We all know that this is the space where everyone gathers whether you want them to or not! We believe in creating a clean palette that can host all of the colorful chaos of the holiday crowds, an elegant night of cooking for two, and the frosting-covered fingers of a pack of four year olds. A kitchen’s flexibility and usefulness are as important as the finishes, and it is our job to listen to your functional needs as well as your aesthetic desires.

Hive LA Home toured this pool house in San Marino when it was being used as guest quarters, home office, and storage area. One bed, two tiny bathrooms (huh?) and a teeny tiny kitchenette, the space was not functional. Marrying the clients’ east coast ‘Hamptons’ aesthetic with the rich California architectural history of the neighborhood Hive LA Home made a space for both working and entertaining. New custom built-ins make plenty of office storage. A new kitchenette for hosting gatherings. Hive LA Home hid a pull out in the custom sofa that lets this little pool house sleep 6! Family-friendly materials throughout keep it from being too fussy: you can still saddle up to the bar in your wet towel for a margarita. Cheers!

This young family was ready for a new, fresh and updated look to their house. They wanted a totally different color scheme and vibe and needed it finished within 6 weeks to be ready for a party of 100+ people they were hosting. I was happy to help! Even though many items that were selected were on back order and needed to be replaced, they kept their spirits high after countless returns and exchanges. Although art was being framed a day before the party and decor was being installed at the last minute, we pulled it together and accomplished our goal of finishing on time! The easiest (and most cost effective!) way to change the feeling of a space is with color, so that’s what I did. I swapped out the tired burgundy/browns for a clean palette of blues and greys. In the family room, a new custom sectional in a neutral grey took place of the brown leatherette sofa. A blue accent chair was placed in the room to brighten that corner. Patterned drapes were hung for privacy and added texture. Colorful artwork and a Moroccan print area rug livened up the space. Many of the accessories and decor throughout the home were sourced at Home Goods, Target and Ikea. The only piece of furniture that was kept in the entire home was the dining table, chairs and bar stools. The head chairs were swapped out for swanky upholstered navy ones with a nail head trim. A custom cornice to match the chairs was installed in the kitchen to hide the existing roller shades. The bar stools were reupholstered in the same fabric and some throw pillows for the sofa were made in the navy velvet as well. A Z Gallerie chandelier and blue pendants were installed for a little added drama. The fireplace got a makeover with a fresh coat of white paint and tile mosaic. Their daughter wanted a beach theme bedroom, so that’s what she got! New blue walls, drapes and accessories brought the ocean to this room. Their son has taken a liking to super heroes and Legos. A red, blue and yellow color palette with bold stripes helped to create a fun, playful space for him to enjoy his Legos and super heroes. The master bedroom got a new look with updated furnishings and colorful, yet soothing, bedding. New drapes, an area rug and accessories help pull together this peaceful sanctuary. The bathroom got a makeover with a new vanity, tile mosaic back splash, new lighting and tile on the floor and shower.

I was contacted by the Realtor who sold this house to his friend in San Marino to help with the interior design of the extensive remodel. The 3,777 sf house with 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms was built in 1948 and was in need of some major changes. San Marino, CA, incorporated in 1913, was designed by its founders to be uniquely residential, with expansive properties surrounded by beautiful gardens, wide streets, and well maintained parkways. In 2010, Forbes Magazine ranked the city as the 63rd most expensive area to live in the United States. There are little to no homes priced under US$1,000,000, with the median list price of a single family home at US$2,159,000. We decided to tear down walls, remove a fireplace (gasp!), reconfigure bathrooms and update all the finishes while maintaining the integrity of the San Marino style. Here are some photos of the home after. The kitchen was totally gutted. Custom, lacquered black and white cabinetry was built for the space. We decided on 2-tone cabinets and 2 door styles on the island and surrounding cabinets for visual impact and variety. Cambria quartz in Braemar was installed on the counters and back splash for easy clean up and durability. New Schonbek crystal chandeliers and silver cabinetry hardware are the jewelry, making this space sparkle. Custom Roman shades add a bit of softness to the room and custom barstools in white and black invite guests to have a seat while dinner is being prepared. In the dining room we opted for custom moldings to add architectural detail to the walls and infuse a hint of traditional style. The black lacquer table and Louis chairs are custom made for the space with a peacock teal velvet. A traditional area rug and custom window treatments in a blue-green were added to soften the space. The Schonbek Crystal Rain chandelier is the show stopper in the space with pure sparkle and graceful traditional form. The living room is host to custom tufted grey velvet sofas, custom accent chair with ottoman in a silver fabric, custom black and while media center, baby grand piano with mini Schonbeck Crystal Rain chandelier hung above, custom tufted velvet tuffet for extra seating, one-of-a-kind art and custom window coverings in a diamond grey fabric. Sparkle and pizzazz was added with purple, crystal and mirrored accessories. The occupant of this home is a 21 year old woman. Her favorite colors are baby pink and blue. I knew this was possibly going to be my only chance in my design career to go nuts with the color pink, so I went for it! A majestic pink velvet tufted bed dressed with luxurious white linens is the focal point. Flanking the bed are two pink crystal chandeliers, a custom white lacquer desk with a baby blue Louis chair and a custom baby blue nightstand with a Moroccan door design. A super soft white shag rug graces the floor. Custom white silk window coverings with black out lining provide privacy and a completely dark room when wanted. An acrylic hanging bubble chair adds whimsy and playfulness. The master bathroom was a complete transformation. A clawfoot slipper tub sits inside the shower, clad with marble wall and floor tiles and a basketweave with custom baby blue accent tiles. A frameless shower wall separates the wet and dry areas. A custom baby blue cabinet with crystal knobs, topped with Cambria Quartz Whitney, was built to match the bedroom’s nightstand. Above hangs a pair of pink crystal wall sconces and a vintage rococo mirror painted in high gloss white. Crystal and nickel faucets and fixtures add more sparkle and shine.

The kitchen remodel includes a cool white backsplash in the kitchen. This detail beautifully compliments the cool tones throughout the rest of the kitchen's tiles and kitchen cabinets. The highlight and most significant feature of this kitchen remodel has not one, but two kitchen islands. This allows for more working space, and more room to makes hosting more enjoyable. The brass detailing on the cabinets and kitchen sink is rich and warm, giving the perfect detail to this regal kitchen. We love a kitchen that can accommodate a wine fridge and mini-fridge for the family who loves to entertain and enjoys hosting. This kitchen includes open shelving while allowing for plenty of storage. Photo by Mark Quentin / StudioQphoto.com

Contemporary, stylish Bachelor loft apartment in the heart of Tribeca New York. Creating a tailored space with a lay back feel to match the client personality. This master bedroom design has a contemporary masculine feel. All the elements where designed and fabricated or curated for the room. The bed and nightstands are in solid walnut with a blue accent metal detail. The niche along the upholstered headboard provide a space for display before the majestic leather wall. All light fixtures are from David Weeks. The room also hosts a beautiful blue velvet upholstered Vladimir Kagan Lounge chair and ottoman. Photo Credit: Francis Augustine

I was contacted by the Realtor who sold this house to his friend in San Marino to help with the interior design of the extensive remodel. The 3,777 sf house with 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms was built in 1948 and was in need of some major changes. San Marino, CA, incorporated in 1913, was designed by its founders to be uniquely residential, with expansive properties surrounded by beautiful gardens, wide streets, and well maintained parkways. In 2010, Forbes Magazine ranked the city as the 63rd most expensive area to live in the United States. There are little to no homes priced under US$1,000,000, with the median list price of a single family home at US$2,159,000. We decided to tear down walls, remove a fireplace (gasp!), reconfigure bathrooms and update all the finishes while maintaining the integrity of the San Marino style. Here are some photos of the home after. The kitchen was totally gutted. Custom, lacquered black and white cabinetry was built for the space. We decided on 2-tone cabinets and 2 door styles on the island and surrounding cabinets for visual impact and variety. Cambria quartz in Braemar was installed on the counters and back splash for easy clean up and durability. New Schonbek crystal chandeliers and silver cabinetry hardware are the jewelry, making this space sparkle. Custom Roman shades add a bit of softness to the room and custom barstools in white and black invite guests to have a seat while dinner is being prepared. In the dining room we opted for custom moldings to add architectural detail to the walls and infuse a hint of traditional style. The black lacquer table and Louis chairs are custom made for the space with a peacock teal velvet. A traditional area rug and custom window treatments in a blue-green were added to soften the space. The Schonbek Crystal Rain chandelier is the show stopper in the space with pure sparkle and graceful traditional form. The living room is host to custom tufted grey velvet sofas, custom accent chair with ottoman in a silver fabric, custom black and while media center, baby grand piano with mini Schonbeck Crystal Rain chandelier hung above, custom tufted velvet tuffet for extra seating, one-of-a-kind art and custom window coverings in a diamond grey fabric. Sparkle and pizzazz was added with purple, crystal and mirrored accessories. The occupant of this home is a 21 year old woman. Her favorite colors are baby pink and blue. I knew this was possibly going to be my only chance in my design career to go nuts with the color pink, so I went for it! A majestic pink velvet tufted bed dressed with luxurious white linens is the focal point. Flanking the bed are two pink crystal chandeliers, a custom white lacquer desk with a baby blue Louis chair and a custom baby blue nightstand with a Moroccan door design. A super soft white shag rug graces the floor. Custom white silk window coverings with black out lining provide privacy and a completely dark room when wanted. An acrylic hanging bubble chair adds whimsy and playfulness. The master bathroom was a complete transformation. A clawfoot slipper tub sits inside the shower, clad with marble wall and floor tiles and a basketweave with custom baby blue accent tiles. A frameless shower wall separates the wet and dry areas. A custom baby blue cabinet with crystal knobs, topped with Cambria Quartz Whitney, was built to match the bedroom’s nightstand. Above hangs a pair of pink crystal wall sconces and a vintage rococo mirror painted in high gloss white. Crystal and nickel faucets and fixtures add more sparkle and shine.

A new home designed for an elegant client who has a love for natural elements and color. Designed by: AJ Margulis Interiors Photos by: Paul S. Bartholomew

Larry Field
Example of a large classic freestanding desk light wood floor study room design in Austin with white walls and no fireplace

Larry Field
Elegant bathroom photo in Austin

Larry Field
Elegant bathroom photo in Austin

Larry Field
Inspiration for a modern kids' room remodel in Austin

This furniture gray vanity with crystal knobs is the definition of shabby chic. The white arabesque sink splash really gives it that defining character white complementing the marble style quartz counter tops. The marble style porcelain tile laid on the floor on a one-third stagger completes the classic feminine aesthetic.

This kitchen remodel blends modern farmhouse and contemporary design with a refined, Pacific Northwest feel. Deep navy shaker cabinetry paired with warm wood countertops creates a rich, inviting contrast, while the waterfall-edge quartz island adds a clean, modern statement. Industrial-inspired pendant lights and brass hardware introduce subtle character, balanced by a crisp white subway tile backsplash and streamlined stainless steel appliances. The result is a kitchen that feels tailored yet approachable—design-forward, functional, and perfectly suited for everyday living and entertaining.

This kitchen remodel blends modern farmhouse and contemporary design with a refined, Pacific Northwest feel. Deep navy shaker cabinetry paired with warm wood countertops creates a rich, inviting contrast, while the waterfall-edge quartz island adds a clean, modern statement. Industrial-inspired pendant lights and brass hardware introduce subtle character, balanced by a crisp white subway tile backsplash and streamlined stainless steel appliances. The result is a kitchen that feels tailored yet approachable—design-forward, functional, and perfectly suited for everyday living and entertaining.

This kitchen remodel blends modern farmhouse and contemporary design with a refined, Pacific Northwest feel. Deep navy shaker cabinetry paired with warm wood countertops creates a rich, inviting contrast, while the waterfall-edge quartz island adds a clean, modern statement. Industrial-inspired pendant lights and brass hardware introduce subtle character, balanced by a crisp white subway tile backsplash and streamlined stainless steel appliances. The result is a kitchen that feels tailored yet approachable—design-forward, functional, and perfectly suited for everyday living and entertaining.

This custom butler’s pantry was created to support our client’s hosting needs with a balance of beauty and performance.

From the quartzite work surface, under cabinet lighting, illuminated glass cabinetry to the integrated wine refrigeration, every detail is intentionally placed to streamline service and preparation. The mosaic feature wall adds a refined focal point, while the surrounding cabinetry provides organized storage for glassware, bar essentials, and small entertaining accessories.

As gatherings move from casual to elevated throughout the season, this space works quietly behind the scenes, keeping countertops clear, refreshments accessible, and the overall flow of the home uninterrupted. High-function design doesn’t just make holidays easier; it enhances the entire hosting experience. a warm, functional pantry now elevates everyday living & makes hosting to your choice of two spaces feel effortless. How perfectly convenient for this pantry to connect to the dining room on one side & the living room on the other. This thoughtfully designed space is the backbone of effortless entertaining, especially during the holiday season! From the gorgeous tray ceiling, custom cabinetry and integrated lighting to the layered textures and timeless feel, every detail was designed to gracefully enjoy the heart of holiday entertaining. Photography by Patricia Burke

This kitchen remodel blends modern farmhouse and contemporary design with a refined, Pacific Northwest feel. Deep navy shaker cabinetry paired with warm wood countertops creates a rich, inviting contrast, while the waterfall-edge quartz island adds a clean, modern statement. Industrial-inspired pendant lights and brass hardware introduce subtle character, balanced by a crisp white subway tile backsplash and streamlined stainless steel appliances. The result is a kitchen that feels tailored yet approachable—design-forward, functional, and perfectly suited for everyday living and entertaining.

Interior Design by Grace Benson Photography by Bethany Nauert
Example of a mid-sized transitional dark wood floor and brown floor sunroom design in Los Angeles with a standard ceiling