Marty Paoletta, ProMedia Tours
Inspiration for a transitional gray tile and mosaic tile ceramic tile bathroom remodel in Nashville with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops and gray walls

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours Envision Virtual Tours and High Resolution Photography is your best choice to find just what you are looking for in the Ellijay, Ga. area .Ellijay, Georgia, known as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia, is located between the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers where they join to make the Coosawattee River and is the county seat of Gilmer County, Georgia. The origin of the city’s name is not certain but thought to be the English derivative of an Indian word(s) meaning “many waters”, “place of green things” or “new ground”. Some histories say it may have been named for an Indian chief. Inhabited for countless years by the Cherokee people indigenous to the North Georgia, the area was first mentioned as a village and trade center before the onslaught of white settlers inhabited the region. During the 1830’s both white settlers and Indians occupied Ellijay. During the original land lottery in 1832, Martin Scalf acquired the 160 acre lot where the town now stands. In 1833, Clemonds Quinland bought 10 acres from Scalf, retained one acre for himself and donated the rest of the purchase to the County. A plan for twenty town lots, streets and a public square was created and the streets were oriented to allow maximum sunlight exposure to the buildings. Proceeds from lot sales were used to build a jail and courthouse and pay other city expenses. During this same year, Gilmer County was appropriated $800.00 from the State to build a school, and a three-acre lot was donated for the city cemetery. On December 29, l834, Ellijay was incorporated and designated as the County seat of Gilmer County. By 1837, the town had twenty dwellings, three stores and one attorney. Most of these early buildings were of log construction. Many roads led to Ellijay by 1849. The population had grown to 150 by 1850 and the town at five stores. Some wood-frame buildings were being constructed at this time and in 1854, a new courthouse was built in the center of the square, replacing the earlier building. The County’s first newspaper was the Ellijay Courier, started in 1875, and during this time period, Ellijay was a stop on the stagecoach line. The railroad bridge over the Cartecay River was completed in 1884 and the town now had rail service. With the arrival of the railroad and subsequent tracks to White Path, Ellijay began to grow much faster. Many hotels were constructed and land was donated for a depot east of town. More industries, such as a cheese factory and the Shippen Brothers Lumber Mill, located in Ellijay. By 1898, the city had expanded its limits in every direction and now included the depot. By 1900, all the buildings on the town square were brick. This included the recently completed Hyatt Hotel. Most of the other buildings in town were still of log construction, but new wood-frame buildings were being built. The Shippen Brothers Lumber Company production was expanding and exporting their lumber to Europe. Within the next few decades, this company grew to be one of the largest employers in Ellijay, often with five to six million feet of lumber in the yard at one time. The population of Ellijay grew to 659 by 1910, and began to acquire many new modern conveniences such as electric lights and power, a telephone company and many new businesses. Then in 1912, a fire ravaged the city, destroying 23 buildings. As a result, many new buildings were constructed under new and stricter fire and safety guidelines. The population, however, decreased slightly at this time to 632 in 1920. During the 1920’s the town’s population began to grow again and, by this time, apples were being shipped out of the county and new storage facilities were built. Chickens were also shipped to markets outside of Ellijay and Gilmer County. From the mid 1930’s to 1950, Ellijay received much assistance from the Federal WPA Programs. The old courthouse was removed from the center of town square and the Hyatt Hotel was remodeled to be the new courthouse. A park was created on the site of the old courthouse and the streets around the square were paved. A new street was built at this time entering town from the northeast. Other new roads, bridges, sidewalks and gutters were constructed to improve the city. A school and gymnasium were also built and other structures improved. This growth began to impact the city’s infrastructure and in the l950’s and l960’s, a period of upgrading water systems, roads, and power supplies began. New low-rent housing appeared in l960 and a new hospital was built in l957. Georgia Highway 5 was widened in l962, new buildings around the square replaced old ones and some were remodeled. In 1974, the hospital was enlarged. Currently, Ellijay attracts tourists who love the small-town feel and friendly atmosphere. Hotels and restaurants, unique shops, antiques and art galleries lend their charms to those who visit. A new courthouse constructed to resemble the old one, new streetscaping, family-oriented downtown events and the beautification of the square have stepped up the social and economic activity and have made Ellijay a popular destination.

This Houston bathroom features polished chrome and a black-and-white palette, lending plenty of glamour and visual drama. "We incorporated many of the latest bathroom design trends - like the metallic finish on the claw feet of the tub; crisp, bright whites and the oversized tiles on the shower wall," says Outdoor Homescapes' interior project designer, Lisha Maxey. "But the overall look is classic and elegant and will hold up well for years to come." As you can see from the "before" pictures, this 300-square foot, long, narrow space has come a long way from its outdated, wallpaper-bordered beginnings. "The client - a Houston woman who works as a physician's assistant - had absolutely no idea what to do with her bathroom - she just knew she wanted it updated," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Lisha did a tremendous job helping this woman find her own personal style while keeping the project enjoyable and organized." Let's start the tour with the new, updated floors. Black-and-white Carrara marble mosaic tile has replaced the old 8-inch tiles. (All the tile, by the way, came from Floor & Décor. So did the granite countertop.) The walls, meanwhile, have gone from ho-hum beige to Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. (The trim is Reflective White, also by Sherwin Williams.) Polished "Absolute Black" granite now gleams where the pink-and-gray marble countertops used to be; white vessel bowls have replaced the black undermount black sinks and the cabinets got an update with glass-and-chrome knobs and pulls (note the matching towel bars): The outdated black tub also had to go. In its place we put a doorless shower. Across from the shower sits a claw foot tub - a 66' inch Sanford cast iron model in black, with polished chrome Imperial feet. "The waincoting behind it and chandelier above it," notes Maxey, "adds an upscale, finished look and defines the tub area as a separate space." The shower wall features 6 x 18-inch tiles in a brick pattern - "White Ice" porcelain tile on top, "Absolute Black" granite on the bottom. A beautiful tile mosaic border - Bianco Carrara basketweave marble - serves as an accent ribbon between the two. Covering the shower floor - a classic white porcelain hexagon tile. Mounted above - a polished chrome European rainshower head. "As always, the client was able to look at - and make changes to - 3D renderings showing how the bathroom would look from every angle when done," says Franks. "Having that kind of control over the details has been crucial to our client satisfaction," says Franks. "And it's definitely paid off for us, in all our great reviews on Houzz and in our Best of Houzz awards for customer service." And now on to final details! Accents and décor from Restoration Hardware definitely put Maxey's designer touch on the space - the iron-and-wood French chandelier, polished chrome vanity lights and swivel mirrors definitely knocked this bathroom remodel out of the park!

This Houston bathroom remodel is timeless, yet on-trend - with creative tile patterns, polished chrome and a black-and-white palette lending plenty of glamour and visual drama. "We incorporated many of the latest bathroom design trends - like the metallic finish on the claw feet of the tub; crisp, bright whites and the oversized tiles on the shower wall," says Outdoor Homescapes' interior project designer, Lisha Maxey. "But the overall look is classic and elegant and will hold up well for years to come." As you can see from the "before" pictures, this 300-square foot, long, narrow space has come a long way from its outdated, wallpaper-bordered beginnings. "The client - a Houston woman who works as a physician's assistant - had absolutely no idea what to do with her bathroom - she just knew she wanted it updated," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Lisha did a tremendous job helping this woman find her own personal style while keeping the project enjoyable and organized." Let's start the tour with the new, updated floors. Black-and-white Carrara marble mosaic tile has replaced the old 8-inch tiles. (All the tile, by the way, came from Floor & Décor. So did the granite countertop.) The walls, meanwhile, have gone from ho-hum beige to Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. (The trim is Reflective White, also by Sherwin Williams.) Polished "Absolute Black" granite now gleams where the pink-and-gray marble countertops used to be; white vessel bowls have replaced the black undermount black sinks and the cabinets got an update with glass-and-chrome knobs and pulls (note the matching towel bars): The outdated black tub also had to go. In its place we put a doorless shower. Across from the shower sits a claw foot tub - a 66' inch Sanford cast iron model in black, with polished chrome Imperial feet. "The waincoting behind it and chandelier above it," notes Maxey, "adds an upscale, finished look and defines the tub area as a separate space." The shower wall features 6 x 18-inch tiles in a brick pattern - "White Ice" porcelain tile on top, "Absolute Black" granite on the bottom. A beautiful tile mosaic border - Bianco Carrara basketweave marble - serves as an accent ribbon between the two. Covering the shower floor - a classic white porcelain hexagon tile. Mounted above - a polished chrome European rainshower head. "As always, the client was able to look at - and make changes to - 3D renderings showing how the bathroom would look from every angle when done," says Franks. "Having that kind of control over the details has been crucial to our client satisfaction," says Franks. "And it's definitely paid off for us, in all our great reviews on Houzz and in our Best of Houzz awards for customer service." And now on to final details! Accents and décor from Restoration Hardware definitely put Maxey's designer touch on the space - the iron-and-wood French chandelier, polished chrome vanity lights and swivel mirrors definitely knocked this bathroom remodel out of the park!

This Houston bathroom features polished chrome and a black-and-white palette, lending plenty of glamour and visual drama. "We incorporated many of the latest bathroom design trends - like the metallic finish on the claw feet of the tub; crisp, bright whites and the oversized tiles on the shower wall," says Outdoor Homescapes' interior project designer, Lisha Maxey. "But the overall look is classic and elegant and will hold up well for years to come." As you can see from the "before" pictures, this 300-square foot, long, narrow space has come a long way from its outdated, wallpaper-bordered beginnings. "The client - a Houston woman who works as a physician's assistant - had absolutely no idea what to do with her bathroom - she just knew she wanted it updated," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Lisha did a tremendous job helping this woman find her own personal style while keeping the project enjoyable and organized." Let's start the tour with the new, updated floors. Black-and-white Carrara marble mosaic tile has replaced the old 8-inch tiles. (All the tile, by the way, came from Floor & Décor. So did the granite countertop.) The walls, meanwhile, have gone from ho-hum beige to Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. (The trim is Reflective White, also by Sherwin Williams.) Polished "Absolute Black" granite now gleams where the pink-and-gray marble countertops used to be; white vessel bowls have replaced the black undermount black sinks and the cabinets got an update with glass-and-chrome knobs and pulls (note the matching towel bars): The outdated black tub also had to go. In its place we put a doorless shower. Across from the shower sits a claw foot tub - a 66' inch Sanford cast iron model in black, with polished chrome Imperial feet. "The waincoting behind it and chandelier above it," notes Maxey, "adds an upscale, finished look and defines the tub area as a separate space." The shower wall features 6 x 18-inch tiles in a brick pattern - "White Ice" porcelain tile on top, "Absolute Black" granite on the bottom. A beautiful tile mosaic border - Bianco Carrara basketweave marble - serves as an accent ribbon between the two. Covering the shower floor - a classic white porcelain hexagon tile. Mounted above - a polished chrome European rainshower head. "As always, the client was able to look at - and make changes to - 3D renderings showing how the bathroom would look from every angle when done," says Franks. "Having that kind of control over the details has been crucial to our client satisfaction," says Franks. "And it's definitely paid off for us, in all our great reviews on Houzz and in our Best of Houzz awards for customer service." And now on to final details! Accents and décor from Restoration Hardware definitely put Maxey's designer touch on the space - the iron-and-wood French chandelier, polished chrome vanity lights and swivel mirrors definitely knocked this bathroom remodel out of the park!

Home Staging, home for sale, Staging provided by MAP Consultants, llc dba Advantage Home Staging, llc, photos by Jim Gross, Virtual Tour Club, furnishings by CORT Furniture Rental

Stone Garden is a one-stop shop for all your patio and pathway needs, including: base, joints, stone, edging. Our staff will assist you in selecting flagstone for your pathway or patio. You can choose from: Irregular flagstone, Dimensional flagstone, Circular steppers. Within each of these styles you’ll find a variety of colors and textures.

Marty Paoletta, ProMedia Tours
Inspiration for a transitional ceramic tile basement remodel in Nashville with gray walls

This Paver Circle Kit is ideal for the DIY enthusiast. Stone Garden is a one-stop shop for all your patio and pathway needs, including: base, joints, stone, edging. Our staff will assist you in selecting flagstone for your pathway or patio. You can choose from: Irregular flagstone, Dimensional flagstone, Circular steppers. Within each of these styles you’ll find a variety of colors and textures.

This Houston bathroom remodel is timeless, yet on-trend - with creative tile patterns, polished chrome and a black-and-white palette lending plenty of glamour and visual drama. "We incorporated many of the latest bathroom design trends - like the metallic finish on the claw feet of the tub; crisp, bright whites and the oversized tiles on the shower wall," says Outdoor Homescapes' interior project designer, Lisha Maxey. "But the overall look is classic and elegant and will hold up well for years to come." As you can see from the "before" pictures, this 300-square foot, long, narrow space has come a long way from its outdated, wallpaper-bordered beginnings. "The client - a Houston woman who works as a physician's assistant - had absolutely no idea what to do with her bathroom - she just knew she wanted it updated," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Lisha did a tremendous job helping this woman find her own personal style while keeping the project enjoyable and organized." Let's start the tour with the new, updated floors. Black-and-white Carrara marble mosaic tile has replaced the old 8-inch tiles. (All the tile, by the way, came from Floor & Décor. So did the granite countertop.) The walls, meanwhile, have gone from ho-hum beige to Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. (The trim is Reflective White, also by Sherwin Williams.) Polished "Absolute Black" granite now gleams where the pink-and-gray marble countertops used to be; white vessel bowls have replaced the black undermount black sinks and the cabinets got an update with glass-and-chrome knobs and pulls (note the matching towel bars): The outdated black tub also had to go. In its place we put a doorless shower. Across from the shower sits a claw foot tub - a 66' inch Sanford cast iron model in black, with polished chrome Imperial feet. "The waincoting behind it and chandelier above it," notes Maxey, "adds an upscale, finished look and defines the tub area as a separate space." The shower wall features 6 x 18-inch tiles in a brick pattern - "White Ice" porcelain tile on top, "Absolute Black" granite on the bottom. A beautiful tile mosaic border - Bianco Carrara basketweave marble - serves as an accent ribbon between the two. Covering the shower floor - a classic white porcelain hexagon tile. Mounted above - a polished chrome European rainshower head. "As always, the client was able to look at - and make changes to - 3D renderings showing how the bathroom would look from every angle when done," says Franks. "Having that kind of control over the details has been crucial to our client satisfaction," says Franks. "And it's definitely paid off for us, in all our great reviews on Houzz and in our Best of Houzz awards for customer service." And now on to final details! Accents and décor from Restoration Hardware definitely put Maxey's designer touch on the space - the iron-and-wood French chandelier, polished chrome vanity lights and swivel mirrors definitely knocked this bathroom remodel out of the park!

This Houston bathroom remodel is timeless, yet on-trend - with creative tile patterns, polished chrome and a black-and-white palette lending plenty of glamour and visual drama. "We incorporated many of the latest bathroom design trends - like the metallic finish on the claw feet of the tub; crisp, bright whites and the oversized tiles on the shower wall," says Outdoor Homescapes' interior project designer, Lisha Maxey. "But the overall look is classic and elegant and will hold up well for years to come." As you can see from the "before" pictures, this 300-square foot, long, narrow space has come a long way from its outdated, wallpaper-bordered beginnings. "The client - a Houston woman who works as a physician's assistant - had absolutely no idea what to do with her bathroom - she just knew she wanted it updated," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Lisha did a tremendous job helping this woman find her own personal style while keeping the project enjoyable and organized." Let's start the tour with the new, updated floors. Black-and-white Carrara marble mosaic tile has replaced the old 8-inch tiles. (All the tile, by the way, came from Floor & Décor. So did the granite countertop.) The walls, meanwhile, have gone from ho-hum beige to Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. (The trim is Reflective White, also by Sherwin Williams.) Polished "Absolute Black" granite now gleams where the pink-and-gray marble countertops used to be; white vessel bowls have replaced the black undermount black sinks and the cabinets got an update with glass-and-chrome knobs and pulls (note the matching towel bars): The outdated black tub also had to go. In its place we put a doorless shower. Across from the shower sits a claw foot tub - a 66' inch Sanford cast iron model in black, with polished chrome Imperial feet. "The waincoting behind it and chandelier above it," notes Maxey, "adds an upscale, finished look and defines the tub area as a separate space." The shower wall features 6 x 18-inch tiles in a brick pattern - "White Ice" porcelain tile on top, "Absolute Black" granite on the bottom. A beautiful tile mosaic border - Bianco Carrara basketweave marble - serves as an accent ribbon between the two. Covering the shower floor - a classic white porcelain hexagon tile. Mounted above - a polished chrome European rainshower head. "As always, the client was able to look at - and make changes to - 3D renderings showing how the bathroom would look from every angle when done," says Franks. "Having that kind of control over the details has been crucial to our client satisfaction," says Franks. "And it's definitely paid off for us, in all our great reviews on Houzz and in our Best of Houzz awards for customer service." And now on to final details! Accents and décor from Restoration Hardware definitely put Maxey's designer touch on the space - the polished chrome vanity lights and swivel mirrors definitely knocked this bathroom remodel out of the park!

Jeri Koegel
Inspiration for a coastal wine cellar remodel in Orange County

Few opportunities come about to design/ renovate a home designed by St Paul’s own Clarence H. Johnston. 785 Dayton, is the only known residential Greek Revival commission by Minnesota’s most prolific architect. Johnston, designed at least 42 mansions along St. Paul’s Historic Summit Avenue. Looking for additional assistance, the new homeowner’s found Castle to help them design and renovate a main floor ½ bath and create a new master bathroom in the existing 2nd floor master bedroom. Creating spaces that married with the original style and aesthetic of this historic home was essential. The brand new 2nd floor master bathroom was designed to complement an additional bathroom across the hallway. Taking an existing closet space, Castle was able to use the very small square footage to create a new bathroom that feels very spacious! New Carrera marble hex tiles floors were selected with a marble boarder to pair with the restored and hand-picked marble sink. Traditional subway tile was installed around the room and shower with a beautiful chair rail tile. The new linen closet was custom built by the homeowner’s personal cabinet maker. The storage was designed to match an original piece in the home, as well as provide function for the space. All of the details matter; push button electrical switching, new historically designed porcelain bath accessories by Rejuvenation Hardware, historically designed plumbing fixtures, solid marble shower curb and door threshold, salvaging the original closet door to be installed as a new pocket door, and salvaging the existing window. Both bathrooms will be enjoyed for many generations to come and add to the beautiful history of the home. This home was a true joy for Castle to be a part of. Come visit this home at Castle’s Annual Educational Home Tour, Fall 2016.

This Houston bathroom features polished chrome and a black-and-white palette, lending plenty of glamour and visual drama. "We incorporated many of the latest bathroom design trends - like the metallic finish on the claw feet of the tub; crisp, bright whites and the oversized tiles on the shower wall," says Outdoor Homescapes' interior project designer, Lisha Maxey. "But the overall look is classic and elegant and will hold up well for years to come." As you can see from the "before" pictures, this 300-square foot, long, narrow space has come a long way from its outdated, wallpaper-bordered beginnings. "The client - a Houston woman who works as a physician's assistant - had absolutely no idea what to do with her bathroom - she just knew she wanted it updated," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Lisha did a tremendous job helping this woman find her own personal style while keeping the project enjoyable and organized." Let's start the tour with the new, updated floors. Black-and-white Carrara marble mosaic tile has replaced the old 8-inch tiles. (All the tile, by the way, came from Floor & Décor. So did the granite countertop.) The walls, meanwhile, have gone from ho-hum beige to Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. (The trim is Reflective White, also by Sherwin Williams.) Polished "Absolute Black" granite now gleams where the pink-and-gray marble countertops used to be; white vessel bowls have replaced the black undermount black sinks and the cabinets got an update with glass-and-chrome knobs and pulls (note the matching towel bars): The outdated black tub also had to go. In its place we put a doorless shower. Across from the shower sits a claw foot tub - a 66' inch Sanford cast iron model in black, with polished chrome Imperial feet. "The waincoting behind it and chandelier above it," notes Maxey, "adds an upscale, finished look and defines the tub area as a separate space." The shower wall features 6 x 18-inch tiles in a brick pattern - "White Ice" porcelain tile on top, "Absolute Black" granite on the bottom. A beautiful tile mosaic border - Bianco Carrara basketweave marble - serves as an accent ribbon between the two. Covering the shower floor - a classic white porcelain hexagon tile. Mounted above - a polished chrome European rainshower head. "As always, the client was able to look at - and make changes to - 3D renderings showing how the bathroom would look from every angle when done," says Franks. "Having that kind of control over the details has been crucial to our client satisfaction," says Franks. "And it's definitely paid off for us, in all our great reviews on Houzz and in our Best of Houzz awards for customer service." And now on to final details! Accents and décor from Restoration Hardware definitely put Maxey's designer touch on the space - the iron-and-wood French chandelier, polished chrome vanity lights and swivel mirrors definitely knocked this bathroom remodel out of the park!

This Houston bathroom remodel is timeless, yet on-trend - with creative tile patterns, polished chrome and a black-and-white palette lending plenty of glamour and visual drama. "We incorporated many of the latest bathroom design trends - like the metallic finish on the claw feet of the tub; crisp, bright whites and the oversized tiles on the shower wall," says Outdoor Homescapes' interior project designer, Lisha Maxey. "But the overall look is classic and elegant and will hold up well for years to come." As you can see from the "before" pictures, this 300-square foot, long, narrow space has come a long way from its outdated, wallpaper-bordered beginnings. "The client - a Houston woman who works as a physician's assistant - had absolutely no idea what to do with her bathroom - she just knew she wanted it updated," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Lisha did a tremendous job helping this woman find her own personal style while keeping the project enjoyable and organized." Let's start the tour with the new, updated floors. Black-and-white Carrara marble mosaic tile has replaced the old 8-inch tiles. (All the tile, by the way, came from Floor & Décor. So did the granite countertop.) The walls, meanwhile, have gone from ho-hum beige to Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. (The trim is Reflective White, also by Sherwin Williams.) Polished "Absolute Black" granite now gleams where the pink-and-gray marble countertops used to be; white vessel bowls have replaced the black undermount black sinks and the cabinets got an update with glass-and-chrome knobs and pulls (note the matching towel bars): The outdated black tub also had to go. In its place we put a doorless shower. Across from the shower sits a claw foot tub - a 66' inch Sanford cast iron model in black, with polished chrome Imperial feet. "The waincoting behind it and chandelier above it," notes Maxey, "adds an upscale, finished look and defines the tub area as a separate space." The shower wall features 6 x 18-inch tiles in a brick pattern - "White Ice" porcelain tile on top, "Absolute Black" granite on the bottom. A beautiful tile mosaic border - Bianco Carrara basketweave marble - serves as an accent ribbon between the two. Covering the shower floor - a classic white porcelain hexagon tile. Mounted above - a polished chrome European rainshower head. "As always, the client was able to look at - and make changes to - 3D renderings showing how the bathroom would look from every angle when done," says Franks. "Having that kind of control over the details has been crucial to our client satisfaction," says Franks. "And it's definitely paid off for us, in all our great reviews on Houzz and in our Best of Houzz awards for customer service." And now on to final details! Accents and décor from Restoration Hardware definitely put Maxey's designer touch on the space - the polished chrome vanity lights and swivel mirrors definitely knocked this bathroom remodel out of the park!

Stone Garden is a one-stop shop for all your pathway needs, including: base, joints, stone, edging. Our staff will assist you in selecting flagstone for your pathway or patio. You can choose from: Irregular flagstone, Dimensional flagstone, Circular steppers. Within each of these styles you’ll find a variety of colors and textures.

This Houston bathroom features polished chrome and a black-and-white palette, lending plenty of glamour and visual drama. "We incorporated many of the latest bathroom design trends - like the metallic finish on the claw feet of the tub; crisp, bright whites and the oversized tiles on the shower wall," says Outdoor Homescapes' interior project designer, Lisha Maxey. "But the overall look is classic and elegant and will hold up well for years to come." As you can see from the "before" pictures, this 300-square foot, long, narrow space has come a long way from its outdated, wallpaper-bordered beginnings. "The client - a Houston woman who works as a physician's assistant - had absolutely no idea what to do with her bathroom - she just knew she wanted it updated," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Lisha did a tremendous job helping this woman find her own personal style while keeping the project enjoyable and organized." Let's start the tour with the new, updated floors. Black-and-white Carrara marble mosaic tile has replaced the old 8-inch tiles. (All the tile, by the way, came from Floor & Décor. So did the granite countertop.) The walls, meanwhile, have gone from ho-hum beige to Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. (The trim is Reflective White, also by Sherwin Williams.) Polished "Absolute Black" granite now gleams where the pink-and-gray marble countertops used to be; white vessel bowls have replaced the black undermount black sinks and the cabinets got an update with glass-and-chrome knobs and pulls (note the matching towel bars): The outdated black tub also had to go. In its place we put a doorless shower. Across from the shower sits a claw foot tub - a 66' inch Sanford cast iron model in black, with polished chrome Imperial feet. "The waincoting behind it and chandelier above it," notes Maxey, "adds an upscale, finished look and defines the tub area as a separate space." The shower wall features 6 x 18-inch tiles in a brick pattern - "White Ice" porcelain tile on top, "Absolute Black" granite on the bottom. A beautiful tile mosaic border - Bianco Carrara basketweave marble - serves as an accent ribbon between the two. Covering the shower floor - a classic white porcelain hexagon tile. Mounted above - a polished chrome European rainshower head. "As always, the client was able to look at - and make changes to - 3D renderings showing how the bathroom would look from every angle when done," says Franks. "Having that kind of control over the details has been crucial to our client satisfaction," says Franks. "And it's definitely paid off for us, in all our great reviews on Houzz and in our Best of Houzz awards for customer service." And now on to final details! Accents and décor from Restoration Hardware definitely put Maxey's designer touch on the space - the iron-and-wood French chandelier, polished chrome vanity lights and swivel mirrors definitely knocked this bathroom remodel out of the park!

Few opportunities come about to design/ renovate a home designed by St Paul’s own Clarence H. Johnston. 785 Dayton, is the only known residential Greek Revival commission by Minnesota’s most prolific architect. Johnston, designed at least 42 mansions along St. Paul’s Historic Summit Avenue. Looking for additional assistance, the new homeowner’s found Castle to help them design and renovate a main floor ½ bath and create a new master bathroom in the existing 2nd floor master bedroom. Creating spaces that married with the original style and aesthetic of this historic home was essential. The brand new 2nd floor master bathroom was designed to complement an additional bathroom across the hallway. Taking an existing closet space, Castle was able to use the very small square footage to create a new bathroom that feels very spacious! New Carrera marble hex tiles floors were selected with a marble boarder to pair with the restored and hand-picked marble sink. Traditional subway tile was installed around the room and shower with a beautiful chair rail tile. The new linen closet was custom built by the homeowner’s personal cabinet maker. The storage was designed to match an original piece in the home, as well as provide function for the space. All of the details matter; push button electrical switching, new historically designed porcelain bath accessories by Rejuvenation Hardware, historically designed plumbing fixtures, solid marble shower curb and door threshold, salvaging the original closet door to be installed as a new pocket door, and salvaging the existing window. Both bathrooms will be enjoyed for many generations to come and add to the beautiful history of the home. This home was a true joy for Castle to be a part of. Come visit this home at Castle’s Annual Educational Home Tour, Fall 2016.

This Houston bathroom remodel is timeless, yet on-trend - with creative tile patterns, polished chrome and a black-and-white palette lending plenty of glamour and visual drama. "We incorporated many of the latest bathroom design trends - like the metallic finish on the claw feet of the tub; crisp, bright whites and the oversized tiles on the shower wall," says Outdoor Homescapes' interior project designer, Lisha Maxey. "But the overall look is classic and elegant and will hold up well for years to come." As you can see from the "before" pictures, this 300-square foot, long, narrow space has come a long way from its outdated, wallpaper-bordered beginnings. "The client - a Houston woman who works as a physician's assistant - had absolutely no idea what to do with her bathroom - she just knew she wanted it updated," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Lisha did a tremendous job helping this woman find her own personal style while keeping the project enjoyable and organized." Let's start the tour with the new, updated floors. Black-and-white Carrara marble mosaic tile has replaced the old 8-inch tiles. (All the tile, by the way, came from Floor & Décor. So did the granite countertop.) The walls, meanwhile, have gone from ho-hum beige to Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. (The trim is Reflective White, also by Sherwin Williams.) Polished "Absolute Black" granite now gleams where the pink-and-gray marble countertops used to be; white vessel bowls have replaced the black undermount black sinks and the cabinets got an update with glass-and-chrome knobs and pulls (note the matching towel bars): The outdated black tub also had to go. In its place we put a doorless shower. Across from the shower sits a claw foot tub - a 66' inch Sanford cast iron model in black, with polished chrome Imperial feet. "The waincoting behind it and chandelier above it," notes Maxey, "adds an upscale, finished look and defines the tub area as a separate space." The shower wall features 6 x 18-inch tiles in a brick pattern - "White Ice" porcelain tile on top, "Absolute Black" granite on the bottom. A beautiful tile mosaic border - Bianco Carrara basketweave marble - serves as an accent ribbon between the two. Covering the shower floor - a classic white porcelain hexagon tile. Mounted above - a polished chrome European rainshower head. "As always, the client was able to look at - and make changes to - 3D renderings showing how the bathroom would look from every angle when done," says Franks. "Having that kind of control over the details has been crucial to our client satisfaction," says Franks. "And it's definitely paid off for us, in all our great reviews on Houzz and in our Best of Houzz awards for customer service." And now on to final details! Accents and décor from Restoration Hardware definitely put Maxey's designer touch on the space - the polished chrome vanity lights and swivel mirrors definitely knocked this bathroom remodel out of the park!