Our judges have selected the finalists, now you choose the winners. Vote for the finalists in each of 12 Considered Design Awards categories, on both Remodelista and Gardenista. You can vote once a day in each category, now through August 15.
In the Best Amateur Living/Dining room category, our five finalists are Osnat Gad, John Ferguson, Brigitte Gfeller, Taliah Lowry, and Kitty Jacobs.
Project 1
Kitty Jacobs | Sheffield, MA | Gallery and Living Space
Design Statement: "A vernacular barn form houses both a gracious contemporary home and an American folk art gallery in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. We designed the building to meld our business, selling museum-quality folk art, with our penchant for informal entertaining." Photography by Allan Baillie.
Chosen by: Remodelista editor in chief Julie Carlson, who said: "A wonderful, expansive living space to showcase art. I admire the way this couple has seamlessly combined their life and work—and also incorporated the vast surrounding landscape into their design."
Above: "Early bedsprings hang above the fireplace. Folk art graces the living room and adjacent dedicated galleries."
Above: "All the furniture is solid cherry upholstered with Holly Hunt fabric."
Above: "The sofas, steel cubbies, and dining table were all designed by the owners and crafted by local artisans."
Above: "The living room/gallery overlooks a bluestone terrace and wildflower meadow. Radiant heating is installed under the cement floor of the two-story space."
Project 2
Brigitte Gfeller | Hudson, NY | Living/Dining Room
Design Statement: "This 1800s Italianate Victorian was carefully renovated with harmony, tranquillity, and balance in mind. Old details include beautiful woodwork and a functional pocket door. New additions include waxed oak floors, new ceilings, and a Morso woodstove on an inlaid tempered glass plate. New wooden windows keep the old charm and add insulation."
Chosen by: Julie Carlson, who had this to say about the project: "Rustic and tranquil without veering into quaint territory. The placid palette and repeating wooden elements play a lovely duet."
Above: "The dining room has an old farm table, new schoolhouse-style chairs, and a Workstead chandelier."
Above: "An old African wood door rests on the mantel."
Above: "The Morso woodstove and built-in bookshelves in the living room."
Above: "Organic goose-down sofa and Workstead lamps."
Project 3
John Ferguson | New York, NY | Living Room
Design Statement: "I just buy what I like, trying for the most part to avoid recognizable design icons (no Eames!)."
Chosen by: Guest judge and designer Estee Stanley, who said: "This home feels very cohesive and well thought-out. It's not all over the place. It's simple and elegant."
Above: "I am a big fan of Brazilian midcentury design—and Paul McCobb."
Above: "The view from the sofa."
Above: "Every house should have a cactus (this one is a Euphorbia)."
Above: "Around the corner, one of my wife's many desks."
Project 4
Taliah Lowry | Maui, HI | Magnolia
Design Statement: "Home sweet home. A mix of many styles that I love—beachy, modern, eclectic with a twist. Outdoor/indoor living at its best."
Chosen by: Estee Stanley, who said, "I love the vibe of this home. It's airy and cozy but at the same time really tranquil and beautiful."
Project 5
Osnat Gad | Southampton, NY | House by the Lagoon
Design Statement: "I am a jewelry designer. My house was destroyed by Sandy and I built a new 3,600-square-foot home with new FEMA guidelines. The house is a modern modular home, 10 boxes and a separate garage. It is magnificent: open plan, 10-foot-tall ceilings, and windows that face the water."
Chosen by: Julie Carlson, who said: "A case for open living. To me, the pale wood floor and window wall make the space. The minimalist furnishings look like a continuation of the plantings outside."
Above: "Living room facing kitchen."
Above: "Living room fireplace."
Above: "Dining room with a view."
Above: "View from kitchen."
Found your favorite? Vote once per day in each of 12 categories across both sites, now through August 15.
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