The term “forever home” is often used to describe a house that portends to meet all of one’s current and future needs. Attaining such a residence often entails moving from one’s current home, leaving behind years of memories. We had the satisfaction of collaborating with a client to make their existing home into their forever home with smart adaptations that will allow them to age in place…in the house and neighborhood they love. The site is challenging in that the front of the home is perched atop a steep incline, and the home is primarily entered via a more accessible alley in the back. Thus, the home has two “fronts.” The existing low-slung ranch/bungalow had suited this couple for many years. However, newly retired with more free time, the couple sought to create a more gracious home to enjoy entertaining indoors and out, hosting guests for extended stays, and exploring their artistic sides in a proper studio space. A successful project would be a home filled with natural light that allowed them to age in place. A “happy house.” Inspiration for the design was found in the owners’ love of 1920s Arts & Crafts bungalows and bright colors. The existing home provided design cues, such as a porch with stucco columns and shallow arches that had been concealed by a previous renovation. Building upon that, we proposed to reconfigure the roof into a cross-gable to maximize interior space on the second floor while increasing the home’s contextuality with neighboring ones. A new primary bedroom suite with bathroom, his and hers closets, and a dressing room for the lady of the house were created. To maximizing versatility, the dressing room can also be utilized as a guest room. The balance of the second floor includes a hall bathroom and large office, gallery walls to display artwork, storage areas, and even some private meditation spaces with doors hidden behind bookcases. A first-floor addition expanded the casual dining room into the rear garden and created a new art studio. To imbue the middle of the house with light, skylights were introduced over the existing stair; new screened stairwells, inspired by the work of Louis Sullivan, filter the natural light. Acknowledging practical issues of aging in place, all openings were designed to allow easy passage by a wheelchair, and bathroom accommodations include grab bars and roll-in showers. Additionally, a small first floor bathroom was expanded and, along with an adjacent bedroom, will allow for single floor living if necessary. Exterior detailing was again influenced by the Arts & Crafts tradition: deep overhangs, brackets, and tapered columns. New cedar shingles were installed, the original porch restored, and the low arch motif was re-introduced into the design. A new garden of native plantings with an outdoor room anchors the house in the landscape. While one never truly know what the future holds, creating their “forever home” gives the inhabitants peace of mind that they can live in this place that brings them joy and gives them comfort now and, in the days, to come.

The exterior of this Westfield, NJ home is exquisite with various rooflines, double columns, a landscape design beautifully kept and oversized windows and doors that let endless natural light in.

Fachada de vivienda de estilo moderno y mediterráneo en Barcelona. Acabada en mortero acrílico multicapa, composite y con cubierta plana y cubierta inclinada, ésta con teja cerámica.

New additions to the front of this Roseville home, located in a conservation area, were carefully detailed to ensure an authentic character.
シドニーにある高級なトラディショナルスタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (塗装レンガ、ウッドシングル張り) の写真

Another view of the home from the corner of the lot. The main entry stair is prominent which will help guide people to the front door.
他の地域にある高級なエクレクティックスタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (ビニールサイディング、混合材屋根、ウッドシングル張り) の写真

The marblecrete panel siding is built with bay windows to provide a minimalistic design that gives that natural light glow.
シアトルにある高級なモダンスタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (漆喰サイディング、アパート・マンション、混合材屋根、ウッドシングル張り) の写真

Classic lake home architecture that's open and inviting. Beautiful views up the driveway with all the rooms getting lake views on the southern side (lake).

他の地域にある高級な中くらいなトラディショナルスタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (コンクリート繊維板サイディング、ウッドシングル張り) の写真

プロビデンスにある高級な中くらいなビーチスタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (混合材屋根、ウッドシングル張り) の写真

A two-level patio is added onto the rear exterior. Part of a whole-home renovation and addition by Meadowlark Design+Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Professional photography by Jeff Garland.

Stone and shake shingles, in complementary earth tones, creates a warm welcoming look to the home.
インディアナポリスにある高級なトラディショナルスタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (混合材サイディング、ウッドシングル張り) の写真

This modern, shingle-style masterpiece has an effortless and luxurious coastal vibe. The black, two-story wood shingle home has the clean lines of a modern home with a heavy dose of traditional charm. Natural materials, including a stunning stone chimney, allow the home to blend peacefully into the surrounding landscape. Large windows provide contrast from the black shingle exterior and provide a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Detached from the main house, there’s a spacious garage with a guest house on the second story.

サンタバーバラにある高級な巨大なシャビーシック調のおしゃれな家の外観 (漆喰サイディング、ウッドシングル張り) の写真

ポートランドにある高級な中くらいなトラディショナルスタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (ウッドシングル張り) の写真

Built in 2017, this custom new construction home has a grey exterior with black windows.
ボストンにある高級なおしゃれな家の外観 (コンクリート繊維板サイディング、ウッドシングル張り) の写真

This Transitional Craftsman was originally built in 1904, and recently remodeled to replace unpermitted additions that were not to code. The playful blue exterior with white trim evokes the charm and character of this home.

Addition to the front of this cottage style home gave us the opportunity to create a unique modern craftsman's exterior.
サンディエゴにある高級な中くらいなトラディショナルスタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (混合材サイディング、ウッドシングル張り) の写真

Freshly painted large Tudor home with white stucco, lime washed brick, patterned exterior trim boards and six inch gutters and downspouts.
ボルチモアにある高級なシャビーシック調のおしゃれな家の外観 (コンクリート繊維板サイディング、マルチカラーの外壁、ウッドシングル張り) の写真

フィラデルフィアにある高級なカントリー風のおしゃれな家の外観 (石材サイディング、ウッドシングル張り) の写真