Photography by John Reed Forsman
Mid-sized arts and crafts enclosed light wood floor living room photo in Minneapolis with green walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv

As featured in New York Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Brownstoner: The client, a young woman working in tech, grew up living abroad in various places as a State Department kid. She picked up items along the way which she wanted to incorporate into the design – the most prominent pieces were the wool rug and crewel embroidered wallhanging in the Guest Room, both of which she found when living in Pakistan. Her parents now live in France and her grandparents live in Germany, so her more recent finds have been from family visits (for example, German ceramics as seen in the kitchen). When they began discussing a design scheme, the client sent Tara a Pinterest board that prominently featured Dawnridge, Tony Duquette’s home in Beverly Hills. Little did the client know that that happens to be one of Tara’s favorite sources of inspiration. Since Tony Duquette was a master at mixing and matching antiques from different places and periods, his work was a natural North Star for this project. The Chinese Art Deco carpet was the perfect “something old” to ground the space and aesthetically, it reminded Tara of the Eastern influences seen throughout Dawnridge. Since the kitchen, dining area, and living room are all collected, Tara had the built-in shelving painted to match the cabinets. Then, the shelves were lined with Roger Arlington wallpaper inspired by Chinese 18th century tea paper, the pewter paper used to line tea chests sent from China. There wasn’t quite the space for grand curtains like those Duquette found at the Paris Flea and hung in the Drawing Room, but something a bit smaller sourced at that same flea was included. From the Paris flea market, Tara texted the client a photo of the Louis XV gilt-metal sconces and got an immediate “Yes!” The antique floor lamp is from a shop not far from the client’s apartment — Humble House in Boerum Hill. The vintage tole chandelier is from there, as well. The client’s directive to source only things “with a story behind them” was a dream come true. Take the pleated silk shade for example — it’s got a few holes in it, but that wasn’t disqualifying. It was a pleasure to work with a client who sees the beauty in something sourced locally and dripping with character, even if it’s got a few imperfections. Tara transformed the closet in the Guest Bedroom into a dramatic little work-from-home nook. The floor-to-ceiling curtains cover the entire wall and handily conceal an unattractive tiny window looking into an airshaft. The client requested a “lush bedroom,” so a variety of textures were incorporated to make things feel layered and luxurious. She has an extensive collection of perfume bottles, and they won a 1950s Hollywood Regency style mirrored vanity at auction — the perfect place to display them. The green of the Living Room is carried to the bedroom with the silk taffeta curtains and block-printed bedding. The headboard is upholstered in a pleated silk Georgette. There was limited space on either side of the bed, so Tara suggested mounting swing-arm lamps to the wall and sourced sleek little metal and travertine nightstands, which add just the right touch of “today.” The Rococo wood mirror over the bed was also won at auction.

A SpeedDesign client relocates from Los Angeles to an empty Manhattan apartment. We started and finished this job on both coasts in two weeks. Sectional was custom-made in Los Angeles and shipped to New York, along with the travertine marble coffee table and pair of red swivel chairs. Photo credit: Brett Beyer

Inspiration for a contemporary dining room remodel in DC Metro with white walls

Mikiko Kikuyama
Example of a 1960s light wood floor dining room design in New York with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

This cute cottage, one block from the beach, had not been updated in over 20 years. The homeowners finally decided that it was time to renovate after scrapping the idea of tearing the home down and starting over. Amazingly, they were able to give this house a fresh start with our input. We completed a full kitchen renovation and addition and updated 4 of their bathrooms. We added all new light fixtures, furniture, wallpaper, flooring, window treatments and tile. The mix of metals and wood brings a fresh vibe to the home. We loved working on this project and are so happy with the outcome! Photographed by: James Salomon

Michelle Rose Photography
Example of a large trendy light wood floor great room design in New York with white walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround

Tiny House Exterior Photography: Gieves Anderson Noble Johnson Architects was honored to partner with Huseby Homes to design a Tiny House which was displayed at Nashville botanical garden, Cheekwood, for two weeks in the spring of 2021. It was then auctioned off to benefit the Swan Ball. Although the Tiny House is only 383 square feet, the vaulted space creates an incredibly inviting volume. Its natural light, high end appliances and luxury lighting create a welcoming space.

Justin Ramsdell Photography
Kitchen - farmhouse kitchen idea in DC Metro

Roger Davies Photography
Mid-sized transitional dark wood floor foyer photo in New York with white walls

This was a new construction project photographed for Jim Clopton of McGuire Real Estate. Construction is by Lou Vierra of Vierra Fine Homes ( http://www.vierrafinehomes.com). Photography by peterlyonsphoto.com

From the beginning, I envisioned creating a clean, white palette for the overall look of the apartment, but I also wanted to create some beautiful, unexpected surprises through blocks of color. On the master bedroom wall behind the bed, I installed a vibrant turquoise green silk wallpaper. The color evokes the green waters of la Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (Spanish for Large Marsh of Santa Marta) in Colombia, where the black and white Leo Matíz photograph “Pavo Real del Mar” hanging over the bed was taken more than 60 years ago. I saw a smaller version of the photograph for the first time in a gallery in Chelsea, NY. Photography by Diego Alejandro Design, LLC

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2014 Houzz
Example of an eclectic guest light wood floor bedroom design in New York with white walls

The living room in this Bloomfield Hills residence was a part of a whole house renovation and addition, completed in 2016. Within the living room are signature paintings, artifacts, and furniture pieces that complement the eclectic taste of the client. The design of the room started off of a single centerline; on one end is a full-masonry fireplace and on the other is a signature 8' by 8' charity auction painting. This colorful painting helps liven up the room while providing focal point when entering the room. These two elements anchor the room, allowing focal points on both walls while accentuating the view to the back yard through three sets of French doors. The décor and furniture complements that of the artwork and artifacts, allowing the room to feel cohesive and inviting.

Photo Credits: Pixil Studios
Small mountain style l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Denver with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, wood countertops, wood backsplash, black appliances and no island

The mahogany wood paneling in the Formal Library has been French polished by hand to create a visibly stunning finish that is also wonderful to touch. Historic New York City Townhouse | Renovation by Brian O'Keefe Architect, PC, with Interior Design by Richard Keith Langham

Anice Hoachlander, Hoachlander Davis Photography
Entryway - large 1950s slate floor and gray floor entryway idea in DC Metro with gray walls and a red front door

Photo: K. Priscilla Jones
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized country l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, soapstone countertops, black appliances, an island, multicolored backsplash and beaded inset cabinets

Simplified lines come together to create dramatic planes and volumes across the exterior of the home. While Stein's designs often incorporate wavy roof lines, this home was designed to mimic the leaves of the Tulip Poplar trees, some of which still remain on the property. Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2013 Houzz