As readers of architect/designer Katie Hutchison’s book The New Cottage (Taunton Press 2018), these homeowners approached KHS about designing a second home in Westerly, Rhode Island. Theirs is a double-long lot with street frontage on both ends, a short walk from the water. In addition to the new house, their wish list included a new lap pool (with associated patio) and new garage. Aesthetically, they were looking to create an informally elegant, human-scaled family compound, engaged with the site and connected with the outdoors. They further requested sustainable features/systems and low-maintenance materials. In response, KHS proposed an ell-shaped house that wraps two sides of a lap pool/patio. A porch-fronted two-story gabled component faces the main street and is flanked by the one-story primary suite in one leg of the ell and the one-story kitchen and rear porches in the other leg of the ell. The house is an efficient +/- 2800 square-feet and contains four bedrooms and three and one half bathrooms. A salt-box inspired garage is detached so as not to increase the building massing. It helps shape outdoor spaces and doesn’t block daylight and direct exterior access from the house. It faces the secondary street. Driveways off both streets offer different modes of arrival. The south-facing roof of the two-story volume – which includes three bedrooms and two baths – and the south-facing one-story roof of the kitchen and rear porches, as well as the south-facing roof of the garage support 47 photovoltaic solar panels, providing the bulk of the property’s electric power. Two oversized exterior folding glass doors off the living area and kitchen blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, welcoming abundant daylight, views of the pool and patio, as well as summer breezes. An airy living/dining area includes a long custom window seat and borders a semi-open kitchen beneath a cathedral ceiling. Living area built-in shelving frames a TV and surrounds a modern efficient pellet stove. A cheerful interior palette of soft hues features pops of color, Scandinavian wallpapers, custom textiles, and a dash of warm wood accents in the form of counters, built-in desks, and custom furnishings. On the exterior, natural shingles side the main volume and environmentally friendly and durable Boral board-and-batten side the one-story components and garage, communicating a legible hierarchy of spaces. The overall effect is a breezy, crisp New England home, pool patio, and garage for today’s living.

A wide view of the spacious primary bedroom emphasizes natural light flooding in from a large window dressed with sheer white curtains, reinforcing the Coastal Transitional feel. The space is anchored by a bed with a neutral throw and features a long daybed or seating area beneath the window, accompanied by the boucle accent chairs and a faux olive tree, offering a peaceful, luxurious retreat.

This Boston area closet client just upgraded their home with a full room closet installation as part of a whole home renovation. Here a generous 20" deep panel in the fun gray woodgrain color called winter fun from TAFISA supports a below the window bench with two additional full-depth drawers. Our drawers are always constructed with solid wood boxes that are doweled and glued with full-extension under-mount glides. We are a fully custom closet company. What does that mean exactly? That means whatever your space requires, we've got you covered! Take this below window bench, We engineered these drawers to be 33 3/8" wide to fit perfectly beneath the window, custom drawer sizes are no problem for our advanced manufacturing shop, and at a price that won't break your budget! The Boston area's creative designer of choice for all your custom closet, pantry, garage, laundry room, entertainment center, home office, crafting center needs and more! Closettec is a local, family-owned business serving all of New England since 1985. Call today for a free quote! Closettec is the Boston and Providence area’s ONLY custom closet fabricators to combine custom closet, cabinetry, wood, stone, metal and glass fabrication all under one roof. We also serve the following areas outside of Boston – East Lyme, Niantic, Waterford, Mystic, Stonington, North Reading, Middleton, Lynnfield, Wakefield, Peabody, Danvers, Beverly, Salem, Marblehead, Lynn, Saugus, Revere, Stoneham, Melrose, Winchester, Woburn, Burlington, Wilmington, Billerica, Tewksbury, Nashua, Lowell, Chelmsford, Derry, Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, Haverill, Amesbury, Newburyport, Newton, Medford, Arlington, Somerville, Belmont, Cambridge, Watertown, Waltham, Weston, Wellesley, Needham, Dedham, Natick, Framingham, Westborough, Lincoln, Lexington, Wayland, Worcester, Narragansett, Newport, Jamestown.

An Ohio family in search of a place to enjoy the Portuguese coast acquired a four-bedroom apartment just outside the center of Cascais. Our studio was engaged to turn a compartmented interior into a holiday residence for a household that gathers in numbers: one that could seat everyone at once and still hold the ease and lightness of a home by the beach. The original plan included a kitchen and laundry room sealed off from the living room, floor finishes and levels that changed from threshold to threshold, and bathrooms in varying styles. Work began by redefining the alignments and circulation. The principal transformation was the opening of the kitchen, creating a more generous social setting centered on a bespoke island fitted with storage and seating. The interior takes its cues from the building’s geometric façade, which projects and recedes in volumes and voids. Bespoke joinery in oak and lacquer carries continuity and order through the apartment. Concealed storage runs throughout: at the entrance, in the dining area, along the living area, and beneath built-in benches. The laundry is merged into the kitchen behind perforated doors for ventilation while keeping the service area discreet. Behind the sofa, a console slips a workspace into the living area without conceding its openness. Curved elements answer the rectilinear architecture; artisanal glazed vertical tiles repeat from the backsplashes onto custom side tables. The palette stays deliberately narrow; the muted oak and lacquer are joined by a softened timber floor, Portuguese Lioz stone, and walls painted to the color of bare plaster. Existing doors and baseboards were repainted in a warm light gray that draws the original elements into the language of the new interior. Upholstery and decorative accents hint at the terracotta, sky blue, and yellow of the façade. The bedrooms are set with upholstered headboards on oak frames, bedside tables that extend those outlines, and wardrobes fit for a long stay. Locally made rugs, bedcovers, and throw pillows soften the composition. In the bathrooms, the plans were reorganized and the showers enlarged. Lioz was used for the counters and sinks, shelves, shower bases, and bathtub surround, with microcement bringing a soothing warmth to the walls, and storage in floating cabinets. Deeper in tone than the rest of the apartment yet never dim, they are quietly elegant rooms made for lingering — taking one’s time getting ready, or unwinding at the end of a day. PHOTOGRAPHY: © ALEXANDER BOGORODSKIY

Primary bathroom in Haworth, NJ by WA Construct. A freestanding soaking tub with gold floor-mounted filler sits beneath a picture window, alongside a glass corner shower, white double vanity with gold faucets, and marble-look tile.

Reception seating at the Airoptic Research & Technology Office in Wysogotowo, designed by STUDIO KONDE Konrad Idaszewski Architekt, creates a dedicated lounge area for visitors, informal meetings and waiting. Visit our page: https://conde.pl/portfolio/projekt-wnetrz-biurowych-siedziby-firmy-airoptic/ The reception area is part of a larger office interior design project near Poznań. It shows how an interior architect in Poznań can use furniture, materials and spatial proportions to give a commercial interior a distinct character. Blue upholstered seating, natural oak wall panels and a dark rug establish the main visual language of the lounge. The composition is simple and symmetrical. A large media screen provides the central focal point, while the seating creates a clear area for conversations and informal meetings. A three-seat sofa stands along the left side of the room. Its blue upholstery has broad side panels and softly rounded edges. Matching armchairs are positioned opposite and alongside it. Slim black metal legs lift the furniture above the floor and add a light detail to the substantial upholstered forms. At the centre, a low coffee table combines a pale oak top with a rounded blue base. The softly curved corners repeat the geometry of the armchairs. Its compact form leaves a generous gap between the surrounding seats and keeps the circulation around the lounge unobstructed. Behind the furniture, large oak panels cover the entire wall. Fine horizontal and vertical joints divide the surface into a regular grid. A black wall-mounted television sits centrally within the composition and creates a strong contrast against the light timber. The simple media wall gives the reception seating a clear visual focus without additional decorative elements. A large dark brown rug defines the lounge area and visually connects the sofa, armchairs and coffee table. Its mottled surface adds subtle texture beneath the smooth upholstery. On the left, large green plants stand beside the glazing and bring natural colour into the restrained palette. White door frames and glazed openings remain visible around the timber wall. They connect the seating area with the circulation routes and other parts of the office. Daylight entering through the glazed entrance brightens the space and highlights the natural grain of the oak. The ceiling continues the office's restrained architectural language, combining a dark grid with integrated lighting. Linear illumination around the perimeter provides an even glow across the seating area. Oak panelling, blue contract furniture, a dark rug and carefully planned circulation create a cohesive reception lounge within the Airoptic workplace. The project reflects STUDIO KONDE Konrad Idaszewski Architekt's work in office interiors, commercial spaces and furniture arrangements for contemporary workplaces in the Poznań area.

An Ohio family in search of a place to enjoy the Portuguese coast acquired a four-bedroom apartment just outside the center of Cascais. Our studio was engaged to turn a compartmented interior into a holiday residence for a household that gathers in numbers: one that could seat everyone at once and still hold the ease and lightness of a home by the beach. The original plan included a kitchen and laundry room sealed off from the living room, floor finishes and levels that changed from threshold to threshold, and bathrooms in varying styles. Work began by redefining the alignments and circulation. The principal transformation was the opening of the kitchen, creating a more generous social setting centered on a bespoke island fitted with storage and seating. The interior takes its cues from the building’s geometric façade, which projects and recedes in volumes and voids. Bespoke joinery in oak and lacquer carries continuity and order through the apartment. Concealed storage runs throughout: at the entrance, in the dining area, along the living area, and beneath built-in benches. The laundry is merged into the kitchen behind perforated doors for ventilation while keeping the service area discreet. Behind the sofa, a console slips a workspace into the living area without conceding its openness. Curved elements answer the rectilinear architecture; artisanal glazed vertical tiles repeat from the backsplashes onto custom side tables. The palette stays deliberately narrow; the muted oak and lacquer are joined by a softened timber floor, Portuguese Lioz stone, and walls painted to the color of bare plaster. Existing doors and baseboards were repainted in a warm light gray that draws the original elements into the language of the new interior. Upholstery and decorative accents hint at the terracotta, sky blue, and yellow of the façade. The bedrooms are set with upholstered headboards on oak frames, bedside tables that extend those outlines, and wardrobes fit for a long stay. Locally made rugs, bedcovers, and throw pillows soften the composition. In the bathrooms, the plans were reorganized and the showers enlarged. Lioz was used for the counters and sinks, shelves, shower bases, and bathtub surround, with microcement bringing a soothing warmth to the walls, and storage in floating cabinets. Deeper in tone than the rest of the apartment yet never dim, they are quietly elegant rooms made for lingering — taking one’s time getting ready, or unwinding at the end of a day. PHOTOGRAPHY: © ALEXANDER BOGORODSKIY

What began as a dated primary bathroom and undersized closet evolved into a light-filled retreat designed around the homeowners' lifestyle. The original space featured a large built-in tub, oversized shower enclosure, limited storage, and an inefficient closet layout that no longer met the family's needs. Through extensive demolition and structural modifications, the bathroom and closet were completely reconfigured to maximize both function and beauty. Walls were removed, storage was reimagined, and every square foot was carefully planned to create a more open, luxurious experience. The finished space features a freestanding soaking tub positioned beneath expansive windows, a custom walk-in shower wrapped in marble-look porcelain, warm brass fixtures and hardware, custom cabinetry, and a fully tailored dressing room with dedicated storage for clothing, shoes, and accessories. Soft neutral finishes, elegant lighting, and thoughtfully layered details create a timeless primary suite designed to feel like a private retreat.

This Paradise Model ATU is extra tall and grand! As you would in you have a couch for lounging, a 6 drawer dresser for clothing, and a seating area and closet that mirrors the kitchen. Quartz countertops waterfall over the side of the cabinets encasing them in stone. The custom kitchen cabinetry is sealed in a clear coat keeping the wood tone light. Black hardware accents with contrast to the light wood. A main-floor bedroom- no crawling in and out of bed. The wallpaper was an owner request; what do you think of their choice? The bathroom has natural edge Hawaiian mango wood slabs spanning the length of the bump-out: the vanity countertop and the shelf beneath. The entire bump-out-side wall is tiled floor to ceiling with a diamond print pattern. The shower follows the high contrast trend with one white wall and one black wall in matching square pearl finish. The warmth of the terra cotta floor adds earthy warmth that gives life to the wood. 3 wall lights hang down illuminating the vanity, though durning the day, you likely wont need it with the natural light shining in from two perfect angled long windows. This Paradise model was way customized. The biggest alterations were to remove the loft altogether and have one consistent roofline throughout. We were able to make the kitchen windows a bit taller because there was no loft we had to stay below over the kitchen. This ATU was perfect for an extra tall person. After editing out a loft, we had these big interior walls to work with and although we always have the high-up octagon windows on the interior walls to keep thing light and the flow coming through, we took it a step (or should I say foot) further and made the french pocket doors extra tall. This also made the shower wall tile and shower head extra tall. We added another ceiling fan above the kitchen and when all of those awning windows are opened up, all the hot air goes right up and out.

Kitchen in The Gathering House | Key Feature: Woven wood counter stools sit beneath a white quartz waterfall edge island, positioned across from the gas cooktop and a cluster of brass pendant lights with globe shades.

This spectacular entryway for the Hayden, Idaho, custom estate acts as a technical architectural bridge. By integrating specialized artisan millwork with advanced smart-home connectivity and complex climate engineering, we’ve created a high-performance first impression that sets the standard for the entire residence. High-Performance Architecture: Custom Entry & Smart Integration This entryway serves as a technical showcase, blending rustic artisan craftsmanship with high-capacity environmental control. We engineered this high-volume space to function as a thermal and visual bridge, leveraging specialized Knotty Alder millwork and advanced construction techniques to prepare visitors for the complexity found deeper in the home (like the 18-head steam suite!). Technical & Artisan Highlights: Custom Aagesen Millworks Door: The focal point is the substantial, hand-crafted Knotty Alder entry door, fabricated by Aagesen Millworks. We integrated a large upper-glass panel featuring a custom "raindrop" texture for immediate architectural interest and privacy, setting an artisan tone for the entire residence. Complex Fenestration Matrix: We engineered this wall with a sophisticated array of matching side-lights and a spectacular semicircular transom window. This complex framing assembly requires precise geometry and structural integration to ensure maximum daylight infiltration while maintaining high-efficiency environmental performance. Architectural Woodwork Integration: The entry door and windows are anchored by a continuous, massive Knotty Alder header and casing assembly. Note the thick, rustic cross-header that bridges the central opening, creating a robust, unified archway that emphasizes the vaulting architecture. Invisible HVAC Integration: To handle the significant volume of this vaulted space, we installed an invisible thermostat-controlled radiant heating system beneath the large-format dark grey tile. This provides consistent, "cold-spot-free" warmth across the entire floor plan. (Note the technical complexity required to fit the baseboard registers into the substantial wood base). Smart Security & Continuity: This entry features integrated high-end dark bronze security and locking hardware (visible on the right-hand jamb), providing professional-grade protection. We ensured design continuity by utilizing the same rustic wood tones and heavy-gauge bronze that are echoed on the specialized DTV plumbing controls in the master en-suite.

This project showcases thoughtful design at every level. Beneath the basement stairs, what's typically wasted space was transformed into a cozy reading nook—a small sanctuary for dreaming, reading, and relaxing. Above, the staircase itself features clean, minimalist design: red oak handrails and treads paired with white-painted square balusters. The contrast creates a crisp, elegant look that complements the home's modern aesthetic while the hidden retreat below reminds us that exceptional design considers every square foot. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This bonus-room remodel in Raleigh NC by Lavish transforms an upper-level space into a golf simulator lounge and bar built for year-round entertaining. Our clients wanted a hardworking, atmospheric retreat tucked beneath the home's sloped rooflines — somewhere to practice a swing, host friends, and unwind. Lavish's design-build team fit a full golf simulator setup with a projection screen and turf into the angled space, framing it with exposed wood beams for warmth and character. A built-in wet bar anchors the lounge with deep navy cabinetry, a shimmering tile backsplash, floating shelves, quartz counters, and a stainless refrigerator. Comfortable lounge seating, leather bar stools, and a round dining table make the room equally suited to game day and casual gatherings. Lavish designs and remodels living spaces across the Triangle and the North Carolina coast, from Raleigh to Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington. Interested in a similar project? Click "Contact Me" and tell us about your space.

This kitchen remodel combines timeless cabinetry, sophisticated quartz countertops and thoughtful features designed for everyday living. Custom Cove Creek cabinetry in maple with a Sherwin-Williams color match—Argos on the perimeter and Tin Lizzie on the island. The cabinetry features full-overlay Christmas Run doors. Top Knobs Mercer hardware in Brushed Nickel completes the look. Countertops: Laventa Quartz in Carrara Wind was selected for the perimeter, including a matching 4" backsplash and full-height backsplash above the cooktop. The island features MSI Calacatta Laza Night quartz. Two Bocchi Sotto fireclay sinks in glossy white provide both style and functionality—one 32" sink beneath the window and an 18" sink in the island. Homecrest Ridge Seneca Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring flows throughout the kitchen. From custom cabinetry and statement countertops to carefully selected fixtures and finishes, every detail was chosen to create a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional.

Little did our homeowner know how much his inspiration for his master bathroom renovation might mean to him after the year of Covid 2020. Living in a land-locked state meant a lot of travel to partake in his love of scuba diving throughout the world. When thinking about remodeling his bath, it was only natural for him to want to bring one of his favorite island diving spots home. We were asked to create an elegant bathroom that captured the elements of the Caribbean with some of the colors and textures of the sand and the sea. The pallet fell into place with the sourcing of a natural quartzite slab for the countertop that included aqua and deep navy blues accented by coral and sand colors. Floating vanities in a sandy, bleached wood with an accent of louvered shutter doors give the space an open airy feeling. A sculpted tub with a wave pattern was set atop a bed of pebble stone and beneath a wall of bamboo stone tile. A tub ledge provides access for products. The large format floor and shower tile (24 x 48) we specified brings to mind the trademark creamy white sand-swept swirls of Caribbean beaches. The walk-in curbless shower boasts three shower heads with a rain head, standard shower head, and a handheld wand near the bench toped in natural quartzite. Pebble stone finishes the floor off with an authentic nod to the beaches for the feet.

Our La Cañada studio designed this lovely home, keeping with the fun, cheerful personalities of the homeowner. The entry runner from Annie Selke is the perfect introduction to the house and its playful palette, adding a welcoming appeal. In the dining room, a beautiful, iconic Schumacher wallpaper was one of our happy finishes whose vines and garden colors begged for more vibrant colors to complement it. So we added bold green color to the trims, doors, and windows, enhancing the playful appeal. In the family room, we used a soft palette with pale blue, soft grays, and warm corals, reminiscent of pastel house palettes and crisp white trim that reflects the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of Bermuda! The formal living room looks elegant and sophisticated, with beautiful furniture in soft blue and pastel green. The curtains nicely complement the space, and the gorgeous wooden center table anchors the space beautifully. In the kitchen, we added a custom-built, happy blue island that sits beneath the house’s namesake fabric, Hydrangea Heaven. ---Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena. For more about Courtney Thomas Design, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/elegant-family-home-la-canada/

Warm rift-cut oak cabinetry, dramatic natural stone, and brushed brass accents define this refined Los Angeles kitchen. A sculptural stone hood and glass display cabinets frame a professional range with a brass pot filler, while a waterfall island and herringbone wood floors add timeless elegance. A farmhouse sink beneath expansive windows fills the kitchen with natural light, creating a warm, functional, and luxurious space perfect for modern living.

The Monolith Features: 1. SPACIOUS SHALLOW END BENCH SEAT Want to take a break from the action and hang out with some friends? This seating area is properly sized to accommodate the whole family. 2. LARGE SHALLOW END FOR SOCIALIZING AND PLAY The problem with most deep end pools is the tiny shallow end, which is where most people gather. 3. OPEN POOL INTERIOR Want plenty of room to float and frolic? The rectangular design of the Monolith provides ample room for all of your pool activities. 4. DEEP END SEATS / EXIT POINTS When using deep end pools, people love to jump in, exit and repeat. The deep end seats of the Monolith provide a place to get in and out, as well as take a rest. 5. MASSIVE 8' 6" DEEP END Looking for lots of water? The Monolith is 6" deeper than most of the fiberglass deep end pools on the market. 6. AUTOMATIC COVER FRIENDLY The rectangular design of the Monolith allows cover tracks to be hidden beneath the pool coping, protecting them.

We're thrilled to showcase this stunning new construction luxury modern contemporary home, masterfully designed by Scott Amber Architect. At Midtown Cabinets, we had the privilege of designing, building, and installing bespoke European-style custom cabinetry that elevates the space with seamless functionality and sophisticated style. The heart of the home features a sleek kitchen with an inward-opening hidden pantry door for effortless access, complemented by a concealed bar tucked behind elegant gray 8' bi-fold sliding pocket doors. We crafted these elements using premium alternative materials, including horizontal grain-matched Egger Natural Carini Walnut TFL for a warm, natural texture, paired with UltraPan high-gloss acrylic finishes on cabinet doors and drawer fronts for a polished, reflective allure. To enhance ambiance and usability, we integrated Loox5 programmable LED strip lighting—adjustable from warm to cool tones—into precision dado grooves beneath the upper cabinets and along the toe kicks of the base units. Every piece of cabinetry is constructed from durable prefinished hard maple 19mm plywood, equipped with Blum soft-close hardware for whisper-quiet operation. For the sliding pocket doors, we incorporated innovative HAWA Sliding Solutions Concepta III push-to-open hardware, ensuring smooth, space-saving performance. This project exemplifies our commitment to blending cutting-edge design with timeless craftsmanship. Ready to transform your kitchen? Visit www.midtowncabinets.com or connect with us on Houzz to start your custom journey today! — Ron Wilburn, Owner, Midtown Cabinets