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The inspiration for this unique project draws on the clients’ love of Paris and the city’s vibrant romanticism and mix of architectural styles. Our challenge was to elevate builder-grade finishes in a newly-constructed townhome to create an urban retreat with aged patina for this young couple. Soft industrial elements were layered over Old-World inspired details on nearly every surface for maximum impact. We added rustic wood ceilings and industrial beams to create drama, texture, and value throughout.
A Parisian-inspired glass/iron wall divider relieves the open concept floor plan, creating a more intimate seating space. Oversized pendants of steel, blown glass, horsehair and faux horn provide soft illumination while drawing the eye upward to architectural ceiling details. Custom midnight blue built-ins create a library that frames the entry and study. The deep and dramatic color palette of paint and wallpaper that adorns the walls is a vibrant mix of cobalt, citron, teal and smoky lavender. Light pours into the rooms from the large windows, reflects off the oversized acid-wash mirror, and forms dramatic shadows on the walls, setting the mood for this home.

Dining area and patio.
Cottage light wood floor dining room photo in Santa Barbara with white walls
Cottage light wood floor dining room photo in Santa Barbara with white walls

James Bruce
Inspiration for a huge mediterranean master dark wood floor bedroom remodel in Austin
Inspiration for a huge mediterranean master dark wood floor bedroom remodel in Austin
Find the right local pro for your project

Anne Matheis
Mid-sized elegant master white tile and stone slab marble floor bathroom photo in St Louis with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, a drop-in sink, solid surface countertops and a hinged shower door
Mid-sized elegant master white tile and stone slab marble floor bathroom photo in St Louis with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, a drop-in sink, solid surface countertops and a hinged shower door

Construction by SoCalContractor.com
This curbless shower makes it easy to walk or wheel into the shower. The bench flips up if more space is needed.
Safety grab bars don't have to look like a hospital. These brushed nickel bars are super stylish with engraved notching on the ends.

Construction by SoCalContractor.com
Note how cabinets open for wheelchair accessibility.
Walk-in shower - transitional white tile and ceramic tile walk-in shower idea in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble countertops, a one-piece toilet and an undermount tub
Walk-in shower - transitional white tile and ceramic tile walk-in shower idea in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble countertops, a one-piece toilet and an undermount tub

Rockwood Cabinets
Dale Lang of NW Architectural Photography
Elegant dark wood floor home office photo in Portland
Elegant dark wood floor home office photo in Portland

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

Our clients came to us with their vision and an ask to create a timeless family space grounded in their English roots.
What resulted was just that: an open and bright English-inspired kitchen featuring custom inset-cabinetry in three painted finishes, aged brass hardware, a large range alcove with built-in shelving, oversized island with plenty of prep space with oversized brass bell pendants and a 12' floor to ceiling pantry.
While carefully designed and expertly crafted, the kitchen is "no -fuss" in personality and quite livable for the family which were two must-haves characteristics for the homeowners.
To achieve the look and flow, the former posts in the kitchen were removed and two 24' steel beams were installed to support the second floor. All beams, new and old, were sanded down and refinished with a custom stain.
We created an opening into the dining room, letting light stream through throughout the day and creating sight lines from room-to-room for this busy family.
Modifications were made to the framing of adjacent rooms to allow for the floor-to-ceiling pantry to be installed. New paint, refinished floors, new appliances, and windows were also a part of the overall scope.

This Waukesha bathroom remodel was unique because the homeowner needed wheelchair accessibility. We designed a beautiful master bathroom and met the client’s ADA bathroom requirements.
Original Space
The old bathroom layout was not functional or safe. The client could not get in and out of the shower or maneuver around the vanity or toilet. The goal of this project was ADA accessibility.
ADA Bathroom Requirements
All elements of this bathroom and shower were discussed and planned. Every element of this Waukesha master bathroom is designed to meet the unique needs of the client. Designing an ADA bathroom requires thoughtful consideration of showering needs.
Open Floor Plan – A more open floor plan allows for the rotation of the wheelchair. A 5-foot turning radius allows the wheelchair full access to the space.
Doorways – Sliding barn doors open with minimal force. The doorways are 36” to accommodate a wheelchair.
Curbless Shower – To create an ADA shower, we raised the sub floor level in the bedroom. There is a small rise at the bedroom door and the bathroom door. There is a seamless transition to the shower from the bathroom tile floor.
Grab Bars – Decorative grab bars were installed in the shower, next to the toilet and next to the sink (towel bar).
Handheld Showerhead – The handheld Delta Palm Shower slips over the hand for easy showering.
Shower Shelves – The shower storage shelves are minimalistic and function as handhold points.
Non-Slip Surface – Small herringbone ceramic tile on the shower floor prevents slipping.
ADA Vanity – We designed and installed a wheelchair accessible bathroom vanity. It has clearance under the cabinet and insulated pipes.
Lever Faucet – The faucet is offset so the client could reach it easier. We installed a lever operated faucet that is easy to turn on/off.
Integrated Counter/Sink – The solid surface counter and sink is durable and easy to clean.
ADA Toilet – The client requested a bidet toilet with a self opening and closing lid. ADA bathroom requirements for toilets specify a taller height and more clearance.
Heated Floors – WarmlyYours heated floors add comfort to this beautiful space.
Linen Cabinet – A custom linen cabinet stores the homeowners towels and toiletries.
Style
The design of this bathroom is light and airy with neutral tile and simple patterns. The cabinetry matches the existing oak woodwork throughout the home.

Located on farmland in McLean, Virginia, the American Farmhouse balances the expected comforts of a new home with the bucolic beauty of an old farmhouse. The final site plan still has evidence showing parallel courses of the barn’s destiny. The house mass is broken and lowered so that the home can remain secondary to the monolithic barn structure. Earthy and elemental materials are selected for the home that reference the barn without directly mimicking it. Wooden members found inside the barn and from other barns bridge ceilings and are used in floors along with rustic slate adding to a sense of simplicity to the farmhouse design.
The age and patina of the barn is reflected in the house’s textural use of board and batten and field stone layered similar to stone foundations. The original development plan was to demolish the existing barn and construct three suburban homes. Part of an endangered breed, as one of the few remaining barns in the area, it was originally viewed as a challenge in a luxury home construction with several difficulties posed to the impending project: it would be expensive to renovate, vulnerable to demolition, and threatened by urban sprawl. However, instead of trying to alter or destroy the barn, the structure was fully embraced into the traditional architecture project as a centerpiece and was used as the inspiration for the home. The new house was sited parallel to the barn so that views to the barn gable were accessible.

Reclaimed wood box beams form a dramatic coffered tray ceiling in this contemporary family room, their warm honey-brown to reddish-brown tones and strongly grained faces creating a bold geometric ceiling feature that anchors the entire space. The depth and warmth of these antique timbers bring a richness to the room that no painted or manufactured ceiling treatment can replicate, proving that reclaimed wood belongs just as naturally in a modern interior as it does in a traditional one. Sourced from 19th and early 20th century structures, these box beams carry a naturally aged patina and honest grain that only old growth hardwoods develop over a century of use. Through our process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling, Manomin Resawn Timbers prepares these antique timbers to make a statement on any ceiling.
Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner looking to add reclaimed wood box beams to a contemporary family room ceiling, Manomin Resawn Timbers has been helping people discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood since 2002. We ship nationwide and are happy to help you find the right pieces from anywhere in the country. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to get started.

When our clients purchased their Fairfax Station home at the beginning of the pandemic, the main living areas had already been updated. However, three bathrooms were still stuck in the1980s. We tackled the upstairs primary and hall bathrooms first to ensure our clients had a working bathroom while construction was underway. Once the upstairs renovations were completed, we moved on to the main level guest bathroom.
Primary Bathroom Transformation:
The old primary bathroom had a small dark shower stall, a basic alcove tub, and the original 40-year-old plumbing, vanities, and tile. We completely gutted the space and made some minor layout changes to maximize functionality and create a serene retreat complete with free-standing soaking tub and generous walk-in shower. Expanding the shower’s footprint and replacing the full-height walls with a glass surround opened up the space, making the entire bathroom feel larger and more airy. Marble shelves and a shaving ledge add convenience and style. A large double vanity provides ample storage and a full 7 feet of countertop space. Mixed metal finishes elevate the design, with soft gold accents and brushed nickel fixtures pairing perfectly with the classic gray vanity and muted marble tiles. We reconfigured the dressing area, added custom closet built-ins, and installed new carpet throughout to complete this tailored transformation.
Hall Bathroom Update:
The hall bathroom did not require any significant layout changes, but the dated fixtures and finishes all had to go. We wanted the new bathroom to feel both classic and fresh, so we opted for a polished finish palette, including sleek white subway tiles on the walls and marble-look hexagonal on the floor. A furniture-style vanity, in dark navy, was paired with a distinctive Carrara marble top and sleek chrome fixtures for a modern twist. The tub+shower combo features both a standard shower head and multi-function handheld for optimum flexibility – great for bathing children and pets alike. This renovation blended classic details with modern functionality, creating a bathroom that’s both timeless and fresh.
Guest Bathroom Update:
The home’s main level bathroom serves as both powder room and guest bathroom with 2 separate entrances. The in-swing door from the guest bedroom made the already narrow bathroom feel even more cramped. By installing a pocket door at the guest bedroom, we immediately improved the flow and usability of the space. The shower was upgraded with handcrafted white subway tile and contrasting grout, creating a clean, tailored look that elevates the room. Thoughtful details—like discreet grab bars and a handheld shower on a slide bar—make the space adaptable and comfortable for guests of all ages. A marble mosaic floor sets a refined backdrop for the freestanding black vanity, while the cross-bar handles offer a nod to the past on these modern-day fixtures.

Our brief was to remodel the existing 1st floor bath in a meticulously preserved Craftsman style cottage for aging in place. The result is a spacious, airy bath with curbless shower and washer/dryer.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

This lovely kitchen has vaulted white wood ceilings with wood beams. The light hardwood floor adds to the open airy feeling of this space.
Photo by Jim Bartsch

This old 1920's home is thought to be an original George Washington Smith home, has now been updated and extended by Architect Bob Easton of Santa Barbara.
Arched walls over stairs, plaster fireplaces, and very simple, comfortable design make for a very livable home for this family with multiple pets. Leather sofas for an easy feel, over antique hand knotted rugs and old world furniture show off this old Spanish home in the Ojai Valley. The Designers used periwinkle colored windows and doors to play off the black iron windows, and real Malibu tile with white marble tile surrounds around a blue granite kitchen island. The living room ceiling is completely original, and is the inspiration for the new exposed beam master suite ceilings. All the lighting is custom wrought iron fixtures, made especially for this home. A powder room features deep blue tiles and Malibu tile wainscot, the paintings are all of simple early California scenes which all make for an earthy, simple old time style, Project Location: Ojai, California. Project designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more.

The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S.
Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building.
On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property.
Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day.
In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house.
From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

94 year old mother's birthday surprise! Wheelchair bound, her family spruced up her bathroom to accommodate her.
Fully wheelchair accessible shower
Handicap accessible bathroom and shower, Bethesda, MD
Wheelchair accessible renovation
Wheelchair accessible bathroom
Wheelchair lift
Accessible shower
Barrier free whole house remodel
ADA bathroom
Accessible design bathroom
Non-slip bathroom flooring
Accessible bathroom ideas
ADA ideas

NATURAL and HEALTHY--STEEPED in HISTORY
Whitewashed brick, stone and stucco exteriors are gorgeous with a charming Old-World look and feel. The natural appearance of authentic slaked lime has no equal and is particularly well suited to brick, stone masonry and stucco exterior and interior surfaces. The beauty of lime is in the aging process, as witnessed over countless centuries among the castles and important structures of the Mediterranean regions of Europe. There, countless layers of lime wash provide patina and texture that we can replicate, literally in a single application. Lime occurs naturally and this lime has been aged for 3 years. Slaked lime is unlike any modern acrylic paint finish. It absorbs and calcifies onto the brick making it a mineral-like part of the surface. It naturally breathes and will never peel, blister or flake and requires very little maintenance. Limewash can be applied in a variety of applications giving a one of-a-kind look to your walls and exteriors. And Limewash delivers a unique color and patina that gracefully ages over time developing variations in color and tone. This variable aging process adds to the Old-World drama, becoming more beautiful with time.

The Johnson-Thompson House, built c. 1750, has the distinct title as being the oldest structure in Winchester. Many alterations were made over the years to keep up with the times, but most recently it had the great fortune to get just the right family who appreciated and capitalized on its legacy. From the newly installed pine floors with cut, hand driven nails to the authentic rustic plaster walls, to the original timber frame, this 300 year old Georgian farmhouse is a masterpiece of old and new. Together with the homeowners and Cummings Architects, Windhill Builders embarked on a journey to salvage all of the best from this home and recreate what had been lost over time. To celebrate its history and the stories within, rooms and details were preserved where possible, woodwork and paint colors painstakingly matched and blended; the hall and parlor refurbished; the three run open string staircase lovingly restored; and details like an authentic front door with period hinges masterfully created. To accommodate its modern day family an addition was constructed to house a brand new, farmhouse style kitchen with an oversized island topped with reclaimed oak and a unique backsplash fashioned out of brick that was sourced from the home itself. Bathrooms were added and upgraded, including a spa-like retreat in the master bath, but include features like a claw foot tub, a niche with exposed brick and a magnificent barn door, as nods to the past. This renovation is one for the history books!
Eric Roth
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