About five years ago, these homeowners saw the potential in a brick-and-oak-heavy, wallpaper-bedecked, 1990s-in-all-the-wrong-ways home tucked in a wooded patch among fields somewhere between Indianapolis and Bloomington. Their first project with SYH was a kitchen remodel, a total overhaul completed by JL Benton Contracting, that added color and function for this family of three (not counting the cats). A couple years later, they were knocking on our door again to strip the ensuite bedroom of its ruffled valences and red carpet—a bold choice that ran right into the bathroom (!)—and make it a serene retreat. Color and function proved the goals yet again, and JL Benton was back to make the design reality. The clients thoughtfully chose to maximize their budget in order to get a whole lot of bells and whistles—details that undeniably change their daily experience of the space. The fantastic zero-entry shower is composed of handmade tile from Heath Ceramics of California. A window where the was none, a handsome teak bench, thoughtful niches, and Kohler fixtures in vibrant brushed nickel finish complete the shower. Custom mirrors and cabinetry by Stoll’s Woodworking, in both the bathroom and closet, elevate the whole design. What you don't see: heated floors, which everybody needs in Indiana. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Stoll's Woodworking Photographer: Michiko Owaki

Example of an eclectic enclosed medium tone wood floor living room library design in New York with white walls

Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean vegetable garden landscape in Santa Barbara.

In south Seattle, a tiny backyard garden needed a makeover to add usability and create a sitting area for entertaining. Raised garden beds for edible plants provide the transition between the existing deck and new patio below, eliminating the need for a railing. A firepit provides the focal point for the new patio. Angles create drama and direct flow to the steel stairs and gate. Installed June, 2014. Photography: Mark S. Garff ASLA, LLA

Inspiration for an industrial garden shed remodel in Seattle

Photo of a modern landscaping in Denver.

Discover inspiration for small and narrow bathroom designs with this elegant transitional space featuring a striking black and white basketweave mosaic tile floor. This functional yet stylish bathroom boasts a white subway-tiled shower with luxurious gold fixtures, a sleek white vanity with coordinating gold hardware, and a space-saving toilet, creating a bright and sophisticated aesthetic perfect for modern homes.

The owners of a charming home in the hills west of Paso Robles recently decided to remodel their not-so-charming kitchen. Referred to San Luis Kitchen by several of their friends, the homeowners visited our showroom and soon decided we were the best people to design a kitchen fitting the style of their home. We were delighted to get to work on the project right away. When we arrived at the house, we found a small, cramped and out-dated kitchen. The ceiling was low, the cabinets old fashioned and painted a stark dead white, and the best view in the house was neglected in a seldom-used breakfast nook (sequestered behind the kitchen peninsula). This kitchen was also handicapped by white tile counters with dark grout, odd-sized and cluttered cabinets, and small ‘desk’ tacked on to the side of the oven cabinet. Due to a marked lack of counter space & inadequate storage the homeowner had resorted to keeping her small appliances on a little cart parked in the corner and the garbage was just sitting by the wall in full view of everything! On the plus side, the kitchen opened into a nice dining room and had beautiful saltillo tile floors. Mrs. Homeowner loves to entertain and often hosts dinner parties for her friends. She enjoys visiting with her guests in the kitchen while putting the finishing touches on the evening’s meal. Sadly, her small kitchen really limited her interactions with her guests – she often felt left out of the mix at her own parties! This savvy homeowner dreamed big – a new kitchen that would accommodate multiple workstations, have space for guests to gather but not be in the way, and maybe a prettier transition from the kitchen to the dining (wine service area or hutch?) – while managing the remodel budget by reusing some of her major appliances and keeping (patching as needed) her existing floors. Responding to the homeowner’s stated wish list and the opportunities presented by the home's setting and existing architecture, the designers at San Luis Kitchen decided to expand the kitchen into the breakfast nook. This change allowed the work area to be reoriented to take advantage of the great view – we replaced the existing window and added another while moving the door to gain space. A second sink and set of refrigerator drawers (housing fresh fruits & veggies) were included for the convenience of this mainly vegetarian cook – her prep station. The clean-up area now boasts a farmhouse style single bowl sink – adding to the ‘cottage’ charm. We located a new gas cook-top between the two workstations for easy access from each. Also tucked in here is a pullout trash/recycle cabinet for convenience and additional drawers for storage. Running parallel to the work counter we added a long butcher-block island with easy-to-access open shelves for the avid cook and seating for friendly guests placed just right to take in the view. A counter-top garage is used to hide excess small appliances. Glass door cabinets and open shelves are now available to display the owners beautiful dishware. The microwave was placed inconspicuously on the end of the island facing the refrigerator – easy access for guests (and extraneous family members) to help themselves to drinks and snacks while staying out of the cook’s way. We also moved the pantry storage away from the dining room (putting it on the far wall and closer to the work triangle) and added a furniture-like hutch in its place allowing the more formal dining area to flow seamlessly into the up-beat work area of the kitchen. This space is now also home (opposite wall) to an under counter wine refrigerator, a liquor cabinet and pretty glass door wall cabinet for stemware storage – meeting Mr. Homeowner’s desire for a bar service area. And then the aesthetic: an old-world style country cottage theme. The homeowners wanted the kitchen to have a warm feel while still loving the look of white cabinetry. San Luis Kitchen melded country-casual knotty pine base cabinets with vintage hand-brushed creamy white wall cabinets to create the desired cottage look. We also added bead board and mullioned glass doors for charm, used an inset doorstyle on the cabinets for authenticity, and mixed stone and wood counters to create an eclectic nuance in the space. All in all, the happy homeowners now boast a charming county cottage kitchen with plenty of space for entertaining their guests while creating gourmet meals to feed them. Credits: Custom cabinetry by Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry Contracting by Michael Pezzato of Lost Coast Construction Stone counters by Pyramid M.T.M.

Patio photo in Boston

Example of a classic kitchen design in Houston

This small backyard landscape sandwiched between home and garage, was transformed from a drab weed patch into a stunning outdoor breakfast nook! Porcelain patio pavers were carefully installed for improved drainage to move water away from the home. A new cedar fence was installed between neighboring lots. A custom cedar trellis was installed over the garage facade, to draw attention away from the garage siding, framing windows and foliage. Pretty white planters, large hydrangea blooms, crisp lime green hostas and purple pansies add color and brightness to this shaded retreat. LED lighting and irrigation systems were also integrated into the landscape.

Originally this side patio was simply a barren cement patch that was cold and uninviting (see the BEFORE picture). It has a basic stone and concrete patio floor, with concrete brick walls. There was some natural bamboo behind the wall, but otherwise no plants. The house sits down in to the property, and to get to the front door you have to descend a steep set of stairs. This patio area is one of the first things people see as they descend the stairs to the front door, so we wanted to make it as inviting and cozy as possible. Plus, with all the natural tree coverage, it's a perfect place during hot days to curl up with a book or glass of wine under the shade. Not wanting to spend money on a massive renovation, the goal was to create a cozy niche for both entertaining guests and personal relaxation, reminiscent of an India-meets-Bali exotic retreat. We created something that was organic and natural looking, in harmony with the relaxed environment of Laguna Beach. To keep it budget friendly - and better for the environment - we also opted for recycled and pre-owned items we found on Craiglist and eBay. I chose to first mask the barren concrete walls with an carved wood screen from India, to add depth and interest. I placed two large daybeds with heavily padded cushions in an “L” shape to entice people to curl up and sink in. Rather than opting for a regular square patio table, I found a one-of-a-kind custom oak tree slab table (a fantastic Craiglist find!) that added a beautiful organic feel. The Moroccan lamp I brought back from one of my trips to Marrakech, and it added the perfect personal touch, in addition to personal sacred objects such as an antique Kwan Yin statue (great eBay find), crystals, and shells found at the beach. Finally, various plants were added — including both a satsuma orange tree and grapefruit tree that add lovely bursts of color when in season. And makes for a great quick snack when lounging about!

About five years ago, these homeowners saw the potential in a brick-and-oak-heavy, wallpaper-bedecked, 1990s-in-all-the-wrong-ways home tucked in a wooded patch among fields somewhere between Indianapolis and Bloomington. Their first project with SYH was a kitchen remodel, a total overhaul completed by JL Benton Contracting, that added color and function for this family of three (not counting the cats). A couple years later, they were knocking on our door again to strip the ensuite bedroom of its ruffled valences and red carpet—a bold choice that ran right into the bathroom (!)—and make it a serene retreat. Color and function proved the goals yet again, and JL Benton was back to make the design reality. The clients thoughtfully chose to maximize their budget in order to get a whole lot of bells and whistles—details that undeniably change their daily experience of the space. The fantastic zero-entry shower is composed of handmade tile from Heath Ceramics of California. A window where the was none, a handsome teak bench, thoughtful niches, and Kohler fixtures in vibrant brushed nickel finish complete the shower. Custom mirrors and cabinetry by Stoll’s Woodworking, in both the bathroom and closet, elevate the whole design. What you don't see: heated floors, which everybody needs in Indiana. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Stoll's Woodworking Photographer: Michiko Owaki

1950s porch idea in Other

Emily Minton Redfield
Bedroom - eclectic medium tone wood floor bedroom idea in Denver with gray walls

Will Austin Photography
Example of a 1960s home design design in Seattle

The galvanized trough planters serve as a focal point and provide an easy way to plant seasonal herbs, greens, berries and flowers. Good planting mix means there is no shovel needed--just scoop the dirt aside and plant the rest of the rooted herbs from the store. The center trough grows golden raspberries, lettuce and herbs. The chicken wire keeps squirrels from damaging the raspberry stalks.

Inspiration for a farmhouse landscaping in San Francisco.

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Grand Rapids