A small pied-e-terre received an out-sized makeover. We opened the tiny kitchen to give it the feel and workability of a much larger space. Both the bath and the kitchen are true to the very traditional and charming Beacon Hill aesthetic. Eric Roth Photography

Photo Credit: Mark Ehlen
Elegant entry hall photo in Minneapolis with beige walls

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

© elkstudios.com
Example of a transitional living room design in Los Angeles

Add a bold statement to your living room with this tropical entertainment center. A rattan frame with pencil rattan accents and leather corners stylishly supports and abundance of display and storage options. This piece features seventeen shelves to keep your media and decorations. Three of the shelves are contained in a box that will work on the right or left side or can be removed completely.

Hughes Sectional with Bumper in Notion Thunderbird - https://joybird.com/sectional-bumpers/hughes-sectional-with-bumper/ Savannah Table Lamp - https://joybird.com/table-lamps/savannah-table-lamp/ Soto Leather Concave Arm Chair in Brighton Zinc - https://joybird.com/apartment-chairs/soto-leather-concave-arm-chair/ Unson Media Console - https://joybird.com/media-consoles/unson-media-console/ Riley Pouf (Mustard) - https://joybird.com/poufs/riley-mustard-yellow-pouf/

Watch television with this tropical media console. Two sliding doors with rattan fretwork over raffia allow for any one of three compartments to be open. The left and right compartments host two adjustable wooden shelves with ventilation in the back and a grommet for electrical cords, while the center space holds three adjustable shelves and cord management.

Dimension: 71" L X 19" D X 24" H Your big entertainment needs require an entertainment center big enough to hold your big screen TV and all your equipment. Our Retro Media Console with Center Shelves has the styling of the 60's but it is built with the eco-smart materials we demand today. The round corners make it a perfect choice for growing families. Materials - We carefully selected solid reclaimed hardwood with weathered painted surfaces, matching colors and shades. The wood is not repainted but has the original colors which have been aged over time. We choose wood based on several criteria including wood type, quality, and history. Each piece is an original. Features - The media cabinet is lifted off the ground on 60's style feet. Black iron hinges and handles offer a nice contrast. There are two cutouts in the back for wires and cords. Storage - The two open shelves allow air to circulate around your media equipment and offer easy access. The two large side cupboards expand your storage options. Craftsmanship - Check out the corners and joints and you'll discover just what quality craftsmanship is all about. The media center is handmade by traditional woodworking artisans. Special Features: • 100% Handcrafted • Solid reclaimed wood construction • 2 spacious cabinets on each side • 2 open shelves in the middle • Cutouts for wires and cables • Industrial accents and hardware • Tapered feet • Rustic industrial retro style • Rounded corners and edges • Heirloom quality Note: Custom Options such as Size, Shape, Shade & Design are not applicable to this item.Furniture is subjected to have Slight Variations.

Example of an urban home theater design in Orange County

KRS Have you ever dreamt about your pie in the sky home? Well I have! That is, our wonderful client’s dream home. It includes a place with 72-degree weather everyday, a wondrous view of a harbor, a walkable city & with clean, modern accommodations. And voilà… a penthouse flat in downtown San Diego by the bay. We stripped away the cheap 80’s rental finishes, opened things up to bring in the sunshine, added new flooring, kitchen, bathrooms, a fireplace refresh and modern furniture for a little slice of heaven and comfort. Don't tell anyone, but there’s even a Lazy Boy chair in there!

Basement Media Room
Example of an urban underground white floor basement design in Cincinnati with white walls

One of the client’s requests was to find a good home for “Megatron” their big screen television, a member of the family with a personality of his own. We designed a custom console table made from antique Chinese doors and wrapped in a shiny modern lacquered box. The large scale of the console visually anchors the television while housing the various components. Photos by Lincoln Barbour.

2014 Legacy of Design Award 1st Place Contemporary Living Space. We chose a contemporary media console with a distressed silver finish and interlocked ring hardware to house all media components. The piece is both elegant and functional. Michael Hunter Photography

Example of a minimalist living room design in New York with a tv stand

All the glamour of Paris in this powder room. See detail photos for source information.
Elegant marble tile powder room photo in Dallas with an undermount sink

Media rooms don't have to be dark to be inviting and cozy, and our clients did NOT want the usual media room colors. So we designed a glamorous and inviting retreat in hues of cream, silver and gold accents. Three of the seats recline for the ultimate viewing experience. Custom created art work completes the look and ties the pillow fabrics together.

Modern Italian TV Stand Incastro by LC Mobili. Ultra modern design of this entertainment center will guarantee stunning look to your living room, making it not only beautiful but also really comfortable. The tv media unit is available in two versions: low and high, depending on the amount of storage you need on sides. Long TV Area provides lots of space on top to place large-screen TV set. Right underneath, there is an open space for all your electronic devices. Side cabinets are great for storing all sort of things and, depending on the version of the tv unit, have either one or two internal shelves inside of each. Side cabinets are always in White Gloss lacquer, white the TV area can be either in Black Gloss Lacquer, Beton finish or Pero finish. TV area glass shelf can be ordered with optional light, making the look of the whole composition even more beautiful and really unique. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: E1-Class ecological panels, which are produced exclusively trough a wood recycling production process Structure and front thickness - 16mm TV Area panels thickness - 22mm Assembly: Unassembled, Ready-To-Assemble The starting price is for the Incastro Low TV Stand. Light is not included in the price! Dimensions: Low TV Stand: W101.6" x D14.6" x H24" (TV Area: W54.3") High TV Stand: W101.6" x D14.6" x H56.3" (TV Area: W54.3")

Large beach style open concept medium tone wood floor living room photo in Boston with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

photography by james ray spahn
Mountain style enclosed carpeted family room photo in Denver with a wall-mounted tv, white walls and no fireplace