After many years of careful consideration and planning, these clients came to us with the goal of restoring this home’s original Victorian charm while also increasing its livability and efficiency. From preserving the original built-in cabinetry and fir flooring, to adding a new dormer for the contemporary master bathroom, careful measures were taken to strike this balance between historic preservation and modern upgrading. Behind the home’s new exterior claddings, meticulously designed to preserve its Victorian aesthetic, the shell was air sealed and fitted with a vented rainscreen to increase energy efficiency and durability. With careful attention paid to the relationship between natural light and finished surfaces, the once dark kitchen was re-imagined into a cheerful space that welcomes morning conversation shared over pots of coffee. Every inch of this historical home was thoughtfully considered, prompting countless shared discussions between the home owners and ourselves. The stunning result is a testament to their clear vision and the collaborative nature of this project. Photography by Radley Muller Photography Design by Deborah Todd Building Design Services

Based on her experience with several renovation projects, the owner reflects that “renovations always take longer and cost more than what you first think. That’s just the reality of renovations. You’re going to find stuff along the way. You learn to prepare for that. Having said that, there weren’t really any surprises with this project.” She also appreciates the collaborative approach that Way-Mar brings to a project. “Way-Mar always gives options and explains the differences - taking into consideration your personal preferences and priorities.” Early on with this home, the owners worked with different contractors and got several quotes to help choose the best company. She says they learned the “hard way” that not all contractors are the same. A few times it looked like a good job was done on the surface but things were done poorly or incorrectly and had to be redone. The couple feels fortunate to have connected with Way-Mar early on.“Way-Mar stands out in their commitment to customer service and quality. That’s worth a lot. We have built up a lot of trust over the years so we are never concerned that we are getting ripped off or if the work will be done right. I feel they always offer a fair price and we get excellent value for our money.” “We’ve built a good long-term relationship so they know us pretty well. Way-Mar makes suggestions based on what they think is most suitable for us. We’re always happy with the results.” photo: jeff brubacher

Raychelle Devilla Photography - MOVIE COLONY When we met these wonderful Palm Springs clients, they were overwhelmed with the task of downsizing their vast collection of fine art, antiques, and sculptures. The problem was it was an amazing collection so the task was not easy. What do we keep? What do we let go? Design Vision Studio to the rescue! We realized that to really showcase these beautiful pieces, we needed to pick and choose the right ones and ensure they were showcased properly. Lighting was improved throughout the home. We installed and updated recessed lights and cabinet lighting. Outdated ceiling fans and chandeliers were replaced. The walls were painted with a warm, soft ivory color and the moldings, door and windows also were given a complimentary fresh coat of paint. The overall impact was a clean bright room. We replaced the outdated oak front doors with modern glass doors. The fireplace received a facelift with new tile, a custom mantle and crushed glass to replace the old fake logs. Custom draperies frame the views. The dining room was brought to life with recycled magazine grass cloth wallpaper on the ceiling, new red leather upholstery on the chairs, and a custom red paint treatment on the new chandelier to tie it all together. (The chandelier was actually powder-coated at an auto paint shop!) Once crammed with too much, too little and no style, the Asian Modern Bedroom Suite is now a DREAM COME TRUE. We even incorporated their much loved (yet horribly out-of-date) small sofa by recovering it with teal velvet to give it new life. Underutilized hall coat closets were removed and transformed with custom cabinetry to create art niches. We also designed a custom built-in media cabinet with "breathing room" to display more of their treasures. The new furniture was intentionally selected with modern lines to give the rooms layers and texture. When we suggested a crystal ship chandelier to our clients, they wanted US to walk the plank. Luckily, after months of consideration, the tides turned and they gained the confidence to follow our suggestion. Now their powder room is one of their favorite spaces in their home. Our clients (and all of their friends) are amazed at the total transformation of this home and with how well it "fits" them. We love the results too. This home now tells a story through their beautiful life-long collections. The design may have a gallery look but the feeling is all comfort and style.

James Latta of Rancho Images - MOVIE COLONY When we met these wonderful Palm Springs clients, they were overwhelmed with the task of downsizing their vast collection of fine art, antiques, and sculptures. The problem was it was an amazing collection so the task was not easy. What do we keep? What do we let go? Design Vision Studio to the rescue! We realized that to really showcase these beautiful pieces, we needed to pick and choose the right ones and ensure they were showcased properly. Lighting was improved throughout the home. We installed and updated recessed lights and cabinet lighting. Outdated ceiling fans and chandeliers were replaced. The walls were painted with a warm, soft ivory color and the moldings, door and windows also were given a complimentary fresh coat of paint. The overall impact was a clean bright room. We replaced the outdated oak front doors with modern glass doors. The fireplace received a facelift with new tile, a custom mantle and crushed glass to replace the old fake logs. Custom draperies frame the views. The dining room was brought to life with recycled magazine grass cloth wallpaper on the ceiling, new red leather upholstery on the chairs, and a custom red paint treatment on the new chandelier to tie it all together. (The chandelier was actually powder-coated at an auto paint shop!) Once crammed with too much, too little and no style, the Asian Modern Bedroom Suite is now a DREAM COME TRUE. We even incorporated their much loved (yet horribly out-of-date) small sofa by recovering it with teal velvet to give it new life. Underutilized hall coat closets were removed and transformed with custom cabinetry to create art niches. We also designed a custom built-in media cabinet with "breathing room" to display more of their treasures. The new furniture was intentionally selected with modern lines to give the rooms layers and texture. When we suggested a crystal ship chandelier to our clients, they wanted US to walk the plank. Luckily, after months of consideration, the tides turned and they gained the confidence to follow our suggestion. Now their powder room is one of their favorite spaces in their home. Our clients (and all of their friends) are amazed at the total transformation of this home and with how well it "fits" them. We love the results too. This home now tells a story through their beautiful life-long collections. The design may have a gallery look but the feeling is all comfort and style.

James Latta of Rancho Images - MOVIE COLONY When we met these wonderful Palm Springs clients, they were overwhelmed with the task of downsizing their vast collection of fine art, antiques, and sculptures. The problem was it was an amazing collection so the task was not easy. What do we keep? What do we let go? Design Vision Studio to the rescue! We realized that to really showcase these beautiful pieces, we needed to pick and choose the right ones and ensure they were showcased properly. Lighting was improved throughout the home. We installed and updated recessed lights and cabinet lighting. Outdated ceiling fans and chandeliers were replaced. The walls were painted with a warm, soft ivory color and the moldings, door and windows also were given a complimentary fresh coat of paint. The overall impact was a clean bright room. We replaced the outdated oak front doors with modern glass doors. The fireplace received a facelift with new tile, a custom mantle and crushed glass to replace the old fake logs. Custom draperies frame the views. The dining room was brought to life with recycled magazine grass cloth wallpaper on the ceiling, new red leather upholstery on the chairs, and a custom red paint treatment on the new chandelier to tie it all together. (The chandelier was actually powder-coated at an auto paint shop!) Once crammed with too much, too little and no style, the Asian Modern Bedroom Suite is now a DREAM COME TRUE. We even incorporated their much loved (yet horribly out-of-date) small sofa by recovering it with teal velvet to give it new life. Underutilized hall coat closets were removed and transformed with custom cabinetry to create art niches. We also designed a custom built-in media cabinet with "breathing room" to display more of their treasures. The new furniture was intentionally selected with modern lines to give the rooms layers and texture. When we suggested a crystal ship chandelier to our clients, they wanted US to walk the plank. Luckily, after months of consideration, the tides turned and they gained the confidence to follow our suggestion. Now their powder room is one of their favorite spaces in their home. Our clients (and all of their friends) are amazed at the total transformation of this home and with how well it "fits" them. We love the results too. This home now tells a story through their beautiful life-long collections. The design may have a gallery look but the feeling is all comfort and style.

Ideal for extensive entertaining and comfortable everyday living, we designed an open floor plan that offered easy flow between the living room, bar, dining space and kitchen. Multiple horizontal and vertical offsets created visual interest on all four elevations while custom-built light fixtures produced sleek task lighting in work areas without sacrificing style. To create additional texture and character, we utilized transitional architecture by uses massing, materials, and lines found in the Hill Country in new ways with architectural limestone blocks, rough chopped Texas limestone, and stucco with metal reveals. Particular consideration was given to the views visible from bedrooms as well as always achieving cross-lighting to capture as much natural light as possible, as seen in the master bath where both windows in the wet room light the space throughout the day. We also featured aluminum clad wood window package, an anodized aluminum window wall in the living room, and a custom design steel and glass entry door.

This moody Industrial Farmhouse Kitchen is one of our all time favorite designs! Lucky for us this young family called upon our skills yet again to dream & deliver a cohesive new look for the entire main level of their Moorestown, New Jersey home. We knew Tracy & Tim really loved the end result of their mancave basement, with its painted black ceiling, and industrial vibe. The kitchen, however, needed to be a bit lighter so it would connect to the rest of their home. Solutions: bigger windows, dark gray & distressed walnut cabinets, a burnished copper hood, mesh textures (both in the bar and the stools), lighter quartz counters, and a backsplash that looks like whitewashed brick. We even infused some extra style and function by having a custom bay storage bench created for their empty bay window.

James Latta of Rancho Images - MOVIE COLONY When we met these wonderful Palm Springs clients, they were overwhelmed with the task of downsizing their vast collection of fine art, antiques, and sculptures. The problem was it was an amazing collection so the task was not easy. What do we keep? What do we let go? Design Vision Studio to the rescue! We realized that to really showcase these beautiful pieces, we needed to pick and choose the right ones and ensure they were showcased properly. Lighting was improved throughout the home. We installed and updated recessed lights and cabinet lighting. Outdated ceiling fans and chandeliers were replaced. The walls were painted with a warm, soft ivory color and the moldings, door and windows also were given a complimentary fresh coat of paint. The overall impact was a clean bright room. We replaced the outdated oak front doors with modern glass doors. The fireplace received a facelift with new tile, a custom mantle and crushed glass to replace the old fake logs. Custom draperies frame the views. The dining room was brought to life with recycled magazine grass cloth wallpaper on the ceiling, new red leather upholstery on the chairs, and a custom red paint treatment on the new chandelier to tie it all together. (The chandelier was actually powder-coated at an auto paint shop!) Once crammed with too much, too little and no style, the Asian Modern Bedroom Suite is now a DREAM COME TRUE. We even incorporated their much loved (yet horribly out-of-date) small sofa by recovering it with teal velvet to give it new life. Underutilized hall coat closets were removed and transformed with custom cabinetry to create art niches. We also designed a custom built-in media cabinet with "breathing room" to display more of their treasures. The new furniture was intentionally selected with modern lines to give the rooms layers and texture. When we suggested a crystal ship chandelier to our clients, they wanted US to walk the plank. Luckily, after months of consideration, the tides turned and they gained the confidence to follow our suggestion. Now their powder room is one of their favorite spaces in their home. Our clients (and all of their friends) are amazed at the total transformation of this home and with how well it "fits" them. We love the results too. This home now tells a story through their beautiful life-long collections. The design may have a gallery look but the feeling is all comfort and style.

Mrs. Deighan loved to cook, but hated her kitchen. It was nonfunctional, inefficient, and an eyesore. The sink was in the corner under low cabinets. The awkwardly placed fridge made it impractical for the entire family to be working together. And that was a big deal. She wanted a beautiful place to cook and entertain. Besides the cramped space, the old, brown plywood cabinets were falling apart. Because the cabinets were low, under-cabinet lighting was useless. The kitchen was dark. The previous owners had updated the flooring, but only by putting uglier tiles over the old vinyl. And the ceiling had a leak stain. It was time for a big change. The Deighan's called Amos from ALL Renovation & Design. Amos’s many successful remodeling projects done for them over the years had forged a friendship that made him the obvious contractor of choice. Amos sat down with them and asked them to make a dream kitchen list. If budget were of no concern, what would the space look like? Once the Deighan's had their list, Amos helped them to evaluate each investment, taking into consideration the age and value of the home. Then Amos presented a plan that fit perfectly in the Deighan's budget. The basic U-shaped kitchen layout stayed the same. Modern, creamy white custom cabinets replaced the dark plywood cabinets. The fridge moved to make space for more cabinets. The biggest challenge was moving the laundry room wall a few feet. Moving it was necessary to add more space, but, since the wall was load-bearing, moving it required extra attention. It was worth it. Extra space allowed the counter to extend and the sink to move. After the hard work ended, the reason for the transformation became reality. Now “we can have the whole family in there comfortably and working together,” Mrs. Deighan said. She loves her kitchen. Especially the windowed cabinets that show off her fiestaware. And when you see the beautiful St. Cecilia granite countertops, with Milstone Sari porcelain mosaic tile backsplash, maple flat-panel cabinets with under-cabinet lighting, and all new appliances including a double oven, you will see why she does.

James Latta of Rancho Images - MOVIE COLONY When we met these wonderful Palm Springs clients, they were overwhelmed with the task of downsizing their vast collection of fine art, antiques, and sculptures. The problem was it was an amazing collection so the task was not easy. What do we keep? What do we let go? Design Vision Studio to the rescue! We realized that to really showcase these beautiful pieces, we needed to pick and choose the right ones and ensure they were showcased properly. Lighting was improved throughout the home. We installed and updated recessed lights and cabinet lighting. Outdated ceiling fans and chandeliers were replaced. The walls were painted with a warm, soft ivory color and the moldings, door and windows also were given a complimentary fresh coat of paint. The overall impact was a clean bright room. We replaced the outdated oak front doors with modern glass doors. The fireplace received a facelift with new tile, a custom mantle and crushed glass to replace the old fake logs. Custom draperies frame the views. The dining room was brought to life with recycled magazine grass cloth wallpaper on the ceiling, new red leather upholstery on the chairs, and a custom red paint treatment on the new chandelier to tie it all together. (The chandelier was actually powder-coated at an auto paint shop!) Once crammed with too much, too little and no style, the Asian Modern Bedroom Suite is now a DREAM COME TRUE. We even incorporated their much loved (yet horribly out-of-date) small sofa by recovering it with teal velvet to give it new life. Underutilized hall coat closets were removed and transformed with custom cabinetry to create art niches. We also designed a custom built-in media cabinet with "breathing room" to display more of their treasures. The new furniture was intentionally selected with modern lines to give the rooms layers and texture. When we suggested a crystal ship chandelier to our clients, they wanted US to walk the plank. Luckily, after months of consideration, the tides turned and they gained the confidence to follow our suggestion. Now their powder room is one of their favorite spaces in their home. Our clients (and all of their friends) are amazed at the total transformation of this home and with how well it "fits" them. We love the results too. This home now tells a story through their beautiful life-long collections. The design may have a gallery look but the feeling is all comfort and style.

2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN $40,001 to $80,000 Built in 1990, this colonial used builder-grade products from floor to ceiling. The original kitchen used inexpensive oak cabinets, laminated countertops and vinyl flooring. An oddly positioned pantry affected the traffic flow of the entire space and a large wall separated the kitchen from the family room. The homeowners were ready for an upgrade. First, a structural beam replaced the wall between the kitchen and family room. It was replaced with a double-sided cabinet, which opened up the design considerably. On the kitchen side, it is a cappuccino bar with beverage center, coffee maker and bar sink. The other side features glass display cabinetry. The old pantry closet was torn out and all plumbing stacks behind was relocated which allowed the placement of a 48” refrigerator/freezer. Next to it is the focal point of the room: a 48” gas range topped by a custom-made copper range hood. A beautiful tile backsplash follows the room’s wall around to a copper farmer’s sink. Carefully chosen cherry wood cabinetry with a sage stain complements a light colored quartz countertop. A 4’x 12’ espresso stained island was installed to allow large gathering and serves as a casual eating place for their daily use. Custom made, high end heart-of-cherry wood planks were installed throughout the first floor. This new era of ranch-style cabinetry, wood floor and rustic hood, sink and other little accent pieces made this project one to stand alone.

Time had stood still at this 1970s ranch in Armonk when the owners invited us to collaborate with them to transform it into a modern, light-filled home for their young family. The budget was lean, so economy was a primary consideration for every design decision. The challenge was to identify the modest home’s virtues – vaulted ceilings and a lovely backyard – and accentuate them by strategically optimizing available funds. We were tasked with rectifying a dysfunctional interior stair, connecting to the outdoors with new large windows, and updating the exterior. We focused our attention on a finite set of architectural moves which would have the biggest impact and improve our clients’ daily experience of the home. Detailing was kept simple, using common grade materials and standard components. All exterior walls were revamped with new windows and siding. Although these materials were not particularly costly, thoughtful layout of boards, battens, and openings produced a cohesive, rigorous composition at each facade. Since the budget would not cover the homeowners’ complete wish list, some items were bracketed for subsequent phases. The challenge was to establish a framework that would allow future work – including a new roof and kitchen renovation – to proceed smoothly. The homeowners, both scientists, were enthusiastic collaborators, contributing their outstanding design sensibilities to selection of fixtures and finishes. Construction ended just in time for the arrival of their baby – and with that, the transformation of their family home was complete.

Mrs. Deighan loved to cook, but hated her kitchen. It was nonfunctional, inefficient, and an eyesore. The sink was in the corner under low cabinets. The awkwardly placed fridge made it impractical for the entire family to be working together. And that was a big deal. She wanted a beautiful place to cook and entertain. Besides the cramped space, the old, brown plywood cabinets were falling apart. Because the cabinets were low, under-cabinet lighting was useless. The kitchen was dark. The previous owners had updated the flooring, but only by putting uglier tiles over the old vinyl. And the ceiling had a leak stain. It was time for a big change. The Deighan's called Amos from ALL Renovation & Design. Amos’s many successful remodeling projects done for them over the years had forged a friendship that made him the obvious contractor of choice. Amos sat down with them and asked them to make a dream kitchen list. If budget were of no concern, what would the space look like? Once the Deighan's had their list, Amos helped them to evaluate each investment, taking into consideration the age and value of the home. Then Amos presented a plan that fit perfectly in the Deighan's budget. The basic U-shaped kitchen layout stayed the same. Modern, creamy white custom cabinets replaced the dark plywood cabinets. The fridge moved to make space for more cabinets. The biggest challenge was moving the laundry room wall a few feet. Moving it was necessary to add more space, but, since the wall was load-bearing, moving it required extra attention. It was worth it. Extra space allowed the counter to extend and the sink to move. After the hard work ended, the reason for the transformation became reality. Now “we can have the whole family in there comfortably and working together,” Mrs. Deighan said. She loves her kitchen. Especially the windowed cabinets that show off her fiestaware. And when you see the beautiful St. Cecilia granite countertops, with Milstone Sari porcelain mosaic tile backsplash, maple flat-panel cabinets with under-cabinet lighting, and all new appliances including a double oven, you will see why she does.

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

Ideal for extensive entertaining and comfortable everyday living, we designed an open floor plan that offered easy flow between the living room, bar, dining space and kitchen. Multiple horizontal and vertical offsets created visual interest on all four elevations while custom-built light fixtures produced sleek task lighting in work areas without sacrificing style. To create additional texture and character, we utilized transitional architecture by uses massing, materials, and lines found in the Hill Country in new ways with architectural limestone blocks, rough chopped Texas limestone, and stucco with metal reveals. Particular consideration was given to the views visible from bedrooms as well as always achieving cross-lighting to capture as much natural light as possible, as seen in the master bath where both windows in the wet room light the space throughout the day. We also featured aluminum clad wood window package, an anodized aluminum window wall in the living room, and a custom design steel and glass entry door.

Ideal for extensive entertaining and comfortable everyday living, we designed an open floor plan that offered easy flow between the living room, bar, dining space and kitchen. Multiple horizontal and vertical offsets created visual interest on all four elevations while custom-built light fixtures produced sleek task lighting in work areas without sacrificing style. To create additional texture and character, we utilized transitional architecture by uses massing, materials, and lines found in the Hill Country in new ways with architectural limestone blocks, rough chopped Texas limestone, and stucco with metal reveals. Particular consideration was given to the views visible from bedrooms as well as always achieving cross-lighting to capture as much natural light as possible, as seen in the master bath where both windows in the wet room light the space throughout the day. We also featured aluminum clad wood window package, an anodized aluminum window wall in the living room, and a custom design steel and glass entry door.

Ideal for extensive entertaining and comfortable everyday living, we designed an open floor plan that offered easy flow between the living room, bar, dining space and kitchen. Multiple horizontal and vertical offsets created visual interest on all four elevations while custom-built light fixtures produced sleek task lighting in work areas without sacrificing style. To create additional texture and character, we utilized transitional architecture by uses massing, materials, and lines found in the Hill Country in new ways with architectural limestone blocks, rough chopped Texas limestone, and stucco with metal reveals. Particular consideration was given to the views visible from bedrooms as well as always achieving cross-lighting to capture as much natural light as possible, as seen in the master bath where both windows in the wet room light the space throughout the day. We also featured aluminum clad wood window package, an anodized aluminum window wall in the living room, and a custom design steel and glass entry door.

For modern, mid century home office furniture, the Copeland-Catalina collection is best in its class. High end, designer desks, file cabinets and credenzas. Handcrafted in Vermont, this furniture is made to order, in natural solid black walnut or maple wood. Catalina home office furniture combines clean contemporary lines with organic and geometric wood forms. This solid hardwood, handmade office furniture is suggestive of the works of America’s Mid-Century Modern designers with it's retro-modern shapes and sensibilities. Check out the Top 10 Reasons to Buy Copeland Catalina Furniture Here at Vermont Woods Studios. Then Go Natural - Go Green with Copeland!

James Latta of Rancho Images - MOVIE COLONY When we met these wonderful Palm Springs clients, they were overwhelmed with the task of downsizing their vast collection of fine art, antiques, and sculptures. The problem was it was an amazing collection so the task was not easy. What do we keep? What do we let go? Design Vision Studio to the rescue! We realized that to really showcase these beautiful pieces, we needed to pick and choose the right ones and ensure they were showcased properly. Lighting was improved throughout the home. We installed and updated recessed lights and cabinet lighting. Outdated ceiling fans and chandeliers were replaced. The walls were painted with a warm, soft ivory color and the moldings, door and windows also were given a complimentary fresh coat of paint. The overall impact was a clean bright room. We replaced the outdated oak front doors with modern glass doors. The fireplace received a facelift with new tile, a custom mantle and crushed glass to replace the old fake logs. Custom draperies frame the views. The dining room was brought to life with recycled magazine grass cloth wallpaper on the ceiling, new red leather upholstery on the chairs, and a custom red paint treatment on the new chandelier to tie it all together. (The chandelier was actually powder-coated at an auto paint shop!) Once crammed with too much, too little and no style, the Asian Modern Bedroom Suite is now a DREAM COME TRUE. We even incorporated their much loved (yet horribly out-of-date) small sofa by recovering it with teal velvet to give it new life. Underutilized hall coat closets were removed and transformed with custom cabinetry to create art niches. We also designed a custom built-in media cabinet with "breathing room" to display more of their treasures. The new furniture was intentionally selected with modern lines to give the rooms layers and texture. When we suggested a crystal ship chandelier to our clients, they wanted US to walk the plank. Luckily, after months of consideration, the tides turned and they gained the confidence to follow our suggestion. Now their powder room is one of their favorite spaces in their home. Our clients (and all of their friends) are amazed at the total transformation of this home and with how well it "fits" them. We love the results too. This home now tells a story through their beautiful life-long collections. The design may have a gallery look but the feeling is all comfort and style.