Example of a mid-sized country medium tone wood floor great room design in Grand Rapids with white walls

custom potting bench
Photo of a small contemporary partial sun backyard brick landscaping in Orange County.

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

PC: Hallmark Floors
Mid-sized minimalist enclosed light wood floor family room photo in Hawaii with beige walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Minimalist living room photo in Los Angeles

This entertainment center has it all! The built-in entertainment center cabinetry by Dura Supreme fills the back wall and surrounds the coordinating fireplace mantle. The entertainment center includes speaker door inserts to conceal and safely store the sound system speakers and other media equipment. It also houses a large, flat-screen TV. Not to mention, wall to wall storage and decorative glass cabinetry to showcase your best decor pieces. Built-in Media Centers: They have become a fashionable feature in new homes and a popular remodeling project for existing homes. With open floor plans, the media room is often designed adjacent to the kitchen, and it makes good sense to visually tie these rooms together with coordinating cabinetry styling and finishes. Dura Supreme’s entertainment cabinetry is designed to fit the conventional sizing requirements for media components. With our entertainment accessories, your sound system, speakers, gaming systems, and movie library can be kept organized and accessible. Designed by Mingle Team - Plymouth, MN Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator

The homeowners of this condo sought our assistance when downsizing from a large family home on Howe Sound to a small urban condo in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver. They asked us to incorporate many of their precious antiques and art pieces into the new design. Our challenges here were twofold; first, how to deal with the unconventional curved floor plan with vast South facing windows that provide a 180 degree view of downtown Vancouver, and second, how to successfully merge an eclectic collection of antique pieces into a modern setting. We began by updating most of their artwork with new matting and framing. We created a gallery effect by grouping like artwork together and displaying larger pieces on the sections of wall between the windows, lighting them with black wall sconces for a graphic effect. We re-upholstered their antique seating with more contemporary fabrics choices - a gray flannel on their Victorian fainting couch and a fun orange chenille animal print on their Louis style chairs. We selected black as an accent colour for many of the accessories as well as the dining room wall to give the space a sophisticated modern edge. The new pieces that we added, including the sofa, coffee table and dining light fixture are mid century inspired, bridging the gap between old and new. White walls and understated wallpaper provide the perfect backdrop for the colourful mix of antique pieces. Interior Design by Lori Steeves, Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography

Beach style home office photo in Orange County

Home office - transitional built-in desk dark wood floor and brown floor home office idea in Baltimore with white walls

Home office - southwestern home office idea in Albuquerque

We created this glorious retreat for our homeowners, who live with 3 kids, 2 giant golden retrievers, and 2 cats. After assessing the Feng Shui and coming up with a design plan, we designed a serene space that encouraged romance and peace. The Carrara marble in the main bathroom is timeless, and really bounces the light around. We used all British faucets, sinks, and a soaking tub, complete with English tub filler. The deal was, the husband got a huge walk-in shower, and his wife got her bathtub. Everyone is happy!

Inspiration for a timeless living room remodel in New York

Kitchen - coastal l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen idea in Other with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Example of a trendy living room design in San Diego

For their third Urbanology collaboration, longtime clients and close friends, the Songs, both physicians, envisioned a beautifully designed home in Dallas that exuded calm functionality and understated beauty. Rooted in their Asian heritage and Kim’s love for wabi-sabi simplicity, the design embraced clean lines, warm neutrals, and tactile materials that feel approachable yet elevated. The entry and living spaces were reimagined with textural millwork and a sculptural fireplace, creating cohesion and a serene rhythm between daily life and family gatherings. In the office, a once-awkward layout was transformed through custom millwork that turned the piano into a purposeful centerpiece, joined by a reading nook and seamless storage. The expansive primary bedroom gained intimacy and balance through built-in plaster planters, library-style cabinetry, and a curved sofa perfect for evening wine and conversation. Peter’s guest-turned-primary bath became a master class in function, featuring seamless, antimicrobial surfaces and smart hidden storage for his daily rituals. Through every detail, this third phase of the Midway Hollow residence reflects “the art of ease”: spaces that are clean but lived-in, practical but poetic. What began as functional refinements evolved into a warm, layered home—one that honors the couple’s rhythm, heritage, and pursuit of a life beautifully designed, but never overdone.

We created this glorious retreat for our homeowners, who live with 3 kids, 2 giant golden retrievers, and 2 cats. After assessing the Feng Shui and coming up with a design plan, we designed a serene space that encouraged romance and peace. The Carrara marble in the main bathroom is timeless, and really bounces the light around. We used all British faucets, sinks, and a soaking tub, complete with English tub filler. The deal was, the husband got a huge walk-in shower, and his wife got her bathtub. Everyone is happy!

Light-filled home office with plaid wallcovering, wood desk, and cozy chair near windows.
Example of an arts and crafts home office design in San Francisco

Orange Moon Interiors is bringing southern charm to southwest Florida!
Example of a classic wallpaper home office design in Tampa