Old fixer-uppers often require two competing levels of priorities from their new homeowners. First and foremost is the need to immediately attend to those repairs that ensure the continued functioning and general well being of the house’s structure. By nature, these usually demand “house on fire!” status, especially when compared to other types of remodeling work that simply enhances aesthetics and general comfort. In the case of a Delaware couple, a structural issue with the front of their 125 year old Victorian (it was sinking!), along with some other more pressing challenges, put a 13 year long hold on getting the bathroom for which they had long dreamed. The shower enclosure features a base of hexagon patterned tile, bordered by marble subway tiles. The shower enclosure features a base of hexagon patterned tile, bordered by marble subway tiles. By the time Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers was hired to handle the construction, the couple certainly had put plenty of thought into converting a spare second-floor bedroom into the master bath. Courtney Burnett, Fox’s Interior Design Manager on the project, credits the owners for “having great creative minds, with lots of ideas to contribute.” By the time it came to put a formal design plan into place, the client “drove the look while we devised how the space would function.” It’s worth noting that there are drawbacks in being given too much time for advance planning. Owners’ tastes in design may change, while a steady stream of new fixtures and building products always demand consideration up to the last minute. “We had been collecting ideas for a while…pictures of what we liked, but as it turned out, when it came time to select fixtures, tile, etc., we used little from those pictures,” the owners admit. A framed herringbone pattern of subway tiles provides a perfect focal point for the shower. A framed herringbone pattern of subway tiles provides a perfect focal point for the shower. The finished bath exudes an art deco spirit that isn’t true to the home’s Victorian origins, which Burnett attributes to being more of a reflection of the homeowners’ preferences than the actual era of the structure. Despite that incongruity, everyone feels that they have remained true to the house by selecting vintage style elements, including subway tiles for the walls, hexagonal tile for the floors, and a pedestal sink that served as the focal point for the entire room. But as with all dreams, once one is achieved, a new one soon beckons. With the bathroom’s strikingly beautiful turquoise paint barely dry, the completion of that long-awaited project has served to kick-start plans for finishing off the remainder of the Victorian’s second floor.

Michele Lee Wilson
Living room - traditional formal and enclosed light wood floor and brown floor living room idea in San Francisco with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv

Photography by John Merkl
Example of a mid-sized transitional enclosed carpeted and gray floor family room library design in San Francisco with white walls, a metal fireplace, a media wall and a ribbon fireplace

Trent Teigan
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern master black and white tile and matchstick tile marble floor and white floor alcove shower remodel in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and a hinged shower door

Inspiration for a country enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room library remodel in DC Metro with blue walls

Patrick Coulie
Open concept kitchen - huge contemporary u-shaped open concept kitchen idea in Albuquerque with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and an undermount sink

The Cicero is a modern styled home for today’s contemporary lifestyle. It features sweeping facades with deep overhangs, tall windows, and grand outdoor patio. The contemporary lifestyle is reinforced through a visually connected array of communal spaces. The kitchen features a symmetrical plan with large island and is connected to the dining room through a wide opening flanked by custom cabinetry. Adjacent to the kitchen, the living and sitting rooms are connected to one another by a see-through fireplace. The communal nature of this plan is reinforced downstairs with a lavish wet-bar and roomy living space, perfect for entertaining guests. Lastly, with vaulted ceilings and grand vistas, the master suite serves as a cozy retreat from today’s busy lifestyle. Photographer: Brad Gillette

Gibeon Photography
Great room - contemporary concrete floor great room idea with a ribbon fireplace

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized coastal galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Charleston with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island, gray backsplash and subway tile backsplash

Teen room - bedroom and mid-sized transitional boy blue floor and carpeted teen room idea in Minneapolis with multicolored walls

Matt Kocourek
Mid-sized transitional galley medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Kansas City with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

Flooring is Reclaimed Wood From an 1890's grain mill, Beam are Posts from a 1900's Barn. Amazing Colorado Lodge Style Custom Built Home in Eagles Landing Neighborhood of Saint Augusta, Mn - Build by Werschay Homes. -James Gray Photography

Example of a classic open concept medium tone wood floor living room design with red walls

Wall Color: Amber Brew MQ4-10 Trim Color: Crisp Linen MQ3-13 Door & Stair Treads: Limousine Leather MQ5-5 Accent Wall Color: Kaffee MQ2-49
Staircase - contemporary staircase idea in Orange County

Walk into your home and be greeted by wonderful millwork detail and crips detail.
Example of a large transitional carpeted u-shaped medium tone wood floor staircase design in Seattle with gray walls, a white front door and carpeted risers

Staircase - mid-sized craftsman wooden u-shaped wood railing staircase idea in San Diego with wooden risers

Patsy McEnroe Photography Widler Architectural Inc.
Example of a mid-sized classic u-shaped dark wood floor enclosed kitchen design in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Love how this glass wall makes the stairway open and airy!
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse wooden floating open and wood railing staircase remodel in Calgary

Mid-sized trendy galley light wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island