Cantoni is Designer's Choice for this Palatial Home in South Carolina. Cantoni partners on many projects with architects, interior designers, developers, realtors and others in the trade. The featured project in this eNewsletter is a spectacular example of a recent partnering between Susan Sentell ASID, Beaux Monde, Inc., Cumming, Georgia, and Design Consultant Kohl Sudnikovich of Cantoni Atlanta. While inspired by classic Italian architecture, this palatial home is not in the foothills of Italy’s Apennines but in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina. When we saw the images of this stunning home and what went into planning and executing its interiors, I thought: here’s a perfect illustration of Cantoni’s branding theme: Great Design Is A Way of Life. Design isn’t just something cosmetic, something tacked on, but the very essence of a residence’s personality and of the personality of the people who make the house a home. This sensational South Carolina project is a superb example of Cantoni’s Great Design theme brought to life. According to Kohl, Cantoni’s involvement kicked in when Susan, whom he’d worked with before, contacted him to consult on furniture collections that would help her fulfill her and her client’s overall design theme. Susan says, "This is a 5,800-sq. ft. new construction designed by a prestigious national architectural group. Given the Mediterranean-influenced elevation and the client’s wish for an airy, Italian-contemporary interior treatment I felt Cantoni was the best source for furnishing some of the main rooms. "The theme of our project we called, ‘The Goddess House’ for its ethereal look and feel– open, warm, free, filled with light and natural colors, flowing with sophisticated detail. I felt Cantoni was the right choice to help us carry out the theme. I knew Cantoni not only for its Italian design but for the quality of its products and depth and breadth of its selection. "After creating furniture plans and the overall palette, I contacted Kohl and asked him to consult with us on Cantoni pieces that would realize our plans for the living room, dining room, master bedroom, media room and outdoor. "The finished product is a beautiful example of what you can achieve when the vision of the client and the skills of the design team are in alignment. I think the feeling you get in this home is a manifestation of that harmony.” Thanks so much to Susan for choosing Cantoni and for her client for generously allowing us to show the interiors of the rooms with Cantoni product. And good job Kohl and the Cantoni Atlanta team for your efforts–not the least of which were the logistics involved in delivery and installation, this home being a great distance from Atlanta. Great Design IS a Way of Life. That theme works at many levels: alluding to our clients’ tastes and dreams and sophistication, the product itself, and the creative talents of the designers.

Inspiration for a huge transitional formal and open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Calgary with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Cantoni is Designer's Choice for this Palatial Home in South Carolina. Cantoni partners on many projects with architects, interior designers, developers, realtors and others in the trade. The featured project in this eNewsletter is a spectacular example of a recent partnering between Susan Sentell ASID, Beaux Monde, Inc., Cumming, Georgia, and Design Consultant Kohl Sudnikovich of Cantoni Atlanta. While inspired by classic Italian architecture, this palatial home is not in the foothills of Italy’s Apennines but in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina. When we saw the images of this stunning home and what went into planning and executing its interiors, I thought: here’s a perfect illustration of Cantoni’s branding theme: Great Design Is A Way of Life. Design isn’t just something cosmetic, something tacked on, but the very essence of a residence’s personality and of the personality of the people who make the house a home. This sensational South Carolina project is a superb example of Cantoni’s Great Design theme brought to life. According to Kohl, Cantoni’s involvement kicked in when Susan, whom he’d worked with before, contacted him to consult on furniture collections that would help her fulfill her and her client’s overall design theme. Susan says, "This is a 5,800-sq. ft. new construction designed by a prestigious national architectural group. Given the Mediterranean-influenced elevation and the client’s wish for an airy, Italian-contemporary interior treatment I felt Cantoni was the best source for furnishing some of the main rooms. "The theme of our project we called, ‘The Goddess House’ for its ethereal look and feel– open, warm, free, filled with light and natural colors, flowing with sophisticated detail. I felt Cantoni was the right choice to help us carry out the theme. I knew Cantoni not only for its Italian design but for the quality of its products and depth and breadth of its selection. "After creating furniture plans and the overall palette, I contacted Kohl and asked him to consult with us on Cantoni pieces that would realize our plans for the living room, dining room, master bedroom, media room and outdoor. "The finished product is a beautiful example of what you can achieve when the vision of the client and the skills of the design team are in alignment. I think the feeling you get in this home is a manifestation of that harmony.” Thanks so much to Susan for choosing Cantoni and for her client for generously allowing us to show the interiors of the rooms with Cantoni product. And good job Kohl and the Cantoni Atlanta team for your efforts–not the least of which were the logistics involved in delivery and installation, this home being a great distance from Atlanta. Great Design IS a Way of Life. That theme works at many levels: alluding to our clients’ tastes and dreams and sophistication, the product itself, and the creative talents of the designers.

Aaron Leitz
Example of a large classic master white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and white floor walk-in shower design in Seattle with green walls and a hinged shower door

An update to a dated 80s bath using high quality custom cabinetry, silestone quartz countertop, accent tile and Kohler fixtures. Cabinets by Dura Supreme, Silestone Quartz countertops, basketweave tile purchased through Prosource Marietta, Design By Kandrac & Kole, renovation by Highland Design Gallery and photo credit Emily Followill

CCForteza
Transitional bathroom photo in Los Angeles

jeff herr photography
Inspiration for a large transitional master gray tile and stone tile bathroom remodel in Atlanta with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, a one-piece toilet and beige walls

This Mid-Century home had been updated except for the kitchen and master bath. After a few years of being empty nesters, and with the neighborhood turning over drastically to infill property in the millions, this couple decided the time was right to update the last remaining rooms. Starting in the Kitchen Taking a dark, u-shaped kitchen out of the past and updating it for the future, was a dream come true for this family. They knew what they wanted in order to entertain their large extended family, which included their three kids; plus, his family, consisting of nine children, spouses, and now grandchildren. Requirements of an open space to hang out and help out, a banquet for food presentation without obstruction, bright and clean, easy storage, a place for her mother’s china decanters, and an instant hot for tea were all part of the “must haves” for this kitchen. We also needed to work around the homeowners’ existing appliances since many of them were practically new. Vaulted ceilings, lots of high windows, and large openings to other spaces in the house, were challenges that only a galley style kitchen could address. Blending and lacing the hardwood floor with new flooring required both the new and existing to be sanded down and refinished. This provided a coherent look to the entire first floor of this home. Matching casings, baseboards and base shoe helped to make the updates look fresh, but original to the house. In the kitchen, choosing the sandstone slate finish on our Wellborn Maple select series cabinets kept the space soft; but really opened it, making the space lighter and brighter. The Harmony style door choice blended with the décor in the rest of the house, while also giving straight clean lines the homeowner desired. Grounding the row of cabinets with their refrigerator and a pantry cabinet, gave symmetry to this side of the kitchen. On the opposite side, a built-in pantry cabinet mirrors the refrigerator. A row of drawer cabinets expanded the storage and banquet space, to lay out food for entertaining. Also added were some much-needed wall cabinets with glass inserts to mirror the windows and keep the space open. This also allowed the taller canister to be displayed and admired. A few smaller shelves were added above the window space, to house the smaller canisters so loved by the homeowner. An artist by trade, this homeowner added two narrow cabinets to the side of the pantry and the side of the refrigerator panel to house and create easy access to the various spices her husband loves to use while cooking. She painted them to blend with Wellborn’s Sandstone finish. The Caesarstone countertop with a 3cm eased edge in London Gray has a small pattern that is subtle and interesting. Cutting down the Caesarstone to 2 cm and carrying the same London Gray pattern up the backsplash area, lended to the clean lines and easy cleaning this homeowner requested. Choosing chrome plumbing fixtures from Moen’s Brantford line is timeless choice. Chrome is always popular and yet in today’s market, also very trendy. The Brantford faucet has a pull-down spray and one side handle, leaving space for the all-important request of a Transcape hot water dispenser, also in chrome. Scraping away the past included smoothing out the popcorn ceiling. Adding LED slope cans to the vaulted ceilings provided the necessary task lighting to elevate these homeowners’ joy of cooking. Removing the dated “popcorn look” enhanced the clean and spacious feel created by the architecture of the ceiling. Adding Top Knob chrome hardware was the final element that tied the kitchen all together. Master Bathroom The original dated Master Bathroom had dark cabinets, a huge Jacuzzi tub and a small shower stall that provided barely enough room for even a child to shower. Removing the Jacuzzi tub that was never used, opened this floor plan to a grand shower that is comfortable and spacious. For easy cleaning, these homeowners opted for a panel system in their shower. Onyx shower walls with a shower seat and recess wide shower caddy were installed in place of the old Jacuzzi style tub. The large panels were quite a challenge for our team, with an eight foot door and vaulted ceilings; but they were determined not to have a seam. These seamless panels are beautiful and very easy to clean. Keeping with the original floor plan, a double sink vanity from Wellborn’s select line with the Harmony door style in a pebble finish was installed. New Kohler Caxton under mount sinks were installed, along with the Moen Kinsley 8” wide spread faucets in chrome. Matching Kingsley 18” grab bars were added to the shower area, along with the Kohler Brantford fixed shower head and handheld slide bar. The countertop was a beautiful Caesarstone in Frosty Carrina with an eased edge and 4” back and side splash. Matching Kinsley towel hooks were added, along with mirrors the homeowner purchased and we installed for her. Top Knobs chrome cabinet hardware finished the look along with a beautiful tile floor AO Mira 1224-S Silver Maple laid in a broken joint pattern. Matching marble sills were added on top of the knee walls and threshold in the doorway. A 3/8” frameless custom shower door with fixed panels surrounded the shower creating an open airy feel to the space. Not shown: Kohler’s Wellworth highline toilet with a slow-close seat replaces the original toilet. The original shower stall became a space used to house a stackable washer and dryer, a top a safety pan and drain to slop sink in the basement. There was even enough room for small shelving to provide storage for laundry essentials. Adding a louver door keeps the laundry area behind the scene and opens the master area to multiple tasks needed. Master Bedroom Fireplace This homeowner really missed a bedroom fireplace they had in a previous home. Since we were going to be working on their master bathroom anyway; was there a way to create a fireplace without making it feel too odd in their large bedroom area? They had purchased a ventless gas fireplace and they had their original television as well. Challenged by windows, a vaulted ceiling and the natural light streaming from the back window; this divided wall was created, keeping the lighting from the other side of the room and providing a dressing area opposite the fireplace. This was a perfect idea since the closets are now in the dressing area and the creative wall houses the fireplace and TV for cold winter nights of snuggling to a movie. Better yet, the fireplace and TV are all on remote control!

Stacy Bass Photography
Mid-sized coastal white two-story wood exterior home idea in New York with a metal roof

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

Study room - small built-in desk light wood floor and beige floor study room idea in San Francisco with white walls

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2014 Houzz
Example of a country living room design in Seattle

Holger Obenaus
Example of a transitional living room design in Charleston with a standard fireplace

This custom home was designed by the talented architects at Platt Architecture. “Reclaimed Wonder” is located in the private golf community Wade Hampton Golf Club in Cashiers, North Carolina. Every detail of this home was designed to create a work of art. Not only is the small mountain town of Cashiers a truly beautiful place, but this luxury home creates a beautiful retreat as well. The color palette of the reclaimed wood beams and wall planks along with the indigenous stone choices and carefully appointed warm amber lighting creates an ambiance true to the natural beauty surrounding the home, a feeling that carries seamlessly into the home’s rustic bathroom. J,Weiland

Our homeowner had dreamt about one day redoing her beyond outdated kitchen since they day her husband carried her over the threshold. Vinyl flooring used for a backsplash, dingy carpeting, laminate with no sheen left to speak of and mismatched cabinetry…. it was time to make it happen. A year’s worth of planning later, her time capsule became one dreamy kitchen. Functionality reigns supreme in this small, but efficient kitchen where every cabinet has a story to tell and a place to store it. Countertop space to the right of the stove was an added necessity for function and safety. The raised snack bar is perfect for day to day meals and the lowered countertop was a must for this petite baker. A new lighting plan includes recessed lights, under-cabinet and accent lights, while new lighting fixtures reflect the client’s sense of style. Dingy brick patterned carpet was removed making way for new hardwood floors toothed in from the dining room. An airy palette gained some weight with the use of larger details; the oversized hood, beefy turned posts, prominent apron front sink and a grouping of tall cabinets on the refrigerator wall. Glass cabinet fronts, shiny beveled subway tile, and granite countertops allow light to dance around the space. Zachary Seib Photography

Photography by Erika Bierman www.erikabiermanphotography.com
Mid-sized beach style home design photo in Los Angeles

Home design - mid-sized coastal home design idea in Santa Barbara

House Plan 16862WG has an exterior to die for and an incredible interior with a stunning vaulted family room. The home as designed gives you 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and over 2,200 square feet of living space. Ready when you are. Where do YOU want to build? Full Specs and Order Plans http://bit.ly/16862wg MORE PHOTOS Google+ photo album http://bit.ly/16862wg-g Facebook photo album http://bit.ly/16862wg-f Photo Credit: Beth Fellhoelter

Bedroom - large industrial master concrete floor and beige floor bedroom idea in Calgary with gray walls and no fireplace