This luxury entertaining lounge features a custom home bar, dark cabinetry, glass display shelving, comfortable lounge seating, and a statement chandelier for a polished space designed for hosting.

Our clients came to us with dreams of hosting large family gatherings surrounded by a welcoming yet elegant Farmhouse setting. Their wish list included natural woods and traditional Georgian details to infuse warmth and character into their home. Awkward room sizes and locations in the original plan were completely reconfigured to create functional, individual spaces with open entrances that maintained interconnectivity. With young children, visibility into common spaces was important as well. After fully reconfiguring the main floor, the complete transformation was achieved by an uncompromising dedication to the beauty of thoughtful details. Bronze hardware, rustic decorative wood beams, arched entrances, and the wood/brick surround fireplace also contribute to the comfortable, traditional atmosphere. The interplay of various wood tones was also a primary consideration in the design. Paired with a unique grey/blue color throughout, the warmth and friendliness of the clients truly came to life in their home.

Reflecting the classic design of the home and yard, a nearly symmetrical pool, lounge area and outdoor kitchen design creates a space of tranquility for this Long Island, NY family. The stone-lined pool design stretches between a sun-filled lounge area and a naturally shaded spot for rest and swimming. Designers surrounded the poolside and patio with Unilock Beacon Hill Smooth in warm grays and tans, complementing the tones of the home and nearby gardens. Both the patio stairs and pool coping feature the use of Unilock Ledgestone. In addition to the aesthetically balanced design, this backyard haven also includes many hosting oppurtunties. A stylish stone grilling station includes both a grill and mini-fridge as well as a prepping counter for barbecuing and bartending. In the evenings or fall afternoons, guests can perch alongside the elegant fire pit, designed to seamlessly blend with the surrounding stone design and blues of the nearby water. Long afternoons of swimming, hosting and dining can be enjoyed in this fully restructured Long Island backyard.

A young CEO wanted new corporate offices that reflected the company brand and their conservative, traditional values. It was explicitly stated that beyond the cubicle bullpen and entry to mid-level offices, an “office furniture” look and feel was completely undesirable. Instead, topping the desirability list were: comfortable furnishings; a relaxed upscale feel; a casual collaborative meeting space for staff; a world class boardroom for hosting meetings, and a way to showcase items from the CEO’s entrepreneurial family history. Walls were moved to create a cockpit CEO office that includes a second conference table and lounge area, a new employee kitchen, a new employee lounge and an enlarged boardroom. Glass walls were used in both the reception area and the employee lounge to enhance lighting and provide a sense of spaciousness. Company brand colors are woven throughout and their logo was used as a creative flourish in the custom area rug in reception and glass signage in the boardroom. Photography by David Van Scott

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW The homeowner and his wife had lived in this beautiful townhome in Oak Brook overlooking a small lake for over 13 years. The home is open and airy with vaulted ceilings and full of mementos from world adventures through the years, including to Cambodia, home of their much-adored sponsored daughter. The home, full of love and memories was host to a growing extended family of children and grandchildren. This was THE place. When the homeowner’s wife passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, he became determined to create a space that would continue to welcome and host his family and the many wonderful family memories that lay ahead but with an eye towards functionality. We started out by evaluating how the space would be used. Cooking and watching sports were key factors. So, we shuffled the current dining table into a rarely used living room whereby enlarging the kitchen. The kitchen now houses two large islands – one for prep and the other for seating and buffet space. We removed the wall between kitchen and family room to encourage interaction during family gatherings and of course a clear view to the game on TV. We also removed a dropped ceiling in the kitchen, and wow, what a difference. Next, we added some drama with a large arch between kitchen and dining room creating a stunning architectural feature between those two spaces. This arch echoes the shape of the large arch at the front door of the townhome, providing drama and significance to the space. The kitchen itself is large but does not have much wall space, which is a common challenge when removing walls. We added a bit more by resizing the double French doors to a balcony at the side of the house which is now just a single door. This gave more breathing room to the range wall and large stone hood but still provides access and light. We chose a neutral pallet of black, white, and white oak, with punches of blue at the counter stools in the kitchen. The cabinetry features a white shaker door at the perimeter for a crisp outline. Countertops and custom hood are black Caesarstone, and the islands are a soft white oak adding contrast and warmth. Two large built ins between the kitchen and dining room function as pantry space as well as area to display flowers or seasonal decorations. We repeated the blue in the dining room where we added a fresh coat of paint to the existing built ins, along with painted wainscot paneling. Above the wainscot is a neutral grass cloth wallpaper which provides a lovely backdrop for a wall of important mementos and artifacts. The dining room table and chairs were refinished and re-upholstered, and a new rug and window treatments complete the space. The room now feels ready to host more formal gatherings or can function as a quiet spot to enjoy a cup of morning coffee.

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life. The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time. The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room. Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage. Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee. We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces. In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color. The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook! Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home. The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client. Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients! We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms. This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

This natural maple kitchen was designed by White Wood Kitchens using Diamond Cabinetry. The kitchen features a Bailey door, with all plywood construction and soft-close hinges. The countertops are a Volga Blue granite with a subway tile backsplash along the perimeter. Tall Pantry cabinets complete the room, serving as a beautiful, yet functional additions to the kitchen. A large island provides extra storage and counter-space that makes this kitchen perfect for hosting. Builder: Handren Bros. Builders

Minneapolis, MN 2013 3rd place NKBA Butler’s Pantry/Laundry room-Utilization of Cabinetry Formal entertaining is part of this homeowner’s life style. When hosting larger parties, they make the most of their Laundry Room by turning into a Butler’s Pantry. Secretly hidden behind the base cabinets is an Asko washer & dryer. On the other, is a pull-out ironing board and hamper. Salad plates or trays can be made up ahead and stored in the refrigerator or the counter top can be set up as a Wet Bar when needed. The beautiful granite counter top and marble floor make this Laundry Room a very, elegant space.

Custom dining chairs and pillows with clients existing table and settee Amethyst Interiors LLC
Inspiration for a transitional dining room remodel in Indianapolis

Colorado Coastal | Basement Remodel | Centennial, CO. This beautifully remodeled basement features a guest room and bathroom, a calming yoga room, a spacious living and entertaining area, and a stylish wet bar kitchenette. Designed with a relaxed coastal aesthetic, the space blends shades of blue, crisp white, natural wood, and brushed nickel to create a fresh, inviting atmosphere. The billiards and pool table area makes it perfect for games and hosting, while thoughtful details like the Bob Marley artwork and family sign add a touch of personality and warmth without overpowering the clean, coastal design.

Michele Lee Willson Photography
Trendy dark wood floor and brown floor family room photo in San Francisco with white walls and a media wall

Colorado Coastal | Basement Remodel | Centennial, CO. This beautifully remodeled basement features a guest room and bathroom, a calming yoga room, a spacious living and entertaining area, and a stylish wet bar kitchenette. Designed with a relaxed coastal aesthetic, the space blends shades of blue, crisp white, natural wood, and brushed nickel to create a fresh, inviting atmosphere. The billiards and pool table area makes it perfect for games and hosting, while thoughtful details like the Bob Marley artwork and family sign add a touch of personality and warmth without overpowering the clean, coastal design.

This natural maple kitchen was designed by White Wood Kitchens using Diamond Cabinetry. The kitchen features a Bailey door, with all plywood construction and soft-close hinges. The countertops are a Volga Blue granite with a subway tile backsplash along the perimeter. Tall Pantry cabinets complete the room, serving as a beautiful, yet functional additions to the kitchen. A large island provides extra storage and counter-space that makes this kitchen perfect for hosting. Builder: Handren Bros. Builders

We expanded this 1974 home from 1,200 square feet to 1,600 square feet with a new front addition and large kitchen remodel! This home was in near-original condition, with dark wood doors & trim, carpet, small windows, a cramped entry, and a tiny kitchen and dining space. The homeowners came to our design-build team seeking to increase their kitchen and living space and update the home's style with durable new finishes. "We're hard on our home!", our clients reminded us during the design phase of the project. The highlight of this project is the entirely remodeled kitchen, which rests in the combined footprint of the original small kitchen and the dining room. The crisp blue and white cabinetry is balanced against the warmth of the wide plank hardwood flooring, custom-milled wood trim, and new wood ceiling beam. This family now has space to gather around the large island, designed to have a useful function on each side. The entertaining sides of the island host bar seating and a wine refrigerator and built-in bottle storage. The cooking and prep sides of the island include a bookshelf for cookbooks --perfectly within reach of the gas cooktop and double ovens-- and a microwave drawer across from the refrigerator; only a step away to reheat meals.

We expanded this 1974 home from 1,200 square feet to 1,600 square feet with a new front addition and large kitchen remodel! This home was in near-original condition, with dark wood doors & trim, carpet, small windows, a cramped entry, and a tiny kitchen and dining space. The homeowners came to our design-build team seeking to increase their kitchen and living space and update the home's style with durable new finishes. "We're hard on our home!", our clients reminded us during the design phase of the project. The highlight of this project is the entirely remodeled kitchen, which rests in the combined footprint of the original small kitchen and the dining room. The crisp blue and white cabinetry is balanced against the warmth of the wide plank hardwood flooring, custom-milled wood trim, and new wood ceiling beam. This family now has space to gather around the large island, designed to have a useful function on each side. The entertaining sides of the island host bar seating and a wine refrigerator and built-in bottle storage. The cooking and prep sides of the island include a bookshelf for cookbooks --perfectly within reach of the gas cooktop and double ovens-- and a microwave drawer across from the refrigerator; only a step away to reheat meals.

The new dining area is the corner of the L between the newly redesigned kitchen and the newly furnished Living Room. So, color, pattern, and look/feel flow were vital. Working simultaneously on the Living Room and Dining Room, we had to make sure textures, patterns, finishes, and colors flowed but didn’t “Match.” We found a large, extendable, trestle-base dining table, in a natural wood finish. We talked the client into tall host chairs in a fabric she initially hated and grew to love: a multi-colored Ikat pattern incorporating the blues and aquas from the other rooms. Low, mid-century-inspired chairs in slate blue velvet, upholstered legs, and gold footers grace the sides.

We expanded this 1974 home from 1,200 square feet to 1,600 square feet with a new front addition and large kitchen remodel! This home was in near-original condition, with dark wood doors & trim, carpet, small windows, a cramped entry, and a tiny kitchen and dining space. The homeowners came to our design-build team seeking to increase their kitchen and living space and update the home's style with durable new finishes. "We're hard on our home!", our clients reminded us during the design phase of the project. The highlight of this project is the entirely remodeled kitchen, which rests in the combined footprint of the original small kitchen and the dining room. The crisp blue and white cabinetry is balanced against the warmth of the wide plank hardwood flooring, custom-milled wood trim, and new wood ceiling beam. This family now has space to gather around the large island, designed to have a useful function on each side. The entertaining sides of the island host bar seating and a wine refrigerator and built-in bottle storage. The cooking and prep sides of the island include a bookshelf for cookbooks --perfectly within reach of the gas cooktop and double ovens-- and a microwave drawer across from the refrigerator; only a step away to reheat meals.

The Arches Guest Bedroom was designed for a couple who loves mid-century modern design. This room, visible from their marigold yellow living room, functions as a workout and meditation space when they are not hosting guests. The flat weave rug allows for a yoga mat to easily be placed on top without any slipping. When guests are in town, the teal pull-out sofa, instantly transforms this space into a comfortable and luxurious bedroom for hosting. Instead of artwork for the walls, we borrowed from our Emmy Award winning composer clients collection of beautiful guitars as art for the space. A hanging mount allows him to easily access the guitars, when needed. Perforated metal lamps and Edison bulbs, give the room a moody and romantic feel, while allowing for the wallpaper design to be seen throughout.

The Arches Guest Bedroom was designed for a couple who loves mid-century modern design. This room, visible from their marigold yellow living room, functions as a workout and meditation space when they are not hosting guests. The flat weave rug allows for a yoga mat to easily be placed on top without any slipping. When guests are in town, the teal pull-out sofa, instantly transforms this space into a comfortable and luxurious bedroom for hosting. Instead of artwork for the walls, we borrowed from our Emmy Award winning composer clients collection of beautiful guitars as art for the space. A hanging mount allows him to easily access the guitars, when needed. Perforated metal lamps and Edison bulbs, give the room a moody and romantic feel, while allowing for the wallpaper design to be seen throughout.