This family home in Gurugram is a sumptuous blend of luxury and comfort

The Dowell family, consisting of Rebecca, Jeremiah, and their sons Deacon, Wyatt, and Ryder, along with their boxer Rookie, recently relocated to La Grange's Heather Ridge neighborhood to be closer to Oldham County Schools due to their sons' involvement in football and other sports. Jeremiah, a Realtor at Keller Williams Louisville East, had long admired the five-level Avery model by Fischer Homes. The family purchased a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom, 3,229-square-foot multi-level home built in 2023, which offered the ideal blend of shared and private living spaces. The Dowells undertook several customizations to personalize their new home. They installed luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and equipped the kitchen with GE Café appliances. A significant change involved moving the fireplace from a corner to the center of the great room, opting for a gas fireplace. This tan brick fireplace, extending to the 18-foot ceilings, is complemented by a matching column in the basement office and an entryway arch, creating a cohesive design. Trim and sconces were added to frame the fireplace, creating symmetry, with a frame TV displaying a black and white family photo when not in use. Jeremiah emphasized the desire for the room not to be solely focused on the television. Rebecca, an independent travel advisor, established an in-home office in the basement. This space features a large, T-shaped desk with two chairs, shelving, and his-and-hers display cases. Rebecca's side showcases whimsical travel and childhood mementos, while Jeremiah's side displays award plaques and framed degrees. A wall-mounted TV in Rebecca's office streams live views of various locations, like New York, beaches, and castles, adding light and an outdoor ambiance to the space. The opposite side of the lower level is dedicated to a workout area, with a discreet entry to a large storage space. The family's love for football is evident in the rec room, which includes a large TV, ample seating, an NFL Blitz arcade game, and a wall adorned with a mural of the Caesars Superdome, reflecting Rebecca's New Orleans roots. The room also features dozens of mini football helmets, which previously were scattered in the children's rooms. The 10-foot ceiling in the rec room was a major selling point for the family, as it provided an expansive feel typically not found in basements and connected seamlessly with the kitchen. Exterior customizations were also undertaken. Initially, Rebecca found the original brown exterior with shutters too busy. After consulting an artist on Etsy for exterior renderings, they chose Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay, an algae-hued neutral paint with slate-blue undertones, to enhance the home's curb appeal. Jeremiah, being in real estate, considered resale value in all their modifications. While the Dowells anticipate moving again in the future, they are currently enjoying their customized home, particularly its open floor plan, which facilitates family gatherings and entertaining, as exemplified by a Derby party where Rebecca could remain engaged with guests while in the kitchen. Key distinctive elements of the home include an entryway with a tan brick archway made with German schmear, quartz countertops, large kitchen cabinets with trim to the ceiling, a custom pantry mirroring the kitchen with a mini-fridge, and a second pantry for dry food and appliances. The first floor features custom luxury vinyl plank flooring. Other notable features include floor-to-ceiling trim in the great room and entryway, a custom mudroom, a renovated basement with an office, gym, bathroom, large framed TV, and ample hidden storage. The primary bedroom boasts a brick wall, a custom 4K electric fireplace, tiled bathroom floor, custom vanity, and custom closet. The backyard includes custom pavers and a gas fireplace, while the garage has an epoxy floor. The Dowells enlisted various professionals for these customizations, including Fischer Homes, Andreanna for LVP flooring, Olde Town Chimney for the gas fireplace, Wes Stutz for fireplace installation and trim work, Wes Stutz and Chris Barber for storage solutions, Jeff Hancock of Triple Trade for electrical and plumbing, Coronado Stone for the primary bedroom brick wall, Kilo’s Painting for interior and exterior painting, Earthscapes LLC for pavers, and Epoxy Dude for garage flooring. #HomeDesign #CustomHome #MultiLevelHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FischerHomes #OldhamCounty #FamilyHome #HomeCustomization

The WB House, a four-story residence located in North Jakarta, was designed by Studio DeZign for a young family of four, embodying a collaborative effort between the designers and the homeowners. T. Mariza, co-founder and principal architect of Studio DeZign, shared insights into the project, highlighting its remarkable features and design philosophy. The residence begins with a tranquil entrance featuring a Zen fountain pond, designed to transition visitors from the urban bustle to a peaceful home environment. Inside the foyer, a lazy chair by corrugated glass offers views of the terrace and trees, complemented by a Saniharto console table set against a blue veneer wood panel, chosen by Mariza for its eye-catching accent. Moving inward, a grey patterned marble floor leads to the living area. The color scheme shifts to beige, accentuated with colorful sofa cushions, an ochre armchair, a black baby grand piano, and other dark-colored furniture. An emerald green Saniharto wine console stands under a skylight void, and a leaf-shaped Murano glass chandelier hangs above the living room. A glass-roofed patio with a vertical garden further integrates nature into the space. Initially envisioned with a modern layout, the owners opted for a modern classic style after reviewing Studio DeZign's portfolio. Mariza explained that due to existing house plan discrepancies, a complete classic style wasn't feasible, leading to an amalgamation of modern and classic elements. This approach resulted in a modern classic home, leveraging Mariza's 35 years of interior design expertise. To facilitate the design, revisions to the floor plan were necessary, a task undertaken by architect Gunawan Susantyo, Mariza’s partner. Mariza also suggested adding several voids, including one behind the dining area transformed into a Japanese-style dry garden. This was done to invite nature into the interior, providing sunlight and wind, thereby enhancing the home's comfort and spaciousness. Another void was added beside the lift to channel light into the basement's playroom and service area. The second-floor mezzanine houses well-appointed bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, each designed to reflect the occupants' preferences. The master bedroom, styled in American classic, features a predominantly white color scheme in the bedroom and wardrobe area, contrasting with a darker bathroom adorned with black and white geometric tiles. The daughter’s bedroom incorporates elements of classic style, while the son’s room features a modern and simple aesthetic. The rooftop, initially designated as a service area, was transformed into a functional space at Mariza's suggestion. Recognizing the convenience of the in-house lift, the rooftop now includes a home office, a gym corner, and a casual seating area, alongside a multifunctional open space. A gazebo offers a perfect spot to enjoy city lights at night. The project details include the WB House's location in Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta, with a land area of 360 sqm and a floor area of 875 sqm. Studio Dezign served as the Architecture & Interior Design Consultant, with Tjong Mariza as the Principal Designer. Other consultants included Lecsicon Lumen Kreasi for lighting and Atelier Lifescape for landscape. PT Bangun Bumi Megatama Mandiri was the M&E; Contractor & Main Contractor, while Studio Dezign also acted as the Interior Contractor. Construction commenced in 2020 and was completed in 2023. #WBHouse #LuxuryHome #StudioDeZign #ModernClassicInterior #JakartaArchitecture #InteriorDesign #ResidentialProject #HomeComfort #ArchitecturalVoids

This blog post features a unique custom-built home located at 3482 Flamingo Ave. on Siesta Key, currently on the market for $5.8 million. Completed in 2019, the residence seamlessly blends Old World architectural elements with modern design aesthetics. The owner, Gary McDermott, who had no prior experience in architecture or home design, custom-built the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom house with personal touches that also appeal to a broader market. McDermott is selling the home due to a relocation to Raleigh for work. The exterior of the home showcases more than 24 feet of hand-carved Cantera stone framing the double front doors, which are 10-foot-tall mahogany. These carvings include frangipani, his wife’s favorite flower, and a flamingo, a nod to the home's address. Wall-climbing vines and a water fountain contribute to a regal entrance, while wrought-iron balconies overlook a Roman-style pool. The property sits on an acre of land on the north end of Siesta Key and includes a three-car garage. Inside the 4,152 square-foot residence, the fusion of styles continues. An interior courtyard houses a 45-foot lap pool, surrounded by stone pillars. This five-foot-deep pool not only serves as a focal point but also functions to cool the house, reportedly lowering the temperature by 10-15 degrees and creating a natural draft. The pool area also offers views of a large backyard and canal access to Sarasota Bay. McDermott sourced the hand-carved stone from Mexico, emphasizing his preference for Old World styles while maintaining a clean, modern look. The interior features extensive tiling throughout, with traditional furniture pieces and light fixtures complementing updated bathroom and kitchen cabinetry. The kitchen boasts blue azul granite countertops, a material also used around the pool. The owner noted that delays in finding specific tiles provided ample time to refine their vision for the home. A notable amenity for contemporary living is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom guest house equipped with a full kitchen and a luxury office, catering to remote workers. Looking ahead, the roof was intended for further development, with plans for a greenhouse, a day bed, a putting green, and a bocce ball court, adorned with cacti and bromeliads. These future projects are now available for the next homeowner to undertake. Steve Abbe of the Abbe Ross Team with Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida is the contact for inquiries regarding the property. #SiestaKey #CustomHome #LuxuryRealEstate #MediterraneanArchitecture #OldWorldDesign #ModernDesign #SarasotaHomes #HomeForSale #ArchitecturalFeatures

Bungalow, located at 24 1st Ave., New York, NY, is a contemporary Indian restaurant that has been recognized with a Bib Gourmand award by the MICHELIN Guide, signifying good quality and good value cooking. Helmed by Chef Vikas Khanna, the establishment offers a distinctive dining experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior is characterized by pale pink walls, vibrant murals, and a bar featuring intricate carved panels, creating an aesthetically pleasing setting. Securing a table at Bungalow can be challenging, as the restaurant is frequently bustling, and many diners line up early in hopes of getting a walk-in spot, given that reservations are not available through the MICHELIN Guide's platform. The culinary journey at Bungalow begins with a selection of unique cocktails, which incorporate innovative ingredients such as turmeric-infused tequila and chili-infused mezcal. The menu focuses on contemporary Indian cuisine, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary traditions from India's 28 states. This approach allows for a broad exploration of regional flavors and techniques, moving beyond more commonly known Indian dishes. Standout items highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide include the five-cheese kulcha, a stuffed flatbread, and yogurt kebabs. These kebabs are wrapped in crispy kataifi pastry and served with a bright pickled cabbage puree and a spicy mango coulis, illustrating the kitchen's creative and skillful execution. Bungalow operates from Tuesday to Sunday, opening at 5 PM and closing at 11 PM, with Mondays being its day off. The restaurant accepts various payment methods, including American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards, as well as debit cards. While it falls under the '$$$' price range, categorized as suitable for a 'Special occasion' by the MICHELIN Guide, its Bib Gourmand status implies that it offers excellent value for the quality of food provided. The restaurant is also noted as being family-friendly and is currently trending, further indicating its popularity among diners. Facilities and services include air conditioning. The restaurant is positioned within the New York State, New York area, specifically in a location accessible to a variety of nearby dining and lodging options. The MICHELIN Guide review for Bungalow was published on December 9, 2024, by a Michelin Inspector, who praised the chef's independent venture and the vibrant atmosphere. #MichelinGuide #BibGourmand #IndianCuisine #NewYorkRestaurants #ChefVikasKhanna #ContemporaryIndian #NYC