Photo of a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

This kitchen was inspired by a french countryside cottage. We used traditional design elements, warm worn finishes, along with french industrial lighting fixtures to bring a magical element to this space. Bright patterns, bold pops of color, and unique trim details bring life to the living space. Photography: Alyssa Lee Photography

This pine is most beautiful in spring when the new growth (candles) appear, but is a great garden anchor year-round.
Inspiration for a contemporary landscaping in Charlotte.

Don Kadair
Inspiration for a timeless living room remodel in New Orleans

Photographer: Jay Goodrich This 2800 sf single-family home was completed in 2009. The clients desired an intimate, yet dynamic family residence that reflected the beauty of the site and the lifestyle of the San Juan Islands. The house was built to be both a place to gather for large dinners with friends and family as well as a cozy home for the couple when they are there alone. The project is located on a stunning, but cripplingly-restricted site overlooking Griffin Bay on San Juan Island. The most practical area to build was exactly where three beautiful old growth trees had already chosen to live. A prior architect, in a prior design, had proposed chopping them down and building right in the middle of the site. From our perspective, the trees were an important essence of the site and respectfully had to be preserved. As a result we squeezed the programmatic requirements, kept the clients on a square foot restriction and pressed tight against property setbacks. The delineate concept is a stone wall that sweeps from the parking to the entry, through the house and out the other side, terminating in a hook that nestles the master shower. This is the symbolic and functional shield between the public road and the private living spaces of the home owners. All the primary living spaces and the master suite are on the water side, the remaining rooms are tucked into the hill on the road side of the wall. Off-setting the solid massing of the stone walls is a pavilion which grabs the views and the light to the south, east and west. Built in a position to be hammered by the winter storms the pavilion, while light and airy in appearance and feeling, is constructed of glass, steel, stout wood timbers and doors with a stone roof and a slate floor. The glass pavilion is anchored by two concrete panel chimneys; the windows are steel framed and the exterior skin is of powder coated steel sheathing.

Cherry custom cabinetry by Wood-Mode (tm) with granite countertops anchor this highly functional and efficient kitchen. This gorgeous kitchen is illuminated by beautiful high-end pendant lights, along with high-efficiency LED under-cabinet lights and recessed cans.

Traditional design is tempered for today’s lifestyle in this stunning kitchen. Custom Bilotta cabinetry with 1” doors exudes elegance with its flush inset construction and a clean-lined stepped Shaker door. “Repose Gray” by Sherwin Williams departs from omnipresent white, yet still maintains a bright ambiance, which is reinforced by natural while oak flooring. A furniture appearance is accomplished by extending some base cabinet stiles into delicate legs. Tapered legs on the island create a “table” for casual meals. Appliances and the hood vent are paneled for a cohesive image. Taking the cabinets to the ceiling maximizes space. The range area has glass upper sections, while the countertop cabinet to the left of the window becomes a glass-fronted hutch. Emphasizing the kitchen’s traditional roots are an apron-front sink, marble countertops, and herringbone marble backsplashes. Though the room isn’t massive, it packs a lot of function. There’s space for a 48” range, a prep sink, and even refrigerator drawers adjacent to the stools. A contemporary glass and walnut table anchors the breakfast area, which includes a planning desk with white oak floating shelves. Brushed brass hardware, plumbing fixtures, stool bases and lighting bring an up-to-date touch with their modern finishes and forms. This kitchen was done in collaboration with lulu HOME. Photography by Paul Johnson Photography.

“Nestled on Sanctuary” in Chagrin Falls is a masterfully re-imagined 5,000 sq ft residence that elevates everyday living into an experience of curated elegance. The owners, after 18 years in their Mediterranean-style home, partnered with Ovation Interior Design and Otero Signature Homes to embark on a full-scale transformation. The vision: to honor the home’s architectural roots while layering in an airy, modern sensibility and bespoke craftsmanship. At the heart of the remodel, the kitchen and breakfast room were merged into a cohesive hub featuring a sweeping curved porcelain island and a custom integrated banquette—rounded forms which ripple through the design narrative appearing in elegant arched openings, sculptural stair details, and gently curved furnishings. Luxurious materials anchor the palette—2 cm full-height quartz backsplash, a custom pewter-and-brass range hood—while richly textured, approachable finishes and layered lighting bring warmth and welcome. Each space is custom-designed for how the clients live and entertain: bespoke cabinetry tailored to daily use, a dramatic color-washed hearth room, a brass-inlaid dry bar, and a statement egg-blue porcelain shower all create moments of surprise and personal imprint. The upstairs has been styled like a boutique-hotel guest suite, with intimate seating areas and thoughtful details such as Ralph Lauren sconces in the kitchen. The result is a home rooted in rhythm, reflection and refined comfort—luxurious without being austere, opulent yet lived-in.

An outdated 1960’s home with smaller rooms typical of this period was completely transformed into a timeless lakefront retreat that embraces the client’s traditions and memories. Anchoring it firmly in the present are modern appliances, extensive use of natural light, and a restructured floor plan that appears both spacious and intimate.

Featuring a classic H-shaped plan and minimalist details, the Winston was designed with the modern family in mind. This home carefully balances a sleek and uniform façade with more contemporary elements. Stepping through a pair of natural wood entry doors gives way to sweeping vistas through the living and dining rooms. Anchoring the left side of the main level, and on axis with the living room, is a large white kitchen island and tiled range surround. To the right, and behind the living rooms sleek fireplace, is a vertical corridor that grants access to the upper level bedrooms, main level master suite, and lower level spaces. Set three steps down from the living room and through an articulating glass wall, the screened porch is enclosed by Phantom’s motorized retractable screens that allows the room to be heated during cold nights. Photography: Ashley Avila Photography

Traditional design is tempered for today’s lifestyle in this stunning kitchen. Custom Bilotta cabinetry with 1” doors exudes elegance with its flush inset construction and a clean-lined stepped Shaker door. “Repose Gray” by Sherwin Williams departs from omnipresent white, yet still maintains a bright ambiance, which is reinforced by natural while oak flooring. A furniture appearance is accomplished by extending some base cabinet stiles into delicate legs. Tapered legs on the island create a “table” for casual meals. Appliances and the hood vent are paneled for a cohesive image. Taking the cabinets to the ceiling maximizes space. The range area has glass upper sections, while the countertop cabinet to the left of the window becomes a glass-fronted hutch. Emphasizing the kitchen’s traditional roots are an apron-front sink, marble countertops, and herringbone marble backsplashes. Though the room isn’t massive, it packs a lot of function. There’s space for a 48” range, a prep sink, and even refrigerator drawers adjacent to the stools. A contemporary glass and walnut table anchors the breakfast area, which includes a planning desk with white oak floating shelves. Brushed brass hardware, plumbing fixtures, stool bases and lighting bring an up-to-date touch with their modern finishes and forms. This kitchen was done in collaboration with lulu HOME. Photography by Paul Johnson Photography.

Traditional design is tempered for today’s lifestyle in this stunning kitchen. Custom Bilotta cabinetry with 1” doors exudes elegance with its flush inset construction and a clean-lined stepped Shaker door. “Repose Gray” by Sherwin Williams departs from omnipresent white, yet still maintains a bright ambiance, which is reinforced by natural while oak flooring. A furniture appearance is accomplished by extending some base cabinet stiles into delicate legs. Tapered legs on the island create a “table” for casual meals. Appliances and the hood vent are paneled for a cohesive image. Taking the cabinets to the ceiling maximizes space. The range area has glass upper sections, while the countertop cabinet to the left of the window becomes a glass-fronted hutch. Emphasizing the kitchen’s traditional roots are an apron-front sink, marble countertops, and herringbone marble backsplashes. Though the room isn’t massive, it packs a lot of function. There’s space for a 48” range, a prep sink, and even refrigerator drawers adjacent to the stools. A contemporary glass and walnut table anchors the breakfast area, which includes a planning desk with white oak floating shelves. Brushed brass hardware, plumbing fixtures, stool bases and lighting bring an up-to-date touch with their modern finishes and forms. This kitchen was done in collaboration with lulu HOME. Photography by Paul Johnson Photography.

Designed as a private sanctuary, Ventana House is a place to retreat and reflect. Located on a steep hillside overlooking the urban sprawl, the residence feels worlds away from the city below. Its cast-in-place concrete walls anchor the structure into the rugged terrain, grounding the architecture within the landscape. This mass is contrasted by a delicate scrim that appears to float above the living spaces, all tucked safely beneath the deep shadows of a large cowboy hat roof—an essential shield against the desert sun.

The dewy hues in this palette create a truly sea-inspired bathroom. Striated Ann Sacks Asher Grey tile and wood floors add warmth to the cool-toned Benjamin Moore's Wickham Gray HC-171 walls. Thunder Grey fixtures anchor the room and complement the vanity painted with Benajmin Moore's City Shadow CSP-60. The beautifully textured rippled glass sinks in Dusk paired with clean-lined faucets in Vibrant Brushed Nickel and the crowning jewels in this undeniably serene bathroom.

“Nestled on Sanctuary” in Chagrin Falls is a masterfully re-imagined 5,000 sq ft residence that elevates everyday living into an experience of curated elegance. The owners, after 18 years in their Mediterranean-style home, partnered with Ovation Interior Design and Otero Signature Homes to embark on a full-scale transformation. The vision: to honor the home’s architectural roots while layering in an airy, modern sensibility and bespoke craftsmanship. At the heart of the remodel, the kitchen and breakfast room were merged into a cohesive hub featuring a sweeping curved porcelain island and a custom integrated banquette—rounded forms which ripple through the design narrative appearing in elegant arched openings, sculptural stair details, and gently curved furnishings. Luxurious materials anchor the palette—2 cm full-height quartz backsplash, a custom pewter-and-brass range hood—while richly textured, approachable finishes and layered lighting bring warmth and welcome. Each space is custom-designed for how the clients live and entertain: bespoke cabinetry tailored to daily use, a dramatic color-washed hearth room, a brass-inlaid dry bar, and a statement egg-blue porcelain shower all create moments of surprise and personal imprint. The upstairs has been styled like a boutique-hotel guest suite, with intimate seating areas and thoughtful details such as Ralph Lauren sconces in the kitchen. The result is a home rooted in rhythm, reflection and refined comfort—luxurious without being austere, opulent yet lived-in.

The remodeling of the kitchen and bathroom forms the core of this interior renovation. The existing peninsula design and cabinetry broke up the ‘great room’ and stood the kitchen as a distinct element within the room. Our design strategy operates more on a principle of integration. As such, we created a galley condition with a spine of cabinetry and appliances that anchors to the long wall of the room. The feature design element is the solid Caesarstone backsplash which appears to be carved from the wall itself. The particular challenge in the windowless bathroom was how to create an inviting, expanded sense of depth without a resulting cave-like feel. Removal of a half wall, soffit and tub unified the space overall. We reinforced the unification with the deployment of a single large format tile spec. Smaller details such as touch latch cabinetry hardware and flush conditions between tile, wall and mirror further the principle that simpler is bigger, deeper and more inviting. We were also charged with elevating what was a pedestrian 1990’s townhouse to something more sophisticated and engaging. Our approach was to first remove builder grade detailing around windows and railings. Then, we introduced simplified profiles and glass guardrails that would extend a consistency established in the new kitchen and bathroom designs. photo by Scott Hargis

Kitchen - large traditional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, black appliances, an island and white countertops

Designed as a private sanctuary, Ventana House is a place to retreat and reflect. Located on a steep hillside overlooking the urban sprawl, the residence feels worlds away from the city below. Its cast-in-place concrete walls anchor the structure into the rugged terrain, grounding the architecture within the landscape. This mass is contrasted by a delicate scrim that appears to float above the living spaces, all tucked safely beneath the deep shadows of a large cowboy hat roof—an essential shield against the desert sun.

Welcome to a newly built home in Redwood City, crafted from the ground up with over 25 years of skilled construction expertise. Original home was demolished. Every detail was thoughtfully designed to meet city standards, limitations, and requirements—resulting in a residence that feels light, crisp, and deeply connected to nature. Wood floors run throughout the home, creating warmth and continuity from the moment you step inside. *Entry & Living Spaces* As you enter through the clean, modern 8-foot door—perfectly aligned with the 9-foot ceiling—you’re greeted by a bright, open feel. The living room centers around a custom fireplace clad in artistic tile, paired with a built-in TV stand. Directly across, double sliding doors invite natural light and seamless indoor-outdoor living. The entire home enjoys a ceiling of 9' with a combination of vaulted ceiling in the primary bedroom. *Kitchen – The Heart of the Home* The kitchen is the true centerpiece. Designed with an open concept and surrounded by generous windows, it features quartz on both the countertops and full-height walls for a luxurious, cohesive aesthetic. A large island—topped with a full slab of quartz—anchors the room, offering extra space between the island and main counters for comfortable movement and entertainment. Two elegant clear pendant lights highlight its presence. Outfitted with top-tier luxury appliances designed for both performance and visual refinement. White cabinetry keeps the look clean and minimalist, while oversized drawers provide functional storage for cooking utensils. The induction cooktop, paired with a pot filler, reinforces the modern and streamlined design. A double oven and an almost-hidden pantry maintain the sleek look, keeping the focus on the kitchen’s architecture and flow. Mudroom & Dining Area Adjacent to the kitchen is a mudroom with a charming barn door leading toward the garage. A half-wall accent features eccentric black-and-white tile, complemented by bold black fixtures. A small custom hidden closet maximizes storage while maintaining a refined appearance. The dining room, open and airy, continues the wood flooring and is adorned with stylish pendant lighting—perfect for gatherings and everyday meals. The wide, open staircase is fully exposed to the dining area and first floor, creating a striking architectural feature that visually connects the spaces. Its modern wood-and-metal design contributes to the home’s open flow while serving as a sculptural centerpiece within the main living level. *Bedrooms & Laundry* Guest and secondary bedrooms are bright and inviting, each with multiple windows framed in sleek black for a modern edge. Every bedroom enjoys its own bathroom, offering comfort and privacy. A compact but well-designed laundry room includes a sink and drying rack, making smart use of space. The second story features an open layout with wide hallways, enhancing the sense of space and natural flow. This home also includes an office and one of the bedrooms is used for a workout space. *Primary Suite* Set apart from the other bedrooms for privacy, the primary suite is a luxurious retreat. An accent wall adds character, while a large walk-in closet offers abundant storage. A skylight fills the room with natural light, enhancing the open, breathable atmosphere. *Bathrooms* Each bathroom was thoughtfully designed with its own personality: - Primary bathroom: The primary bathroom embraces a concrete-inspired look, featuring dual sinks and a spacious shower with double-sided niches—one for each person. An LED makeup mirror adds functional elegance. - Second bathroom: Gray cabinet, tile wall, black fixtures, frameless shower door, and a striking floral tile accent. - Third bathroom: White cabinets, gold fixtures, white tile floors, a shower stall, and a bold green tile feature wall with a large niche. - Fourth bathroom: Blue cabinet, gray tile floors, a tub with frameless shower door, and gray wall tiles paired with sleek chrome fixtures. - Powder Room: Half wall crown molding with black tile design and fixtures. *Exterior & Landscape* The planning process also emphasized low-maintenance landscape design, using easy-care plants that enhance the home’s natural feel without demanding constant upkeep. The home is also equipped with a dedicated EV charging station and solar panels, supporting energy efficiency and modern sustainable living.