ceramic pots, grasses, gravel path, outdoor furniture, succulents, tuscan
Inspiration for a mediterranean partial sun gravel garden path in Santa Barbara.

Photo by Amy Bartlam
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal multicolored tile bathroom remodel in Los Angeles with black cabinets, marble countertops, white walls, a console sink and shaker cabinets

Mid-sized transitional master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor bathroom photo in Boston with raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and white countertops

Farm Kid Studios
Bathroom - mid-sized contemporary master porcelain tile and beige tile porcelain tile bathroom idea in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, an undermount sink and gray 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.

I used soft arches, warm woods, and loads of texture to create a warm and sophisticated yet casual space.
Example of a mid-sized cottage medium tone wood floor, vaulted ceiling and shiplap wall living room design in Boise with white walls, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace

We used a beautiful and earthy sage green on the cabinets, warm wood on the floors, island, floatng shelves, and back of glass cabinets for added warmth.

Andrew McKinney LED strip lighting is applied to the sides of cabinet behind the faceframe. This lights the entire cabinet and makes the cabinet glow.

Behind these walnut doors is a warm and inviting coffee bar! Adding pocket doors to your design lends flexibility with use of your space.
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, an island, dark wood cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and white countertops

Laurey W. Glenn (courtesy Southern Living)
Example of a country entryway design in Atlanta with a black front door

The kitchen features modern appliances with light wood finishes for a Belgian farmhouse aesthetic. The space is clean, large, and tidy with black fixture elements to add bold design,

Powder room - mid-sized contemporary gray tile beige floor powder room idea in DC Metro with gray walls, a wall-mount sink and gray countertops

Example of a large classic light wood floor and brown floor basement design in Salt Lake City with no fireplace

Example of a large classic dark wood floor family room design in Minneapolis with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Boston with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Clean and fresh white contemporary transitional kitchen dining area stands the test of time. The space features marble backsplash, solid surface white kitchen countertop, white painted shaker style cabinets, custom-made dining chairs with contrast color welt and adjustable solid maple wood table. Blue/gray furniture and trims keep the classic white space in balance.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary black floor multiuse home gym remodel in Minneapolis with brown walls

Shelley Metcalf & Glenn Cormier Photographers
Enclosed kitchen - large cottage l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen idea in San Diego with shaker cabinets, an island, a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Applied Photography
Inspiration for a timeless formal medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Orange County with white walls and a standard fireplace