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A ceiling fan that slashes energy bills in June and January might seem implausible, but Big Ass Solutions products work intelligently with HVAC systems for comprehensive sustainability. In summer, they reduce homeowners' reliance on air conditioning units. In winter, they push rising heat downward, producing energy savings as high as 30 percent.

Dramatic in its horizontal expression, this private residence appears to extend into the landscape via deep overhangs and visual transparency.

The grand, open tread wood staircase vertically connects the three floor plates, while creating an open and transparent connection between them all.

The master bath is a private retreat, complete with mosaic tiles, quartz countertops, and warm wood accents. The large soaking tub is an ideal location to enjoy the Midwestern views with the changing seasons.

Large spaces and blank walls allow the owners to modify and rotate artwork locations over time, creating an endless palette of wonder.

The custom island provides bar-top seating, as well as dining space. A more formal dining space is revealed beyond, complete with a similar chandelier.

Subtle, subdued tones in the cabinetry, flooring, and walls provide the perfect backdrop for colorful works of art—or in the case of the kitchen, a custom chandelier.

“Caesarstone can withstand a lot more daily abuse than my concrete counters,” Karen Napacena says. “And, their concrete colors are just spot on.”

Nepacena liked that the “Nougat” slab, chosen as a nod to the 1950s style of the home’s original era, offered just the right hues to complement the space. She also chose it for its natural flecks of stone in the surface, reminiscent of terrazzo used during the mid-century period.

The outdoor space includes a fire pit.

A thousand-year-old redwood stump abuts an Airstream suite.

South terrace

"The home is special because it feels curated, but very personal,

In a family home in Mill Valley, California, Lauren Goldman of l’oro designs kept her clients’ goals of “modern yet accessible” in mind while also looking for opportunities to add functionality. This proved successful when she discovered that the empty space under the steel-and-glass stair landing was the perfect scale for children to sit and read under. The team was inspired to create a kid-sized library, turning a useless space into a perfectly cozy reading nook.

SVK Interior Design paired rich elm accents with matte-white laminate cabinets, gray-veined Caesarstone countertops, and show-stopping white Heath tile with dark grout.