Example of a transitional bedroom design in Miami

We were engaged to give this small lounge a bit of TLC; our clients wanted to make the room feel inviting to sit in. A bit lost, it was acting more like a corridor than a room, as it connects the front door and hallway, to the inner hall and the kitchen. One of a number of reception rooms, this room in the stunning Georgian property was more of a relaxing space for TV watching and reading for her. It was important that this space had a feminine and homely feel, one that would invite you to sit and relax, whilst being in keeping with the age and location of this country home. To do this we added warm tones such as muted pinks and warm neutrals with delicate patterns, such as florals and damasks. Keen not to close the room down but have adequate seating, we made the footstool/ottoman the same height as the sofa, so it could be used either as a coffee table, chaise end to the sofa, or as additional seating. We are reliably informed that this is now the go to room in the house for relaxing, which is fantastic.

Architect: Andre Tchelistcheff Architects New York. NY Builder: Xhema of Greenwich CT Installer: TRM Enterprises Bridgehampton NY Back story. Northern has worked with both Xhema and TRM many tiles. We have worked with Andre before he branched out on his own. Originally Xhema’s contact was to replace the roof and repair the garage, which as some point had been made into an indoor swimming pool without adequate ventilation. The budget was about $8m and there were 20 drawings. By the time the job was 6 months old the scope of work has expanded to over $30m and over 200 drawings had been produced. Northern was contacted to visit the site and evaluate the existing roof. Although the house had been added to over the years the same tile was used but due to the location of the house the color of the tile varied considerably from the front to the back. Northern identified a large number of custom details which would require us to: 1) Match the existing Field tile in size, thickness (it was actually thicker at the butt and reduced to ½” where the tile is overlapped) , surface texture and the color. 2) Make tiles that are curved in their length to suit the curved rafter on the gabled dormers. 3) Make the curved tiles to suit the low slope octagonal tower. 4) Make the curved tiles and Arris style hips to suit the hipped dormers with the curved rafters. 5) Make the segmented tiles to suit the round turret. 6) Make the custom arris style hip tiles for the octagonal tower. 7) Make the custom Arris style hip to suit the different roof pitches as well as the varying splays at the eaves. 8) Make the custom pieces to suit the swept valleys Simon broke down each section of the roof. He indented all items for each section and agreed the measure etc with the installers. This ‘Project Bible’ became an invaluable tool for the installer, our tile makers and us. We shipped some samples from the original roof to Sahtas who replicated tall the details. I was visiting factory and delayed my return to the Saturday so that the tiles coming out of the kiln late Friday night could be wrapped and packed into newly purchase suit cases. I arrived home late Saturday evening and Simon picked me up Sunday afternoon and drove us down to Greenwich for an 8 am meeting with the clients. When we unpacked the tiles they were still warm and Hilfiger signed off on the color, although his wife suggested we make them a bit darker a ‘as he has a dreadful sense of color!’ We took Vincent Liot, owner of TRM to the factory twice so that he could oversee the prototyping of all the myriad custom pieces. This was an invaluable move as he pre-approved all the pieces before they were shipped. The installation was completed and everyone was very pleased with the final outcome. The Hilfiger’s estate manager told me that a group of friends who were staying the weekend after all the work was completed were heard to ask Mr. Hilfiger ‘I thought you were having a new roof’…to which he responded ‘we did but you can’t tell, which as the plan” …perfect! In refection this is probably the most complicated roof Northern has ever had the pleasure to supply. We learned a lot of very valuable lessons but in future when we are asked how did we do it we will answer ‘that is for us to know and for you to pay for!’

PiTTopper® is an attractive alternative to fire pit covers currently on the market made from nylon or fabric which can become worn and torn after time, losing the ability to adequately protect your fire pit from inclement weather. Protect your patio set's fire pit year round. PiTTopper's® design has allowed it to stay in place during severe weather with winds up to 55 mph. Flimsy fabric made from outdoor furniture covers can't say that!

"Introducing our Hand-Woven Flat Weave Solid Area Rug, a testament to artisanal craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Skillfully crafted by hand, this exquisite rug features a flat weave construction that highlights the natural beauty of wool in a captivating Burgundy hue. Versatile and stylish, this rug effortlessly enhances any room with its understated sophistication. Its lightweight design makes it easy to move and position, allowing you to effortlessly update your space whenever inspiration strikes. Crafted with eco-friendly materials and a commitment to sustainability, this rug is not only a stylish addition to your home but also a conscious choice for the planet. The anti-slip backing ensures stability, providing peace of mind in high-traffic areas. Experience the perfect blend of style and functionality with our Hand-Woven Flat Weave Solid Area Rug. Whether you're seeking to add warmth to your living room or revitalize your bedroom decor, this rug promises to elevate your space with its timeless charm and easy-to-maintain beauty. [FEATURES] *PATTERN - Solid *COLOR - Burgundy *MATERIAL - Wool *MATERIAL COMPOSITION - 70% Wool; 30% Cotton *CONSTRUCTION - Handmade *WEAVE - Hand Woven Flat Weave Kilim *COUNTRY OF ORIGIN - India *BRAND - RUGSOTIC CARPETS *MANUFACTURER - GET MY RUGS LLC *SHIPPING - Free Shipping *OCCASION - All *ROOM TYPE - Living Room, Bed Room, Study Room, Guest Room, Kids Room, Office *CARE INSTRUCTION - Vacuum Cleaning *ECO-FRIENDLY - Yes *NATURAL FIBRE - Yes *PILE - High Pile *PILE HEIGHT - 0.75 Inches *BACK MATERIAL - Cotton *USAGE - Indoor *DURABLE - Yes *ANTI-SKID - Yes *Order Handling Time - 2 Business days *Washable - No *RUG PAD NEEEDED - No *ITEM CONDITION - New *REVERSIBLE - No *[WEAVE / CONSTRUCTION] Handmade by skilled artisan’s adept in the art of rug weaving, dedicating numerous hours to meticulously craft this artistic area rug to perfection. As the name resembles the hand-woven flat weave rugs are thinly woven with low pile and flat surface. Flat weave rug is woven with fabric by interlocking horizontal & vertical threads, to create a flat rug in a variety of colors & designs. These are light-weight but end up lacking the soft velvety feel often associated with rugs. *[MATERIAL] The area rug is woven using wool, renowned for its exceptional quality due to its luxurious texture, feel, and practical advantages. Wool stands out in the rug-making industry for its numerous qualities such as high durability, warmth, and rich appearance and feel. *[PATTERN] This modern area rugs with Solid design elevates the elegance of your living space and complement various home décor styles including transitional, modern, contemporary, and bohemian. *[ECO-FRIENDLY] By selecting this handmade area rug, woven with eco-friendly natural fibers and crafted without the use of harmful chemicals, you demonstrate your commitment to a healthier environment and your support for traditional craftsmanship. *[DURABLE & EASY CARE] Crafted with meticulous precision and using top-quality materials, these area rugs boast unparalleled durability, making them suitable for high-traffic areas while providing exceptional underfoot comfort. Moreover, they require minimal maintenance, needing only occasional vacuuming to keep them looking their best. *[USAGE AREA] Area rugs are versatile decor elements that can elevate the ambiance and functionality of any room in your home. From the living room to the bedroom, and even outdoor spaces, study rooms, runway, dining room and office room here's how you can make the most of area rugs throughout your home. *[SHAPE & SIZE] This Rectangle area rug is of 8'x10' size. Ensure that the rug is the appropriate size and shape for the space, considering the furniture arrangement and the room's dimensions. *[SERVICES] Free Shipping | Quick Order Dispatch | Easy Return | Accessible Customer Support - With quality product we deliver exceptional services to customers. *[BRAND] RUGSOTIC CARPETS is a name synonymous with quality area rugs, rooted in decades of manufacturing expertise. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond product quality to supporting thousands of skilled weavers and artisans. We prioritize environmental friendliness and climate sustainability in our weaving processes, while also fostering the continuous skill development of our weavers through training initiatives. From spinning and dyeing yarn with natural ingredients in our in-house units to the meticulous weaving of our area rugs, quality checks at every stage ensure the delivery of products that uphold high moral values and exceed customer expectations.I *[SHIPPING]Free shipping across USA (except Puerto Rico, Alaska & Hawaii). Easy 30 days free returns. In case of damaged or wrong product delivered, the return shipment cost will be borne by us, in any other case, it will be paid by the customer. *[WEAVE DESCRIPTION]As the name resembles the hand woven flat weave rugs are thinly woven with low pile and flat surface. Flat weave rug are woven with fabric on loom by interlocking horizontal & vertical threads, to create a flat rug in a variety of colors & designs. These are rugged & very easy to clean, light-weight but end up lacking the soft velvety feel often associated with rugs. These are usually much lighter than rugs of other weave & call for a good quality rug-pad to be used underneath. *[MATERIAL DESCRIPTION]In the universe of rug-fabrics, wool is considered one of the finest, owing to the touch, feel & practical benefits of this natural wonder-fiber. Wool has many qualities that place it far ahead in the rug-making business – e.g. high durability, warmth, rich look & feel etc. Wool is a pre-eminent choice for a classy rug that can last you for decades. *[PILE DESCRIPTION]Hand woven flat weave rugs are low pile rugs which make the rugs light in weight and easy to clean. These rugs are more flexible and can be folded or rolled up easily. Despite its low pile, this rug's exceptional construction makes it suitable for high-traffic areas. *[PROPER SET UP & CARE]Flat weave rugs are thin and with no pile its doesn't sheds, for which just adequate vacuum cleaning is good enough to maintain the durability of rug. The rugs are good to be used in medium traffic area. Since the rugs are thin it can be easily used under the furniture as well. *[FLOOR PROTECTION]Though this rug will not cause damage to your flooring, you can use the rug pads on its lower surface and protect the floor from any unexpected scratch. By utilizing a rug pad, you can enhance the thickness of flat weave rugs, compensating for their thinner nature compared to other styles of woven rugs. *[CLEANING METHOD]The vacuum cleaning is the best way to get rid of dirt and dust. You may also choose the option of professional dry cleaning to make it look rejuvenating all the time."

This project is a new 5,900 sf. primary residence for a couple with three children. The site is slightly elevated above the residential street and enjoys winter views of the Potomac River. The family’s requirements included five bedrooms, five full baths, a powder room, family room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, walk-in pantry, mudroom, lower level recreation room, exercise room, media room and numerous storage spaces. Also included was the request for an outdoor terrace and adequate outdoor storage, including provision for the storage of bikes and kayaks. The family needed a home that would have two entrances, the primary entrance, and a mudroom entry that would provide generous storage spaces for the family’s active lifestyle. Due to the small lot size, the challenge was to accommodate the family’s requirements, while remaining sympathetic to the scale of neighboring homes. The residence employs a “T” shaped plan to aid in minimizing the massing visible from the street, while organizing interior spaces around a private outdoor terrace space accessible from the living and dining spaces. A generous front porch and a gambrel roof diminish the home’s scale, providing a welcoming view along the street front. A path along the right side of the residence leads to the family entrance and a small outbuilding that provides ready access to the bikes and kayaks while shielding the rear terrace from view of neighboring homes. The two entrances join a central stair hall that leads to the eat-in kitchen overlooking the great room. Window seats and a custom built banquette provide gathering spaces, while the French doors connect the great room to the terrace where the arbor transitions to the garden. A first floor guest suite, separate from the family areas of the home, affords privacy for both guests and hosts alike. The second floor Master Suite enjoys views of the Potomac River through a second floor arched balcony visible from the front. The exterior is composed of a board and batten first floor with a cedar shingled second floor and gambrel roof. These two contrasting materials and the inclusion of a partially recessed front porch contribute to the perceived diminution of the home’s scale relative to its smaller neighbors. The overall intention was to create a close fit between the residence and the neighboring context, both built and natural. Builder: E.H. Johnstone Builders Anice Hoachlander Photography

To remodel this first floor, we combined a small living room and small kitchen to form a more adequately sized eat in kitchen with plenty of space and a convenient coffee bar. Adjacent to the kitchen, a family room also received an update with gray cabinetry and a luxurious tile fireplace. Photos by Jake Boyd Photo

There are a lot of the same patterns happening through out the home that ties the theme together. The window is placed high in this room to allow adequate natural lighting. Photo by: Thomas Graham

Tore down the recently built porch extension due to bad design and functionality. Framed and built new back porch with adequate roof pitch, tongue and groove bead-board ceiling, fiberglass columns, seamless aluminum gutters, LED motion lighting, re-flashed chimney, and ice & water under-layment with 30 yr. dimensional shingles matching existing shingles.

This 2012 project depicts the complete Lighting Design Package which includes (i) a Lighting Theme that complements the architectural design; (b) a lighting design that provides adequate lighting to various areas of the project - while still reducing the energy cost by 66% (+/) if conventional lighting was used, and, (c) the use of effective LED Lighting and other Energy Saving Systems. (photograph captured by Norman Allen)

Beautiful rustic kitchen with modern touches. The floating shelves were handmade out of white oak and stained to match the floors. An open floor-plan and adequate storage were important to this family.

To remodel this first floor, we combined a small living room and small kitchen to form a more adequately sized eat in kitchen with plenty of space and a convenient coffee bar. Adjacent to the kitchen, a family room also received an update with gray cabinetry and a luxurious tile fireplace. Photos by Jake Boyd Photo

After putting in a new swimming pool, our client’s main goal was to create a functional outdoor living space that would accommodate friends and family and satisfy their need for entertaining large groups of people. Progressive Design Build designed a solution that started with a large covered patio and seating area. The renovation focused on building a grilling station that included a curved granite countertop with an area for seating at the end of the cabinet run; and a large grill and hood vent, which allowed for an adequate cooking surface area to accommodate any occasion. We matched the existing brick pavers from an existing area of the home to create a cohesive look and maintain the rustic feel of the backyard. The cabinets were built out of Cypress and stained to match the finish of the newly installed wood patio ceiling. We were also able to supply and install a new fire pit so this family could enjoy the beautiful Florida sunsets with friends and family—the ones we Southwest Florida residents have the privilege of experiencing and enjoying throughout the year.

This 1949 South Minneapolis home had an underutilized, unwelcoming basement with old, dark paneling in the family room, and an unfinished laundry, storage and work shop area. Headroom was at a premium because of low hanging duct work, plumbing and gas lines.Castle Building & Remodeling transformed this basement by creating a much more welcoming, well-lit and functional family room, with an added egress window, built-in storage units and a media area with a flat screen TV. Duct work and piping in the unfinished half of the basement was raised or consolidated to give adequate headroom for a bright and spacious new laundry area. A new 3/4 bath completes the package, along with a built-in linen cabinet in the finished hallway. Storage areas were consolidated in separate areas of the basement with their own access doors. The family now eagerly uses the basement space as a regular part of their home, no longer dreading the trip down to the ‘cellar’.

Lacking adequate space for their growing family, the homeowners hired DJL Builders to add on to the side of their home and update the existing layout. DJL Builders built a master bedroom retreat with an en suite bathroom, updated windows and flooring throughout the home as well as creating a custom-built desk and mudroom off the garage to help keep everyday necessities organized. The kitchen was rejuvenated with new countertops, backsplash and cabinetry. Photo by: Natalie Cooper

Home offices are set up by people who work from home, whether self-employed or telecommuting for an employer. Essentials within a home office often include a desk, chair, computer or laptop, internet capability, and adequate software like Zoom to connect with co-workers who are also working remotely.

Located in, Summit Park, Park City UT lies one of the most efficient houses in the country. The Summit Haus – designed and built by Chris Price of PCD+B, is an exploration in design and construction of advanced high performance housing. Seeing a rising demand for sustainable housing along with rising Carbon emissions leading to global warming, this house strives to show that sensible, good design can create spaces adequate for today’s housing demands while adhering to strict standards. The house was designed to meet the very rigid Passiv House rating system – 90% more efficient than a typical home in the area. The house itself was intended to nestle neatly into the 45 degree sloped site and to take full advantage of the limited solar access and views. The views range from short, highly wooded views to a long corridor out towards the Uinta Mountain range towards the east. The house was designed and built based off Passiv Haus standards, and the framing and ventilation became critical elements to maintain such minimal energy requirements. Zola triple-pane, tilt-and-turn Thermo uPVC windows contribute substantially to the home’s energy efficiency, and takes advantage of the beautiful surrounding of the location, including forrest views from the deck off of the kitchen. Photographer: City Home Collective

Behind the unassuming exterior of a 1985 split-level home in Southwest Portland lies a dramatic transformation that celebrates both function and style. This kitchen renovation reimagines a dated footprint as an upscale postmodern gathering space, blending bold material selections with highly personalized storage solutions designed around the homeowners' lifestyle. At the heart of the design is a striking composition of rich Sapele cabinetry, geometric white tile, and sleek contemporary finishes. The strong vertical grain of the wood creates warmth and movement throughout the space, while the dimensional backsplash introduces texture and visual rhythm. Together, these elements establish a distinctly postmodern aesthetic that balances nostalgia with modern sophistication. The renovation began with a common challenge: a kitchen that lacked adequate storage and efficient workflow. Appliances were confined to tight corners, cabinetry was undersized, and valuable space was underutilized. Through strategic space planning, the layout was completely reworked to maximize functionality without sacrificing design. Every cabinet was thoughtfully customized with purpose-built storage, including integrated silverware organization, hidden tip-out trays for cleaning supplies, vertical dividers for baking sheets, and heavy-duty rollouts sized for everyday cookware. The island serves as the functional centerpiece of the kitchen and was designed specifically to support meal preparation and entertaining. Adjustable pullout shelving accommodates oils and vinegars, specialized spice storage keeps ingredients within reach, and a double waste system simplifies composting and daily clean-up. Throughout the kitchen, panel-ready appliances and carefully concealed storage components maintain the clean lines of the design while minimizing visual distractions. A hidden microwave, integrated warming drawer, and counter-depth refrigerator all contribute to the seamless appearance of the space. Entertaining was a primary objective for the homeowners and inspired the creation of a dedicated hospitality zone within a previously overlooked nook. Existing built-in bookcases were removed and replaced with a thoughtfully curated beverage station featuring a kegerator, wine refrigerator, and beverage refrigerator. Custom cabinetry was tailored to display the homeowners' collection of cocktail and pint glasses, while floating shelves with integrated lighting showcase an assortment of spirits, creating an inviting destination for guests before dinner gatherings. What makes this project especially compelling is the balance between bold design expression and everyday livability. Rather than competing for attention, each material was selected to complement the others. High-gloss upper cabinetry quietly recedes into the dimensional backsplash, allowing the Sapele grain to remain the focal point. Chrome fixtures add reflectivity and polish, while waterfall countertops transform the island into a furniture-inspired centerpiece. Even details such as electrical cover plates were carefully selected to blend into the surrounding wood grain and preserve the clean visual composition. The completed kitchen demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform an ordinary floor plan into a highly customized environment tailored to the way homeowners live, cook, and entertain. By combining meticulous storage planning, seamless appliance integration, and a confident postmodern aesthetic, this renovation delivers a sophisticated yet welcoming space where functionality and personality coexist beautifully.