Building a new block wall and fence in Los Angeles
Small traditional one-story exterior home idea in Los Angeles

Photo of a tropical landscaping in Other.

This home had a generous master suite prior to the renovation; however, it was located close to the rest of the bedrooms and baths on the floor. They desired their own separate oasis with more privacy and asked us to design and add a 2nd story addition over the existing 1st floor family room, that would include a master suite with a laundry/gift wrapping room. We added a 2nd story addition without adding to the existing footprint of the home. The addition is entered through a private hallway with a separate spacious laundry room, complete with custom storage cabinetry, sink area, and countertops for folding or wrapping gifts. The bedroom is brimming with details such as custom built-in storage cabinetry with fine trim mouldings, window seats, and a fireplace with fine trim details. The master bathroom was designed with comfort in mind. A custom double vanity and linen tower with mirrored front, quartz countertops and champagne bronze plumbing and lighting fixtures make this room elegant. Water jet cut Calcatta marble tile and glass tile make this walk-in shower with glass window panels a true work of art. And to complete this addition we added a large walk-in closet with separate his and her areas, including built-in dresser storage, a window seat, and a storage island. The finished renovation is their private spa-like place to escape the busyness of life in style and comfort. These delightful homeowners are already talking phase two of renovations with us and we look forward to a longstanding relationship with them.

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!)

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!)

This home had a generous master suite prior to the renovation; however, it was located close to the rest of the bedrooms and baths on the floor. They desired their own separate oasis with more privacy and asked us to design and add a 2nd story addition over the existing 1st floor family room, that would include a master suite with a laundry/gift wrapping room. We added a 2nd story addition without adding to the existing footprint of the home. The addition is entered through a private hallway with a separate spacious laundry room, complete with custom storage cabinetry, sink area, and countertops for folding or wrapping gifts. The bedroom is brimming with details such as custom built-in storage cabinetry with fine trim mouldings, window seats, and a fireplace with fine trim details. The master bathroom was designed with comfort in mind. A custom double vanity and linen tower with mirrored front, quartz countertops and champagne bronze plumbing and lighting fixtures make this room elegant. Water jet cut Calcatta marble tile and glass tile make this walk-in shower with glass window panels a true work of art. And to complete this addition we added a large walk-in closet with separate his and her areas, including built-in dresser storage, a window seat, and a storage island. The finished renovation is their private spa-like place to escape the busyness of life in style and comfort. These delightful homeowners are already talking phase two of renovations with us and we look forward to a longstanding relationship with them.

Example of a mid-sized minimalist u-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen design in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Saturday June 20, 1:30 to 3:30pm | Ossining M. Bakwin Estate by Michael V. Ruggiero, RLA of MVR Landscape Garden Nestled among an impressive array of large rock outcrops, this Tudor-style home and garden offer panoramic views of its central ten-acre groomed landscape. From the house and terraces, visitors enjoy a vista of towering trees, spacious lawn areas, dramatic rock outcroppings, lush gardens brimming with seasonal color, a three-acre pond, orchards, and meadows. An 'integrated' deer fence protects such gardens as the vegetable garden, a Japanese style garden, and a perennial border. Forty acres of mature, deciduous forest completely enclose the property. A dense, planted understory and years of moss overgrowth carpet the forest floor and exposed rock, revealing the interplay between the designed and natural and celebrating the rugged vernacular New York landscape. Photo by Michael Victor

Nestled into the hillside of the Mt. Baker neighborhood of Seattle, the private backyard blends corten steel and natural stone to create a hideaway for the homeowner's enjoyment. Bamboo decking with a complimenting pergola and gate surrounds a custom, rustic outdoor kitchen. A rusted, gas fire feature centers the patio space surrounded by a basalt and brick seat wall and uplight decorative steel screens. The brick feature wall was repurposed to compliment the architecture. A flagstone path steps through a lush shade garden and walkable groundcover "lawn". This compact space is brimming with intricate details that bring it to life.

This young High Park neighbourhood family asked Betz to design a unique custom pool to enhance their backyard which was already brimming with leisure lifestyle features. A primary objective was to integrate the pool with the overall design.

This home had a generous master suite prior to the renovation; however, it was located close to the rest of the bedrooms and baths on the floor. They desired their own separate oasis with more privacy and asked us to design and add a 2nd story addition over the existing 1st floor family room, that would include a master suite with a laundry/gift wrapping room. We added a 2nd story addition without adding to the existing footprint of the home. The addition is entered through a private hallway with a separate spacious laundry room, complete with custom storage cabinetry, sink area, and countertops for folding or wrapping gifts. The bedroom is brimming with details such as custom built-in storage cabinetry with fine trim mouldings, window seats, and a fireplace with fine trim details. The master bathroom was designed with comfort in mind. A custom double vanity and linen tower with mirrored front, quartz countertops and champagne bronze plumbing and lighting fixtures make this room elegant. Water jet cut Calcatta marble tile and glass tile make this walk-in shower with glass window panels a true work of art. And to complete this addition we added a large walk-in closet with separate his and her areas, including built-in dresser storage, a window seat, and a storage island. The finished renovation is their private spa-like place to escape the busyness of life in style and comfort. These delightful homeowners are already talking phase two of renovations with us and we look forward to a longstanding relationship with them.

Built in 1926, the original 1,800 sf Morningside bungalow was brimming with charm and potential. However, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, space was tight. With updates to the first floor and the addition of a second floor, this home was transformed into a 2,600 sf home boasting four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and additional living space.

Photo: Elaine Musiwa © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in New York

Kitchen with brick wall
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless wooden l-shaped metal railing staircase remodel in Los Angeles with wooden risers

Femininity abounds in this elegant mountain home’s second-floor guest room that is enveloped by ivory walls and rich taupe moldings. A traditional poster bed painted light gray with a charcoal glaze is dressed in frilly bedding in aqua, turquoise and white. Presiding above the bed is a mirror with a heavy wheat and gold frame. On a bedside chest just out of view, stands an almond ceramic lamp topped by an ecru linen shade. A glimpse of the guest bath displays a walnut-stained vanity with custom-designed gothic arch, iron cabinet hardware and bronze wall sconce. A sea glass blue vase, filled with hydrangeas, calls back to the home’s South Carolina surroundings. Reflected in the vanity mirror are the guest room’s Tiffany blue damask draperies banded in biscuit colored trim. A built-in cabinet brims with sophisticated details and provides all the accoutrements needed for long weekend stays.

This traditional South Carolina home is designed to be a respite from the world. Nestled in an alcove of the entryway is an ebony baby grand piano surrounded by ivory plaster walls atop a dark grey tongue and groove wainscot. Natural light sweeps in through windows painted Sherwin Williams Black Fox. An iron wall sconce and bronze floor lamp create a melody of metals, and a shelving niche brimming with vintage books and accessories adds a bit of sparkle. Emphasizing the harmony created in this stately home, framed vintage sheet music provides a charming finishing touch.

Challenge: How to plant the four quadrants of the kitchen garden – which each received different amounts of sun - to achieve a cohesive and unifying design. Solution: Create an all-white garden to help unify the design, edge each bed in small boxwoods so each appeared bed appeared similar, and place a tall focal point in the center of each quadrant. The resulting entryway kitchen garden is a welcoming and unified space. Brimming with color and variety, the plants beckon visitors to take in their beauty and sensory delights as they make their way to the front door. Once inside, the garden becomes a harmonizing extension of the home it graces. Photography by Michael Partenio Featured in “A Nantucket Home Designed for Family Gatherings” by Stacy Kunstel, New England Home Magazine, March-April 2017, and on the website: http://www.nehomemag.com/nantucket-home-designed-family-gatherings/ Architect: Thomas Catalano and Kerri Byrne, Catalano Architects Interior design: Nancy Serafini Builder: Les Fey and Will Gorman, Les Fey Millwork Landscape Design: Patricia Dunn, Sabrina Design

Incorporating a unique blue-chip art collection, this modern Hamptons home was meticulously designed to complement the owners' cherished art collections. The thoughtful design seamlessly integrates tailored storage and entertainment solutions, all while upholding a crisp and sophisticated aesthetic. This charming nursery in classic blue, white, and gray hues exudes a timeless charm. The room brims with cute appeal, perfectly suited for the playful activities of small children.

Pencil-pleated draperies in an almond and vanilla floral fall from iron rods. In the windows hang woven blinds that echo the stain of the ceiling fan and walnut-stained hardwood floors. Two-toned inset cabinets offer both storage and display space and are painted the same color as the moldings. The stained interior brims with gracious personal touches including books, a mirrored photo frame, bronze bunny and ivy-filled vanilla pot. The traditional tufted chair is covered in cream chenille and topped with an eggshell throw. A bronze iron bed with leather headboard wears grey and taupe bedding punctuated by crisp white sheets. Bronze wall sconces flank the bed and call for a late night read.