Transitional Kitchen Remodel with Exposed Brick in Downtown Frederick Row House This imaginative remodel takes a two-story addition on a classic downtown Frederick row house and transforms it into a dream kitchen. The design seamlessly blends transitional style with the home's historic charm, creating a warm and inviting space. Taking Center Stage: Exposed Brick and Transitional Touches The focal point of the kitchen is the exposed brick wall that continues from the existing structure up the new two-story addition. This rustic element is cleverly incorporated around the custom hood vent positioned directly above the cooktop. The hood vent has a sleek, stainless-steel design with a modern profile, contrasting beautifully with the warmth of the brick. Transitional Elements Throughout The rest of the kitchen embraces the transitional theme. Imagine Sedona blue full overlay-style cabinets with clean lines and brushed nickel hardware. These cabinets offer ample storage while maintaining a fitting look to the space. The countertops are wood butcher block, complementing both the blue cabinets and the exposed brick. A Touch of Luxury Elevate the space with a statement backsplash. To add a hint of luxury, incorporate a band of mosaic tiles just above the countertop, running the entire length of the backsplash. Light and Bright Flood the kitchen with natural light by incorporating windows in the new addition. Adding recessed lighting and stylish pendant lights to further brighten the room. Warming Touches Ground the space with Sedona blue wood accents. This can be achieved through open shelving strategically placed next to the cabinetry, showcasing cookbooks, pottery, or other decorative items. The flooring can be a dark-brown hardwood that complements the exposed brick and the warmth of the wood accents. Seating and Functionality For a casual dining area, incorporate a peninsula with seating for two. The peninsula can also house additional storage and prep space. To maximize functionality, consider a dining area with a table for four that blends with the décor. Appliance Harmony Stainless steel appliances with clean lines will seamlessly integrate with the transitional design. Consider a built-in oven and microwave for a sleek, uncluttered look. Bringing it all Together This thoughtful remodel creates a stunning and functional kitchen that celebrates the home's historic charm while embracing modern conveniences. The exposed brick wall acts as a conversation starter, while the transitional elements create a timeless and inviting space perfect for entertaining or everyday family meals.

Kitchen on Camden Drive, Los Angeles, rebuilt as part of a 4,000 sq ft remodel and addition. Walnut cabinetry runs beneath a long band of windows set above the counter, with a farmhouse sink in the island, stainless appliances and a white tile backsplash. Remodel by Solid Ground Construction, a licensed general contractor serving Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and the Westside. Photography by Jahanshah Ardalan.

Contemporary landscape design offers a grand simplicity to this English traditional cottage in West University, Houston. Paving with clean lines and artificial turf replace what was a muddy, underutilized space. A concrete walk frames the children's play lawn and offers a path for bikes. Fig ivy will grow to cover the fence adding a green, textured backdrop to a shady dining area. Eclectic pottery brings a pop of color while bistro seating against a confederate jasmine vine offers a tranquil setting for morning coffee.

Redefining landscape products since 1989, Techo-Bloc recently launched www.techo-bloc.com, which is designed to inspire both homeowners and professionals.

Custom Poured, Stamped & Stained Concrete Driveway by Green Orleans Concrete Designs.
Example of a classic exterior home design in New Orleans

Photo of a traditional landscaping in New Orleans.

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

When you choose brick, the design options are endless. With a covered entrance crowned by a segmental arch and a front wall topped with a rowlock accent band, this brick home makes a stunning first impression.

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Patio - traditional patio idea in New Orleans

Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in New Orleans.

Inspiration for a mid-century modern front yard concrete paver driveway in Atlanta.

This is an example of a mid-century modern front yard concrete paver driveway in Atlanta.

Example of a large trendy backyard brick and rectangular infinity pool fountain design in Austin

The soldier course on this drive is Unilock Stonehenge, the banding is Unilock Townhall, which is permeable, and the field is a new style called Thornbury where we mixed two color blends.

Circle drive with new paver entrance. The soldier course on this drive is Unilock Stonehenge, the banding is Unilock Townhall, which is permeable, and the field is a new style called Thornbury where we mixed two color blends.

Circle drive with new paver entrance. The soldier course on this drive is Unilock Stonehenge, the banding is Unilock Townhall, which is permeable, and the field is a new style called Thornbury where we mixed two color blends.

Custom paver mailbox with address block.
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