#plattearchitecture

We had a great time chatting with the creative genius’ at Platte Architecture & Design in Cincinnati. We asked that they share some of their tips on how to elevate our homes - new or renovations - and have some beautiful tips that hopefully inspire you below!

DOORS

Interior doors are important when looking to elevate your space. It’s easy to default to a 7’-0” door, however, if your ceiling heights are 8’-6” or taller, increasing the door height to 8’-0” can transform the scale of your home as it allows for more light to transfer between spaces and increases sight lines as seen in this urban residence we designed for a wonderful couple!

CABINETRY

Open floor plans are an ideal layout for entertaining, raising a family and accessibility. A great way to expertly tie several spaces together in a layout like this is by extending casework from one space to another. In this modern residence we designed, the kitchen cabinets were extended to create a credenza at the dining table and a media center in the living room. This provides an anchor for all your favorite pieces of art while also providing so much more storage to each of these zones and makes for organized living and a beautiful foundation to your space.

ARCHITECTURAL HAND RAILINGS 

Step up your stair game and reach out to a local steel manufacturer to explore your options for custom railings. Opting for diagonal steel pickets versus standard verticals can turn your stair into an architectural feature, without much added cost! Glass handrails are another way to create higher visibility between spaces and allow for light transfer.

CLERESTORY WINDOWS 

If your bedroom faces a busy street or has close proximity to an adjacent building, consider using a clerestory window. Clerestory windows are above eye level and provide natural light and fresh air while maintaining privacy. Clerestories add a layer of high design, function and novelty to bedrooms, at a reasonable cost and is one of our favorite design move to make!

KITCHEN HOODS 

The kitchen is the heart of the home and the hood is a perfect way to make a design statement. With a little planning, a hood can easily be upgraded to complement the rest of your home. If you want a modern hood that stands alone, as seen in this historic home we renovated, have a custom stainless-steel sheet metal wrap fabricated to house an undermount hood. If you want to eliminate the hood altogether, opt for a downdraft hood. This allows for a large tile feature wall above your hood or the option to put your stove in the island without any visual obstruction.