This renovated basement is a moody, elevated entertaining space designed for gathering, unwinding, and lingering a little longer. A rich black paneled wall sets a dramatic backdrop, balanced by light wood floors, warm neutral upholstery, and sculptural brass accents that add a subtle glow. The mix of tailored furnishings and organic elements creates a refined yet relaxed atmosphere—equally suited for bourbon tastings, game nights, or shooting pool in the billiards room. Thoughtful lighting and bold artwork bring depth and personality, while the open layout allows the space to flow effortlessly from bar to game table to lounge. The result is a sophisticated retreat that feels intimate, inviting, and unmistakably cool.

Colorful and rich style When a repeat client shows up on your doorstep with his third home to furnish and wants to start from scratch and go really bold, you just embrace him, scoot him right up to the resource room, and don’t ask questions! I mean, who does not love a client that embraces velvet, leather, silk and wallcoverings? This lush, vibrant lounge space was all created from the want to really deep dive into something different, eclectic and more traveled. The original small, narrow, dimly lit room totally delivered on helping accomplish that mood. Mixing a little of that Ming dynasty-inspired strawberry red with a deep chocolate mohair on the sectional and cladding the room in a soft, amethyst woven wallcovering. We loved the interplay and “non-matchiness” that this space embraced. Lighting and art were both about telling a story in this room – accenting conversational opportunities and an almost gallery-esque feel. Designating a more dynamic and unusual, sculptural feel – from the harder lines of the statement floor lamp in the living room across to the sprawling, slightly modern bloom of the dining area fixture. Jewel of a space The area rug had to ground the already bold furniture and lend itself to the darker wood floors, and a dusky green wool proved the ticket. We loved the almost pixelated pattern the hand-knotted wool lent to the overall design. A little hint of oxblood, chocolate and blue picked up in accents elsewhere, but the tone of almost jade really caught us about this piece. Not enough can be said about the accent of a dining space either (which in terms of space planning was the only way to balance this long, narrow “hallway” of a room off the kitchen). Citron velvet on the low-profile chairs left the space feeling open, but fun for games and cocktail parties. Plus, the cerused wood dining table was a great complement – offering depth without a conflict to the existing flooring or nearby sectional. Being able to view this space as a whole was very important to us! From the selection of sconces carried throughout (that wonky placement was existing and with so little opportunity to add cans we had to play up the new fixtures in a way that make them feel purposeful and desirable.), to the balance of color and temperature in each furniture grouping. Sometimes working floor to ceiling in an existing space can pose a lot of unique challenges when it comes to furnishing projects. However, we loved that the client embraced our drive to really punch up the visual feel of this living/dining combo. Also, we know the enjoyment he gets from the finished product is a testament to hunting for the right pieces, designing with unusual and luxe fabric combinations, and managing the inclusion of budget-friendly surprises that always balance a job well done. What the client says “From the moment that Cheryl arrived, I felt that she was definitely the designer that I needed to help facilitate & execute my vision for the space. I’m not the “cookie cutter” type, and I immediately realized that Cheryl had a knack for envisioning ideas that were unique, yet tasteful, timeless, and sophisticated.” From its beginnings as a plain Jane envelope, this combination living/dining space becomes a study in texture and color!

A warm and cozy family room was designed to provide room for family and friends to gather, with a table that can accomodate games and crafts. Layering a woven leather rug over carpet anchors the seating area and creates balance with the entertainment cabinet

This custom finished basement was designed to balance entertaining and family living with expansive open gathering spaces, a dedicated kids play area, a custom rope climbing feature, an indoor slide, a hidden play nook, and a private gym separated by modern black framed interior glass. Warm wood-look flooring, layered recessed lighting, and integrated ceiling details create a bright and welcoming lower level built for both everyday use and entertaining.

Colorful and rich style When a repeat client shows up on your doorstep with his third home to furnish and wants to start from scratch and go really bold, you just embrace him, scoot him right up to the resource room, and don’t ask questions! I mean, who does not love a client that embraces velvet, leather, silk and wallcoverings? This lush, vibrant lounge space was all created from the want to really deep dive into something different, eclectic and more traveled. The original small, narrow, dimly lit room totally delivered on helping accomplish that mood. Mixing a little of that Ming dynasty-inspired strawberry red with a deep chocolate mohair on the sectional and cladding the room in a soft, amethyst woven wallcovering. We loved the interplay and “non-matchiness” that this space embraced. Lighting and art were both about telling a story in this room – accenting conversational opportunities and an almost gallery-esque feel. Designating a more dynamic and unusual, sculptural feel – from the harder lines of the statement floor lamp in the living room across to the sprawling, slightly modern bloom of the dining area fixture. Jewel of a space The area rug had to ground the already bold furniture and lend itself to the darker wood floors, and a dusky green wool proved the ticket. We loved the almost pixelated pattern the hand-knotted wool lent to the overall design. A little hint of oxblood, chocolate and blue picked up in accents elsewhere, but the tone of almost jade really caught us about this piece. Not enough can be said about the accent of a dining space either (which in terms of space planning was the only way to balance this long, narrow “hallway” of a room off the kitchen). Citron velvet on the low-profile chairs left the space feeling open, but fun for games and cocktail parties. Plus, the cerused wood dining table was a great complement – offering depth without a conflict to the existing flooring or nearby sectional. Being able to view this space as a whole was very important to us! From the selection of sconces carried throughout (that wonky placement was existing and with so little opportunity to add cans we had to play up the new fixtures in a way that make them feel purposeful and desirable.), to the balance of color and temperature in each furniture grouping. Sometimes working floor to ceiling in an existing space can pose a lot of unique challenges when it comes to furnishing projects. However, we loved that the client embraced our drive to really punch up the visual feel of this living/dining combo. Also, we know the enjoyment he gets from the finished product is a testament to hunting for the right pieces, designing with unusual and luxe fabric combinations, and managing the inclusion of budget-friendly surprises that always balance a job well done. What the client says “From the moment that Cheryl arrived, I felt that she was definitely the designer that I needed to help facilitate & execute my vision for the space. I’m not the “cookie cutter” type, and I immediately realized that Cheryl had a knack for envisioning ideas that were unique, yet tasteful, timeless, and sophisticated.” From its beginnings as a plain Jane envelope, this combination living/dining space becomes a study in texture and color!

This model’s purity and restraint shows the skill of the design team. The Theseus is a harmonious creation that delivers a graceful, beautifully balanced design and a rare sense of scale.

Designed to be both functional and flexible, this custom tile basketball court was thoughtfully integrated into a paver patio that we also designed, creating a true multi-purpose outdoor space from the ground up. The permeable sport tile system allows for proper drainage while protecting the surface below, and can also be easily removed in the future if desired. When not being used as a play area, the space seamlessly transforms back into an entertainment patio for gatherings and outdoor living. A clean, modern solution that balances recreation, durability, and versatility while blending seamlessly with the overall landscape and hardscape design.

This once cold blank slate has become a warm and welcoming media family room. The walls of this intimate space are bathed in a sunny yellow tone creating an inviting feel. Patterned with Complimented of bright oranges, teal blue and gray accessories. Anchored in tan, cream and white tones to balance the bright color combination.

It’s all about living by Tania Scardellato – TOC design Some look edgy and modern, while others seem coordinated and traditional. Whatever your design style, the family room is a place to gather together with those you love Whether you call it a living room, family room, gathering room or den, what we do most in this space in our homes is live. At TOC design we will help you make your living room more than just livable, but also an enjoyable and relaxing place for you and your family and friends to be. Good design can make any room look great, and living rooms are no exception. When designing your living room, begin with establishing your style along with correct balance, proportion and scale of furnishings and decor. After that, everything else will fall perfectly into place. The focal point of a room is the place where the lines of the room meet. Since our eyes tend to naturally follow lines, this will be the place that our attention will first be drawn to in a room. Since our eyes follow the lines in a room, the furniture and activity in a room will usually revolve around the focal point. So what do you do with a room that doesn’t have a focal point? You create one! Creating a fabulous focal point in a room is a great way to reenergize a space. Creating a focal point is also a great way to take the focus off of the less attractive features of a room.

Colorful and rich style When a repeat client shows up on your doorstep with his third home to furnish and wants to start from scratch and go really bold, you just embrace him, scoot him right up to the resource room, and don’t ask questions! I mean, who does not love a client that embraces velvet, leather, silk and wallcoverings? This lush, vibrant lounge space was all created from the want to really deep dive into something different, eclectic and more traveled. The original small, narrow, dimly lit room totally delivered on helping accomplish that mood. Mixing a little of that Ming dynasty-inspired strawberry red with a deep chocolate mohair on the sectional and cladding the room in a soft, amethyst woven wallcovering. We loved the interplay and “non-matchiness” that this space embraced. Lighting and art were both about telling a story in this room – accenting conversational opportunities and an almost gallery-esque feel. Designating a more dynamic and unusual, sculptural feel – from the harder lines of the statement floor lamp in the living room across to the sprawling, slightly modern bloom of the dining area fixture. Jewel of a space The area rug had to ground the already bold furniture and lend itself to the darker wood floors, and a dusky green wool proved the ticket. We loved the almost pixelated pattern the hand-knotted wool lent to the overall design. A little hint of oxblood, chocolate and blue picked up in accents elsewhere, but the tone of almost jade really caught us about this piece. Not enough can be said about the accent of a dining space either (which in terms of space planning was the only way to balance this long, narrow “hallway” of a room off the kitchen). Citron velvet on the low-profile chairs left the space feeling open, but fun for games and cocktail parties. Plus, the cerused wood dining table was a great complement – offering depth without a conflict to the existing flooring or nearby sectional. Being able to view this space as a whole was very important to us! From the selection of sconces carried throughout (that wonky placement was existing and with so little opportunity to add cans we had to play up the new fixtures in a way that make them feel purposeful and desirable.), to the balance of color and temperature in each furniture grouping. Sometimes working floor to ceiling in an existing space can pose a lot of unique challenges when it comes to furnishing projects. However, we loved that the client embraced our drive to really punch up the visual feel of this living/dining combo. Also, we know the enjoyment he gets from the finished product is a testament to hunting for the right pieces, designing with unusual and luxe fabric combinations, and managing the inclusion of budget-friendly surprises that always balance a job well done. What the client says “From the moment that Cheryl arrived, I felt that she was definitely the designer that I needed to help facilitate & execute my vision for the space. I’m not the “cookie cutter” type, and I immediately realized that Cheryl had a knack for envisioning ideas that were unique, yet tasteful, timeless, and sophisticated.” From its beginnings as a plain Jane envelope, this combination living/dining space becomes a study in texture and color!

Our inspiration for this home was an updated and refined approach to Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie-style”; one that responds well to the harsh Central Texas heat. By DESIGN we achieved soft balanced and glare-free daylighting, comfortable temperatures via passive solar control measures, energy efficiency without reliance on maintenance-intensive Green “gizmos” and lower exterior maintenance. The client’s desire for a healthy, comfortable and fun home to raise a young family and to accommodate extended visitor stays, while being environmentally responsible through “high performance” building attributes, was met. Harmonious response to the site’s micro-climate, excellent Indoor Air Quality, enhanced natural ventilation strategies, and an elegant bug-free semi-outdoor “living room” that connects one to the outdoors are a few examples of the architect’s approach to Green by Design that results in a home that exceeds the expectations of its owners. Photo by Mark Adams Media

Our Aspen studio gave this beautiful home a stunning makeover with thoughtful and balanced use of colors, patterns, and textures to create a harmonious vibe. Following our holistic design approach, we added mirrors, artworks, decor, and accessories that easily blend into the architectural design. Beautiful purple chairs in the dining area add an attractive pop, just like the deep pink sofas in the living room. The home bar is designed as a classy, sophisticated space with warm wood tones and elegant bar chairs perfect for entertaining. A dashing home theatre and hot sauna complete this home, making it a luxurious retreat!

Photographer: Foxwood Builders
Elegant family room photo in Raleigh

A balanced perspective of the living room highlighting the seamless integration of the seating area and the entertainment wall. The light blue walls, neutral furnishings, and brass accents create a cohesive and calming atmosphere that feels both elegant and inviting.

Every once in a while, a project comes along that doesn’t just meet expectations—it resets the standard. That’s exactly what happened at Upper Valley project, where the team at GoDesigns El Paso was entrusted with a blank canvas and turned it into a fully integrated luxury retreat, built with precision, purpose, and passion. At the core of this dream backyard is a custom-designed pool and spa, meticulously planned and built together. The pool glows with a Pebble Brilliance finish, its deep, vibrant tones shimmering under sunlight by day and glowing softly under water-lit skies at night. Lightstreams glass tile adds a jewelry-like elegance to the raised spa and the sun shelf, creating rich reflections and textures from every angle. That sundeck isn’t just for lounging—it’s a tactile, thoughtful experience. Designed with Lightstreams glass tile, it’s where kids play, grownups cool off, and everyone can dip their toes and soak their feet in style. It’s as inviting to walk across as it is to sit beside, offering both elegance and functionality. A standout design element is the set of custom stainless steel handrails, elegantly curved and installed with sculptural intent. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re also built to last—resistant to corrosion, timeless in design, and made for safety without sacrificing aesthetics. While beauty was key, so was resilience. The entire project was engineered to meet 100-year flood zone requirements—a critical design element in this El Paso neighborhood. GoDesigns accounted for water flow, elevations, and structural integrity, ensuring that every footing, drainage channel, and grade slope works in harmony with nature. And there’s more than water to love here. The oversized mossrock boulder waterfall along the edge of the putting green is both functional and artistic. Designed as a “table rock” feature, it creates soothing sound and visual movement while anchoring the landscape’s natural side. It’s a conversation piece as much as a sensory experience. Just steps away is a personal putting green and a custom basketball half court, both thoughtfully illuminated for day-to-night enjoyment. The putting green rolls true, edged with boulders and sand pits, while the court boasts pro-level surfacing under bright, architectural pole lighting. The surrounding landscape design ties it all together. Carefully chosen plantings bring color, texture, and balance to the clean stonework and turf areas. Strategic lighting highlights not just the beauty of the plants, but also enhances safety, drama, and ambiance across the entire yard—including the fence lines, water features, and sports zones. Every inch of this Upper Valley Project was built for purpose, performance, and passion. It’s a space where families gather, grand kids play, and memories are made—all under the sun and stars of West Texas. This is what happens when GoDesigns El Paso gets to do what they do best: combine timeless design, elite materials, and masterful installation to create outdoor living environments that are not only beautiful, but unforgettable.

This sophisticated finished basement serves as the ultimate multi-functional retreat, balancing high-end architectural detail with a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. The focal point of the space is a massive custom white entertainment center.

Our Clients were ready for a complete overhaul of their existing finished basement. The existing layout did not work for their family and the finishes were old and dated. We started with the fireplace as we wanted it to be a focal point. The interlaced natural stone almost has a geometric texture to it. It brings in both the natural elements the clients love and also a much more modern feel. We changed out the old wood burning fireplace to gas and our cabinet maker created a custom maple mantel and open shelving. We balanced the asymmetry with a tv cabinet using the same maple wood for the top. The bar was also a feature we wanted to highlight- it was previously in an inconvenient spot so we moved it. We created a recessed area for it to sit so that it didn't intrude into the space around the pool table. The countertop is a beautiful natural quartzite that ties all of the finishes together. The porcelain strip backsplash adds a simple, but modern feel and we tied in the maple by adding open shelving. We created a custom bar table using a matching wood top with plenty of seating for friends and family to gather. We kept the bathroom layout the same, but updated all of the finishes. We wanted it to be an extension of the main basement space. The shower tile is a 12 x 24 porcelain that matches the tile at the bar and the fireplace hearth. We used the same quartzite from the bar for the vanity top. Overall, we achieved a warm and cozy, yet modern space for the family to enjoy together and when entertaining family and friends.

This renovated basement is a moody, elevated entertaining space designed for gathering, unwinding, and lingering a little longer. A rich black paneled wall sets a dramatic backdrop, balanced by light wood floors, warm neutral upholstery, and sculptural brass accents that add a subtle glow. The mix of tailored furnishings and organic elements creates a refined yet relaxed atmosphere—equally suited for bourbon tastings, game nights, or shooting pool in the billiards room. Thoughtful lighting and bold artwork bring depth and personality, while the open layout allows the space to flow effortlessly from bar to game table to lounge. The result is a sophisticated retreat that feels intimate, inviting, and unmistakably cool.

Matt Harrer Photography
Transitional family room photo in St Louis