Every home begins with a move, one small idea that shapes everything that follows. For this project, that move came from our clients, a couple of busy dentists looking for a nostalgic, mid-century retro sanctuary to completely unwind after chaotic workdays.

To bring their vision to life, we knocked down walls to create a perfectly symmetrical, open living area and added a dark wood cutout window by the entryway. “Coming home now feels like walking into our favorite neighborhood coffee shop,” they shared.

Throughout the home, we layered materials like pieces atop a chessboard. The checkerboard pattern acts as a signature language, starting with vintage-inspired kitchen floor tiles before naturally traveling into the custom furniture, artwork, and stacked green bathroom tiles.

We balanced these geometric details with deep timber tones, warm oranges, and a rare green marble island, while keeping the main ceiling at its full original height to comfortably accommodate the exceptionally tall homeowner.

Ultimately, rigid design rules fade. Beyond the pieces and patterns, great design simply determines how our ordinary days fill a home and how good it looks doing so.