Northeast Portland is full of great old neighborhoods and houses bursting with character. The owners of this particular home had enjoyed their pink and blue bathroom’s quirky charm for years, but had finally outgrown its awkward layout and lack of functionality. The Goal: Create a fresh, bright look for this bathroom that is both functional and fits the style of the home. Step one was to establish the color scheme and style for our clients’ new bathroom. Bright whites and classic elements like marble, subway tile and penny-rounds helped establish a transitional style that didn’t feel “too modern” for the home. When it comes to creating a more functional space, storage is key. The original bathroom featured a pedestal sink with no practical storage options. We designed a custom-built vanity with plenty of storage and useable counter space. And by opting for a durable, low-maintenance quartz countertop, we were able to create a beautiful marble-look without the hefty price-tag. Next, we got rid of the old tub (and awkward shower outlet), and moved the entire shower-area to the back wall. This created a far more practical layout for this bathroom, providing more space for the large new vanity and the open, walk-in shower our clients were looking for.

The lively color pallet of this front garden bed borders a geometrically designed pathway near the street in this quiet Boulder, Colorado neighborhood.

Cabbages, kale, and other leafy greens in a formal parterre at the Montreal Botanic Garden.
Design ideas for a traditional vegetable garden landscape in Burlington.

A couple by the name of Claire and Dan Boyles commissioned Exterior Worlds to develop their back yard along the lines of a French Country garden design. They had recently designed and built a French Colonial style house. Claire had been very involved in the architectural design, and she communicated extensively her expectations for the landscape. The aesthetic we ultimately created for them was not a traditional French country garden per se, but instead was a variation on the symmetry, color, and sense of formality associated with this design. The most notable feature that we added to the estate was a custom swimming pool installed just to the rear of the home. It emphasized linearity, complimentary right angles, and it featured a luxury spa and pool fountain. We built the coping around the pool out of limestone, and we used concrete pavers to build the custom pool patio. We then added French pottery in various locations around the patio to balance the stonework against the look and structure of the home. We added a formal garden parallel to the pool to reflect its linear movement. Like most French country gardens, this design is bordered by sheered bushes and emphasizes straight lines, angles, and symmetry. One very interesting thing about this garden is that it is consist entirely of various shades of green, which lends itself well to the sense of a French estate. The garden is bordered by a taupe colored cedar fence that compliments the color of the stonework. Just around the corner from the back entrance to the house, there lies a double-door entrance to the master bedroom. This was an ideal place to build a small patio for the Boyles to use as a private seating area in the early mornings and evenings. We deviated slightly from strict linearity and symmetry by adding pavers that ran out like steps from the patio into the grass. We then planted boxwood hedges around the patio, which are common in French country garden design and combine an Old World sensibility with a morning garden setting. We then completed this portion of the project by adding rosemary and mondo grass as ground cover to the space between the patio, the corner of the house, and the back wall that frames the yard. This design is derivative of those found in morning gardens, and it provides the Boyles with a place where they can step directly from their bedroom into a private outdoor space and enjoy the early mornings and evenings. We further develop the sense of a morning garden seating area; we deviated slightly from the strict linear forms of the rest of the landscape by adding pavers that ran like steps from the patio and out into the grass. We also planted rosemary and mondo grass as ground cover to the space between the patio, the corner of the house, and the back wall that borders this portion of the yard. We then landscaped the front of the home with a continuing symmetry reminiscent of French country garden design. We wanted to establish a sense of grand entrance to the home, so we built a stone walkway that ran all the way from the sidewalk and then fanned out parallel to the covered porch that centers on the front door and large front windows of the house. To further develop the sense of a French country estate, we planted a small parterre garden that can be seen and enjoyed from the left side of the porch. On the other side of house, we built the Boyles a circular motorcourt around a large oak tree surrounded by lush San Augustine grass. We had to employ special tree preservation techniques to build above the root zone of the tree. The motorcourt was then treated with a concrete-acid finish that compliments the brick in the home. For the parking area, we used limestone gravel chips. French country garden design is traditionally viewed as a very formal style intended to fill a significant portion of a yard or landscape. The genius of the Boyles project lay not in strict adherence to tradition, but rather in adapting its basic principles to the architecture of the home and the geometry of the surrounding landscape. For more the 20 years Exterior Worlds has specialized in servicing many of Houston's fine neighborhoods.

THE SETUP Located in a luxury high rise in Chicago’s Gold Coast Neighborhood, the condo’s existing primary bath was “fine,” but a bit underwhelming. It was a sea of beige, with very little personality or drama. The client is very well traveled, and wanted the space to feel luxe and glamorous, like a bath in a fine European hotel. Design objectives: - Add loads of beautiful high end finishes - Create drama and contrast - Create luxe showering and bathing experiences - Improve storage for toiletries and essentials THE REMODEL Design challenges: - Unable to reconfigure layout due to location in the high rise - Seek out unique, dramatic tile materials - Introduce “BLING” - Find glamorous lighting Design solutions: - Keep existing layout, with change from built in to free-standing tub - Gorgeous Calacatta gold marble was our inspiration - Ornate Art deco marble mosaic to be the focal point, with satin gold accents to create shimmer - Glass and crystal light fixtures add the needed sparkle THE RENEWED SPACE After the remodel began, our client’s vision for her bath took a turn that was inspired by a trip to Paris. Initially, the plan was a modest design to allocate resources for her kitchen’s marble slabs… but then she had a vision while admiring the marble bathroom of her Parisian hotel. She was determined to infuse her bathroom with the same sense of luxury. They went back to the drawing board and started over with all-marble. Her new stunning bath space radiates glamour and sophistication. The “bling” flows to her bedroom where we matched the gorgeous custom wall treatment that mimics grasscloth on an accent wall. With its marble landscape, shimmering tile and walls, the primary bath’s ambiance creates a swanky hotel feel that our client adores and considers her sanctuary.

Photography by Sean Gallagher
Example of a cottage exterior home design in Dallas

THE SETUP Located in a luxury high rise in Chicago’s Gold Coast Neighborhood, the condo’s existing primary bath was “fine,” but a bit underwhelming. It was a sea of beige, with very little personality or drama. The client is very well traveled, and wanted the space to feel luxe and glamorous, like a bath in a fine European hotel. Design objectives: - Add loads of beautiful high end finishes - Create drama and contrast - Create luxe showering and bathing experiences - Improve storage for toiletries and essentials THE REMODEL Design challenges: - Unable to reconfigure layout due to location in the high rise - Seek out unique, dramatic tile materials - Introduce “BLING” - Find glamorous lighting Design solutions: - Keep existing layout, with change from built in to free-standing tub - Gorgeous Calacatta gold marble was our inspiration - Ornate Art deco marble mosaic to be the focal point, with satin gold accents to create shimmer - Glass and crystal light fixtures add the needed sparkle THE RENEWED SPACE After the remodel began, our client’s vision for her bath took a turn that was inspired by a trip to Paris. Initially, the plan was a modest design to allocate resources for her kitchen’s marble slabs… but then she had a vision while admiring the marble bathroom of her Parisian hotel. She was determined to infuse her bathroom with the same sense of luxury. They went back to the drawing board and started over with all-marble. Her new stunning bath space radiates glamour and sophistication. The “bling” flows to her bedroom where we matched the gorgeous custom wall treatment that mimics grasscloth on an accent wall. With its marble landscape, shimmering tile and walls, the primary bath’s ambiance creates a swanky hotel feel that our client adores and considers her sanctuary.

THE SETUP Located in a luxury high rise in Chicago’s Gold Coast Neighborhood, the condo’s existing primary bath was “fine,” but a bit underwhelming. It was a sea of beige, with very little personality or drama. The client is very well traveled, and wanted the space to feel luxe and glamorous, like a bath in a fine European hotel. Design objectives: - Add loads of beautiful high end finishes - Create drama and contrast - Create luxe showering and bathing experiences - Improve storage for toiletries and essentials THE REMODEL Design challenges: - Unable to reconfigure layout due to location in the high rise - Seek out unique, dramatic tile materials - Introduce “BLING” - Find glamorous lighting Design solutions: - Keep existing layout, with change from built in to free-standing tub - Gorgeous Calacatta gold marble was our inspiration - Ornate Art deco marble mosaic to be the focal point, with satin gold accents to create shimmer - Glass and crystal light fixtures add the needed sparkle THE RENEWED SPACE After the remodel began, our client’s vision for her bath took a turn that was inspired by a trip to Paris. Initially, the plan was a modest design to allocate resources for her kitchen’s marble slabs… but then she had a vision while admiring the marble bathroom of her Parisian hotel. She was determined to infuse her bathroom with the same sense of luxury. They went back to the drawing board and started over with all-marble. Her new stunning bath space radiates glamour and sophistication. The “bling” flows to her bedroom where we matched the gorgeous custom wall treatment that mimics grasscloth on an accent wall. With its marble landscape, shimmering tile and walls, the primary bath’s ambiance creates a swanky hotel feel that our client adores and considers her sanctuary.

Luxury Kitchen Wallpaper Installation in Frisco Elevate your culinary space with designer wallcoverings that blend style and functionality Why Frisco Homeowners Choose Us ? Top-Rated Local Experts – Serving Frisco & North Dallas for 10+ years ? Kitchen-Smart Materials – Grease-resistant and easy-to-clean finishes ⚡ 1-Day Transformations – Installed between meal prep times ? Free Design Consultations – At our studio or your home Signature Frisco Kitchen Styles Modern Farmhouse – Shiplap-look and subway tile patterns Texas Contemporary – Bold geometrics with rustic metal accents Luxury High-Tech – Metallic and glass bead finishes European Café – Classic bistro and French country designs Premium Kitchen Solutions ✔ Backsplash Alternatives – Stunning waterproof options ✔ Heat-Resistant – Special adhesives near ovens/ranges ✔ Peel-and-Stick Luxe – Perfect for seasonal updates ✔ Custom Murals – Wine country or Texas-themed designs Serving All Frisco Neighborhoods: Starwood • Stonebriar • Phillips Creek Ranch • The Trails Exclusive Frisco Offers ⭐ 15% "Frisco Star Discount" for first-time clients ? Whole-House Packages – Coordinated designs throughout ? Weekend Installations – Available by appointmenth our professional kitchen wallpaper installation services. Our expert wallpaper installers specialize in creating stunning, durable designs that celebrate El Paso's unique border culture while standing up to kitchen demands. Kitchen Wallpaper Specialties ✔ Desert-Tough Materials - Grease-resistant vinyl and washable wallpapers ✔ Southwestern Flair - Chili pepper motifs, Talavera tile patterns, and sunburst designs ✔ Backsplash Brilliance - Splash-proof options that outlast traditional tiles ✔ Heat-Resistant Finishes - Special adhesives for areas near stoves/ovens ✔ Peel & Stick Magic - Easy-change options for seasonal updates The El Paso Advantage ✅ Border-Smart Installation - Techniques for adobe walls and stucco surfaces ✅ Precision Cutting - Perfect fits around cabinets and outlets ✅ 1-Day Makeovers - Complete before your next family meal ✅ Free Design Consultations - Local expertise for your home's architecture ✅ Eco-Friendly Materials - Non-toxic adhesives safe for food prep areas Popular El Paso Kitchen Styles • Modern Mexican - Bold geometrics in vibrant tierra colors • Desert Minimalist - Clean lines with warm sand and terracotta tones • Vintage Border Town - Retro 1950s diner meets Mexican folk art • Hacienda Elegance - Ornate Talavera patterns with wrought iron accents Serving All of El Paso - From historic Sunset Heights to new developments in the Eastside. Give your kitchen authentic frontera charm - contact us today for a free consultation!

Traditional gray two-story exterior home idea in Dallas with a hip roof

Bathroom photo in Austin

Custom trellis stained Benjamin Moore Yorktowne Green HC-133 are supports for espaliered apple trees and a backdrop for a small deer resistant perennial bed.

Custom Quonset Huts become artist live/work spaces, aesthetically and functionally bridging a border between industrial and residential zoning in a historic neighborhood. The open space on the main floor is designed to be flexible for artists to pursue their creative path. The two-story buildings were custom-engineered to achieve the height required for the second floor. End walls utilized a combination of traditional stick framing with autoclaved aerated concrete with a stucco finish. Steel doors were custom-built in-house.

Design ideas for a transitional partial sun landscaping in Boston with a pergola.

Design ideas for a huge contemporary backyard landscaping in St Louis.

This Schrader & Companies creation features an impressive and unique layout with 7,000 sf of cozy, French Cottage inspired spaces. The distinguished design is as renowned as its charming neighborhood, Sunnyslope of Country Club, bordered by Minnehaha Creek. The home is situated on a private 1/2 acre site and includes 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms including a 750 square foot master suite. The highlight of the home is the custom designed kitchen with Hand Scraped Walnut Flooring, Double armoire styled refrigerator, stunning hanging lights over the kitchen island, lofted ceilings, and Romeo & Juliet Balcony. Custom tile inlays are uniquely placed throughout the home. A impressive Two-Way Stone Fireplace was designed into the home to divide the living and dining rooms. The lower level walkout basement includes a Movie Theater, Wine Cellar, Full Bar, and Gaming Rooms. The Exterior is a mixture of Stone, James Hardie Shake, window boxes Stone archways, large stamped concrete patio, and wrought iron adorned balconies.

This Schrader & Companies creation features an impressive and unique layout with 7,000 sf of cozy, French Cottage inspired spaces. The distinguished design is as renowned as its charming neighborhood, Sunnyslope of Country Club, bordered by Minnehaha Creek. The home is situated on a private 1/2 acre site and includes 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms including a 750 square foot master suite. The highlight of the home is the custom designed kitchen with Hand Scraped Walnut Flooring, Double armoire styled refrigerator, stunning hanging lights over the kitchen island, lofted ceilings, and Romeo & Juliet Balcony. Custom tile inlays are uniquely placed throughout the home. A impressive Two-Way Stone Fireplace was designed into the home to divide the living and dining rooms. The lower level walkout basement includes a Movie Theater, Wine Cellar, Full Bar, and Gaming Rooms. The Exterior is a mixture of Stone, James Hardie Shake, window boxes Stone archways, large stamped concrete patio, and wrought iron adorned balconies.

This Schrader & Companies creation features an impressive and unique layout with 7,000 sf of cozy, French Cottage inspired spaces. The distinguished design is as renowned as its charming neighborhood, Sunnyslope of Country Club, bordered by Minnehaha Creek. The home is situated on a private 1/2 acre site and includes 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms including a 750 square foot master suite. The highlight of the home is the custom designed kitchen with Hand Scraped Walnut Flooring, Double armoire styled refrigerator, stunning hanging lights over the kitchen island, lofted ceilings, and Romeo & Juliet Balcony. Custom tile inlays are uniquely placed throughout the home. A impressive Two-Way Stone Fireplace was designed into the home to divide the living and dining rooms. The lower level walkout basement includes a Movie Theater, Wine Cellar, Full Bar, and Gaming Rooms. The Exterior is a mixture of Stone, James Hardie Shake, window boxes Stone archways, large stamped concrete patio, and wrought iron adorned balconies.

This Schrader & Companies creation features an impressive and unique layout with 7,000 sf of cozy, French Cottage inspired spaces. The distinguished design is as renowned as its charming neighborhood, Sunnyslope of Country Club, bordered by Minnehaha Creek. The home is situated on a private 1/2 acre site and includes 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms including a 750 square foot master suite. The highlight of the home is the custom designed kitchen with Hand Scraped Walnut Flooring, Double armoire styled refrigerator, stunning hanging lights over the kitchen island, lofted ceilings, and Romeo & Juliet Balcony. Custom tile inlays are uniquely placed throughout the home. A impressive Two-Way Stone Fireplace was designed into the home to divide the living and dining rooms. The lower level walkout basement includes a Movie Theater, Wine Cellar, Full Bar, and Gaming Rooms. The Exterior is a mixture of Stone, James Hardie Shake, window boxes Stone archways, large stamped concrete patio, and wrought iron adorned balconies.