An Ohio family in search of a place to enjoy the Portuguese coast acquired a four-bedroom apartment just outside the center of Cascais. Our studio was engaged to turn a compartmented interior into a holiday residence for a household that gathers in numbers: one that could seat everyone at once and still hold the ease and lightness of a home by the beach. The original plan included a kitchen and laundry room sealed off from the living room, floor finishes and levels that changed from threshold to threshold, and bathrooms in varying styles. Work began by redefining the alignments and circulation. The principal transformation was the opening of the kitchen, creating a more generous social setting centered on a bespoke island fitted with storage and seating. The interior takes its cues from the building’s geometric façade, which projects and recedes in volumes and voids. Bespoke joinery in oak and lacquer carries continuity and order through the apartment. Concealed storage runs throughout: at the entrance, in the dining area, along the living area, and beneath built-in benches. The laundry is merged into the kitchen behind perforated doors for ventilation while keeping the service area discreet. Behind the sofa, a console slips a workspace into the living area without conceding its openness. Curved elements answer the rectilinear architecture; artisanal glazed vertical tiles repeat from the backsplashes onto custom side tables. The palette stays deliberately narrow; the muted oak and lacquer are joined by a softened timber floor, Portuguese Lioz stone, and walls painted to the color of bare plaster. Existing doors and baseboards were repainted in a warm light gray that draws the original elements into the language of the new interior. Upholstery and decorative accents hint at the terracotta, sky blue, and yellow of the façade. The bedrooms are set with upholstered headboards on oak frames, bedside tables that extend those outlines, and wardrobes fit for a long stay. Locally made rugs, bedcovers, and throw pillows soften the composition. In the bathrooms, the plans were reorganized and the showers enlarged. Lioz was used for the counters and sinks, shelves, shower bases, and bathtub surround, with microcement bringing a soothing warmth to the walls, and storage in floating cabinets. Deeper in tone than the rest of the apartment yet never dim, they are quietly elegant rooms made for lingering — taking one’s time getting ready, or unwinding at the end of a day. PHOTOGRAPHY: © ALEXANDER BOGORODSKIY

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, this one was far from inviting. The new owners wanted to make all the rooms in their newly acquired Victorian house brighter and more functional and the kitchen was the first to be designed. We proposed a new layout which included an eat-at island and lots of space for the cook of the family. Him! We designed the space to give our clients everything on their wish list, including a wall oven which was installed in the storage space in adjacent laundry room. The beautiful blue backsplash tiles make this kitchen not just another white kitchen and the dark soapstone counters add so much personality. The existing brick wall is a nice nod to the history of the home and raising the ceiling slightly makes a big difference (thin LED pot lights were just the trick).

A converted print factory is now home to a young professional couple. Space was almost doubled with the installation of mezzanine levels in three main areas. Double height ceilings allows natural light to fill the interiors and use of pale colors bounces light around. A galley kitchen wraps around under the stairs.

A modern transformation was in store for this abused split-level Rockville, MD home. A previous "renovation" created some non-functional spaces and odd transitions. At the center of the design was an antique chandelier that the homeowners acquired from an estate sale early in their marriage, so that challenge was integrating old and new into the shared space. So many walls came down and one wall went up. This family now has not only an open and functional space, but it is dripping with luxury details like the custom cabinets in a glorious emerald green color from Benjamin Moore called "Gondola Ride", gold tone hardware and wall sconces, and a stunning Borghini Gold quartz counter from Emerstone that carries up to the backsplash. Outlets hidden under the cabinets provide plenty of power for small appliances. The cabinetry is loaded with smart features like a trash and recycling center, deep pot storage, gigantic storage pantries flanking the refrigerator and a generous island that provides seating for 4 and hidden storage. Valence boxes create a home for the 3 gold scones that tie the kitchen and the dining buffer together. Dimmable led surface lights throughout provide ample illumination without detracting from the statement lighting in the room. The newly refinished hardwood floors complete the look.

IMPRESSION — Acrylic, Latex, Metallic and Tempera Paints / Paper Mache, Sand and Modeling Paste / Clear Gloss Glaze / Acrylic, India and Iridescent Inks on Canvas. 48” x 60” E-Mail For Quote Photo by SWK Digital Imagery.

Inspiration for a timeless home design remodel in Orange County

Old architecture combined with new fresh contemporary art and upholstery, Patti Allen created a great space for her long time friend’s second home. She brought fresh contemporary furniture coupled with current edgy colors to call this Asheville retreat their home. Her clients wanted to work around their love for art and special pieces they have acquired. The rooms had a great feel because of all the light coming into the room that naturally spotlighted their art to make it the focal point. They also had a lot of natural textures with the brick walls so they brought in several pieces of metal to compliment the industrial feel. The tufted sofa gave comfort and clean lines. The Vanguard chairs gave another option for upholstery in the room but keeping it in a smaller scale to fit in the room with the other pieces. The pops of yellow and turquoise highlighted the clients desire for color. They used Elite barstools with stainless steel metal that gave simplicity to show off their beautiful granite. The dining room table was by Stanley furniture and she used Century upholstered chairs to compliment the living room. The art deco chair is by Dwell Studios. The Stanton geometric rug helped ground your eye and give definition to the seating areas. The Master bedroom was by Precedent and the fabric flowed nicely with the wall coverings by Lee Jofa. The nightstands were by Vanguard and she spotlighted fuchsia with the chaise. The guest room had a wall that worked great with the American Leather sleeper sofa against the brick wall. Their art went great with it. This was a fun project for Patti because she truly enjoys working with lighter pallets, textured fabric and clean architectural lines with pops of color.

This remodeling project acquired a new face and interpretation of the spaces by liberating the floor plan. Walls were removed to allow natural light to come into the space. This old split level home was transformed from the inside to the outside.

susan teare photography
Farmhouse home design photo in Burlington

LS Interior Design Group | Selections & Finishes | Furnishings & Accessories | Sitting Area | TV Room | Master Suit | Lower Cabinets | Organization | Storage Solutions | Furnishings can be acquired through LS Interior Design Group

Each Valhalla piece is made from reclaimed teak that showcases natural imperfections in the timber – such as knots, coarse ridges and other rustic features. If left uncovered, the gray finish will gradually fade away. Once the finish fades, exposing unfinished teak to the elements, the furniture will begin to acquire the beautiful gray patina that is typical of untreated teak.

The existing kitchen in this turn-of-the-century (c. 1901) home in Newton, MA was in dire need of updating when the owners acquired it for their family of four. They wanted to both enlarge it and open it up to an existing adjacent dining space that they planned to transform into a family sitting area. In the spirit of the home’s original classical columns and detailing, we introduced short Doric columns on half-walls to shape a new opening between the former dining space, now family room, and the kitchen. The white inset kitchen-cabinetry and white marble counter were chosen for both their vintage appeal and clean, contemporary palette. To further improve function a half-bath was tucked in off the family room and a 12’ x 12’ mud room was added to the back of the kitchen. Katie Hutchison Studio collaborated with designer Tara Albright Robinson of Newton, Mass. (tara282@gmail.com) on this project. Cabinetry by Kingswood Kitchens of Danbury, Conn. photo by Katie Hutchison

This single-family house offers a fantastic option for those interested in acquiring a duplex or using it as a second home, particularly suitable for smaller areas. On the ground floor, it features a cozy living room with a fireplace, a modern-style powder room with double vanity sink plumbing, and a formal dining area that opens to a screened back porch, perfect for enjoying natural views. The kitchen includes a butler's pantry with an eating table, typically situated on a large kitchen island for convenience and efficient use of space. Upstairs, the bedrooms provide personal space for the occupants, with the master bedroom connected to a modern master bath featuring both a bathtub and shower, along with a walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms and another bathroom round out the upstairs layout. The valley and hip roof design add to the house's remarkable aesthetic appeal, while the use of bricks and woods ensures durability and a timeless appearance. Overall, this house is designed with customer comfort and convenience in mind, offering a range of amenities within an affordable and efficient layout.

This expansive kitchen began it's journey with white wash cabinets, and straight line upper cabinets. Five of the upper cabinets were changed out to custom builds with taller and deeper replacements to match the existing style. We put glass panel doors on three of the uppers to create an area for the owner to showcase their nice pieces at the breakfast nook area. We then refinished the entire kitchen cabinets to a creamy off white. We changed out the corian island top to black granite and applied a stone veneer to the base walls of the island to give the kitchen a dramatic new look. New light fixtures, laminate flooring and wall color brought the kitchen to life with warmth and a cozy feel. Both fireplaces in the home got a makeover with stone veneer to match what was used at the kitchen island. We created a mantle with MDF molding at the family room over the existing drywall popout to give dimension and interest to the fireplace. A fresh coat of paint finished off the new look at both locations. Photgraphy Stacey Ranieri

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Our client is a gourmet cook and she desired a new kitchen in their home that they have lived in for over 30 years. She knew that she wanted minimalist, modern cabinetry, neutral color palettes, and wood accents, her contemporary kitchens has a subtle elegance that will never go out of style. We blended aspects of modern design with other details for a look that's current and sleek, but not sterile. A pop of color show with her accessories we acquired for their home—whether it’s on the furniture, in a bowl of fresh fruit, or in a vase of flowers. These details just add to this clean and modern chef’s kitchen. Hidden treasures are tiered cutlery systems and a pull up mixer so no one has to lift that heavy kitchen aid mix. The overall style ensures that this contemporary kitchen designs still feel warm and welcoming, as do big windows that let in the sun, an architectural light fixture. Photography Sheldon Ivester | IVESTER creative

Breezy Coastal-Inspired Hearth Room Sustainable, natural, wholly engaging, and a showcase for their cultural pieces and art was the concept for this home. The couple wanted to use sustainable and environmentally friendly products throughout their home as much as possible. Being from both California and Florida, they wanted a coastal influence that didn’t look contrived or over-stylized in a Midwestern home. Also, they desired a serene, peaceful space where all senses were engaged. Incorporating the Feng Shui elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water in color, texture and product choice was used in this design. A problem area with the original room was a large, blocky oak fireplace. The top half was removed and the hearth was painted white, opening up the space considerably. The back wall was painted a serene blue as an accent. An overall neutral palette of taupe, blues and grey balanced the wood tones found in the flooring and teak accents the couple acquired on their travels. We recovered their existing love seat with taupe diamond-stripe cotton in a slipcover style, adding to the casual atmosphere of a beach house. Organic cotton, hand-blocked pillows with red cherry blossoms provide a pop of color to the seating. A swivel rocker gives flexibility to multiple focal points and conversation. The 100% hemp rug has a turquoise oversized damask print and is a plush anchor to the hearth setting. A long grey-washed rattan bench serves as a cocktail table and woven Roman shades provide needed contrast to the back wall. A distressed, reclaimed bench sits below bold art as a bright accent area to an overall neutral space. The centerpiece of the room is a large cerulean blue buffet with fretwork & glass doors. A large Buddha head serves as a meditative focal point with Asian-inspired art and lighting. Julie Austin Photography

Among the art-deco modernist architecture of the relaxed Penha de França neighborhood, just beyond the tourist path, an actor has acquired a home for peaceful retreat with family and friends. Extensive collaboration with the client rendered a space instilled with wrought-metal accents, vintage woods, and tropical plants, recalling the instruments of cinema’s southern California golden age and the natural landscape of southern Portugal. A modest hand-crafted bed is the backdrop of the master bedroom, flanked by modern Portugese wall lamps and nightstands with vintage flair. Generous apertures show changing seasonal foliage, while an adjacent contemporary reading chair relishes rays of afternoon sunlight throughout the year. In the guest room, extant closets were modified into a nook, accommodating a larger bed and slender nightstands. The majority of the wall between the hallway and living room was removed to establish a viewing axis through the apartment, accentuating and linking the cooking and dining spaces. Convivial meals are set on a custom-cut Estremoz marble slab atop a fabricated metal structure, supported by mid-century dining chairs, and illuminated by an enamel factory lamp. The living room doubles as a projection room; a floating bench topped with terracotta tiles conceals home electronics. A raw steel center table is surrounded by an inviting couch, a reupholstered armchair, and a classic Portuguese shelving system. The pantry was merged into a spacious galley kitchen with integrated appliances, allowing ample space for social cooking. Upper cabinets are eschewed in favor of floating shelves for openness, including dish drying and cookware hanging. Just beyond, a balcony tiled with Algarve terracotta creates a gardenesque hideaway to unwind and enjoy the summer breeze through windows open wide. PHOTOGRAPHY: © ALEXANDER BOGORODSKIY

With purity of form and meticulous craftsmanship, our classic X-back Roma Chaise Lounge bridges the traditional and the modern with exceptional comfort. The light and airy design is crafted of an extruded 3.0 mm gauge aluminum frame that is fully welded for structural integrity. Brass finials and medallions glint in the sunshine and will acquire a verdigris patina over time.