I-40, highlighting their long-standing affinity for the Fayetteville Street area. A significant turn of events occurred in June 2021 during a family vacation with Dale Boyett and his children. They discovered the Hardison Cottage, the same property where their wedding guests had stayed, was for sale. Spurred by Boyett's suggestion to co-purchase the cottage, the two families swiftly went under contract. After careful consideration, they decided to demolish the 45-year-old structure to construct a larger, more modern home capable of accommodating both families comfortably. Completed in December 2023, the new residence, though referred to as a 'cottage,' functions as a sophisticated vacation home. It boasts two primary bedroom suites, two distinct living rooms, two laundry rooms, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views. Joe emphasized that the design prioritized maximizing the stunning ocean views, a feature they cherished from the original location. The project engaged local companies for both architectural design and construction, with RMB Building and Design leading these efforts. Bridgett Mazer and Chris Groeschen of Bridgett Mazer Interiors were responsible for the interior design, collaborating closely with the homeowners. This new home was a Gold award winner in the 2024 Parade of Homes, also receiving accolades for its kitchen and primary bath. Mack Braxton of RMB highlighted the challenge posed by Wrightsville Beach town regulations, which enforced an additional seven-and-a-half-foot setback, limiting the home's width to 27 feet. To overcome this, the exterior incorporated a combination of board and batten and prefinished composite walnut siding, offering both aesthetic appeal and low maintenance. Landscaping utilized turf to eliminate the need for mowing, and durable composite materials like TimberTech were chosen for decking, walkways, and porch ceilings, ensuring longevity and ease of care. Unique design elements include garage doors with reversed tinting by Anderson and an innovative entry stairwell featuring floating stairs with built-in lighting, a concept inspired by the International Builders’ Show. The stairwell also showcases a backlit metal print of Wrightsville Beach waves by drone photographer Chris Frick, enhancing the local theme with customizable lighting. The main living area, accessed via these stairs, offers breathtaking ocean views, complemented by vaulted ceilings with white oak beams. The gourmet kitchen, a favorite feature, is defined by a waterfall edge island and a full-wall backsplash crafted from a unique marble stone that visually echoes the ocean's depths, a discovery made by Groeschen and the homeowners. A side wet bar, made from solid stone, further reflects the water, changing with the light throughout the day. The interior design adheres to a coastal contemporary style, with neutrals, varied textures, and rich woods creating a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. Furnishings were selected during a visit to the High Point Furniture Market. The home features two primary suites on the second and third floors, each distinguished by a walnut door, steam showers (one with an imported porcelain slab), and private balconies overlooking the ocean. All bedrooms are designed akin to hotel suites, complete with king beds, private bathrooms, and custom built-ins. The color palette focuses on neutrals and textures, with any color accents drawn from the ocean, reflecting the homeowners' desire for a design that celebrates their coastal surroundings. Both families actively participated in the selection process, prioritizing both high style and durable comfort for frequent family and friend gatherings. Since its completion in December 2023, the Hollowells and Boyetts have increased their visits, enjoying the family-friendly amenities and laid-back lifestyle that Wrightsville Beach offers. #HomeDesign #CoastalLiving #WrightsvilleBeach #VacationHome #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryRealEstate #NorthCarolina #FamilyHome

Double storey extensions represent a significant home improvement strategy, allowing for comprehensive interior enhancements that adapt homes to modern living demands. These extensions can facilitate the creation of open-plan living spaces, larger kitchen and dining areas, dedicated home offices, or additional bedrooms and bathrooms, including en-suites. Such additions are particularly beneficial for multi-generational living, accommodating elderly parents or adult children returning home. By extending and reconfiguring, homeowners can optimize room layouts, improve internal flow, and establish a stronger connection to outdoor spaces. The success of a double storey extension hinges on its seamless integration with the existing home, ensuring new rooms feel like natural components of the original structure. For instance, living areas on the ground floor should be easily accessible from the main entrance, and spaces like the kitchen and dining room should be strategically co-located. While most double storey extensions are positioned at the rear, corner properties or semi-detached houses and bungalows with larger gardens offer flexibility for side extensions. Converting or building atop an existing garage presents a potentially more cost-effective alternative to a complete new build, though local planning and zoning regulations must always be consulted. Architectural experts emphasize that choosing to improve rather than move is often a more economical decision, especially when factoring in the substantial costs associated with purchasing a new, larger property, including sales tax and moving expenses. An extension offers the unique advantage of being custom-tailored to the homeowner's specific needs, budget, and existing property. However, such a substantial project requires careful planning and consideration. Key design principles for successful double storey extensions include maintaining thin window frames to maximize natural light and connection to the outdoors. Starting from scratch allows for the incorporation of modern design elements, such as minimal window frames and slim sliding doors, which enhance light penetration and visual continuity with the exterior. Despite the higher initial cost compared to single-storey extensions due to the need for substantial foundations and structural work, a two-storey extension can be more cost-effective per square foot in the long run, as certain costs like design, planning, and materials are comparable, and a roof is required for both. Adding bedrooms or bathrooms, or both, can significantly increase a property's market value, making it a worthwhile investment. Foundations, regardless of construction material, must be meticulously calculated and adhere to local zoning authority criteria. Roof height is a crucial consideration, as planning policies typically require extensions to be subordinate to the main house, potentially necessitating lower ridge and eaves heights. In properties with low ceilings, integrating two full-height storeys can be challenging, though solutions like lower ceiling heights in new rooms, partial integration into the roof space, or slightly setting the extension down into the ground can be explored. Shallow pitched roofs can cover large extensions without excessive height, but their acceptability depends on the property's style and location. Flat roofs are also an option, particularly for contemporary designs of significant architectural merit. Creating a harmonious flow between new and old parts of the home is paramount. This involves ensuring consistent floor levels, continuing existing moldings, skirting boards, door furniture, and color schemes, and even extending flooring into the garden to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Strategic spatial planning is also vital to prevent obstruction of sight lines and to ensure that views to and from interior spaces are preserved or enhanced. For example, incorporating a side passage into the extension can create more usable space, and clever room arrangements can open up long views from the front of the house to the garden, enhancing natural light through features like double-height modern window bays. When evaluating the value added by a two-storey extension, several factors come into play, including the extension's size, local property values, the intended duration of stay, and available space. Consulting a local real estate agent can provide insights into market potential. However, beyond resale value, an extension can profoundly impact daily living, offering needed space and functionality when moving is not a viable option. While it can be more challenging to secure planning consent for two-storey extensions, they generally offer a greater return on investment by adding bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas. The quality of design is critical to ensure the extension enhances rather than diminishes the existing home, preserving natural light, possibly through roof windows or partial-width first-floor extensions. The decision to extend versus move involves a detailed cost-benefit analysis, considering potential structural changes, utility upgrades, and the disruption of construction. Ultimately, a well-designed extension offers the opportunity to create a uniquely tailored home that perfectly suits a family's needs for years to come, making it a valuable investment in quality of life. #DoubleStoreyExtension #HomeImprovement #ArchitecturalDesign #PropertyValue #Renovation #InteriorDesign #BuildingPermits #CostEffectiveness #ResidentialArchitecture

Living in a studio apartment or a multi-purpose room often presents the challenge of creating an illusion of separate spaces and a larger living area. Traditional methods like building walls are not always feasible, especially for renters, due to cost and a lack of flexibility. This article explores an alternative solution: using a long, flowy curtain hung from the ceiling to define distinct zones within a single room. This approach was successfully implemented by Malon Kraaijvanger in her 377-square-foot Berlin apartment, where she aimed to separate her bedroom area from her living room and home office. Kraaijvanger initially attempted to delineate space with chairs but found this method ineffective. She sought a lighter yet impactful solution that wouldn't consume precious floor space like a bookshelf. Collaborating with a friend, she conceived the idea of using a curtain as a room divider. To minimize damage to her rental property, Kraaijvanger opted for a tension rod for installation. She advises ensuring the rod is slightly longer than the space it needs to cover to provide sufficient pressure and stability. She then positioned the rod as close to the ceiling as possible to eliminate gaps and hung sheer curtains, specifically mentioning a pair from IKEA, to achieve the desired separation. For those who are able to make holes in their walls and ceilings, a more permanent and sturdy option involves using track rails that can be screwed into studs. The article highlights an Amazon product under $40, a flexible track material that can be installed straight or curved, offering versatility in design. It is noted that a tension rod is suitable for ultra-lightweight sheer curtains, but heavier fabrics like velvet would necessitate a drilled-in track for better support. The installation of the curtain in Kraaijvanger's apartment yielded an immediate and transformative effect. The space felt less like a studio and more akin to a one-bedroom apartment. The division surprisingly made the room appear larger, partly because there was less furniture cluttering the view from the living room, and partly because the defined area created the perception of an additional room. This allows Kraaijvanger to use her living room for work or entertaining guests without her bed being the focal point. Similarly, this technique can be applied to hide a cluttered craft area when guests are present or to section off an office space for relaxation. Kraaijvanger expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating that it provided the feeling of having a distinct bedroom. She also considered future upgrades, such as custom-making or finding secondhand curtains with added color, demonstrating the personalizable nature of this DIY solution. The article concludes by suggesting 18 DIY curtain ideas for readers interested in customizing their own dividers. #DecorAndAccessories #DIY #SmallSpaces #StudioApartment #HomeHacks #RoomDivider #InteriorDesign #RentalFriendly

The popular HGTV show "Property Brothers" showcases twin brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott as they transform fixer-uppers into stunning homes. Given the significant use and importance of bathrooms, many homeowners dream of renovating this space. However, bathroom renovations can be costly, ranging from $4,500 to $9,000, and up to $20,000 for extensive overhauls. Therefore, it's crucial to spend the budget wisely. The Property Brothers offer various tips for cost-effective yet beautiful renovations, such as mixing metals for fixtures like brushed brass, nickel, and gold, and maximizing storage options. However, they also emphasize the importance of knowing when to splurge, especially for features that offer both style and function. The Property Brothers advocate for strategic splurges in bathroom renovations, specifically highlighting the double sink. Drew Scott emphasizes the need to consider both style and function in bathroom design, while Jonathan Scott advises incorporating a double sink if space allows. This feature is particularly valuable as it enables multiple family members to get ready simultaneously, saving time during busy mornings. Beyond convenience, a double sink significantly boosts a home's resale value, making it a sound investment. A 2021 HomeLight's Top Agent Insights Report supports this, revealing that 64% of real estate agents consider a double sink the top bathroom improvement desired by buyers. Rich McKenzie, owner of Metropolitan Bath & Tile, often addresses the dilemma homeowners face between installing a double sink and opting for more storage. McKenzie suggests considering "purpose, space, and habits" when making this decision. Echoing this sentiment, Compass Associate Real Estate Broker Ellen Schwartz affirms that "a vanity with double sinks is a must" because "people do not want to share sink space." This expert consensus aligns with the Property Brothers' advice, reinforcing that a double sink is a highly desirable and worthwhile investment in a bathroom renovation, proving to be an upgrade that buyers actively seek. #PropertyBrothers #BathroomRenovation #HomeImprovement #DoubleSink #ResaleValue #HomeDesign #InteriorRemodel #DesignTips