Simple doesn’t have to be boring, especially when your backyard is a lush ravine. This was the name of the game when it came to this traditional cottage-style house, with a contemporary flare. Emphasizing the great bones of the house with a simple pallet and contrasting trim helps to accentuate the high ceilings and classic mouldings, While adding saturated colours, and bold graphic wall murals brings lots of character to the house. This growing family now has the perfectly layered home, with plenty of their personality shining through.

Kismet House features Cane Wood from the French Connection Collection, an engineered hardwood flooring designed to bring warmth, texture, and timeless character into the space. The natural wood tones and refined finish create a balanced foundation that complements both modern and transitional interiors. Wide plank construction enhances the visual flow throughout the home while highlighting the organic grain and texture of the wood. Designed for both style and performance, this engineered hardwood flooring delivers durability for everyday living while maintaining a clean and elevated appearance. The flooring seamlessly connects the living spaces, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere throughout the home. With its combination of natural warmth, timeless design, and long lasting performance, Cane Wood provides a sophisticated foundation suited for a variety of interior styles and applications. Floor Name: Cane Wood Collection: French Connection Brand: Garrison Collection

This kitchen transformed from a small, dated space that lacked character and function to a custom eat-in kitchen with room to make any cook envious!
Example of a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Indianapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash and an island

Family Room in Rolling Hills Dr | Transitional New Build in Cave Creek, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Furnishings | Project Name: Rolling Hills Dr | Key Feature: A fully furnished transitional home designed to feel sophisticated and collected without being precious, so the clients could actually live in it and have their grandkids over without a second thought. Challenge: The clients had just completed a new build and needed a home that reflected their taste and life stage. They wanted something that felt elevated and intentional but not stiff or untouchable. The risk with transitional design at this level is that it can tip too far in either direction, ending up either too formal to live in or too casual to feel designed. Finding that balance in a brand new home with no existing character to work from is harder than it sounds. Solution: Living with Lolo furnished the entire home with pieces that layered sophistication with genuine comfort. Every selection was made with real life in mind, durable enough for grandkids, beautiful enough for entertaining, and cohesive enough to feel like a designer put it together rather than a furniture showroom. The transitional direction gave the home warmth and timelessness without leaning on trends that would feel dated in a few years. Materials: Transitional furnishings with a mix of natural textures, comfortable upholstery, layered rugs and textiles, and curated accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $75,000 to $200,000 | Timeline: Approximately 3 to 6 months from design through installation.

Family Room in Wabi Sabi Retreat | Room Type: 3 bed, 4 bath, 3770 square feet- Master Bath, Kitchen, Dining Room, Den, Laundry Room, Powder Bath, Family Room, Living Room, Entry. Project Name: Wabi Sabi Retreat. Key Feature: A wabi sabi–inspired home that captures simplicity, imperfection, and tranquility through organic textures, weathered finishes, and intentional negative space, while working within the existing architecture. Challenge: The home’s architecture did not naturally lend itself to traditional wabi sabi design, requiring a thoughtful approach to achieve the desired feeling without forcing the aesthetic. Solution: Rather than applying a rigid style, the team focused on evoking tranquility through contrast, organic materials, intentional emptiness, and finishes that develop character over time. Materials: Furniture: Four Hands, Noir, Vig, Moss Studio, Dovetail, TOV. Lighting: Arteriors, Lucent Light Shop, Ping Lighting. Rugs: Jaipur, Loloi. Artwork: Leftbank, Etsy. Budget: $100k- $300k | Timeline: 6 months, completed March 2025

OLD DIRTY GOAT RECLAIMED & ANTIQUE HEART PINE A floor with so much character, no other name would do
Inspiration for a family room remodel in Atlanta

Kitchen in Hodges Street | Room Type: Whole Home Interior Design | Project Name: Hodges Street | Key Feature: A builder-grade tract home transformed with personality through a playful mid-century modern design influence. Challenge: The home originally lacked character and felt like a typical builder-grade tract house. The goal was to elevate the space and create a more distinctive interior. Solution: The design introduced bold styling and mid-century modern touches throughout the home, adding personality and visual interest while creating a more elevated and cohesive interior. Timeline: Completed in 2018.

Trendy girl teen room photo in Singapore with multicolored walls

Simple doesn’t have to be boring, especially when your backyard is a lush ravine. This was the name of the game when it came to this traditional cottage-style house, with a contemporary flare. Emphasizing the great bones of the house with a simple pallet and contrasting trim helps to accentuate the high ceilings and classic mouldings, While adding saturated colours, and bold graphic wall murals brings lots of character to the house. This growing family now has the perfectly layered home, with plenty of their personality shining through.

The Lisburn door style reflects the character and craftsmanship of the past with clean lines of today. The countertop is by Cambria and named for an English town; Bellingham, but, represents the River North Tyne that runs through the town. It has marble-like waves of dark gray and black that swirl about creams and light grays, proving it to be both casual and elegant. A beverage center and added cabinet organization increase functionality. This kitchen is inviting and functional using every inch of space. The two-tone cabinets by Echelon are in Maple, door style Lisburn, the colors both bright and warm in Linen and Double Espresso. A warm and natural looking Maple Gray Stone engineered hardwood floor by Somerset finishes the space. Keepsake Designs

photos by Linda Wilson
Elegant kitchen photo in Tampa

Kitchen in Wabi Sabi Retreat | Room Type: 3 bed, 4 bath, 3770 square feet- Master Bath, Kitchen, Dining Room, Den, Laundry Room, Powder Bath, Family Room, Living Room, Entry. Project Name: Wabi Sabi Retreat. Key Feature: A wabi sabi–inspired home that captures simplicity, imperfection, and tranquility through organic textures, weathered finishes, and intentional negative space, while working within the existing architecture. Challenge: The home’s architecture did not naturally lend itself to traditional wabi sabi design, requiring a thoughtful approach to achieve the desired feeling without forcing the aesthetic. Solution: Rather than applying a rigid style, the team focused on evoking tranquility through contrast, organic materials, intentional emptiness, and finishes that develop character over time. Materials: Furniture: Four Hands, Noir, Vig, Moss Studio, Dovetail, TOV. Lighting: Arteriors, Lucent Light Shop, Ping Lighting. Rugs: Jaipur, Loloi. Artwork: Leftbank, Etsy. Budget: $100k- $300k | Timeline: 6 months, completed March 2025

This large shower with marble walls and floor modernizes modernizes a turn of the century bath in a family mountain house. The Lee Jofa, Hunt Slonem wall covering called Hatch in black and white is a modern way to incorporate woodland creature design. We used the same fabric to make a custom roman shade to create repetition in the space. Painting the ceiling pink was a way to give the room a little bit of character to a gray, black and white room. Photo by Jeff Herr Photography.

The Lisburn door style reflects the character and craftsmanship of the past with clean lines of today. The countertop is by Cambria and named for an English town; Bellingham, but, represents the River North Tyne that runs through the town. It has marble-like waves of dark gray and black that swirl about creams and light grays, proving it to be both casual and elegant. A beverage center and added cabinet organization increase functionality. This kitchen is inviting and functional using every inch of space. The two-tone cabinets by Echelon are in Maple, door style Lisburn, the colors both bright and warm in Linen and Double Espresso. A warm and natural looking Maple Gray Stone engineered hardwood floor by Somerset finishes the space. Keepsake Designs

The kitchen may be the heart of a home, but the dining room is where the family gathers to enjoy special occasions, create and pass on traditions, and savour each other’s company free from distractions. The family behind this particular dining room enjoys doing just that. When they are not traveling the world, Matthew and Anna (names changed) love to cook meals at home with their teenage daughter, entertain family and friends, and live amongst their cherished travel souvenirs and heirlooms. Their dining room, however, was far from the perfect backdrop for these experiences. Before: Dining Room: When Matthew and Anna contacted us, they imagined a space that would comfortably seat 8 to 10 people and incorporate their beautiful inherited dining table and sideboard in a fresh, modern way. Above all, they wanted a dining room that they would feel proud to share. They worked with us to design, lightly renovate, and furnish their dining room and adjacent living space. Now, the room is nothing short of inviting and elevated. Classic Yet Contemporary Dining Room: Viewed from the living area, the dining room is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Matthew and Anna wanted dark blue for the walls, and we couldn’t have been happier to find the perfect shade for them. By leaning darker, this rich blue creates the perception of depth, making the room feel enticing, comfortable and secluded. The previous built-ins were underwhelming and lacked function, so we designed wider, taller, double sided cabinets that integrated the existing bulk-head, and then accessorized the shelves with the family’s travel finds, books, and decor. Topping these units with brass art lights not only blends contemporary and traditional styles, it also draws attention to the dining table’s modern show-stopping chandelier. You can’t miss it. Inside the dining room, the effect is equally impressive: enveloping yet spacious, warm yet cool, classic yet contemporary. We incorporated their heirloom pieces seamlessly into the design thanks to the 1:2 ratio. For every traditional piece, we introduced two more modern or contemporary pieces — clean lines, subtle curves, and lustrous brass hardware. The result is a collected yet updated look. In any room with dark walls, lighting is of the utmost importance. We placed a mirror adjacent to the window to reflect natural light throughout the room, and we kept the trim and ceiling white for brightness. To provide maximum versatility, we provided multiple light sources that can be adjusted to create different levels of light to suit any mood or occasion. These include: pot lights and a chandelier on dimmers, a sculptural trilight lamp on the sideboard, and art lights on the bookcases and above important art pieces. The built-ins have another surprise waiting inside this special dining room: Double-sided built-ins: dining room shelving and living room shelving. Rather than keep them white like we did in the living room, we painted the back wall of the book cases the same dark blue as the walls in the rest of the room. This reduces the contrast with the surrounding walls and emphasizes the white outline of the cabinets. We also love the dark blue walls’ role as a beautiful backdrop for this family’s treasures. The brass accessories and hand-painted vases and bowls feel like part of the experience. Of course, what is beauty without function? It may not look like it, but the base storage is only accessible from the dining room side. The units include deep cabinets for storing serving ware, as well as another delightful surprise: silverware drawers lined in luxurious navy velvet! Lastly, we designed this beautiful nook for their heirloom sideboard. From afar, the wall looks as if it has texture and perhaps a touch of shine. Up close, you will notice that it is actually navy blue wallpaper with tiny golden dots. This unique touch accentuates the brass in the room touches throughout the space.. The room feels curated, contemporary, and full of character. Words of Praise: Anna and Matthew were thrilled with their new dining room and with the design process itself, which is always the highest compliment. They said: “Working with Lori and her team at Simply Home Decorating was a great experience. The design they came up with was both beautiful and practical for our family. Renovations can be stressful but working with Simply Home made the process much more pleasant. “Simply Home's project management and their longstanding relationships with reliable trades meant we could relax, knowing that everything was taken care of. If an issue arose, the entire Simply Home team was quick to address it. They were excellent at communicating with us—we never felt like we didn't know what was going on. We would highly recommend working with Simply Home Decorating.” Thank you, Matthew and Anna! We are honoured to have been part of your journey and wish your family many happy memories in these new spaces. Now, is it your turn? Are you ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home? If so, contact us here to start the conversation or download my guide Uncovering the Hidden Potential in Your Home below to learn more about what we can do for you.

This luxury residential interior features White Lotus from the Gold Label Collection, an American oak engineered hardwood flooring designed to deliver timeless elegance and refined sophistication throughout the space. Featuring wide 9-1/2″ planks and extended lengths, White Lotus creates an expansive and seamless visual flow that enhances both modern and transitional interiors. The Select (AB) grade construction showcases clean grain patterns with subtle natural character, creating a balanced and elevated aesthetic. Crafted with a durable 5/8″ thickness and engineered construction, this flooring is designed for long term performance while maintaining a polished and luxurious appearance. The wide plank format enhances openness within the home, making it ideal for living rooms, kitchens, and full home applications. Combining premium craftsmanship with understated elegance, White Lotus delivers a sophisticated foundation that complements a wide range of architectural and interior styles. Floor Name: White Lotus Collection: Gold Label Brand: Garrison Collection

Antique Southern Yellow Pine Flooring brings rich amber and honey tones with warm reddish undertones into this dramatic elevated walkway, framed by heavy timber trusses and a stone chimney. Our Southern Yellow Pine is milled from boards salvaged from textile mills in the Southern United States, named for the sturdiest and most decay resistant part of the tree. This reclaimed wood flooring carries the natural bright tones of pine with an added amber patina that brings a rich warmth lacking in modern lumber. At Manomin Resawn Timbers, every board goes through a detailed process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling, preserving that antique character while performing beautifully in any space. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner looking to bring reclaimed wood flooring into a walkway, hallway, or any space in your home, Manomin Resawn Timbers has been helping people discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood since 2002. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to get started.

Kitchen in Wabi Sabi Retreat | Room Type: 3 bed, 4 bath, 3770 square feet- Master Bath, Kitchen, Dining Room, Den, Laundry Room, Powder Bath, Family Room, Living Room, Entry. Project Name: Wabi Sabi Retreat. Key Feature: A wabi sabi–inspired home that captures simplicity, imperfection, and tranquility through organic textures, weathered finishes, and intentional negative space, while working within the existing architecture. Challenge: The home’s architecture did not naturally lend itself to traditional wabi sabi design, requiring a thoughtful approach to achieve the desired feeling without forcing the aesthetic. Solution: Rather than applying a rigid style, the team focused on evoking tranquility through contrast, organic materials, intentional emptiness, and finishes that develop character over time. Materials: Furniture: Four Hands, Noir, Vig, Moss Studio, Dovetail, TOV. Lighting: Arteriors, Lucent Light Shop, Ping Lighting. Rugs: Jaipur, Loloi. Artwork: Leftbank, Etsy. Budget: $100k- $300k | Timeline: 6 months, completed March 2025

Living Room in Wabi Sabi Retreat | Room Type: 3 bed, 4 bath, 3770 square feet- Master Bath, Kitchen, Dining Room, Den, Laundry Room, Powder Bath, Family Room, Living Room, Entry. Project Name: Wabi Sabi Retreat. Key Feature: A wabi sabi–inspired home that captures simplicity, imperfection, and tranquility through organic textures, weathered finishes, and intentional negative space, while working within the existing architecture. Challenge: The home’s architecture did not naturally lend itself to traditional wabi sabi design, requiring a thoughtful approach to achieve the desired feeling without forcing the aesthetic. Solution: Rather than applying a rigid style, the team focused on evoking tranquility through contrast, organic materials, intentional emptiness, and finishes that develop character over time. Materials: Furniture: Four Hands, Noir, Vig, Moss Studio, Dovetail, TOV. Lighting: Arteriors, Lucent Light Shop, Ping Lighting. Rugs: Jaipur, Loloi. Artwork: Leftbank, Etsy. Budget: $100k- $300k | Timeline: 6 months, completed March 2025