This wonderful client returned to us for her living room remodel with the goal of transforming the space into a comfortable, stylish area for lounging and entertaining. The focal point of the room, the fireplace, became an ode to the client's father. At the time of the project’s start, he had recently passed away. Our client’s father had always believed that the space needed a fireplace, and this was a special implementation that we could make to honor that. Aside from creating an inviting and warm fireplace corner, the other goals of the project included a strategic working of aesthetic and form. As a first move, we removed a long wall at the entry of the space. This immediately created a more open and welcoming entry off the front door. Subtle division was still established here by integrating a new sofa and sofa back table. Another goal was to carry the luxe transitional feeling that we had previously developed in her upstairs bathroom renovation a few years prior down into the other public spaces of the home. On the fireplace, chenille white stacked stone was installed and paired with a custom wood mantle. Throughout the space, layers of texture, pattern and finishes were utilized to create a dynamic and elegant completion. We combined metal, wood, marble, limestone, chunky fabric knits, soft chenille, mother of pearl and rattan for a complex aesthetic language that is diverse and beautiful. As part of our final touches, we worked to brighten and lighten the space. We updated window coverings and installed new can lighting in the dining room and kitchen areas. The hardwood floors were refinished and paint was updated throughout. We also completed the space with seating appropriate for entertaining in a smaller space. For example, accent chairs in this room also function as dining chairs for the head of the table. It feels so fitting to have something that brings warmth into a space tied to our client's memory of their father and we are so honored to have had a part in creating something in honor of him.

This wonderful client returned to us for her living room remodel with the goal of transforming the space into a comfortable, stylish area for lounging and entertaining. The focal point of the room, the fireplace, became an ode to the client's father. At the time of the project’s start, he had recently passed away. Our client’s father had always believed that the space needed a fireplace, and this was a special implementation that we could make to honor that. Aside from creating an inviting and warm fireplace corner, the other goals of the project included a strategic working of aesthetic and form. As a first move, we removed a long wall at the entry of the space. This immediately created a more open and welcoming entry off the front door. Subtle division was still established here by integrating a new sofa and sofa back table. Another goal was to carry the luxe transitional feeling that we had previously developed in her upstairs bathroom renovation a few years prior down into the other public spaces of the home. On the fireplace, chenille white stacked stone was installed and paired with a custom wood mantle. Throughout the space, layers of texture, pattern and finishes were utilized to create a dynamic and elegant completion. We combined metal, wood, marble, limestone, chunky fabric knits, soft chenille, mother of pearl and rattan for a complex aesthetic language that is diverse and beautiful. As part of our final touches, we worked to brighten and lighten the space. We updated window coverings and installed new can lighting in the dining room and kitchen areas. The hardwood floors were refinished and paint was updated throughout. We also completed the space with seating appropriate for entertaining in a smaller space. For example, accent chairs in this room also function as dining chairs for the head of the table. It feels so fitting to have something that brings warmth into a space tied to our client's memory of their father and we are so honored to have had a part in creating something in honor of him.

Ann Kenkel Interiors Russell Hirshon PhotographyCoastal Estate in St. Michael's Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. House was designed after the original 1770's house on the property. Home was designed to be a formal house but was now being used as a weekend retreat. Ann Kenkel had to decorate the house in a manner which was coastal enough so owner's felt like they were on vacation yet formal enough for the style of the house. AK found the house filled with wallpaper from the 1980's. Wallpaper from every room was removed and all trim had to be painted a neutral color. The formal dining room only had one entry. AK opened up a second entry into the dining room which provided a view of the Chesapeake Bay. Keywords: coastal estate, bay estate, luxury estate on Chesapeake Bay, St. Michael's home, best designer in St. Michael's, best coastal designer, best Chesapeake bay designer, window treatments, window treatments for over transom windows, chenille sofas, silk pillows, TV over fireplace, blue and yellow bedroom, coral and beige bedroom, british plantation style, blue toile bedroom, blue and green bedroom, coral dining room, red dining room, hand planed table, neutral living room, neutral sunroom, blue and green kitchen, blue family room, cherry paneled library, Ralph Lauren leather chairs, yellow chinoiserie wallpaper, shell mirror, tole lamps, gated drive, pea gravel drive, circular drive, piano, zebra fabric, trim on pillows, trim on draperies, panels and valances, georgian house, sunburst mirror, glass coffee table, star lamps, red and yellow toile draperies, ivory painted chairs, white painted chairs, nautical accessories, coastal coral bedroom, coastal blue bedroom, coastal yellow bedroom, blue and green toile bedroom, stables, paddock, outdoor stainless kitchen, dock, tan draperies, neutral chenille sofas, blue sofas, blue chairs with white frame, needlepoint rug, shell plates, bamboo silverware, white bedroom furniture, dark wood bedroom furniture, plaid chairs, wilton carpet, bright sunroom, chairs and ottomans, regency valance, scarf swags, swags, red leopard pillows, toile bedding, game table, game table chairs on coaster, shells, hydrangeas, shell lamp, sailboat art, sailboat paintings, cane headboard, 4 poster bed.

This condo serves as a family’s city apartment. It needs to meet many functions for many people as well as be colorful, comfortable and fun, not take itself too seriously. The gold half circle metallic banquette works for meals and reading the morning paper as well as small business meetings and a chic office space. Grey chenille sectional and cream velvet recliner are the neutrals sitting on a Madeline Weinrib pink silk/wool rug with magenta pillows and Chinese lacquered red accent pieces. TV or the view, huh? Photographed by Stuart Lirette

For this project, the client was moving into a smaller upscale apartment building and needed a tranquil space for relaxing and entertaining. We used neutral tones throughout the apartment with pops of bold jewel tones in accessories, decor and bedding. Modern artwork pulls together the room. The transitional feel of the room has traditional elements with modern appeal. The living room upholstery is from Bassett Furniture and has lush texture in chenille and velvet that adds depth to the pieces. The upholstered beds soften the room and contrast the modern storage pieces. Because the space is open, we kept the light and airy feeling with sheer linen drapery panels that match throughout for a subtle touch.

This sprawling estate is an incredible sight see! Soaring coffered ceilings with gorgeous winding staircases set the stage for a grand entry. We took advantage of the classical elements of this home and built our design (at the request of our amazing clients) with a heavy nod to european traditional style. Decadent silk fabrics paired with amazingly rich wall treatments bring a luxurious feeling to every room. Heavily carved details are found on an eclectic mix of furnishings throughout the home. We incorporated some of the clients pieces from their years of collecting and traveling. Their favorite rolled arm sofa is given new life in the library once reupholstered in a cozy woven chenille. After completing the interior, it was time to get started on the grounds! We were so excited to design the exterior entertaining space which includes an outdoor kitchen, living and dining areas, pergola, bath and pool. One of our favorites for sure.

Entry Sitting Room by Cam Parsons for Ethan Allen Fredericksburg, VA 540-548-3396 ext. 22 Traditional sitting room: Tufted English Arm sofa, Accent chair in seaglass and gold paisley, Accent Wing chair in burgundy chenille paisley with nail head trim, Isfahan rug. Coffee and end tables in Zebra wood. Fireplace with custom artwork and fireplace mantel accessories.

A conversational area is created with an L-shaped sofa, two accommodating club chairs, and a pair of ottomans, squaring the space. The furniture in the living room is designed to be stylish in form and simple and casual in function. The chenille fabric is comfortable and utilitarian, albeit beautiful. All of the pieces complement the art and enhance it with its natural colors, thus allowing the art to shine.

For this project, the client was moving into a smaller upscale apartment building and needed a tranquil space for relaxing and entertaining. We used neutral tones throughout the apartment with pops of bold jewel tones in accessories, decor and bedding. Modern artwork pulls together the room. The transitional feel of the room has traditional elements with modern appeal. The living room upholstery is from Bassett Furniture and has lush texture in chenille and velvet that adds depth to the pieces. The upholstered beds soften the room and contrast the modern storage pieces. Because the space is open, we kept the light and airy feeling with sheer linen drapery panels that match throughout for a subtle touch.

This is sophistication in the kitchen. These are custom made cabinetry from Dutch Made Inc. These are a maple cabinet with a beautiful paint and a glaze on the base cabinets. It is the perfect partner to the chenille upper cabinets. The hood wall steals the show with it's elegance and open space. This is a custom hood that is breathtaking and timeless. Glass doors around the window give depth and elegance to the kitchen that only glass can do. Don't miss the appliance garage on the countertop to provide plenty of storage. Eating and entertaining at the island is perfect with the stools and snack bar area. Last but not least is the incredible wall of ovens, refrigerator and pantry. Elegant and functional for all goodies. Photographs by Michael A. Kaskel Designed by Lisa Murphy for DDK Kitchen Design Group. Countertops by Tithof Tile and Marble.

Entry Sitting Room by Cam Parsons for Ethan Allen Fredericksburg, VA 540-548-3396 ext. 22 Traditional sitting room: Tufted English Arm sofa, Accent chair in seaglass and gold paisley, Accent Wing chair in burgundy chenille paisley with nail head trim, Isfahan rug. Coffee and end tables in Zebra wood. Fireplace with custom artwork and fireplace mantel accessories.

The homeowners of this condo sought our assistance when downsizing from a large family home on Howe Sound to a small urban condo in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver. They asked us to incorporate many of their precious antiques and art pieces into the new design. Our challenges here were twofold; first, how to deal with the unconventional curved floor plan with vast South facing windows that provide a 180 degree view of downtown Vancouver, and second, how to successfully merge an eclectic collection of antique pieces into a modern setting. We began by updating most of their artwork with new matting and framing. We created a gallery effect by grouping like artwork together and displaying larger pieces on the sections of wall between the windows, lighting them with black wall sconces for a graphic effect. We re-upholstered their antique seating with more contemporary fabrics choices - a gray flannel on their Victorian fainting couch and a fun orange chenille animal print on their Louis style chairs. We selected black as an accent colour for many of the accessories as well as the dining room wall to give the space a sophisticated modern edge. The new pieces that we added, including the sofa, coffee table and dining light fixture are mid century inspired, bridging the gap between old and new. White walls and understated wallpaper provide the perfect backdrop for the colourful mix of antique pieces. Interior Design by Lori Steeves, Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography

This wonderful client returned to us for her living room remodel with the goal of transforming the space into a comfortable, stylish area for lounging and entertaining. The focal point of the room, the fireplace, became an ode to the client's father. At the time of the project’s start, he had recently passed away. Our client’s father had always believed that the space needed a fireplace, and this was a special implementation that we could make to honor that. Aside from creating an inviting and warm fireplace corner, the other goals of the project included a strategic working of aesthetic and form. As a first move, we removed a long wall at the entry of the space. This immediately created a more open and welcoming entry off the front door. Subtle division was still established here by integrating a new sofa and sofa back table. Another goal was to carry the luxe transitional feeling that we had previously developed in her upstairs bathroom renovation a few years prior down into the other public spaces of the home. On the fireplace, chenille white stacked stone was installed and paired with a custom wood mantle. Throughout the space, layers of texture, pattern and finishes were utilized to create a dynamic and elegant completion. We combined metal, wood, marble, limestone, chunky fabric knits, soft chenille, mother of pearl and rattan for a complex aesthetic language that is diverse and beautiful. As part of our final touches, we worked to brighten and lighten the space. We updated window coverings and installed new can lighting in the dining room and kitchen areas. The hardwood floors were refinished and paint was updated throughout. We also completed the space with seating appropriate for entertaining in a smaller space. For example, accent chairs in this room also function as dining chairs for the head of the table. It feels so fitting to have something that brings warmth into a space tied to our client's memory of their father and we are so honored to have had a part in creating something in honor of him.

This contemporary master bedroom features a comfortable seating area with a beautiful sectional with matching storage ottoman in a soft, luxurious chenille fabric. Accents of gold and grey create a soft, monochromatic feel and add to the delicate romance. A beautiful scroll pattern rug from Surya feels great underfoot and looks amazing over the cork flooring. A cotton duvet cover with delicate details is beautiful but also easy to wash. Non-matching his and hers side tables add to the curated look. A Phillip Jeffries grasscloth wallpaper gives the tray ceiling subtle texture. Bob Narod Photography

See Before & After photos! Copy and paste this into your browser: http://www.sterlingrenovationsdfw.com/2013/before-after-old-world-gets-a-modern-makeover/

This sprawling estate is an incredible sight see! Soaring coffered ceilings with gorgeous winding staircases set the stage for a grand entry. We took advantage of the classical elements of this home and built our design (at the request of our amazing clients) with a heavy nod to european traditional style. Decadent silk fabrics paired with amazingly rich wall treatments bring a luxurious feeling to every room. Heavily carved details are found on an eclectic mix of furnishings throughout the home. We incorporated some of the clients pieces from their years of collecting and traveling. Their favorite rolled arm sofa is given new life in the library once reupholstered in a cozy woven chenille. After completing the interior, it was time to get started on the grounds! We were so excited to design the exterior entertaining space which includes an outdoor kitchen, living and dining areas, pergola, bath and pool. One of our favorites for sure.

Entry Sitting Room by Cam Parsons for Ethan Allen Fredericksburg, VA 540-548-3396 ext. 22 Traditional sitting room: Tufted English Arm sofa, Accent chair in seaglass and gold paisley, Accent Wing chair in burgundy chenille paisley with nail head trim, Isfahan rug. Coffee and end tables in Zebra wood. Fireplace with custom artwork and fireplace mantel accessories.

Entry Sitting Room by Cam Parsons for Ethan Allen Fredericksburg, VA 540-548-3396 ext. 22 Traditional sitting room: Tufted English Arm sofa, Accent chair in seaglass and gold paisley, Accent Wing chair in burgundy chenille paisley with nail head trim, Isfahan rug. Coffee and end tables in Zebra wood. Fireplace with custom artwork and fireplace mantel accessories.