There are a lot of plants captured in this shot! The shrub to the right is a Clethra (summersweet), probaby Ruby Spice as it likes it a little wet and there is drainage swale just on the other side of it. The near side of the photo shows the tops for the turtleheads and in the middle are the coppery tops of the northern bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), which is not to be confused with the invasive varieties. It will have small yellow flowers but Its attraction is the nice foliage color and the fact that it is does not grow much more than 3' tall. Across the pond the Gold Dart and Summer Wine ninebarks are blooming

Open kitchen with large island
Large mountain style brown floor and dark wood floor kitchen photo with stainless steel appliances, an island, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, multicolored backsplash and gray countertops

I did not have to do much to this space! We threw a rug under the table and a plant on top of it to make it feel cozier. I loved how this client mixed styles in her table and chairs. It was a great example of style mixing. It can be oh-so-confusing trying to mix styles but there is actually some rhyme and reason to it. Think of it like ying and yang. Just as all great couples carry opposite personalities, so should your chairs and table. The table here is country with it's rounded shape and detailed edges. It's inviting and sturdy. So we look for the opposite - chairs that are more modern, spunky, and clean-lined.

This is the roof in Longmont that we just finished up last week. The homeowner was so pleased with the sharp clean look that the new roof gives her home, that she sent me this picture. The shingles we installed are CertainTeed Landmark shingles in the color Moire Black. This was a hail claim, which we walked her through - very confusing if you have never been through one.

Blackstone Edge Studios
Inspiration for an eclectic medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room remodel in Portland with white walls

Challenges can be blessing in disguise. A very narrow space can be transformed by creating a focal point and building around that strength. Rearranging this floor plan and creating a conversational space with the correct size furniture and purpose transformed this confusing space into a show stopper. Multiple mirrors created a dramatic focal point to the fireplace as well as spread light into a tall room with little lighting. Neutral walls and warm pops of color updated this space into a transitionally styled family living space.

Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped enclosed kitchen remodel in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island and window backsplash

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern beige tile and porcelain tile linoleum floor alcove bathtub remodel in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, a two-piece toilet and gray walls

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This large open concept kitchen and dining space was created by removing a load bearing wall between the old kitchen and a porch area. The new porch was insulated and incorporated into the overall space. The kitchen remodel was part of a whole house remodel so new quarter sawn oak flooring, a vaulted ceiling, windows and skylights were added. A large calcutta marble topped island takes center stage. It houses a 5’ galley workstation - a sink that provides a convenient spot for prepping, serving, entertaining and clean up. A 36” induction cooktop is located directly across from the island for easy access. Two appliance garages on either side of the cooktop house small appliances that are used on a daily basis. Honeycomb tile by Ann Sacks and open shelving along the cooktop wall add an interesting focal point to the room. Antique mirrored glass faces the storage unit housing dry goods and a beverage center. “I chose details for the space that had a bit of a mid-century vibe that would work well with what was originally a 1950s ranch. Along the way a previous owner added a 2nd floor making it more of a Cape Cod style home, a few eclectic details felt appropriate”, adds Klimala. The wall opposite the cooktop houses a full size fridge, freezer, double oven, coffee machine and microwave. “There is a lot of functionality going on along that wall”, adds Klimala. A small pull out countertop below the coffee machine provides a spot for hot items coming out of the ovens. The rooms creamy cabinetry is accented by quartersawn white oak at the island and wrapped ceiling beam. The golden tones are repeated in the antique brass light fixtures. “This is the second kitchen I’ve had the opportunity to design for myself. My taste has gotten a little less traditional over the years, and although I’m still a traditionalist at heart, I had some fun with this kitchen and took some chances. The kitchen is super functional, easy to keep clean and has lots of storage to tuck things away when I’m done using them. The casual dining room is fabulous and is proving to be a great spot to linger after dinner. We love it!” Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

The front porch had not been used for 40 years. Now, it can be used daily for dining and more!
Transitional porch photo in Atlanta

These floating wood shelves add the perfect balance to the salvaged chestnut backsplash on the opposite side of this kitchen. Seude finish soapstone quartz countertops add refinement and the warm shaker cabinets add a touch of classic country design. A farmhouse sink and horizontal picket tile backsplash is an effective counterpoint to the wood elements in the space. The tile's gloss finish is the perfect accent to the dark matte countertops. A large peninsula adds functional seating and serving space for entertaining. It's a light, bright and modern kitchen for a family living in their forever home.

Example of a trendy closet design in Miami

Nathan Kirkman
Inspiration for a transitional dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Chicago with white cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

With a multi-purpose space it's helpful to create working areas to avoid visual clutter and confusion. Beveridge bar by day and studio work space by evening this set allows my Client to offer her clients a drink of water, tea or coffee and offers my Client's counterpart a good sturdy work surface with seating for four. Funny enough I started looking for a console table but happened upon this patio set. It came with the stools, was at standing working height which is a bonus for art making and has masculine lines which balance out the feminine qualities of the other pieces of furniture in the room.

Jonathan Edwards Media
Inspiration for a large coastal master carpeted bedroom remodel with blue walls

Sanibel Island has strict zoning rules regarding the obstruction of light that new structures can impose on neighbors. The new house fits within the allowable building envelope and does not cast large shadows on its neighbors. Turtles build their nests in the beach so night-time lighting is rigorously limited and the windows all are tinted so that artificial light does not confuse the baby turtles when they hatch.

Transitional bathroom photo in Austin

Challenges can be blessing in disguise. A very narrow space can be transformed by creating a focal point and building around that strength. Rearranging this floor plan and creating a conversational space with the correct size furniture and purpose transformed this confusing space into a show stopper. Multiple mirrors created a dramatic focal point to the fireplace as well as spread light into a tall room with little lighting. Neutral walls and warm pops of color updated this space into a transitionally styled family living space.

Confused between making a butler’s pantry or a prep kitchen? Discover how to design a functional yet beautiful prep kitchen. Learn about modern elements like granite countertops, gray cabinetry, undermount sinks, and efficient storage solutions. Perfect for small spaces or as an alternative to a butler’s pantry, this space blends style with practicality.