Example of a trendy detached studio / workshop shed design in Boston

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in DC Metro

When a professional office space needs to make a lasting impression on clients and create an inspiring environment for staff, the design details matter just as much as they do at home. This thoughtful commercial interior refresh transformed a dated, purely functional office into a warm, sophisticated, and beautifully layered space — one that feels more like a high-end boutique or luxury residence than a typical workplace. The guiding philosophy throughout was clear: every space, no matter how utilitarian its purpose, deserves intentional design. From the reception corridor to the staff break room, from the client restrooms to the storage corridor, each area received careful attention to finish, color, and texture. Restrooms Reimagined The two client-facing restrooms were the most dramatic transformations in the project. Rather than the builder-grade wallpaper and basic fixtures typically found in commercial spaces, both were treated as true design moments. The first features floor-to-ceiling wallpaper in a rich taupe with a delicate white botanical branch pattern, creating an immersive, jewel-box feel. A white shaker vanity with dark granite countertop grounds the space, while an arched frameless mirror and brushed gold wall sconce add glamour. A tall gold and glass etagere serves as both decorative storage and a sculptural element, styled with woven baskets, greenery, and stacked accessories. Framed landscape watercolor art adds a serene, organic note, and a freestanding brass toilet paper holder elevates a typically overlooked detail. The second restroom takes an entirely different but equally compelling direction — soft, dusty blue-grey grasscloth-style wallpaper printed with a tone-on-tone chevron leaf stripe wraps every wall, creating a calm, spa-like atmosphere. A weathered wood console provides casual charm beneath a large-scale botanical tulip artwork in sage and cream. The wall-mount sink with exposed plumbing adds an intentional, editorial touch. An arched mirror with a sleek multi-bulb bar sconce in brushed nickel completes the look, while a pair of sculptural brass branch wall sculptures mounted directly to the wallpaper serve as unexpected, memorable art. Storage Made Beautiful The internal storage corridor received a full wall of custom floor-to-ceiling white shaker cabinetry with chrome pulls, flanked by open shelving sections for accessible display and storage. Clean, crisp, and highly organized — this space proves that even a purely functional corridor can be architectural and refined. The Break Room & Kitchenette The staff break room was updated with white shaker cabinetry, light speckled granite countertops, stainless appliances — including a French door refrigerator, dishwasher, and over-counter microwave — and warm sage green walls that bring a restful, refreshing energy to the space. Dark hardwood luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout the room, warming the look considerably. A round walnut dining table with upholstered chairs creates a proper gathering space for the team, and framed landscape oil art in an ornate gold frame adds a touch of collected character to the room. Reception & Corridor Details The reception and corridor spaces were treated with deep navy blue paint — bold, sophisticated, and unexpected in a commercial setting. A large abstract landscape painting in warm blues, blush, and gold hangs in a gilded frame against the navy wall, making an immediate statement. A brass and lucite table lamp sits on a floating brass-trimmed shelf alongside a sculptural art object, creating a vignette that communicates creativity and intentionality from the moment clients arrive. The result is a professional environment that communicates confidence, taste, and care — one that clients will remember long after their visit, and one that staff will genuinely enjoy working in every day.

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   One of my favorite things to work on is older homes with a bit of history because I find it an interesting challenge to marry the historical architectural features of a home with modern design elements that work well for my client’s current lifestyle. This home was particularly fun because it was the second kitchen we had done for this family and was quite a departure from the style of the first kitchen. The before shot of the kitchen shows a view from the family room. See the dropped ceiling? We were curious, was this just part of the design or was the dropped ceiling there to hide mechanicals? Well we soon found out that it was mostly decorative (yay!), and with the exception of a little bit of work to some plumbing from an upstairs bathroom and rerouting of the ventilation system within the original floor joists, we were in the clear, phew! The shot of the completed kitchen from roughly the same vantage point shows how much taller the ceilings are. It makes a huge difference in the feel of the space. Dark and gloomy turned fresh and light! Another serious consideration was what do we do with the skinny transom window above the refrigerator. After much back and forth, we decided to eliminate it and do some open shelving instead. This ended up being one of the nicest areas in the room. I am calling it the “fun zone” because it houses all the barware, wine cubbies and a bar fridge — the perfect little buffet spot for entertaining. It is flanked on either side by pull out pantries that I’m sure will get a ton of use. Since the neighboring room has literally three walls of almost full height windows, the kitchen gets plenty of light. The gold shelving brackets, large pendant fixtures over the island and the tile mural behind the range all pay subtle homage to the home’s prairie style architecture and bring a bit of sparkle to the room. Even though the room is quite large, the work triangle is very tight with the large Subzero fridge, sink and range all nearby for easy maneuvering during meal prep. There is seating for four at the island, and work aisles are generous. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

We transformed this room from an outdated southwest style space to this elegant Spanish style living room. The fireplace was redesigned and an arched passage to the dining was added to better define the spaces. The balance of materials that help create this space are the old world terra cotta tiles, smooth plaster walls, hand carved stone fireplace and rough wood stained ceiling. Furniture, decorative lighting and accessories by Irma Shaw Designs.

Photo of a kitchen renovation feature cabinets finished in Black Licorice and Pure White lacquer. The cabinets are oversized and conceal the appliances with finished wood panels. Unique features include a wall of natural leuders veneer stone with a custom floating ventilation system as a main focal point. Complementing the cabinets are countertops of Satin Cambrian black granite and Honed Calcatta Colorado Marble. Custom hewn wood beams and hand scraped flooring warm the rooms feel against the cool gray walls. Designed and constructed by USI in Southlake Tx.

Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in Atlanta

Photo by Cindy Apple
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized victorian light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Seattle with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, quartz countertops, quartz backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

This 1940’s Colonial style home in Boston’s Jamaica Plain had strong bones and rich character but lacked the space, modern conveniences, and storage that our clients desired. While they wished to retain the look of the exterior, as well as some of the home’s unique original features,, the kitchen and dining room needed to be reimagined in design, layout, and functionality. Key considerations were the compact size of the home and a smaller lot that didn’t give our client the flexibility of an addition. Without adding on to the existing floor plan, we needed to find a way to gain vital extra space in the kitchen, which, with walls enclosing it on all sides, was dark and disconnected from the rest of the house. Our design team coordinated with our client to reconfigure the space by opening up the wall between the dining room and the kitchen to add a few extra inches – just enough to create an open flow between the two rooms. With the removal of that wall, the formerly dark kitchen was flooded with the natural light coming from the existing dining room windows, making the entire space feel brighter and more cohesive. The original kitchen dated back to the mid-20th century and lacked, among other conveniences, a dishwasher, enough storage, or even countertop space for food prep. In redesigning the kitchen, we visually expanded the space by incorporating white upper cabinetry, open shelving, and white subway tiles extending from the backsplash to the ceiling. A new, larger window featuring a deep stone sill brought in even more light, and the appliances and apron sink were selected to retain the traditional look of the home while delivering modern functionality. Considering how our client would use this space, we focused on creating a purposeful workspace and storage, ensuring that there was ample countertop space and cabinetry between the sink and range. A multi-purpose cabinet and countertop which serves as a microwave station and food service area were added to the backside of the dining room wall, packing a lot of utility into a small space. Prior to this renovation, our client had painted the dining room in Mount Saint Anne by Benjamin Moore, a tranquil blue-gray that suited the room well and allowed the original built-in corner cabinetry to stand out, highlighting the home’s charm. With the newly opened floor plan extending into the kitchen, we selected a deep custom color for the base cabinets, Yorktowne Green by Benjamin Moore, to complement the dining room and pull all of the elements together in a cohesive space. This transformation was remarkable, both functionally and visually. The kitchen is now a bright and inviting space that flows seamlessly into the rest of the house. The homeowners are thrilled with the results, and the small changes we incorporated that made a big difference in the overall feel and functionality of the space.

Lepere Studio
Inspiration for a mediterranean backyard stone and wood fence landscaping in Other with a pergola.

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

Derik Olsen Photography
Small contemporary beige two-story wood exterior home idea in Other

The original kitchen was dark, dingy and dated! With the criteria given, we transformed this space into a bright uplifting and family friendly space. We retained the original kitchen footprint and kept plumbing and electrical in the same locations for budgetary considerations. The kitchen was redesigned with entertaining in mind. From custom two-toned cabinetry to sophisticated banquette seating, we re-imagined a bright space with a new personality reaping the benefits of the influx of natural light from the double height windows in the adjacent great room. From the calcutta marble tile backsplash, caesarstone counter tops and porcelain tile floors, this updated kitchen provided my clients with their dream kitchen …a bright white entertainers delight. Photo Credit: Bethany Nauert

Manufactured in Italy using Aquatica’s ground-breaking AquateX™ LuX material and completely redesigned for 2018, this contemporary styled freestanding tub is an elegantly refined and sculpted oval model, delivering high-tech performance, compliant with environmental standards. With a considerably large interior, this small 61” (1550mm) bathtub provides a bathing space equivalent to that of a 74-inch acrylic model. The solid surface material delivers a soft, enveloping form and thanks to its ergonomic interior and genuine optional accessory package, the Purescape 748 remains one of our bestsellers delivering quality, durability, ergonomics and innovation that remains unmatched by the various Asian clones in the market.​ In addition to all the excellent characteristics of our standard AquateX™, the AquateX™ LuX offers ultra-polished, glossy marble like surface for even easier cleaning and maintenance.