When our clients came to us, their master bathroom was doing them no favors. An awkwardly oversized corner tub that hadn't seen a bubble bath in years, a shower barely large enough to turn around in, and a color palette best described as "contractor default." The bones were there — a generously sized footprint — but the space had zero personality and even less function. Our first move was rethinking how the square footage was being used. Out went the hulking corner tub, and in its place: a spa-worthy walk-in shower that finally earns the space it occupies. Classic white subway tile with soft gray grout lines gives it a timeless foundation, while dual showerheads — a traditional wall-mount and a ceiling-mounted rain shower — turn every morning into something worth waking up for. Built-in niches keep everything organized without interrupting the clean aesthetic. The commode room got a full character transplant. Wainscoting grounds the space with architectural detail, while a custom nautical map wallcovering wraps the room in something deeply personal — a curated cartographic love letter to the waterways and places that matter most to this family. The addition of a traditional pedestal bidet elevates both the function and the feeling of the space. Back in the main bathroom, the clients' personality finally has a place to live. A bold, saturated blue on the custom double vanity cabinetry makes an unapologetic statement — the kind that makes you smile every time you walk in. Wall-mounted brushed nickel faucets and coordinating hardware keep the look polished and cohesive throughout. A heated towel rack and radiant heated floors are the quiet luxuries that tip this bathroom from "really nice" into "I never want to leave." New windows flood the space with natural light, making the already generous footprint feel even more expansive and bringing out the best in every finish and material choice. The result is a bathroom that works as hard as it looks good — and one that finally, unmistakably, feels like them.

Clients love to entertain! And why wouldn't they, when they have a space like this? When I arrived, this huge space was nothing but bare soil. What a transformation! Project goals primarily focused on the creation of a beautiful space to enjoy with multiple outdoor rooms, space to grow food and space to play outside with guests. We created a regulation-size bocce ball court, large fountain and pond, and used an incredible and diverse selection of drought-tolerant plants including California native selections as well as plants from South Africa, Australia and beyond. Textures and colors form a buzzing, living tapestry which is framed by magnificent views of the fields and distant mountains. All garden elements are connected by winding decomposed granite pathways so the frequent guests, children and grandchildren can roam freely. Raised veggie beds provide a bountiful harvest of veggies and tomatoes. The sound of flowing water and the tranquil garden make it impossible to go inside; this is outdoor living at its finest!

My clients approached this kitchen remodel hoping not only for improved functionality but for a space that invited comfort, warmth, and daily enjoyment. Their existing kitchen was limited in both layout and atmosphere where a small island barely larger than a podium offered little utility. An oversized double-width doorway at the rear of the room leading into the adjacent living space disrupted the flow, making furniture placement nearly impossible. They longed for a kitchen where cooking felt easy and intuitive, but also one where they could sit at the table with a book and a cup of tea, or host friends without feeling cramped or awkwardly positioned. One of the most impactful decisions we made early on was to close off that extra-wide opening to the living room. Doing so allowed us to reclaim the wall, which not only improved circulation but also gave us the freedom to rethink the spacing of the kitchen and eat-in area. With that change, we could introduce a much larger island—truly functional this time—complete with generous workspace and storage. It became a true centerpiece for meal prep, casual dining, and gathering. From there I turned my attention to layering in comfort, personality, and style. I curated a color palette of soft white, pale blue, light wood tones, and touches of sunshine yellow. This fresh and uplifting combination feels timeless and relaxed. We chose cabinetry with traditional Shaker-style doors, accented by black forged iron hardware for a subtle hint of contrast and authenticity. For the countertops we chose a Gold Calacatta-look quartz, bringing elegance and warmth with its soft veining and classic appeal. To elevate the kitchen walls I selected a soft matte glass tile in a moody, sky-blue that blankets the backsplash, providing a gentle wash of color that’s calming and cohesive. On the floors I chose a limestone-look porcelain tile in a classic Versailles pattern as an homage to old English manor houses—bringing character and texture underfoot while remaining durable and low-maintenance for modern life. Lastly I transformed the adjacent eat-in area into a cozy, multifunctional space. We added custom built-in bookshelves and a sideboard for serving and display—perfect for entertaining or simply making daily routines feel more special. A black iron picture light softly illuminates the buffet, lending a warm, ambient glow in the evenings. I carefully planned the seating arrangement to include a space-saving banquette along the wall, paired with a trestle-style dining table and side chairs. At either end I placed tufted host chairs upholstered in an exquisite, tonal Chinoiserie dragon pattern that are comfortable enough to sit on for hours. Whether sharing a leisurely meal, reading in the sunlight, or gazing out at the greenery just beyond the windows, this spot now invites my clients to truly enjoy their home in a new, deeper way. Photo: Bernardo Grijalva

Finding elements that were not only stylish but also durable was crucial to the overall design and styling of this space as this doubles as a vacation rental for our client. Mixing style with functionality. We kept the original ceiling in the living room as well as the original cement accent wall in the living room. Everything else was changed. A window was added to the stair wall so that as you walk downstairs, you get a view of the ocean. The walls were painted a barely-there minty seafoam color and we stuck with a neutral color palette with pops of various shades of blues. Built-ins were installed to create a working space that doubles as extra storage. The sectional has a chaise that is used to store bedding and the middle part of the sectional pulls out to provide additional sleeping space for guests. The 3 paintings above the sofa were custom painted for the client's space, as well as the dining table and chairs. The rug is a beautiful piece that ties in all of the colors found throughout the downstairs space.

When our clients came to us, their master bathroom was doing them no favors. An awkwardly oversized corner tub that hadn't seen a bubble bath in years, a shower barely large enough to turn around in, and a color palette best described as "contractor default." The bones were there — a generously sized footprint — but the space had zero personality and even less function. Our first move was rethinking how the square footage was being used. Out went the hulking corner tub, and in its place: a spa-worthy walk-in shower that finally earns the space it occupies. Classic white subway tile with soft gray grout lines gives it a timeless foundation, while dual showerheads — a traditional wall-mount and a ceiling-mounted rain shower — turn every morning into something worth waking up for. Built-in niches keep everything organized without interrupting the clean aesthetic. The commode room got a full character transplant. Wainscoting grounds the space with architectural detail, while a custom nautical map wallcovering wraps the room in something deeply personal — a curated cartographic love letter to the waterways and places that matter most to this family. The addition of a traditional pedestal bidet elevates both the function and the feeling of the space. Back in the main bathroom, the clients' personality finally has a place to live. A bold, saturated blue on the custom double vanity cabinetry makes an unapologetic statement — the kind that makes you smile every time you walk in. Wall-mounted brushed nickel faucets and coordinating hardware keep the look polished and cohesive throughout. A heated towel rack and radiant heated floors are the quiet luxuries that tip this bathroom from "really nice" into "I never want to leave." New windows flood the space with natural light, making the already generous footprint feel even more expansive and bringing out the best in every finish and material choice. The result is a bathroom that works as hard as it looks good — and one that finally, unmistakably, feels like them.

After living in their home for over 18 years, the homeowners loved the architectural potential of their home, and needed a refresh to meet their current family needs. They now had two kids in college and wanted to focus on entertaining. The key projects in the home included a new dramatic living room, the white kitchen renovation, a new personalized man-cave for the husband, and a large walk-in closet with custom height drawer storage for the wife. Throughout the rooms in this renovation, we added pops of gold and glamour, yet kept the home cozy and livable. We utilized cohesive design elements throughout the home including ship-lap texture and detailing throughout the kitchen, new mudroom, wok kitchen, living room, and master bedroom. Project Highlights: White Kitchen Renovation In this white kitchen renovation, we removed the old wooden shaker-style kitchen cabinetry and replaced them with all new white and grey cabinets, and white marble counter tops. Expertly hidden behind some of these cabinets is the family’s new walk-in pantry. The original space had a small, awkward-shaped kitchen island that was so small it was barely functional or convenient for more than one person to sit at. We gave the homeowners a much larger kitchen island, with a beveled edge, that now has more than enough space for eating, socializing, or doing work. With a large overhang counter top on one side, there is now room for several backless bar stools tucked under the island. You’ll also notice glitters of gold inside the two over-sized lighting fixtures suspended over the island. We created the homeowners a small wok kitchen just off of their new white kitchen renovation. In the main kitchen, we added a ceramic flat cook top and subtle white exhaust hood with an elegant rose-gold trim. Behind it, a white/grey mosaic back splash acts as a wall accent to provide some dimension to the otherwise solid white space. Surrounding the range hood are two large wall cabinets with clear doors to provide extra storage without adding bulk to the newly opened room. The adjacent dining room was also updated to include a long, contemporary dining table with comfortable seating for eight (ten if you want to get cozy). We replaced the low-hanging run-of-the-mill chandelier with a higher, more modern style made of gold and glass. Behind it all is a new dark grey accent wall with a paneled design to add dimension and depth to the new brighter room. Brightening the Living Room In addition to the white kitchen renovations, the living room got a much needed update too. The original high ceilings were so high they were unusable for decor or artwork, and a fireplace was mostly unused. We installed a large dark grey paneled accent wall (to match the new accent wall in the new formal dining room nearby), to make better use of the space in a stylish, artful way. In the middle of the room, a stunning minimalist hanging chandelier adds a pop of gold and elegance to the new space. If you’re looking to change up the colour scheme in your home, or make a transformation from dated to like the white kitchen renovation we did in this Surrey home, let us take a look. Schedule a complimentary consultation with the My House Design/Build Team today.

Clients love to entertain! And why wouldn't they, when they have a space like this? When I arrived, this huge space was nothing but bare soil. What a transformation! Project goals primarily focused on the creation of a beautiful space to enjoy with multiple outdoor rooms, space to grow food and space to play outside with guests. We created a regulation-size bocce ball court, large fountain and pond, and used an incredible and diverse selection of drought-tolerant plants including California native selections as well as plants from South Africa, Australia and beyond. Textures and colors form a buzzing, living tapestry which is framed by magnificent views of the fields and distant mountains. All garden elements are connected by winding decomposed granite pathways so the frequent guests, children and grandchildren can roam freely. Raised veggie beds provide a bountiful harvest of veggies and tomatoes. The sound of flowing water and the tranquil garden make it impossible to go inside; this is outdoor living at its finest!

Clients love to entertain! And why wouldn't they, when they have a space like this? When I arrived, this huge space was nothing but bare soil. What a transformation! Project goals primarily focused on the creation of a beautiful space to enjoy with multiple outdoor rooms, space to grow food and space to play outside with guests. We created a regulation-size bocce ball court, large fountain and pond, and used an incredible and diverse selection of drought-tolerant plants including California native selections as well as plants from South Africa, Australia and beyond. Textures and colors form a buzzing, living tapestry which is framed by magnificent views of the fields and distant mountains. All garden elements are connected by winding decomposed granite pathways so the frequent guests, children and grandchildren can roam freely. Raised veggie beds provide a bountiful harvest of veggies and tomatoes. The sound of flowing water and the tranquil garden make it impossible to go inside; this is outdoor living at its finest!

Design ideas for a full sun front yard driveway in New York for summer.

My clients approached this kitchen remodel hoping not only for improved functionality but for a space that invited comfort, warmth, and daily enjoyment. Their existing kitchen was limited in both layout and atmosphere where a small island barely larger than a podium offered little utility. An oversized double-width doorway at the rear of the room leading into the adjacent living space disrupted the flow, making furniture placement nearly impossible. They longed for a kitchen where cooking felt easy and intuitive, but also one where they could sit at the table with a book and a cup of tea, or host friends without feeling cramped or awkwardly positioned. One of the most impactful decisions we made early on was to close off that extra-wide opening to the living room. Doing so allowed us to reclaim the wall, which not only improved circulation but also gave us the freedom to rethink the spacing of the kitchen and eat-in area. With that change, we could introduce a much larger island—truly functional this time—complete with generous workspace and storage. It became a true centerpiece for meal prep, casual dining, and gathering. From there I turned my attention to layering in comfort, personality, and style. I curated a color palette of soft white, pale blue, light wood tones, and touches of sunshine yellow. This fresh and uplifting combination feels timeless and relaxed. We chose cabinetry with traditional Shaker-style doors, accented by black forged iron hardware for a subtle hint of contrast and authenticity. For the countertops we chose a Gold Calacatta-look quartz, bringing elegance and warmth with its soft veining and classic appeal. To elevate the kitchen walls I selected a soft matte glass tile in a moody, sky-blue that blankets the backsplash, providing a gentle wash of color that’s calming and cohesive. On the floors I chose a limestone-look porcelain tile in a classic Versailles pattern as an homage to old English manor houses—bringing character and texture underfoot while remaining durable and low-maintenance for modern life. Lastly I transformed the adjacent eat-in area into a cozy, multifunctional space. We added custom built-in bookshelves and a sideboard for serving and display—perfect for entertaining or simply making daily routines feel more special. A black iron picture light softly illuminates the buffet, lending a warm, ambient glow in the evenings. I carefully planned the seating arrangement to include a space-saving banquette along the wall, paired with a trestle-style dining table and side chairs. At either end I placed tufted host chairs upholstered in an exquisite, tonal Chinoiserie dragon pattern that are comfortable enough to sit on for hours. Whether sharing a leisurely meal, reading in the sunlight, or gazing out at the greenery just beyond the windows, this spot now invites my clients to truly enjoy their home in a new, deeper way. Photo: Bernardo Grijalva

The fourth wall in the living room consists of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. This condo sleeps 8 so providing ample seating was important. One of our favorite features was adding two teal swivel chairs for guests to stare at the ocean while having coffee in the morning that is also just extra seating during gatherings. Finding elements that were not only stylish but also durable was crucial to the overall design and styling of this space as this doubles as a vacation rental for our client. Mixing style with functionality. We kept the original ceiling in the living room as well as the original cement accent wall in the living room. Everything else was changed. A window was added to the stair wall so that as you walk downstairs, you get a view of the ocean. The walls were painted a barely-there minty seafoam color and we stuck with a neutral color palette with pops of various shades of blues. Built-ins were installed to create a working space that doubles as extra storage. The sectional has a chaise that is used to store bedding and the middle part of the sectional pulls out to provide additional sleeping space for guests. The 3 paintings above the sofa were custom painted for the client's space, as well as the dining table and chairs. The rug is a beautiful piece that ties in all of the colors found throughout the downstairs space.

Plantation mahogany decking with cable wire sides to bring a touch of modern to a beautiful deck. Photo credit: Jennifer Broy
Danish front porch idea in Boston with a roof extension

Overthinking a situation isn’t always a bad thing, particularly when the home in question is one in which the past is suddenly meeting the present. Originally designed by Finnish architect Olav Hammarstrom in 1952 for fellow architect Eero Saarinen, this unique home recently received its first transformation in decades. Still in its 1950s skin, it was completely gutted, inside and out. It was a serious undertaking, as the homeowner wanted modern upgrades, while keeping an eye toward retaining the home’s 1950s charm. She had a vision for her home, and she stuck to it from beginning to end. Perched on a rise of land and overlooking the tranquil Wellfleet Herring Pond, the home initially appears split, with the guest house on the left, and the main house of the right, but both ends are connected with a breezeway. The original home’s bones were in good shape, but many upgrades and replacements were necessary to bring the house up to date. New siding, roofing, gutters, insulation and mechanical systems were all replaced. Doors and windows with metal frames were custom made by a company in Long Island that fabricates doors for office buildings. Modern heating and cooling systems were added, and the three bathrooms were all updated. The footprint of the home remained unchanged. Inside, the only expansion was more closet space. The attention to detail in retaining the 50s-style look took a lot of online searching, from handles and knobs to lighting fixtures, with bits and pieces arriving from all over the world, including a doorstop from New Zealand. The homeowner selected many of the fixtures herself, while a very detail-oriented foreman exhaustively researched as well, looking for just the right piece for each and every location. High-end appliances were purchased to modernize the kitchen and all of the old cabinetry was removed, replaced and refaced with NUVACOR, a versatile surfacing material that not only provided a sleek, modern look, but added convenience and ease of use. Bare, wood-beamed ceilings throughout give a nod to the home’s natural surroundings, while the main living area (formerly a fisherman’s cabin), with a brick fireplace, was completely trimmed in walnut, while multiple windows of varying sizes welcome sunlight to brighten the home. Here, the sheetrock ceiling with faux rafters provides an interesting and room-brightening feature. Behind the house sits the serene pond, which can now be enjoyed from the stunning new deck. Here, decking material was not laid out side by side, as it typically is but, instead, meticulously laid out on edge, creating an unusual and eye-catching effect. A railing of tempered glass panels allows unobstructed views of the surrounding natural beauty, and keeps consistent with the open, airy feel of the place. A new outdoor shower is accessible via the deck and left open to the wilderness and the pond below, completing the bold yet sophisticated feeling of this retro-modern home.

When this non-descript three-story brick row house was purchased by the client, it was stripped completely bare. The owner sought to add additional space, which was achieved by extending the rear of the home by a full 16 feet on the parlor, second and third levels. This not only provided roomier living spaces indoors, it created the opportunity to outfit each reconfigured floor with identical balconies. These outcroppings, finished with matte black railings and full NanaWall folding glass doors, provide the ideal outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining, while creating a harmonious uniformity to the rear façade. A Grand ARDA for Renovation Design goes to Dixon Projects Design: Dixon Projects From: New York, New York

Inspiration for a coastal entryway remodel in New York

A load baring wall was removed between old dining room and kitchen to allow for a bigger kitchen and an open concept.
Large trendy single-wall medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Toronto with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, multicolored backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Lots of low growing 'Steppables' were used along the outside edges of the flagstones. Perennials like Monada, Sedums, Epimedium, Stachys, Alchemilla mollis, Rudbeckia, and Echinacea fill the center of the boulder beds. Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees and dragonflies are already making this there new home.

RUSTIC GLAM Time Frame: 5 Weeks // Budget: $16,000 // Design Fee: $1,250 After purchasing a new home in north Upland, this young couple enlisted me to help create a warm, relaxing environment in their living/dining space. They didn’t want anything too fussy or formal. They wanted a comfortable space to entertain, play cards and watch TV. I had a good foundation of dark wood floors and grey walls to work with. Everything else was newly purchased. Instead of a formal dining room, they requested a more relaxed space to hang out with friends. I had a custom L-shaped banquette made in a slate blue velvet and a glamorous statement chandelier installed for a wow factor. The bench came as part of the table set, but I had it reupholstered in the same fabric as the banquette. A ceiling fan and a new entry light were installed to reinforce the rustic vibe. Elegant, yet comfortable furnishings were purchased, custom 2 finger pleat drapes in an oatmeal fabric were hung, and accessories and decor were layered in to create a “lived-in” feeling. Overall, the space is now a great place to relax and hang out with family and friends.