Design ideas for a contemporary bathroom with a drop-in tub and beige tile.

Architect: Joan Heaton Architects Builder: Silver Maple Construction
Inspiration for a country open concept family room in Burlington with beige walls and medium hardwood floors.

Photo by Randy O'Rourke
Inspiration for a traditional bedroom in Boston with white walls.

Firmness . . . Santa Cruz’s historically eclectic Pleasure Point neighborhood has been evolving in its own quirky way for almost a century, and many of its inhabitants seem to have been around just as long. They cling to the relaxed and funky seaside character of their beach community with an almost indignant provinciality. For both client and architect, neighborhood context became the singular focus of the design; to become the “poster child” for compatibility and sustainability. Dozens of photos were taken of the surrounding area as inspiration, with the goal of honoring the idiosyncratic, fine-grained character and informal scale of a neighborhood built over time. A low, horizontal weathered ipe fence at the street keeps out surfer vans and neighborhood dogs, and a simple gate beckons visitors to stroll down the boardwalk which gently angles toward the front door. A rusted steel fire pit is the focus of this ground level courtyard, which is encircled by a curving cor-ten garden wall graced by a sweep of horse tail reeds and tufts of feather grass. Extensive day-lighting throughout the home is achieved with high windows placed in all directions in all major rooms, resulting in an abundance of natural light throughout. The clients report having only to turning on lights at nightfall. Notable are the numerous passive solar design elements: careful attention to overhangs and shading devices at South- and West-facing glass to control heat gain, and passive ventilation via high windows in the tower elements, all are significant contributors to the structure’s energy efficiency. Commodity . . . Beautiful views of Monterey Bay and the lively local beach scene became the main drivers in plan and section. The upper floor was intentionally set back to preserve ocean views of the neighbor to the north. The surf obsessed clients wished to be able to see the “break” from their upper floor breakfast table perch, able to take a moment’s notice advantage of some killer waves. A tiny 4,500 s.f. lot and a desire to create a ground level courtyard for entertaining dictated the small footprint. A graceful curving cor-ten and stainless steel stair descends from the upper floor living areas, connecting them to a ground level “sanctuary”. A small detached art studio/surfboard storage shack in the back yard fulfills functional requirements, and includes an outdoor shower for the post-surf hose down. Parking access off a back alley helps to preserve ground floor space, and allows in the southern sun on the view/courtyard side. A relaxed “bare foot beach house” feel is underscored by weathered oak floors, painted re-sawn wall finishes, and painted wood ceilings, which recall the cozy cabins that stood here at Breakers Beach for nearly a century. Delight . . . Commemorating the history of the property was a priority for the surfing couple. With that in mind, they created an artistic reproduction of the original sign that decorated the property for many decades as an homage to the “Cozy Cabins at Breakers Beach”, which now graces the foyer. This casual assemblage of local vernacular architecture has been informed by the consistent scale and simple materials of nearby cottages, shacks, and bungalows. These influences were distilled down to a palette of board and batt, clapboard, and cedar shiplap, and synthesized with bolder forms that evoke images of nearby Capitola Wharf, beach lifeguard towers, and the client’s “surf shack” program requirements. The landscape design takes its cues from boardwalks, rusted steel fire rings, and native grasses, all of which firmly tie the building to its local beach community. The locals have embraced it as one of their own. Architect - Noel Cross Architect Landscape Architect - Christopher Yates Interior Designer - Gina Viscusi-Elson Lighting Designer - Vita Pehar Design Contractor - The Conrado Company

Maximising Minimal Courtyard Space whilst having a high level of detail and attractive features. Modern design with a hint of the Asiatic. Photos: Tim Turner Photography. Copyright COS Design

To preserve the open-plan nature of the residence the concept of “flexible space” is employed through furniture mounted on castors and the use of customized movable partitions and shelving to define the sleeping area without compromising the space. Slatted poplar wood partition walls with light transmitting polycarbonate panels are designed to light both interior and exterior of dressing area closet. Bold use of color creates visual boundaries, defining space and highlighting the striking orange sofa and barrel seat that are complimented by several large abstract paintings. Displayed together with many pieces of modern ceramics and sculptural light fittings they create a gallery feel whilst maintaining a comfortable, peaceful home.

This home library houses the client's extensive book collection and offers a space to work from home and conduct meetings. Photography by Michael Partenio

This is an example of a contemporary glass u-shaped staircase in London with open risers.

SpaceCrafting
Design ideas for a mid-sized country sunroom in Minneapolis with medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a standard ceiling, grey floor and a stone fireplace surround.

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz
This is an example of an eclectic bedroom in Dallas with white walls and carpet.

Photographix India
Design ideas for a contemporary master bedroom in Ahmedabad with brown walls, no fireplace and grey floor.

studio kw photography
This is an example of a contemporary study room in Other with brown walls, no fireplace, a freestanding desk and multi-coloured floor.

Crown Point Builders, Inc. | Décor by Pottery Barn at Evergreen Walk | Photography by Wicked Awesome 3D | Bathroom and Kitchen Design by Amy Michaud, Brownstone Designs

Country entryway in Other with brown walls, a dark wood front door and grey floor.

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH. Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System. Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits. The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary. Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind. Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

Built by the founder of Dansk, Beckoning Path lies in wonderfully landscaped grounds overlooking a private pond. Taconic Builders was privileged to renovate the property for its current owner. Architect: Barlis Wedlick Architect Photo Credit: Peter Aarron/ Esto

Home Bar & Lounge
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary family room in Chicago with a home bar, white walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Design ideas for a country l-shaped kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, timber splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, multi-coloured floor and black benchtop.

Amazing front porch of a modern farmhouse built by Steve Powell Homes (www.stevepowellhomes.com). Photo Credit: David Cannon Photography (www.davidcannonphotography.com)