A view from a different angle shows the potted and shaped Boxwood topiaries further defining the doorway and creating symmetry. A complementary wrought iron gate adds style to the front porch.

Advice on interior design is available everywhere—from TV shows and websites to books, magazines and apps. We love seeing people become engaged in design and educated on the wide range of possibilities. But we hope you’ll proceed with caution. It’s not that style errors are a matter of life and death. It’s just that it’s easy to choose designs that aren’t necessarily reflective of your own personality and character. And since you’re typically stuck with your interior design decisions for years, styles that don’t quite fit can tend to grate on you. Interiors that give one person comfort may unleash chaos in someone else. This goes beyond favorite colors or hot trends, right to the heart of interior design, where you find questions of composition, balance, repetition, space and more. The goal is to find that unique combination of design elements that gives you comfort, support and balance. In one home, that perfect balance was struck through the use of symmetry. A pair of comfortable swivel chairs sit beneath matching indigo patterned paintings. Matching bookcases below the paintings contain similar, but not identical, arrangements of books, vases and bowls. Woods and bronzes help warm up the simple white bookcase shelving. Two matching poufs in front of the fireplace provide additional seating. The sofa is accented with a pair of pillows with a blue pattern that echoes the artwork. The effect of the symmetry is to achieve order and simplicity, which I promote at every opportunity. After all, your home interiors should be the setting or the backdrop of your life—not center stage. Antique bronze and blue are complementary colors. Together, they offer a rich palette of richness and depth, which brings out the beauty of wood and stone. In the home office, a unique, whitewash-stained wooden desk rests on metal, Sawhorse-inspired legs for a warm, rustic look. The black leather chair features a contemporary silhouette with an antique brass frame. An adjustable desk lamp has bronze accents. The bookcase combines a sleek, black metal frame with concrete shelves, for another unusual pairing. It’s kept uncluttered for an orderly, peaceful look. Items on the shelves include a bronze-accented lamp and a pair of high gloss-finished wooden bookends. The elegant artwork behind the desk is a simple midnight-blue and bronze with mottled white. Deep blues are again picked up in the rug, which adds a stately vibe with a modern pattern and satisfying texture. Within the framework of symmetry, the living room repeats the blue-and-bronze color scheme. A large midcentury brass clock above the fireplace keeps the natural stone visible, rather than hidden behind a painting or television, while its straight lines and color create a beautiful contrast. The sofa is a soft, neutral blue. The pattern on the round brass side table features echoes the darker blue-patterned rug, as well as the rug in the office, tying the rooms together. Indigo blue books adjacent to bronze vases on the shelves repeat the color scheme. The soapstone-topped coffee table echoes the shape of the fireplace. A pair of tall, matching floor lamps with long wooden bases, brass pulls and simple linen shades combine both the colors and symmetry found throughout the home.

This bright and exciting bathroom treatment features custom animal print drapery with jewel trim. Accompanied by a vibrant floral arrangement, gorgeous accessories, and complementary tilework - it's a beautifully, relaxing oasis. Photo Credit: Samantha Day

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.

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

'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!

Classic Complementary colours - Orange and Blue in this modern bathroom design. MCDG Photography
Bathroom - mid-sized contemporary kids' multicolored tile and glass tile porcelain tile bathroom idea in Vancouver with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, a two-piece toilet and orange walls

This was a commission in a private residence. The customer wished to add color to a plain room in an interesting way. The colors chosen were a mix of what she was naturally drawn to, while I added complementary colors. The phrase painted was a reminder for her not to take life too seriously.

Textured carpet and modern tile add a contemporary touch.
Example of a mid-sized beach style formal and open concept carpeted living room design in Chicago with blue walls

A complementary coloured granite sink for Blanco was installed. The new lighting both recessed in the ceiling and under cabinet not only brightens the space, but it also makes it feel more contemporary.

The home had a paver patio with a pergola. They wanted something simple with clean finishes as well as a Jacuzzi. We removed the old pavers and put down 16 X 24 travertine classic ivory tiles. Tying into the roof and incorporating the breezeway, we added a 900 SF patio cover. The center section has a vaulted ceiling and a gable roof. We dropped the Jacuzzi into the ground 2 feet and added composite decking around it. The fire pit adds a bit of flare to the project – it is 14’6” and has 26 feet of seating around it. The ceiling finish is hardie that has been painted to match the home with columns and beams that are also wrapped in hardie and painted with a complementary trim color. We installed gas lanterns and indirect lighting on the seat wall. TK IMAGES

Lindy J. Moore Custom design Pillows with navy and oatmeal color fabrics, and embellished with complementary trim cords adds calm appeal.
Mountain style home design photo in Atlanta

For this Brooklyn condo renovation, Gallery Kitchen and Bath updated the entire kitchen and both bathrooms, as well as painted and laid out new flooring throughout the entire apartment. The owners wanted to unite the seeming medley of the existing space into a cohesive design more representative of their own style. With its ultra-high ceilings and exposed joints and beams, the space already lent itself to the farmhouse look. The end result is a modernized, eclectic farmhouse style that we keenly carried throughout the home. MORE DETAILS Compelling textures and color combos reign supreme. The kitchen features semi-custom Shaker-style stone gray cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash running all the way up the wall, and white quartz countertops. We built the island in part to create a pleasing yet efficient flow from the kitchen into the living and dining areas as the space was opened up. We also painted the plumbing stack white to not make it stand out. We also redesigned the bathrooms, giving each a unique treatment. In the master bath, we took a Victorian-goes-modern approach with coral walls, champagne fixtures, and a clawfoot tub. In the guest bathroom, we stuck to a transitional style that approaches modern without becoming contemporary, pairing herringbone marble floor tiles with a mix of subway and penny tiles on the walls and in the shower. Both maintain elements, such as tiles, fixtures, and colors, that coordinate with the overall eclectic farmhouse look. HOW WE COLLABORATE Collaboration with our clients to their desired degree is one of our core pillars. In this condo renovation, the clients wanted central air and were initially considering a true central air system. We advised against it, as not only would it take away from the unique beauty of unusually tall ceilings by adding unsightly ductwork, but it would also significantly detract from the farmhouse look. Instead, we suggested a mini-split system. Our recommended units were both cost-effective and much more complementary to the comprehensive theme. Of course, we ultimately always honor the clients’ choices but it’s just as important to us that we make sure to provide all the necessary information so our clients can make educated decisions that are best for their needs. SPACE PLANNING Another key element of the renovation process is space planning. From this perspective, we consider the placement and positioning of objects with regard to the overall flow of space. The building where this renovation took place is U-shaped at one end, which happens to be where this particular apartment is located. Uniquely-shaped spaces naturally require more concentration than those built in the standard rectangular shape. Questions we consider include: Where will people really spend time in this space? What will the flow of foot traffic be? Is there easy access to the kitchen island? Does it flow well into the hallways? Does the island protrude into anything? Working in New York, with its variety of homes and architectural styles, has greatly developed our experience with standard spaces and unconventional ones alike. SOME HIGHLIGHTS - Ultra-tall ceilings, allowing for stacked cabinets in the kitchen, as well as long pendant light fixtures and more chandeliers than usual throughout the home - Completely refurbished cast iron clawfoot tub in one bathroom, with a 270-degree shower curtain around the tub - Vibrant color choices, including an all-blue bedroom in various shades - Treated exposed brick walls Fun Fact: A client once showed us inspiration photos that they sourced online of this exact project, having no idea it was one of ours. Thinking about renovating your condo? Contact us today to find out how you can benefit from our expertise in remodeling New York City condos. We are a design-and-build firm with a full-scale approach that handles every single aspect of your condo renovation from start to finish.

Advice on interior design is available everywhere—from TV shows and websites to books, magazines and apps. We love seeing people become engaged in design and educated on the wide range of possibilities. But we hope you’ll proceed with caution. It’s not that style errors are a matter of life and death. It’s just that it’s easy to choose designs that aren’t necessarily reflective of your own personality and character. And since you’re typically stuck with your interior design decisions for years, styles that don’t quite fit can tend to grate on you. Interiors that give one person comfort may unleash chaos in someone else. This goes beyond favorite colors or hot trends, right to the heart of interior design, where you find questions of composition, balance, repetition, space and more. The goal is to find that unique combination of design elements that gives you comfort, support and balance. In one home, that perfect balance was struck through the use of symmetry. A pair of comfortable swivel chairs sit beneath matching indigo patterned paintings. Matching bookcases below the paintings contain similar, but not identical, arrangements of books, vases and bowls. Woods and bronzes help warm up the simple white bookcase shelving. Two matching poufs in front of the fireplace provide additional seating. The sofa is accented with a pair of pillows with a blue pattern that echoes the artwork. The effect of the symmetry is to achieve order and simplicity, which I promote at every opportunity. After all, your home interiors should be the setting or the backdrop of your life—not center stage. Antique bronze and blue are complementary colors. Together, they offer a rich palette of richness and depth, which brings out the beauty of wood and stone. In the home office, a unique, whitewash-stained wooden desk rests on metal, Sawhorse-inspired legs for a warm, rustic look. The black leather chair features a contemporary silhouette with an antique brass frame. An adjustable desk lamp has bronze accents. The bookcase combines a sleek, black metal frame with concrete shelves, for another unusual pairing. It’s kept uncluttered for an orderly, peaceful look. Items on the shelves include a bronze-accented lamp and a pair of high gloss-finished wooden bookends. The elegant artwork behind the desk is a simple midnight-blue and bronze with mottled white. Deep blues are again picked up in the rug, which adds a stately vibe with a modern pattern and satisfying texture. Within the framework of symmetry, the living room repeats the blue-and-bronze color scheme. A large midcentury brass clock above the fireplace keeps the natural stone visible, rather than hidden behind a painting or television, while its straight lines and color create a beautiful contrast. The sofa is a soft, neutral blue. The pattern on the round brass side table features echoes the darker blue-patterned rug, as well as the rug in the office, tying the rooms together. Indigo blue books adjacent to bronze vases on the shelves repeat the color scheme. The soapstone-topped coffee table echoes the shape of the fireplace. A pair of tall, matching floor lamps with long wooden bases, brass pulls and simple linen shades combine both the colors and symmetry found throughout the home.

A blue flat-panel kitchen is a modern and stylish culinary space that embraces the serene and inviting qualities of the color blue while incorporating a streamlined and minimalist design. The defining feature of this kitchen is the cabinetry, characterized by flat-panel doors and drawers. The cabinetry, often sleek and handleless, creates a clean and uncluttered appearance, lending a contemporary aesthetic to the room. The choice of blue as the cabinet color introduces a sense of calm and sophistication, making it a refreshing departure from more traditional kitchen colors. The shade of blue can vary from soft and muted pastels to deeper and more vibrant blues, allowing for a range of design possibilities. The color choice may be influenced by personal preferences, and it can evoke different moods, from tranquil and coastal to vibrant and energetic. Countertops in this kitchen are typically crafted from materials like quartz or solid surface, providing a sleek and easy-to-maintain workspace. The countertops may be in complementary colors, such as white, gray, or black, to balance and enhance the overall design. Backsplashes can vary from classic subway tiles to more modern and colorful options, adding an element of style and texture to the space. These may also feature blue hues, creating a cohesive and harmonious design. Flooring options include materials like light-colored tile or hardwood, which create a neutral foundation that complements the blue cabinetry while brightening the room. An area rug beneath the dining or cooking area can add a cozy and personal touch. Pendant lights with contemporary designs provide both functional lighting and a decorative element, often adding a touch of metal or glass to the design. These fixtures contribute to the modern and stylish ambiance of the kitchen. The walls are typically painted in neutral or light colors, allowing the blue cabinets to stand out and create a focal point. Natural light pouring in through windows enhances the bright and open atmosphere of the space. A blue flat-panel kitchen is a contemporary and sophisticated setting for culinary creativity and social gatherings. The harmonious fusion of sleek design, the calming influence of the color blue, and functional elements creates a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly practical for modern living.

Starlite designer, Tara Coon, used the light from the large kitchen window to create a complementary light and airy kitchen design. Mid Continent Cabinetry Adams door style with a painted antique with pewter glaze finish sets the tone.

We've watched this neighborhood transform itself over the last few years and we are so thankful that we had the opportunity to facilitate the sale of this very special property. It's a great addition to this great neighborhood. ______________________________________________________________ Ultra-modern architecture with a great layout where natural light floods in through massive windows. The living-room is anchored by a large sliding glass door & an open kitchen & dining area. Upstairs you can unwind in the master suite which features a private bath with tile shower, all done in calming, modern tones. 2 other bedrooms + den complete the 2nd floor layout. Lots of luxury details in this urban-tastic location just off Williams! BUILDER | DEVELOPER
 H.Hudson Homes Inc.
H. Hudson Homes specializes in modern residential homebuilding with a focus on infill projects—both single-family and multifamily—that enhance and beautify the neighborhoods in which they’re built. As trusted Portland home builders, we take a thoughtful approach to both home design and property development. And we believe your home should be a reflection of your own modern style—creative, current, and different. 
 http://hhudsonhomes.com ARCHITECTURE FIRM 
 Works Partnership Architecture
Works Progress Architecture is a progressive architectural design studio with offices in Portland and Los Angeles. Carrie Strickland and William Neburka launched W.PA together in 2005. W.PA has since established a design approach rooted in clear conceptual diagrams applied across a wide spectrum of project types while responding to individual site, program, and environmental requirements. W.PA’s approach walks a line between sexy and stern and echoes simplicity in the face of ever evolving complexity, a quiet amid the cacophony of the newest.
 http://www.worksarchitecture.net STAGING Spade & Archer Design Agency
Our extensive library of eclectic furnishings and accessories brings out the best in homes of every style. We treat every project with the utmost attention to detail. A home prepared by Spade and Archer is always to proper scale, looks genuine, and is complementary to the house's style.
 https://www.spade-archer.com