The kitchen is where you spend most of your time, shouldn’t it be the most inviting room in the house? That was the logic behind this South Shore of Boston Renovision. The owners entertained frequently but struggled with lack of organized storage space and poor flow for traffic in and out of their kitchen. Renovisions totally reorganized the way the kitchen worked. The wall between the family room and kitchen was re-built to accommodate bar stools and added countertop space. Considerations were given to the design layout for a separate beverage/wine refrigeration station, while making sure additional prep space was adequate. A better flow in the kitchen was created, eliminating the annoyance of the typical ‘bottle-neck’. Fine shaker cabinetry in a white painted finish with contrasting dark blue-grey island cabinets which boast large, deep drawers set the stage. A full gamut of appliances was provided including a 36” induction cooktop, convection microwave, double wall ovens, full size refrigerator and a bar refrigerator. The matching paneled dishwasher ensured an integrated look. The custom wood hood along with the unique shaped arabesque glass tile design frames a stunning focal point when entering this kitchen. Glass mullion doors flanking the hood with clear seeded glass created an upscale look and coordinated with the seeded glass shades of the island pendants. Renovisions custom fit red oak wood flooring to match the existing floor and then re-finished with a grey stain and 3 coats of poly to add durability while also providing a beautiful new look throughout the house. Good lighting is key especially when spending so much time in a space. LED under-cabinet lights, recessed ceiling lights and three separate pendant fixtures which all operate on dimmer switches created options for mood lighting, work lighting and everything in between. New double-hung windows with 6/1 grid configurations were added in just the right places – adding more essential natural light. In addition to the kitchen ‘Renovision’, two corner cabinets in a white painted finish were installed in the dining room to not only accommodate the clients fine china and glassware, but also to provide a more custom built-in look to the space with the interior of the cabinets matching the wall. Overall, our client could not have been happier with the completed project. Family, friends and guests were impressed with the design and fit and finish of every detail provided by Renovisions.

Example of a mid-sized transitional dark wood floor and brown floor double front door design in Austin with gray walls and a black front door

Mead features quality cabinetry from major manufacturers, including Custom Wood, Embassy, Omega, Merillat, Woodland Cabinetry, and Rushmore Countertops to provide our customers with an extensive selection of styles, options, and great craftsmanship. Customers can choose between cabinet door styles, wood types, and stain finishes, as well as our excellent selection of countertops, to find the look that will fit their style, home, and budget. Our professional sales and design personnel will be pleased to help you with the 20/20 computerized design, product selections, on-site measurements, and any other assistance the project requires. Meet with one of our associate's today to find the perfect cabinets and countertops for your kitchen, bath, den, study, great room, wet bar, laundry area, or wherever.

Sandstone is a particularly popular choice for kitchen and hallway floors amongst home owners in the UK. It not only possesses beautiful natural shades and features, but it is also typically hard wearing, making it an ideal stone for tiled flooring in high traffic areas of a house and can often be found laid as large riven flagstones in pubs and other commercial premises. Naturally, just like any other type of tiled floor, Sandstone needs to be maintained using appropriate products and methods. A lack of adequate surface sealer in particular leaves Sandstone susceptible to ingrained dirt, and can leave distinct, unsightly patches such as those in the photograph below. In this instance, I visited a client in the old Essex town of Thaxted, who believed that her four square meter Sandstone tiled floor might be suffering from damp issues after lifting up the mats covering the area. However, when I arrived at the property and ran damp tests, I found the issue to be superficial. The Sandstone floor however did require attention in the form of a deep clean and a fresh seal to tackle the white patches and prevent further discolouration. To begin the cleaning process I spread Tile Doctor Remove & Go evenly across the floor. It was left to dwell for approximately 15 minutes, during which time it worked to break down the old sealer remaining on the tiles. I then agitated the area twice over with both a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotation machine lift away any dirt. The resultant slurry was removed using a wet vacuum and the floor was then rinsed with water and then mixed a strong solution of one part Tile Doctor Pro Clean to three parts water which was used to give the floor a final clean and scrub the grout clean before using the wet vacuum again and giving the floor a final rinse with water. After completing the cleaning process I left the floor to dry over the weekend. Upon my return to the house I proceeded to seal the tiles with three coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is an impregnating sealer that soaks into the pores of the stone and provide durable surface protection going forward. Colour Grow is also specially designed to let the floor breathe and enhance the natural colours in the stone and, in this case, really helped to intensify the natural sand-coloured shades in the tiles. The difference made to these Sandstone tiles was really noticeable, with the white patches completely removed and the surface more generally back to looking like new, needless to say, my client was very happy with the results. Nick Murphy South Essex Tile Doctor

The kitchen is where you spend most of your time, shouldn’t it be the most inviting room in the house? That was the logic behind this South Shore of Boston Renovision. The owners entertained frequently but struggled with lack of organized storage space and poor flow for traffic in and out of their kitchen. Renovisions totally reorganized the way the kitchen worked. The wall between the family room and kitchen was re-built to accommodate bar stools and added countertop space. Considerations were given to the design layout for a separate beverage/wine refrigeration station, while making sure additional prep space was adequate. A better flow in the kitchen was created, eliminating the annoyance of the typical ‘bottle-neck’. Fine shaker cabinetry in a white painted finish with contrasting dark blue-grey island cabinets which boast large, deep drawers set the stage. A full gamut of appliances was provided including a 36” induction cooktop, convection microwave, double wall ovens, full size refrigerator and a bar refrigerator. The matching paneled dishwasher ensured an integrated look. The custom wood hood along with the unique shaped arabesque glass tile design frames a stunning focal point when entering this kitchen. Glass mullion doors flanking the hood with clear seeded glass created an upscale look and coordinated with the seeded glass shades of the island pendants. Renovisions custom fit red oak wood flooring to match the existing floor and then re-finished with a grey stain and 3 coats of poly to add durability while also providing a beautiful new look throughout the house. Good lighting is key especially when spending so much time in a space. LED under-cabinet lights, recessed ceiling lights and three separate pendant fixtures which all operate on dimmer switches created options for mood lighting, work lighting and everything in between. New double-hung windows with 6/1 grid configurations were added in just the right places – adding more essential natural light. In addition to the kitchen ‘Renovision’, two corner cabinets in a white painted finish were installed in the dining room to not only accommodate the clients fine china and glassware, but also to provide a more custom built-in look to the space with the interior of the cabinets matching the wall. Overall, our client could not have been happier with the completed project. Family, friends and guests were impressed with the design and fit and finish of every detail provided by Renovisions.

The kitchen is where you spend most of your time, shouldn’t it be the most inviting room in the house? That was the logic behind this South Shore of Boston Renovision. The owners entertained frequently but struggled with lack of organized storage space and poor flow for traffic in and out of their kitchen. Renovisions totally reorganized the way the kitchen worked. The wall between the family room and kitchen was re-built to accommodate bar stools and added countertop space. Considerations were given to the design layout for a separate beverage/wine refrigeration station, while making sure additional prep space was adequate. A better flow in the kitchen was created, eliminating the annoyance of the typical ‘bottle-neck’. Fine shaker cabinetry in a white painted finish with contrasting dark blue-grey island cabinets which boast large, deep drawers set the stage. A full gamut of appliances was provided including a 36” induction cooktop, convection microwave, double wall ovens, full size refrigerator and a bar refrigerator. The matching paneled dishwasher ensured an integrated look. The custom wood hood along with the unique shaped arabesque glass tile design frames a stunning focal point when entering this kitchen. Glass mullion doors flanking the hood with clear seeded glass created an upscale look and coordinated with the seeded glass shades of the island pendants. Renovisions custom fit red oak wood flooring to match the existing floor and then re-finished with a grey stain and 3 coats of poly to add durability while also providing a beautiful new look throughout the house. Good lighting is key especially when spending so much time in a space. LED under-cabinet lights, recessed ceiling lights and three separate pendant fixtures which all operate on dimmer switches created options for mood lighting, work lighting and everything in between. New double-hung windows with 6/1 grid configurations were added in just the right places – adding more essential natural light. In addition to the kitchen ‘Renovision’, two corner cabinets in a white painted finish were installed in the dining room to not only accommodate the clients fine china and glassware, but also to provide a more custom built-in look to the space with the interior of the cabinets matching the wall. Overall, our client could not have been happier with the completed project. Family, friends and guests were impressed with the design and fit and finish of every detail provided by Renovisions.

2010 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER Project Scope: Transform a little-used room in the client’s lower level into an entertainment center, featuring a 1,500-bottle refrigerated wine cabinet, a wet bar, a custom-made bookshelves surround for existing hearth, and television hanging built-ins. Challenges: Primary technical challenge was to find a way to unobtrusively install a large “split system” chilling unit to service the wine cooler. Solutions The contractor started with a rectangular space that was appreciably stripped down, except for the fireplace at the far end. An adjacent room housed a professional pool table. The client’s primary concern was how to situate the custom-built wine rack were to specify and fabricate. Although there was plenty of space in niche to the left of the stairway, there was no obvious way to locate the wine rack’s chilling unit for ducting and chiller unit. Both client and contractor agreed that the logical setting for the rack would be along the short wall adjacent to the room’s entrance. But the short wall afforded no room for the chiller, a “split system” unit that needed adequate “breathing room” to avoid overheating After many design sketches, the contractor had a tentative solution: house the chilling unit in a utility room behind the stairs leading to the basement. This would keep the unit out of sight and muffle the sound of the compressor. Then question was how to “circumnavigate” the stairwell and run plumbing lines from the utility room – which was about 20 feet away — to the rack. A floor-level path would be exposed to possible damage and aesthetically unpleasing. Installing the line in the concrete slab flooring would be difficult and expensive – and any repairs to the line would mean tearing up the floor.The only alternative, the contractor suggested, would be to route the lines overhead – run them straight up from the chilling unit, over the joists above, and around the back of the stair case. Once past the staircase, it was straight shot above the joists to the short wall; the lines would then run behind the wall to the wine cooler resting on the floor. This highly creative solution pleased the client greatly: it not only isolated the chilling unit, but allowed it to be easily serviced; the lines were protected and out of sight; and the wine rack – situated as it was in the room – seemed like it was part of the original house design. At that point, the contractor needed a wine rack design that seemed equally “original” to the home – and here, too, the challenge was met. Custom-built cabinetry span the length of the wall, with two floor-level cabinets flanking the wine cooler. Above, twin glass-facing walnut displays – lighted and rising nearly to the ceiling – rest on a black marble countertop, showcasing the client’s impressive wine collection. On the long wall perpendicular to the rack, a widescreen television hangs between two built-in bookcases designed by the contractor. The firm also fabricated the two bookcases now flanking the original fireplace in the far end wall – as well as the glass-faced hanging cabinets which are lighted above the newly installed wet bar.

Bridgwater is known to be one of Somerset’s liveliest towns. With a history dating back over 1000 years, it has many traditions, including a carnival which happens every November, and is hailed as the world’s largest illumination procession. What wasn’t looking lively, however, was this Limestone tiled kitchen floor at a house in the town. It had been laid five years previously but at the time of laying hadn’t been sealed with adequate amounts of sealer. As a result, the Limestone had absorbed a lot of wet footprints and other dirty stains. The sealer simply broke down after a while, leaving the homeowner with a floor that never looked clean no matter how much they cleaned it – using all kinds of products. In fact, the tiles looked blackened and mouldy, as you can see in the photos below. It was time for the homeowner to seek out professional assistance, so she decided to contact her local Tile Doctor. I was asked to completely restore the look of the floor – something the homeowner had deemed impossible at this point. In practice, I knew the floor could be restored using the right products and methods including a really deep clean and resealing with the right type of sealer for these tiles. I scrubbed in Tile Doctor Remove and Go, which is a powerful coatings remover which draws out ingrained stains and strips away any old sealer remaining on the tiles. The floor was then rinsed thoroughly with plain water to neutralise it, and the resulting soiled solution was extracted using a wet vacuum. I repeated the process on stubborn areas, eventually transforming the floor back to its natural and clean state. I allowed the Limestone to dry out completely overnight before returning to the property to seal the tiles. This is important as the slightest amount of excess moisture can damage the performance of the sealer, and we would’ve been back to square one! After checking with a damp meter, I could see everything was fine, so I proceeded to seal the floor with Tile Doctor Colour Grow, which is not only a robust impregnating sealer that will protect the floor going forward but also enhancing the natural colours in the stone at the same time. In the space of two days, the Limestone tiles had been completely transformed. Now it had been properly sealed, the floor will be much easier to clean and therefore should stay looking great for a long time to come. The customer was very happy to have finally resolved the problem with some assistance from the Somerset Tile Doctor! Dave Hurst Somerset Tile Doctor

Cephalanthus occidentalis / Buttonbush Photo: Fritz Flohr Reynolds, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 generic

Chris and Sofia of Arlington Heights knew when they purchased their home that they would finish the basement. They needed a space for the kids to hang out, for family and friends to stay, and to have a better space for hosting holidays and parties. The dark unfinished space went mostly unused for three years, but once their kids reached the ideal age for use of a well-built basement, they moved ahead with their plan. “The old basement was dark and cold, and the kids came down and played, but they didn’t like it. The new space is like a whole other house, so we have this space for family game nights and for watching games or Super Bowl parties,” Chris said. The couple found Advance Design Studio through a friend who had their entire home renovated by the remodeling company. After the initial meeting and visiting the showroom, Chris and Sofia were positive that Advance Design was the company that could best turn their unfinished basement into a family friendly space for everyone to enjoy. “We really liked the showroom, we liked being able to choose all of those finishes and meet with them in one place,” Chris said. A Custom Space for a Family with Multiple Needs The project began with a fireplace focal point complete with an amazing entertainment wall, a fantastic full kitchen complete with every amenity, and a brand new full bath. The new basement truly has a space for everyone. If the kids want to watch a movie and hang out on the couch they can, if family wants to play games and have a pizza party on the large island they can, and if guests want to stay over night on the pull-out sofa they can enjoy the entire private “suite” complete with a full bath. It is the true definition of a multifunctional basement. The stunning, full kitchen is the highlight of this now bright and airy basement. You walk down the stairs and are immediately impressed with the detailed metal tile work on the ceiling, bringing to mind the classic feel of a comfortable old pub. Cherry Merlot cabinets provide a rich contrast against the soft neutral walls and the contrasting copper tin ceiling tile and backsplash. Rich Santa Cecelia granite countertops pair nicely with timeless stonework on the outer walls. The island is large enough to provide a more than adequate entertaining space, and provides plenty of both seating and storage. The well-appointed kitchen houses a regular size refrigerator, a full size oven for pizza parties and cookie baking anytime, a microwave oven as well as complete sink and trash set up. One could easily do without a home kitchen forever in this generously designed secondary space! The fireplace and buffet wall seating area is the ideal place to watch movies or sporting events. The coordinating stonework on the fireplace flows throughout the basement, and a burnt orange accent wall brings color and warmth to otherwise ordinary basement space. The Elite Merlot media buffet compliments the kitchen as well as provides storage and a unique functional display option, giving this part of the basement a sophisticated, yet functional feel. The full bath is complete with a unique furniture style cherry DuraSupreme vanity and matching custom designed mirror. The weathered look to the cabinets and mirror give the bathroom some earthy texture as does the stone floor in the walk-in shower. Soft blue makes the space a spa-like mini retreat, and the handsome wall to wall tile and granite speak luxury at every corner. Advance Design added clever custom storage spaces to take advantage of otherwise wasted corners. They built a custom mudroom for the kids to house their sports equipment and a handy built in bench area with basket pull outs for a custom home gym. “They were able to custom fit this second mudroom with the lockers and the bench, they were able to custom build that, so the kids could store all of their equipment down here for the sports that they are in,” Chris said. They Got The Amazing Space They Had Envisioned for Years! The basement Chris and Sofia had envisioned had come to life in a few short months of planning, design and construction, just a perfect fit in the summer months. Advance Design Studio was able to design and build a custom, multifunctional space that the whole family can enjoy. “I would recommend Advance Design because of the showroom, because of the cleanliness on the jobsite and the professionalism, combined with Christine’s design side as well as Todd’s builder’s side - it’s nice to have it all together,” reminisced Chris after the project was complete.

This project is an exhilarating exploration into function, simplicity, and the beauty of a white palette. Our wonderful client and friend was seeking a massive upgrade to a newly purchased home and had hopes of integrating her European inspired aesthetic throughout. At the forefront of consideration was clean-lined simplicity, and this concept is evident in every space in the home. The highlight of the project is the heart of the home: the kitchen. We integrated smooth, sleek, white slab cabinetry to create a functional kitchen with minimal door details and upgraded modernity. The cabinets are topped with concrete-look quartz from Caesarstone; a welcome soft contrast that further emphasizes the contemporary approach we took. The backsplash is a simple and elongated white subway paired against white grout for a modernist grid that virtually melts into the background. Taking the kitchen far outside of its intended footprint, we created a floating island with a waterfall countertop that can house critical cooking fixtures on one side and adequate seating on the other. The island is backed by a dramatic exotic wood countertop that extends into a full wall splash reaching the ceiling. Pops of black and high-gloss finishes in appliances add a touch of drama in an otherwise white field. The entire main level has new hickory floors in a natural finish, allowing the gorgeous variation of the wood to shine. Also included on the main level is a re-face to the living room fireplace, powder room, and upgrades to all walls and lighting. Upstairs, we created two critical retreats: a warm Mediterranean inspired bathroom for the client's mother, and the master bathroom. In the mother's bathroom, we covered the floors and a large accent wall with dramatic travertine tile in a bold Versailles pattern. We paired this highly traditional tile with sleek contemporary floating vanities and dark fixtures for contrast. The shower features a slab quartz base and thin profile glass door. In the master bath, we welcomed drama and explored space planning and material use adventurously. Keeping with the quiet monochromatic palette, we integrated all black and white into our bathroom concept. The floors are covered with large format graphic tiles in a deco pattern that reach through every part of the space. At the vanity area, high gloss white floating vanities offer separate space for his/her use. Tall linear LED fixtures provide ample lighting and illuminate another grid pattern backsplash that runs floor to ceiling. The show-stopping bathtub is a square steel soaker tub that nestles quietly between windows in the bathroom's far corner. We paired this tub with an unapologetic tub filler that is bold and large in scale. Next to the tub, an open shower is adorned with a full expanse of white grid subway tile, a slab quartz shower base, and sleek steel fixtures. This project was exciting and inspiring in its ability to push the boundaries of simplicity and quietude in color. We love the result and are so thrilled that our wonderful clients can enjoy this home for years to come!

This 30" x 24" abstract acrylic painting has been done in shades of cobalt blue, sky blue, citrine, chartreuse, white, soft sea green, and royal blue. Finished in gloss varnish to protect the piece from dust and UV light for years to come. Can be hung vertically or horizontally. Gorgeous vivid rich colors in a great contemporary style.

This project is an exhilarating exploration into function, simplicity, and the beauty of a white palette. Our wonderful client and friend was seeking a massive upgrade to a newly purchased home and had hopes of integrating her European inspired aesthetic throughout. At the forefront of consideration was clean-lined simplicity, and this concept is evident in every space in the home. The highlight of the project is the heart of the home: the kitchen. We integrated smooth, sleek, white slab cabinetry to create a functional kitchen with minimal door details and upgraded modernity. The cabinets are topped with concrete-look quartz from Caesarstone; a welcome soft contrast that further emphasizes the contemporary approach we took. The backsplash is a simple and elongated white subway paired against white grout for a modernist grid that virtually melts into the background. Taking the kitchen far outside of its intended footprint, we created a floating island with a waterfall countertop that can house critical cooking fixtures on one side and adequate seating on the other. The island is backed by a dramatic exotic wood countertop that extends into a full wall splash reaching the ceiling. Pops of black and high-gloss finishes in appliances add a touch of drama in an otherwise white field. The entire main level has new hickory floors in a natural finish, allowing the gorgeous variation of the wood to shine. Also included on the main level is a re-face to the living room fireplace, powder room, and upgrades to all walls and lighting. Upstairs, we created two critical retreats: a warm Mediterranean inspired bathroom for the client's mother, and the master bathroom. In the mother's bathroom, we covered the floors and a large accent wall with dramatic travertine tile in a bold Versailles pattern. We paired this highly traditional tile with sleek contemporary floating vanities and dark fixtures for contrast. The shower features a slab quartz base and thin profile glass door. In the master bath, we welcomed drama and explored space planning and material use adventurously. Keeping with the quiet monochromatic palette, we integrated all black and white into our bathroom concept. The floors are covered with large format graphic tiles in a deco pattern that reach through every part of the space. At the vanity area, high gloss white floating vanities offer separate space for his/her use. Tall linear LED fixtures provide ample lighting and illuminate another grid pattern backsplash that runs floor to ceiling. The show-stopping bathtub is a square steel soaker tub that nestles quietly between windows in the bathroom's far corner. We paired this tub with an unapologetic tub filler that is bold and large in scale. Next to the tub, an open shower is adorned with a full expanse of white grid subway tile, a slab quartz shower base, and sleek steel fixtures. This project was exciting and inspiring in its ability to push the boundaries of simplicity and quietude in color. We love the result and are so thrilled that our wonderful clients can enjoy this home for years to come!

This project is an exhilarating exploration into function, simplicity, and the beauty of a white palette. Our wonderful client and friend was seeking a massive upgrade to a newly purchased home and had hopes of integrating her European inspired aesthetic throughout. At the forefront of consideration was clean-lined simplicity, and this concept is evident in every space in the home. The highlight of the project is the heart of the home: the kitchen. We integrated smooth, sleek, white slab cabinetry to create a functional kitchen with minimal door details and upgraded modernity. The cabinets are topped with concrete-look quartz from Caesarstone; a welcome soft contrast that further emphasizes the contemporary approach we took. The backsplash is a simple and elongated white subway paired against white grout for a modernist grid that virtually melts into the background. Taking the kitchen far outside of its intended footprint, we created a floating island with a waterfall countertop that can house critical cooking fixtures on one side and adequate seating on the other. The island is backed by a dramatic exotic wood countertop that extends into a full wall splash reaching the ceiling. Pops of black and high-gloss finishes in appliances add a touch of drama in an otherwise white field. The entire main level has new hickory floors in a natural finish, allowing the gorgeous variation of the wood to shine. Also included on the main level is a re-face to the living room fireplace, powder room, and upgrades to all walls and lighting. Upstairs, we created two critical retreats: a warm Mediterranean inspired bathroom for the client's mother, and the master bathroom. In the mother's bathroom, we covered the floors and a large accent wall with dramatic travertine tile in a bold Versailles pattern. We paired this highly traditional tile with sleek contemporary floating vanities and dark fixtures for contrast. The shower features a slab quartz base and thin profile glass door. In the master bath, we welcomed drama and explored space planning and material use adventurously. Keeping with the quiet monochromatic palette, we integrated all black and white into our bathroom concept. The floors are covered with large format graphic tiles in a deco pattern that reach through every part of the space. At the vanity area, high gloss white floating vanities offer separate space for his/her use. Tall linear LED fixtures provide ample lighting and illuminate another grid pattern backsplash that runs floor to ceiling. The show-stopping bathtub is a square steel soaker tub that nestles quietly between windows in the bathroom's far corner. We paired this tub with an unapologetic tub filler that is bold and large in scale. Next to the tub, an open shower is adorned with a full expanse of white grid subway tile, a slab quartz shower base, and sleek steel fixtures. This project was exciting and inspiring in its ability to push the boundaries of simplicity and quietude in color. We love the result and are so thrilled that our wonderful clients can enjoy this home for years to come!

2010 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER Project Scope: Transform a little-used room in the client’s lower level into an entertainment center, featuring a 1,500-bottle refrigerated wine cabinet, a wet bar, a custom-made bookshelves surround for existing hearth, and television hanging built-ins. Challenges: Primary technical challenge was to find a way to unobtrusively install a large “split system” chilling unit to service the wine cooler. Solutions The contractor started with a rectangular space that was appreciably stripped down, except for the fireplace at the far end. An adjacent room housed a professional pool table. The client’s primary concern was how to situate the custom-built wine rack were to specify and fabricate. Although there was plenty of space in niche to the left of the stairway, there was no obvious way to locate the wine rack’s chilling unit for ducting and chiller unit. Both client and contractor agreed that the logical setting for the rack would be along the short wall adjacent to the room’s entrance. But the short wall afforded no room for the chiller, a “split system” unit that needed adequate “breathing room” to avoid overheating After many design sketches, the contractor had a tentative solution: house the chilling unit in a utility room behind the stairs leading to the basement. This would keep the unit out of sight and muffle the sound of the compressor. Then question was how to “circumnavigate” the stairwell and run plumbing lines from the utility room – which was about 20 feet away — to the rack. A floor-level path would be exposed to possible damage and aesthetically unpleasing. Installing the line in the concrete slab flooring would be difficult and expensive – and any repairs to the line would mean tearing up the floor.The only alternative, the contractor suggested, would be to route the lines overhead – run them straight up from the chilling unit, over the joists above, and around the back of the stair case. Once past the staircase, it was straight shot above the joists to the short wall; the lines would then run behind the wall to the wine cooler resting on the floor. This highly creative solution pleased the client greatly: it not only isolated the chilling unit, but allowed it to be easily serviced; the lines were protected and out of sight; and the wine rack – situated as it was in the room – seemed like it was part of the original house design. At that point, the contractor needed a wine rack design that seemed equally “original” to the home – and here, too, the challenge was met. Custom-built cabinetry span the length of the wall, with two floor-level cabinets flanking the wine cooler. Above, twin glass-facing walnut displays – lighted and rising nearly to the ceiling – rest on a black marble countertop, showcasing the client’s impressive wine collection. On the long wall perpendicular to the rack, a widescreen television hangs between two built-in bookcases designed by the contractor. The firm also fabricated the two bookcases now flanking the original fireplace in the far end wall – as well as the glass-faced hanging cabinets which are lighted above the newly installed wet bar.

wa design
Example of a trendy exterior home design in San Francisco

Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic l-shaped enclosed kitchen remodel in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, yellow cabinets, soapstone countertops and stainless steel appliances

This project is an exhilarating exploration into function, simplicity, and the beauty of a white palette. Our wonderful client and friend was seeking a massive upgrade to a newly purchased home and had hopes of integrating her European inspired aesthetic throughout. At the forefront of consideration was clean-lined simplicity, and this concept is evident in every space in the home. The highlight of the project is the heart of the home: the kitchen. We integrated smooth, sleek, white slab cabinetry to create a functional kitchen with minimal door details and upgraded modernity. The cabinets are topped with concrete-look quartz from Caesarstone; a welcome soft contrast that further emphasizes the contemporary approach we took. The backsplash is a simple and elongated white subway paired against white grout for a modernist grid that virtually melts into the background. Taking the kitchen far outside of its intended footprint, we created a floating island with a waterfall countertop that can house critical cooking fixtures on one side and adequate seating on the other. The island is backed by a dramatic exotic wood countertop that extends into a full wall splash reaching the ceiling. Pops of black and high-gloss finishes in appliances add a touch of drama in an otherwise white field. The entire main level has new hickory floors in a natural finish, allowing the gorgeous variation of the wood to shine. Also included on the main level is a re-face to the living room fireplace, powder room, and upgrades to all walls and lighting. Upstairs, we created two critical retreats: a warm Mediterranean inspired bathroom for the client's mother, and the master bathroom. In the mother's bathroom, we covered the floors and a large accent wall with dramatic travertine tile in a bold Versailles pattern. We paired this highly traditional tile with sleek contemporary floating vanities and dark fixtures for contrast. The shower features a slab quartz base and thin profile glass door. In the master bath, we welcomed drama and explored space planning and material use adventurously. Keeping with the quiet monochromatic palette, we integrated all black and white into our bathroom concept. The floors are covered with large format graphic tiles in a deco pattern that reach through every part of the space. At the vanity area, high gloss white floating vanities offer separate space for his/her use. Tall linear LED fixtures provide ample lighting and illuminate another grid pattern backsplash that runs floor to ceiling. The show-stopping bathtub is a square steel soaker tub that nestles quietly between windows in the bathroom's far corner. We paired this tub with an unapologetic tub filler that is bold and large in scale. Next to the tub, an open shower is adorned with a full expanse of white grid subway tile, a slab quartz shower base, and sleek steel fixtures. This project was exciting and inspiring in its ability to push the boundaries of simplicity and quietude in color. We love the result and are so thrilled that our wonderful clients can enjoy this home for years to come!

www.nicholasgingold.com
Example of a classic backyard patio design in Orange County