Photos: Jaime Alverez Contractor: Max Silver Custom master bathroom design and buildout by Max Silver Construction
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master white tile and subway tile alcove shower remodel in Philadelphia with white walls, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, an undermount sink and a niche

Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in Phoenix with green walls

Inspiration for a timeless white tile corner shower remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets and gray walls

Our designer has achieved a stylish look by combining dark cabinets and light-colored marbles.

Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets and white backsplash

Example of a trendy medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in Chicago with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

A vintage mid-century modern arm chair in the manner of Milo Baughman, its original burnt orange textile makes an elegant pairing with the simple plaster fireplace and wall hung American Walnut entertainment console. The vintage pelican statue is hand carved of solid wood with brass webbed feet, circa 1970.

Recycled wood stair treads and risers flow up in an artful manner. A simple steel handrail and guardrail system with cable rail allows the stair an openness within the space

Study room - transitional built-in desk medium tone wood floor study room idea in Minneapolis

Architecture by Donald Lococo Architects. Audio/Video by Bethesda Systems. Photography © John Cole Photography
Inspiration for a large modern master carpeted bedroom remodel in DC Metro with beige walls and no fireplace

Ann Kenkel Interiors Russell Hirshon Photography Guest Bedroom in 10,000 sq. ft Manor House in St. Michael's Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay.Coastal Estate in St. Michael's Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. House was designed after the original 1770's house on the property. Home was designed to be a formal house but was now being used as a weekend retreat. Ann Kenkel had to decorate the house in a manner which was coastal enough so owner's felt like they were on vacation yet formal enough for the style of the house. AK found the house filled with wallpaper from the 1980's. Wallpaper from every room was removed and all trim had to be painted a neutral color. The formal dining room only had one entry. AK opened up a second entry into the dining room which provided a view of the Chesapeake Bay. Keywords: coastal estate, bay estate, luxury estate on Chesapeake Bay, St. Michael's home, best designer in St. Michael's, best coastal designer, best Chesapeake bay designer, window treatments, window treatments for over transom windows, chenille sofas, silk pillows, TV over fireplace, blue and yellow bedroom, coral and beige bedroom, british plantation style, blue toile bedroom, blue and green bedroom, coral dining room, red dining room, hand planed table, neutral living room, neutral sunroom, blue and green kitchen, blue family room, cherry paneled library, Ralph Lauren leather chairs, yellow chinoiserie wallpaper, shell mirror, tole lamps, gated drive, pea gravel drive, circular drive, piano, zebra fabric, trim on pillows, trim on draperies, panels and valances, georgian house, sunburst mirror, glass coffee table, star lamps, red and yellow toile draperies, ivory painted chairs, white painted chairs, nautical accessories, coastal coral bedroom, coastal blue bedroom, coastal yellow bedroom, blue and green toile bedroom, stables, paddock, outdoor stainless kitchen, dock, tan draperies, neutral chenille sofas, blue sofas, blue chairs with white frame, needlepoint rug, shell plates, bamboo silverware, white bedroom furniture, dark wood bedroom furniture, plaid chairs, wilton carpet, bright sunroom, chairs and ottomans, regency valance, scarf swags, swags, red leopard pillows, toile bedding, game table, game table chairs on coaster, shells, hydrangeas, shell lamp, sailboat art, sailboat paintings, cane headboard, 4 poster bed.Coastal Estate in St. Michael's Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. House was designed after the original 1770's house on the property. Home was designed to be a formal house but was now being used as a weekend retreat. Ann Kenkel had to decorate the house in a manner which was coastal enough so owner's felt like they were on vacation yet formal enough for the style of the house. AK found the house filled with wallpaper from the 1980's. Wallpaper from every room was removed and all trim had to be painted a neutral color. The formal dining room only had one entry. AK opened up a second entry into the dining room which provided a view of the Chesapeake Bay. Keywords: coastal estate, bay estate, luxury estate on Chesapeake Bay, St. Michael's home, best designer in St. Michael's, best coastal designer, best Chesapeake bay designer, window treatments, window treatments for over transom windows, chenille sofas, silk pillows, TV over fireplace, blue and yellow bedroom, coral and beige bedroom, british plantation style, blue toile bedroom, blue and green bedroom, coral dining room, red dining room, hand planed table, neutral living room, neutral sunroom, blue and green kitchen, blue family room, cherry paneled library, Ralph Lauren leather chairs, yellow chinoiserie wallpaper, shell mirror, tole lamps, gated drive, pea gravel drive, circular drive, piano, zebra fabric, trim on pillows, trim on draperies, panels and valances, georgian house, sunburst mirror, glass coffee table, star lamps, red and yellow toile draperies, ivory painted chairs, white painted chairs, nautical accessories, coastal coral bedroom, coastal blue bedroom, coastal yellow bedroom, blue and green toile bedroom, stables, paddock, outdoor stainless kitchen, dock, tan draperies, neutral chenille sofas, blue sofas, blue chairs with white frame, needlepoint rug, shell plates, bamboo silverware, white bedroom furniture, dark wood bedroom furniture, plaid chairs, wilton carpet, bright sunroom, chairs and ottomans, regency valance, scarf swags, swags, red leopard pillows, toile bedding, game table, game table chairs on coaster, shells, hydrangeas, shell lamp, sailboat art, sailboat paintings, cane headboard, 4 poster bed.

Collaborative deisng between Eidolon, Design Lines, LTD and client. His and Her sides accommodate all manner of clothing, accessories and shoes, as well as a flat screen TV on an articulating arm with all ventilation and wire routing in place before delivery. Antique mirror glass on door exteriors have overlays created by an systematic templating process guaranteeing exact handmade duplication. The far left and far right doors also have full length interior mirrors, adding weight requiring a 6 hinge sets on each door.

Michelle Rose Photography
Living room - transitional enclosed dark wood floor and brown floor living room idea in New York with white walls

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz
Playroom - eclectic gender-neutral carpeted playroom idea in Dallas with white walls

Visit the rest of our portfolio now at : www.laurau.com Learn about our new "design bar" concept, Studio U, online at: www.studiou.com Photography: Julie Soefer

Photo by Stu Estler
Elegant formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor living room photo in DC Metro with beige walls and a standard fireplace

Jeri L. Norris
Large transitional master carpeted bedroom photo in Grand Rapids with yellow walls

A luxe New York cottage designed for Betty Wasserman and her daughter. The minimal design style is mixed with a modern farmhouse feel, resulting in a warm and inviting home. Tailored furnishings, clean lines, high-end textiles, and unique artwork can be found throughout the home. Each space is utilized in a meaningful and functional manner, all without lacking class and style.