Marsh Kitchen & Bath designer Jan Zuccarello started this project as an update to a 1990s kitchen and quickly turned it into the homeowner's dream kitchen. Taking out a pantry and desk area, changing a window, updating appliances, and adding a new color palette with complementary lighting made the new space light and airy with a feeling of openness. Soft gray countertops complement a light patterned quartz on the contrasting gray island. The custom display cabinet with seeded glass and mullion detail repeated in the chair backs, along with the crown molding details, made this a dream come true for the homeowner.

Large elegant beige two-story stucco exterior home photo in San Francisco with a hip roof

'Autumn Joy' sedum adds texture and pulls complementary hues from the home and the stone. Photo by Jay Sifford.
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Charlotte.

Who doesn't love a white kitchen? Embracing the beauty of white cabinetry in kitchens, New Outlooks added a light brown island cabinet to this kitchen design to incorporate an extra "pop" complementary to the white cabinets. The white and gray countertops and floor tiles seamlessly flow throughout the kitchen, providing a little modern touch for this traditional kitchen design.

Refaced and Refreshed We were recently called in to revitalize a well used kitchen in Rye, NY. The layout of the kitchen was good, and there was plenty of natural lighting. The cabinets were structurally sound, but the doors and drawers sported a tired laminate and oak combination that was common in the 1970’s. Adding to the dated look was a mismatch of worn-out laminate and out-of-place granite countertops. First, we removed all the door and drawer fronts as well as the countertops. Next came a fresh application of cherry laminate on the cabinet surfaces, followed by matching door and drawer fronts. New Cambria quartz countertops in two complementary styles helped to update and coordinate the room. Satin nickel hardware and stainless steel appliances added contemporary flair to this rejuvenated kitchen. All of this was completed in half the time and cost it would have taken to install all new cabinets, and with far less disruption to the homeowner!

Our drone captures the geometry of the front primary and secondary walks with complementary planting beds to enhance it. Bluestone chosen as the paving material for front walk and rear patios mimics the color palette of the slate roof. The clay paver chosen for the driveway reflects the house brick.

Roberts Electric was the electrical contractor on this Oakland project that won a REMMIE for the Regional and National Contractor of the Year Award by the San Francisco Chapter of NARI in the Kitchens over $150K category. The project also was selected for the 2017 Rockridge Kitchen Tour in September. RECO once again teamed with longtime trade partner, McCutcheon Construction, on this project. The owners of this 100-year-old craftsman wanted not just a new dream kitchen, but one that restored the home’s original character. It also needed to serve as a central gathering place for three generations of family. Like many kitchen remodels these days, the existing kitchen and dining area were small and cramped, with a low ceiling. The new design opened up the living area by removing dividing walls and raising the ceiling. A central island focuses the space toward the outdoors and the new stair landing. White walls and cabinets are the perfect backdrop for the bold color of the exposed brickwork and the dark blue china cabinet. RECO installed high-efficacy LED recessed lights, up lights and undercounter strips that help save energy. We adapted the existing circuiting and distribution as needed, including arc fault safety breakers and installed soft-glow, energy-efficient LED steplights on the deck, with complementary sconces and added security lighting.

Kid's bathroom remodel, color quartz counter top
Mid-sized kids' beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile bathroom photo in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, a bidet and beige walls

Your backyard has untapped potential. While lush lawns and colorful flower beds create a beautiful foundation, it's the hardscaping elements that truly define how you use and enjoy your outdoor space. For homeowners looking to elevate their property, understanding the art and function of hardscaping is the first step toward creating a backyard that works as hard as it looks.
What Is Hardscaping, Really?
Hardscaping refers to the non-living, structural components of landscape design. Think stone patios, retaining walls, fire pits, walkways, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens. These elements provide the bones of your outdoor living area, creating flow, function, and visual interest that softscaping alone cannot achieve.
Unlike planting beds that change with the seasons, hardscaping offers permanence. A well-designed stone walkway or paver patio will last decades with minimal maintenance, making it one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make in their property.
Defining Your Outdoor Lifestyle
Before breaking ground, consider how you actually want to live outdoors. Do you envision hosting summer dinner parties? A built-in outdoor kitchen and dining patio might be your priority. Prefer quiet evenings by the fire? A custom fire pit with built-in seating becomes your focal point. Families with children often gravitate toward expansive patios that leave room for play while maintaining sophisticated design.
The best hardscaping designs start with a clear purpose. Every wall, walkway, and surface should serve the way you intend to use the space. When function leads, beauty follows naturally.
Materials That Last
Choosing the right materials matters. Natural stone offers timeless elegance and unique character but comes at a premium. Concrete pavers provide versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness, with styles that convincingly mimic stone or brick. For modern aesthetics, porcelain pavers deliver sleek lines and exceptional weather resistance.
Regardless of material, proper installation is non-negotiable. A poorly laid patio will shift, sink, and crack within a few seasons. That's why experienced homeowners know that hardscaping services from a qualified professional protect both the investment and the result.
Creating Visual Flow
Successful hardscaping connects your home to its surroundings. The transition from indoor to outdoor should feel intentional, not abrupt. Using complementary materials, repeating design motifs, and establishing clear pathways helps your backyard feel like a natural extension of your living space.
Retaining walls can terrace sloped yards into usable, dramatic spaces. Stepping stones can guide visitors through garden areas. A pergola can define an outdoor room without closing it off. Each element plays a role in the overall composition.
Starting Your Project
If you're considering a backyard transformation, begin with a site assessment and a professional design consultation. Experienced hardscaping professionals can identify drainage issues, recommend materials suited to your climate, and create a phased plan that fits your budget and timeline.
Hardscaping isn't just about aesthetics — it's about creating an outdoor environment that enhances how you live. With thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship, your backyard becomes the best room in the house.

We renovated the dining area to match the new and improved kitchen aesthetic. Two stained glass windows were installed, bringing in more sunlight and creating symmetry. Accents of teal, bursts of wood, and contemporary pendant lighting match the features in the kitchen, ensuring a complementary and cohesive design. One of the most unique features of the dining room is the secret door. The teal bookshelf is actually a doorway that leads to an old staircase that was previously walled off - it is now used as a nifty (and impressive) closet. Designed by Chi Renovations & Design who serve Chicago and it's surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest. For more about Chi Renovation & Design, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/portfolio/roscoe-village-renovation/

The renovation touches every major living area. In the kitchen, Mullwoods cabinetry appears in three complementary finishes — stained wood bases, painted uppers, and a deep navy island — unified by Dekton countertops and anchored by a Wolf 36-inch range beneath a Stanisci custom maple hood. Sub-Zero panel-ready refrigeration and a Cove dishwasher integrate seamlessly into the cabinetry. A Ceramic Tiles International Chalmers Metalbrick Pearl backsplash adds a subtle textured element, while a glass-enclosed wine room creates a dramatic transition between the kitchen and the main living area. The primary bathroom pairs Mullwoods vanity cabinetry in a muted sage tone with ENVI Quartz Calacatta Sol countertops and Brizo fixtures in a warm champagne bronze finish. A Kohler Underscore soaking tub sits adjacent to a frameless Big D glass shower enclosure with Caesar Ceramiche patterned tile walls and dual rain showerheads. Two walk-in closets feature dark-toned custom organization systems with integrated Hardware Resources cabinet lighting, each finished with statement light fixtures — a crystal raindrop chandelier and a modern starburst pendant. The powder room features Schumacher floral wallpaper paired with Mullwoods cabinetry and a coordinating colored Kohler sink. The laundry room and mudroom are outfitted in deep navy Mullwoods cabinetry with a Blanco utility sink, Moen fixtures, ENVI Quartz countertops, and generous built-in storage with bench seating and a pull-out drying rack. A dining room with dark navy built-in entertainment cabinetry and Galerie wallcoverings, a home office with stained wood built-ins, and a family living area with a stone fireplace surround and built-in shelving complete the renovation. Marvin windows appear throughout the home, and Sherwin Williams paint provides the neutral palette that ties each space together. Just minutes from the wooded trails at Kopf Family Reservation and the Lake Erie shoreline, this Westwinds home now reflects the community’s balance of natural surroundings and elevated family living.

Modern Warm Bathroom Remodel | Boulder, Colorado This Boulder bathroom remodel blends modern design with warm, natural elements to create a cohesive, spa-like environment across both the primary and guest bathrooms. Designed in collaboration with Boulder Design Group and built by Veron Builders, the project focuses on clean lines, layered textures, and thoughtful material selection. The primary bathroom features a custom wood vanity, vertical tile detailing, floating shelving, and warm brass fixtures that bring depth and warmth to a clean, modern layout. A frameless glass shower enhances the open, airy feel of the space. The guest bathroom carries a complementary design language, maintaining visual continuity while offering its own refined details and layout. Together, both spaces balance function and elevated design through consistent materials and intentional contrast. Design Highlights Custom wood vanities Vertical tile accent walls Warm brass fixtures Floating wood shelving Frameless glass showers Layered natural textures

Tucked into the hillsides of Marin, the environment played a predominant role in defining the contemporary yet exotic style of this home. In the master bedroom, a fireplace adds a cozy design element, while an inconspicuous home theater system can be elegantly tucked away when not in use. In the master bathroom, pebbled stone tile adorn the walls of the double shower that overlooks the hillsides of Marin. A guest bathroom was designed to compliment the eclectic aesthetic of the home. While in the center of the residence, a spiral acrylic staircase climbs 3 floors acting as a consistent element, tying together the varied yet complementary styles.

As you walk in, the main floor unfolds into a seamless living experience. Walls and columns were expertly removed to reveal a voluminous, open-concept great room. Natural light filters through generous windows, illuminating layers of sophisticated textures and warm neutral tones. The thoughtfully integrated millwork subtly divides the space without disrupting flow, while elegant sconces above the breakfast nook infuse intimacy—creating a serene yet inviting atmosphere. At the heart of the home sits a striking, oversized kitchen arrangement featuring dual islands: one devoted to food prep, the other to gathering and conversation. The islands are finished in complementary palettes—one light, one dark—mirroring the balance of materials and colors across the open floor plan. This innovative layout fosters community and showcases design depth through thoughtful texture layering, from stone countertops to artisanal hardware. Swatch’s signature layering approach brings dimension and warmth throughout these interconnected rooms. Subtle pops of earthy hues alongside jewel-tone accents are woven through upholstery, decorative lighting, and artwork. Organic elements like wood flooring and natural stone surfaces reinforce the Modern European aesthetic: clean lines with a lived-in elegance, where each material choice feels intentional and inviting . Styled to feel luxurious yet approachable, the space features a discussed blend of classic European elegance and contemporary comfort. Plush fabrics—such as velvet cushions and soft linens—contrast simple, modern furniture silhouettes. Freestanding lantern-style pendants and delicate sconces enhance ambiance throughout, while curated décor from different European influences tells a rich, nuanced design story.

The continuity of the space is more guaranteed by the inclusion of the Libelle Bookcase, whose design is perfectly complementary to the furnishings. Its second function is to separate the two living areas. For the dining room was chosen one of the most precious design pieces created by Baxter designers, the Lagos Table. Essential and rounded lines for the structure, an exclusive and selected marble that guarantees uniqueness and elegance for the top and three legs covered in antique brass. All followed by the comfortable seats Colette. The choice of furnishings and their arrangement thus guarantees a functional division of the space highlighting those that are the main strengths of architecture.

White shaker style cabinets with honed Cararra marble countertops, and Oil Rubbed Bronze hardware. Complementary quartefoil patterned cararra marble backsplash. Large island painted grey to contrast white woodwork. Farmhouse style bar pendants. Wood tile was used throughout the house for the sand-and-finish wood look, but without the risk of water damage.

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choreographed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside, the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture, and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel, and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a McKay Otto sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

Our client wanted to open up the kitchen into the dining and living area, allowing the first floor to feel more open and inviting. They were seeking a kitchen that would suit their needs but also feel modern and fresh. To accomplish a more spacious look and feel we added a large window, removed all the wall cabinets and incorporated natural maple floating shelves with LED track type undercabinet lighting. Custom built cabinets in this rich contemporary blue color along with 2 cm Silestone Blanco Maple countertop transformed this space into a modern style kitchen. The Modern Dimensions 2x4 backsplash tile in tan add a nice complementary accent color. Photos by The Vine Studios

Custom bed and canopy. Photos by David Duncan Livingston
Inspiration for a large eclectic master light wood floor and yellow floor bedroom remodel in San Francisco with yellow walls and no fireplace