When designing a space, there is a multitude of options when choosing between dark and light colors. This includes paint colors, light and dark wood choices (usually on cabinets or floors), furniture, and even carpets or other décor items. Countless contemporary modern designs can be created with light and dark color combinations.  Dark Hues Dark bold pieces or accents give depth and a traditional feel to any space. The rave over dark interiors is resurfacing, especially in kitchens. Painting walls…

The owners’ love for food and wine and generous hospitality directed the design details of the public spaces, where pocketing doors open to impressive canyon views. The indoor/outdoor bar is the showpiece, providing a stunning setting to socialize. A massive wall of ivory chipped-face limestone serves as a stunning backdrop for the bar. Lighting is integrated into the clear-coat alder plank ceiling, as well as in metal-wrapped shelving niches and under the bar top. Outdoor living and kitchen spaces cozy…

The business of the typical NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) builder grew significantly between 2020 and 2021, according to results from NAHB’s latest member census.  The 2021 NAHB census shows that the median gross revenue of an NAHB builder in 2021 was $3.3 million, up 29.6 percent from the previous year. NAHB reinstated its member census during the industry-wide… Read More ›

The Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) provides valuable information on the characteristics of new homes started construction, such as air conditioning and heating system installations. Air Conditioning In 2021, 97 percent of new single-family homes started had a central AC system, higher than 95.4 percent in 2020. The trend, going back to 2000, shows a steady rise in the share of… Read More ›

A once-obsolete industrial site now embodies a unique luxury resort lifestyle. Located at the gateway between Santa Ana and Tustin, the site is centered around an existing data center that functioned as both a physical constraint and an opportunity to establish a street edge for the central promenade. The five-story mixed-use development, built in three phases, was sited to invite and engage the public, connecting it to nearby hospitality uses, shopping, and entertainment destinations. Ground-floor retail and large alcoves at…

According to NAHB Economics analysis of the Survey of Construction (SOC) data, almost 9% of new single-family homes started in 2021 are served by individual wells and 16% have private septic systems. These shares, however, vary widely across the nine Census divisions with the corresponding shares reaching 36% and 44% in New England – the highest occurrence rates in the… Read More ›

Razor’s Edge is located on a lot previously inhabited by a blighted ranch home. With overgrown landscape and a poorly situated residence in a highly sought-after neighborhood, the site was ripe for a fresh start. The challenge of a properly positioned piece of architecture could open and resolve the view corridors, manage two existing washes, and manage the harsh Arizona summer sun. Razor’s Edge boasts views of four prominent topographical features, captured through the razor-like folding forms that both frame…

Consumer confidence increased for the second straight month to the highest level since April, as solid job gains, declining gas prices and easing inflation contributed to more optimistic views of economy. However, spending plans were mixed. The purchasing intention to buy cars and major appliances increased, while the intention to buy homes fell due to the rising mortgage rates. Looking… Read More ›

A brief decline in mortgage rates helped to boost new home sales in August but sales are expected to move lower in the months ahead as rates have since moved higher and builder sentiment continues to fall due to declining housing affordability and ongoing supply chain bottlenecks. Sales of newly built, single-family homes in August increased 28.8% to a 685,000… Read More ›

The Maren is a 380-unit, 12-story apartment development in DC’s Capitol Riverfront district. Amenities include a contemporary rooftop clubhouse and sundeck, private event space, glass-enclosed fitness center, and an activated plaza with direct connection to the city’s best restaurants, fitness concepts, green spaces, and entertainment destinations, including Nationals Park and Audi Field. Inspired by the project’s direct waterfront access and contribution to the riverfront as a destination with eclectic public realm, the design concept infuses refined, urban-organic elements with textures…