Thomas Gale House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1892) An early Wright bootleg house distills Queen Anne design elements to their essential geometry. Photo: James Caulfield; Courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright Trust

Example of a trendy bedroom design in New York

The new kitchen layout maximizes countertop and storage space as well as enhances overall functionality, To add visual interest to the large space we used two toned cabinets – classic white along the perimeter and a deep blue to distinguish the two islands and tall pantry. Brushed brass accents echo the original brass hardware and fixtures throughout the home. A kitchen this large needed a statement when it came to the countertops so we selected a stunning Nuvolato quartzite with distinctive veining that complements the blue cabinets. We restored and refinished the original Heart of Pine floors, letting the natural character of the wood shine through. A custom antique Heart of Pine wood top was commissioned for the fixed island – the warmth of wood was preferable to stone for the informal seating area. The second island serves as both prep area and staging space for dinners and events. This mobile island can be pushed flush with the stationary island to provide a generous area for the caterers to expedite service.

Trendy bedroom photo in Los Angeles

ASID Design Excellence First Place Residential – Kitchen: Originally commissioned in 1977 by our clients, this residence was designed by renowned architect Donald Olsen whose life's work is thoroughly documented in the book Donald Olsen: Architect of Habitable Abstractions. Michael Merrill Design Studio was approached three years ago to do a comprehensive rethinking of the structure, spaces and the exterior envelope. We hope you will enjoy this preview of the greatly enlarged and updated kitchen and home office.

David Duncan Livingston
Elegant bedroom photo in San Francisco

Photography: Craig Denis
Example of a mid-sized minimalist carpeted living room design in New York with gray walls

A former client came to us to renovate her cramped master bathroom into a serene, spa-like setting. Armed with an inspiration photo from a magazine, we set out and commissioned a local, custom furniture maker to produce the cabinetry. The hand-distressed reclaimed wormy chestnut vanities and linen closet bring warmth to the space while the painted shiplap and white glass countertops brighten it up. Handmade subway tiles welcome you into the bright shower and wood-look porcelain tile offers a practical flooring solution that still softens the space. It’s not hard to imagine yourself soaking in the deep freestanding tub letting your troubles melt away. Matt Villano Photography

Example of a living room design in San Francisco

The goal for our emerald and white kitchen design was to create a bold and functional kitchen for our sophisticated clients. They desired a more practical kitchen layout and a splash of color. Previously, the cooktop was located in the small center island with a very limited prep area on each side. In addition, there was not a focal point and the unsightly refrigerator was on the main focal wall. The designer completely reconfigured the space by placing the range on the main kitchen wall, topped with a showstopping new emerald kitchen hood as the focal point. A new built-in refrigerator was relocated to the opposite wall and a functional veggie sink was added in the center island. The clients requested a color palette that was anything but neutral, so the designer delivered with a bold green and white design to meet their request. Gold accents add additional sophisticated detailing. Bursts of green were incorporated throughout the space in the barstools, the kitchen island and in the custom breakfast area artwork commissioned especially for this project.

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

Contemporary, stylish Bachelor loft apartment in the heart of Tribeca New York. Creating a tailored space with a lay back feel to match the client personality. Several custom pieces were designed and specifically fabricated for this exceptional loft with a 12 feet high ceiling. It showcases a custom 12’ high wall library as well as a custom TV stand along an original brick wall. The sectional sofa library, the dining table, mirror and dining banquette are also custom elements. The painting are commissioned art pieces by Peggy Bates. Photo Credit: Francis Augustine

Everything about this poker room was custom. The table was designed by me and built by Whitmer Woodworks out of Columbus, OH. The artwork was commissioned by a Ohio artist as well, made from all poker chips with a frame job built to mimic the shape of a playing card.

David Duncan Livingston
Elegant living room photo in San Francisco

Nancy Nolan Photography
Inspiration for a modern kitchen remodel in Little Rock

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

The master suite was recreated into a master foyer. In the master bedroom, custom furniture pieces were carefully designed. The bed is framed in walnut with upholstered inset panels and floating bedside tables, which are walnut and steel. Sconces are incorporated into the headboard above the floating bedside tables. The art piece above the bed was commissioned from a local artist, Curt Meer. We also custom designed a bench for the bay window, which is steel and blue mohair. The window treatments throughout the house are natural white linen, the same color as the walls. The drapery tracks are all flush with the ceiling. Interiors: Carlton Edwards in collaboration w/ Greg Baudouin

Learn how this Spanish shed was built via photos shared by Designer Jeff Doubét in his book: Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. This Jeff Doubét Spanish style shed was part of a larger commission to design the main house aesthetic upgrades, as well as the Spanish Mediterranean gardens and landscape. The entire project is featured with informative, time-lapse photography showing how the Spanish shed was designed and constructed. To purchase, or learn more… please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff’s book can also be considered as your direct resource for quality design info, created by a professional home designer who specializes in Spanish style home and landscape designs. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is packed with over 1,000 images that include 200+ designs, as well as inspiring behind the scenes photos of what goes into building a quality Spanish home and landscape. Many use the book as inspiration while meeting with their architect, designer and general contractor. Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA. His website is www.SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com

View of Entry and Ganesh. Manolo Langis Photographer
Large beach style light wood floor entryway photo in Los Angeles with white walls and a dark wood front door