Casey Dunn
Example of a trendy exterior home design in Houston

This 1950s house had an original kitchen complete with green linoleum countertops and a vintage Chambers Stove. The kitchen area consisted of two separate small spaces. As part of the design/build process the walls were removed and the entire area opened up into one expansive space.. The owners, who entertain large groups of people, and enjoy gourmet cooking have found this to be an extraordinary area that satisfies all of their needs. While eating at the granite breakfast bar the owner's can conveniently watch the flat screen TV on the wall. The wet bar in the background has aluminum framed glass doors with ribbed glass inserts that make a visual statement at the end of the room. The door to the right of the bar leads into an 8ft deep walk in pantry that not only provides extensive storage but incorporates access to the rear of their home automation system. A Wolfe dual fuel 48" range provides all of the cooking capacity needed for food preparation for the large gatherings that are held at this home. Twin dishwashers and extensive storage make entertainment a breeze. Surround sound and LED lights provide a soothing atmosphere for entertainment. A large format porcelain tile floor with a central vacuum outlet beneath the cabinets make clean up a breeze. Photography by: Hawks Photography

Kat Alves-Photography
Example of a small cottage multicolored tile and stone tile marble floor home design design in Sacramento with furniture-like cabinets, black cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

HUNTER DOUGLAS VIGNETTE® The Modern Roman Shade Vignette® Modern Roman Shades feature consistent folds and no exposed rear cords, keeping windows uncluttered. Choose from different fold styles and sizes, and a horizontal or vertical orientation. Traditional™ Fold SOFT YET MODERN A 4-inch contoured fold for that traditional, yet modern, look at the window. Tailored™ Fold CRISP AND SOPHISTICATED A 6-inch flat fold that is nicely pressed for a defined finish. Architella® COOL IN THE SUMMER, WARM IN THE WINTER Our most energy-efficient version of the classic Vignette design – these shades trap air, creating an extra layer of insulation to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Tiered™ STACKED SOFTNESS This option allows shades to stack up, down or anywhere in between. Traversed with Vertiglide™ FOR LARGE WINDOWS AND SLIDING DOORS Vertiglide offers an exceptional solution for large expanses of windows and sliding glass doors. REDUCE OUTSIDE NOISE Improve your room’s acoustics while reducing the intensity of outside sound. It starts at the windows. Simple. The degree of sound control will depend on the fabric you choose, so if this is an important feature to you, be sure to discuss it with your sales expert. UV Protection SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR VALUABLES Protect your furniture, flooring and artwork from fading with at least 75% protection from harmful UV rays. Top-Down/Bottom-Up PRIVACY WITH A VIEW A more versatile approach to light control. Open from the top, from the bottom, or find somewhere in-between–for the perfect balance of privacy and light. Platinum™ Technology CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE OR TABLET Controlling your window treatments with a mobile device means you can set your blinds to movie mode, work mode, or 8 a.m. mode with the touch of a button, without leaving your seat. It’s effortless, fun and smart—with perfectly smooth operation. Accents by the Yard™ FABRICS FOR YOUR ROOM DECOR Fabrics are available by the yard, so you can create decorative accents for any room with matching fabric. Lifetime Guarantee FOR LIFE Hunter Douglas products are designed and custom-assembled in the U.S. with the highest level of quality. But just in case, every window treatment from Hunter Douglas is covered by our lifetime limited guarantee. Read the Hunter Douglas Warranty to learn more. Hunter Douglas Vignette® Tiered™ Modern Roman Shades with LiteRise® Vignette® Fabric/Material: Sahara Color: Mirage Operating Systems: LiteRise Room: Living Room Room Styles: Rustic Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Vignette #Tiered #Modern #Roman #Shades #LiteRise #Living_Room #Rustic #Window_Fashions #Window_Shadings #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

A beverage bar occupies the corner by the open wall. To the left of this frame is the homeowner's office space, open to the room and the views of Puget Sound.

BeoSound Essence is a simple, elegant one-touch music system. BeoSound Essence consists of two components: A remote and a hideaway box. Add any Bang & Olufsen active speakers for a truly groundbreaking experience. BeoLab 18 delivers an exceptional wireless sound performance, total placement flexibility and carefully chosen materials that highlight the iconic shape of the loudspeaker.

The luxurious master bathroom offers a double vanity, soaking tub, and marble shower.
Inspiration for a huge shabby-chic style master black and white tile and marble tile marble floor and white floor drop-in bathtub remodel with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, granite countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Interior view of Living Room. Photo credit: John Granen
Example of a trendy light wood floor and vaulted ceiling living room design in Seattle

TRUFIG is the revolutionary design solution that makes different technology from various manufacturers share a consistent aesthetic, be completely flush-mounted and match the wall or ceiling surface.

BeoSound Essence is a simple, elegant one-touch music system. BeoSound Essence consists of two components: A remote and a hideaway box. Add any Bang & Olufsen active speakers for a truly groundbreaking experience. BeoLab 18 delivers an exceptional wireless sound performance, total placement flexibility and carefully chosen materials that highlight the iconic shape of the loudspeaker.

BeoSound Essence is a simple, elegant one-touch music system. BeoSound Essence consists of two components: A remote and a hideaway box. Add any Bang & Olufsen active speakers for a truly groundbreaking experience. BeoLab 18 delivers an exceptional wireless sound performance, total placement flexibility and carefully chosen materials that highlight the iconic shape of the loudspeaker.

BeoSound Essence is a simple, elegant one-touch music system. BeoSound Essence consists of two components: A remote and a hideaway box. Add any Bang & Olufsen active speakers for a truly groundbreaking experience. BeoLab 18 delivers an exceptional wireless sound performance, total placement flexibility and carefully chosen materials that highlight the iconic shape of the loudspeaker.

4 Steps to Achieving a Rewarding Cost Effective Home Renovation 1 Home Renovation an Introduction A home renovation due to changes in family needs and space requirements can be a challenging, but also a rewarding experience. As a homeowner, gathering and coordinating resources and possibly help from professional consultants are required. Once the construction phase has started, patience, endurance and commitment to follow through are necessary. Despite the challenges, the rewards of a well-planned and successfully completed project are meaningful, adding aesthetic and economic value, also providing the opportunity to personalize a home, encompassing the function, comfort and aesthetics to accommodate individual taste and lifestyle. A renovation of an existing home is a viable alternative to moving or building a new home, assuming that a home is structurally sound, the expenditure to enlarge or improve can be a cost effective alternative. A home possessing charm, style, historical significance, established landscaping or an exceptional location could be a significant motivation to consider purchasing another home with the intent to renovate. The complexity of a project could be relatively simple, changing the use of a room, consolidating two rooms into one, or opening up a room to the outdoors. It could also be a more involved task requiring planning, design and construction documents to build a second floor addition, the addition of a new wing or completely gutting the interior. Some projects could be completed in a weekend’s work or more complex projects, using a “Master Plan”, a plan which provides overall guidance; a renovation can be accomplished all at once or divided into manageable projects over a period of time. With the home evolving gradually allowing the renovation to be planned, timed and tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances. The due diligence phase should precede the decision to renovate whether it’s an existing home or a home that is purchased with the intent to renovate. The due diligence phase will reveal the factors affecting the nature and scope of the project or if a renovation makes sense. Every renovation project is unique relative to personal requirements, architectural style & construction type. This guide will be helpful in developing an understanding of the preliminary groundwork required to realize a successful project. If properly planned, a home renovation project can be a positive and rewarding experience resulting in a comfortable, practical and an attractive living environment. The first step of the planning process is documenting the goals and long-range plans referred to as the “Project Program”. This will dictate the nature, scope and feasibility of the project. Providing a guide to achieving defined goals, the timing or phasing of the project and budget required to achieve the desired end result. 2 Documenting Existing Conditions Once the “Project Program”, has been established, the next step is to determine what there is to work with. This requires documenting the home’s floor plan and site elements which includes drawing an “as built” floor & site plan consisting of the existing exterior walls, interior rooms, doors, windows, etc. and surrounding site elements, landscape and other significant exterior features. Additionally understanding and noting on the “as built” plan, the structural, mechanical and electrical systems as necessary. Gathering the “existing condition” information defines what there is to work with, creating the framework from which to facilitate and organize the decision making process and develop effective “project program” solutions. 3 Evaluating Existing Conditions The goals and long-range plans have been established, and the existing floor plan and site elements have been documented. Before developing design solutions, the next step is to evaluate existing conditions. The evaluation includes: a detailed analysis of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems, determining the condition of the house, noting functional and aesthetic deficiencies. At the same time recognizing the home’s strengths, assets and evaluating its relationship to its site. The remaining parameters will be defined by the local jurisdiction’s zoning regulations, these regulations will define the “envelope”, within which the proposed project will be required to fit: •required front, side & rear yard setbacks •maximum allowable lot coverage & height The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. 4 Exploring Design Solutions & Developing a Master Plan The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home.

TRUFIG is the revolutionary design solution that makes different technology from various manufacturers share a consistent aesthetic, be completely flush-mounted and match the wall or ceiling surface.

Home automation simplifies operation of your homes functions by adding well designed and consistent controls and feedback. Lighting, HVAC, security, gates, cameras, Audio / Video, were do you stop. All available at your fingertips, be it by touchpanel, keypad, remote control, computer, cell phone and more. The possibilities are endless.

This home is controlled by a Control 4 home automation system, providing complete cinema, lighting, source, and audio control from tablets and smartphones throughout the home. Pictured here is the main equipment rack, consisting of the Control 4 system controller, audio and video matrixing/multiplexing equipment, cinematic image and sound processing equipment for the home theater, as well as the network routing and switching equipment, television receivers, and audio source tuners. Power protection and UPS backup for critical components are also located here. HDBaseT transcievers, multiple wireless access point connections, network media storage/serving equipment, and over-the-air media streaming devices are located at the rear of the rack, and not pictured. Photo: DemNET Technologies

TRUFIG is the revolutionary design solution that makes different technology from various manufacturers share a consistent aesthetic, be completely flush-mounted and match the wall or ceiling surface.

A central island has 4 stools to sit for homework, art or snacktime, and houses drawers for each of the kids to drop their keys, with a USB charger for phones and iPads.

This 1990's home, located in North Vancouver's Lynn Valley neighbourhood, had high ceilings and a great open plan layout but the decor was straight out of the 90's complete with sponge painted walls in dark earth tones. The owners, a young professional couple, enlisted our help to take it from dated and dreary to modern and bright. We started by removing details like chair rails and crown mouldings, that did not suit the modern architectural lines of the home. We replaced the heavily worn wood floors with a new high end, light coloured, wood-look laminate that will withstand the wear and tear from their two energetic golden retrievers. Since the main living space is completely open plan it was important that we work with simple consistent finishes for a clean modern look. The all white kitchen features flat doors with minimal hardware and a solid surface marble-look countertop and backsplash. We modernized all of the lighting and updated the bathrooms and master bedroom as well. The only departure from our clean modern scheme is found in the dressing room where the client was looking for a more dressed up feminine feel but we kept a thread of grey consistent even in this more vivid colour scheme. This transformation, featuring the clients' gorgeous original artwork and new custom designed furnishings is admittedly one of our favourite projects to date!