A striking island occupies the center of a spacious kitchen in Bloomfield Hills. The HPL backed real wood veneer in Ebony Sabbiata from Tree Frog bridges the tonal distance between the walnut floors and all white cabinets and walls, creating harmony and visual balance. Full height backsplashes in shiny white are laid out in a windmill pattern, punctuated every so often with intricately designed accent squares. A combination of bold veining and delicate blooming on the Calacatta quartzite countertops contributes its subtle energy to the mix. The kitchen is separated into several independent vignettes, each one laid out symmetrically. The vast island with built in sink offers all the prep space a chef could need. The built in cooktop is centered directly behind to facilitate easy cooking, while an additional sink in the clean up area expedites after dinner chores. A walk-pantry and small home office are tucked in behind the refrigerator freezer wall. Multiple lighting details, including lighted cabinet interiors and a lighted display niche above the refrigerator, complete this stunning 2015 lake home.

One of our favorite bathroom projects! The barnwood tile, light color scheme, and slightly mismatched finishes on the plumbing fixtures vs. light fixtures all contribute to an overall fresh feeling space that guests will love using!

The house is located in Conyers Farm, a residential development, known for its’ grand estates and polo fields. Although the site is just over 10 acres, due to wetlands and conservation areas only 3 acres adjacent to Upper Cross Road could be developed for the house. These restrictions, along with building setbacks led to the linear planning of the house. To maintain a larger back yard, the garage wing was ‘cranked’ towards the street. The bent wing hinged at the three-story turret, reinforces the rambling character and suggests a sense of enclosure around the entry drive court. Designed in the tradition of late nineteenth-century American country houses. The house has a variety of living spaces, each distinct in shape and orientation. Porches with Greek Doric columns, relaxed plan, juxtaposed masses and shingle-style exterior details all contribute to the elegant “country house” character.

This single family home sits on a tight, sloped site. Within a modest budget, the goal was to provide direct access to grade at both the front and back of the house. The solution is a multi-split-level home with unconventional relationships between floor levels. Between the entrance level and the lower level of the family room, the kitchen and dining room are located on an interstitial level. Within the stair space “floats” a small bathroom. The generous stair is celebrated with a back-painted red glass wall which treats users to changing refractive ambient light throughout the house. Black brick, grey-tinted glass and mirrors contribute to the reasonably compact massing of the home. A cantilevered upper volume shades south facing windows and the home’s limited material palette meant a more efficient construction process. Cautious landscaping retains water run-off on the sloping site and home offices reduce the client’s use of their vehicle. The house achieves its vision within a modest footprint and with a design restraint that will ensure it becomes a long-lasting asset in the community. Photo by Tom Arban

This 2,700 square-foot renovation of an existing brick structure has provided a stunning, year round vacation home in the Lake Sunapee region. Located on the same footprint as the original brick structure, the new, one-story residence is oriented on the site to take advantage of the expansive views of Mts. Sunapee and Kearsarge. By implementing a mix of siding treatments, textures and materials, and unique rooflines the home complements the surrounding site, and caps off the top of the grassy hill. New entertainment rooms and porches are located so that the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains are always prominent. Dressed in bright and airy colors, the spaces welcome conversation and relaxation in spectacular settings. The design of three unique spaces, each of which experience the site differently, contributed to the overall layout of the residence. From the Adirondack chairs on the colonnaded porch to the cushioned sofas of the sunroom, personalized touches of exquisite taste provide an undeniably comforting atmosphere to the site. Photographer: Joseph St. Pierre

Isola Homes
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Seattle with an island, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an undermount sink

Antique brick proved to be an excellent choice for our friends at Fortner Insurance. These oversize, antique pavers contributed to the Old World style of this wonderful commercial project.

A large work space and multiple storage options inspire creativity and order in this well-designed room. • Lago® Bellissima White finish paired with light aqua walls creates a fresh, cheerful color palette. • 5-piece Shaker door and drawer fronts contribute to the seamless, monochromatic aesthetic of the cabinetry. • Crown molding detail lends a built-in look. • Cubbies create storage that is easily accessible. • 5-piece doors with Satin glass inserts softly conceal storage. • Brushed aluminum decorative hardware coordinates with the fresh palette. • Integrated workbench creates a designated project space.

Backsplash is considered an important part of the kitchen because of one simple reason - no matter if your kitchen has shortages or enough of everything but backsplash is still proffered, you can always play it around. And the result mostly depends on how you will do that. Despite of dark cabinets, this large tile gray backsplash fits perfectly in the context because of stone mosaic that dilutes it. Light counter and accessories of the room also contribute to making contrast and brightening the atmosphere.

Hawthorn, Thompson Yucca, Russian Sage, Turpentine Bush, Red Yucca, adobe walls with inset coyote fencing panels, Arizona Buff flagstone pool paving (me)

A COUNTRY FARMHOUSE COTTAGE WITH A VICTORIAN SPIRIT House plan # 2896 by Drummond House Plans PDF & Blueprints starting at: $979 This cottage distinguishes itself in American style by its exterior round gallery which beautifully encircles the front corner turret, thus tying the garage to the house. The main level is appointed with a living room separated from the dining room by a two-sided fireplace, a generous kitchen and casual breakfast area, a half-bath and a home office in the turret. On the second level, no space is wasted. The master suite includes a walk-in closet and spa-style bathroom in the turret. Two additional bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom and a laundry room is on this level for easy access from all of the bedrooms. The lateral entry to the garage includes an architectural window detail which contributes greatly to the curb appeal of this model.

Off-white Decora maple cabinets, an Ethan Allen chandelier and Seapearl quartzite grey and green countertops transformed an outdated kitchen into a peaceful sanctuary. A high gloss ceramic handmade tile, Light Ocean from Quemere International, reflects light from the kitchen's large window. Stamped concrete island cabinets provide an enchanting color contrast to the Chantille cabinets. Amish wood stools offer understated seating. Top Knobs trunk pulls in polished nickel contribute to this kitchen’s high class. The existing kitchen floor plan in this 20-year-old Fairfax Station did not require enlarging. The homeowners upgraded to a double oven and converted from electric to gas. In the breakfast room, a Hinkley chandelier above a Lee Industries table accommodates eight, with an open view of an updated fireplace. After removing the wall between living and breakfast rooms, in-house lead carpenter Bruce designed and built the classic columns on either side of the arch between the rooms. The rooms are painted in Benjamin Moore Titanium, and the wet bar boasts an Arabesque Carrara marble backsplash. Photographer Greg Hadley

The simple and elegant dresser was painted in a violet color to reinforce the colors of the decorative color scheme. The mirror was custom made and painted in a deep teal to compliment the scheme. Even the lacquer wastebasket has something to contribute to the color scheme with is clean design and bold color. The classic modern chair provides a comfy modern space for reading. Design and photo by Lucien Allaire

Rick Twilley of Twilley Builders built his personal home to be a shining example of "Home, Sweet Home." Looking over Dog River in Mobile, AL, this beautiful 4,000 square foot cottage sits under a canopy of ancient oaks and Spanish moss, luring you in with the inviting walk and warm porch lights. Rick's attention to detail is noticeable in every aspect of the home - from the beautiful trim and moulding to the elegant columns and woodwork. Designed by Bob Chatham, this home takes advantage of the beautiful water views with the open living, dining room and kitchen and large back porch, and is situated to fit right into it's idyllic surroundings. Open rafter tails and large overhangs top off the look of the exterior, while Rick and his wife Karen contribute their excellent taste and style when choosing the beautiful finishes, fixtures, materials, and warm, natural hues that truly make the house a home.

There are a small number of cities in the world where luxury and lifestyle enthusiasts would aim to live. One of them is Dubai, a realm of high end living, glamour and complexity. Possessing a luxury address in this culturally rich city is for sure a exceptional treat. For those of you who can actually afford one, this penthouse which is Signature Stagers’ end of the year work of art is a very engaging proposal. This penthouse we staged at the start of November 2015 has been lingering on the market for about 2 years prior to our meeting the owner. It is located in the exclusive Dubai Marina district among a few other select buildings and is currently for sale with Verzun on a POA (Price on application) basis due to its unique stature and lifestyle element which removes it from the “square foot” mentality and elevates it from its competition within the same building. The penthouse was renovated prior to staging, and the apartment itself displays a fresh and modern look whilst keeping its classic and initial fit out and design. Although a few key elements of the penthouse’s original architecture were retained, this neo-classical approach we decided on contributed to the dwellings select and sophisticated appeal numerous novel and sharply modern features which are also present around the residence, thus safeguarding its uniqueness and extremely fascinating form. Swaggering 14,000 square feet this splendid home is apposite to a family as much as it is for the traveling executive who desires an exclusive and ultra-private address in Dubai. Enjoying 5 bedrooms all en-suite including a master bedroom with a sunset that decorates the floor to ceiling windows with a purple-orange and that by itself is a deal closer! Photo credit: Mo Younes

Off-white Decora maple cabinets, an Ethan Allen chandelier and Seapearl quartzite grey and green countertops transformed an outdated kitchen into a peaceful sanctuary. A high gloss ceramic handmade tile, Light Ocean from Quemere International, reflects light from the kitchen's large window. Stamped concrete island cabinets provide an enchanting color contrast to the Chantille cabinets. Amish wood stools offer understated seating. Top Knobs trunk pulls in polished nickel contribute to this kitchen’s high class. The existing kitchen floor plan in this 20-year-old Fairfax Station did not require enlarging. The homeowners upgraded to a double oven and converted from electric to gas. In the breakfast room, a Hinkley chandelier above a Lee Industries table accommodates eight, with an open view of an updated fireplace. After removing the wall between living and breakfast rooms, in-house lead carpenter Bruce designed and built the classic columns on either side of the arch between the rooms. The rooms are painted in Benjamin Moore Titanium, and the wet bar boasts an Arabesque Carrara marble backsplash. Photographer Greg Hadley

The overall design was done by Ewa pasek of The ABL Group. My contribution to this was the stone specification and architectural details.
Inspiration for a small timeless galley eat-in kitchen remodel in Chicago with quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, no island and white countertops

We were so delighted to be able to bring to life our fresh take and new renovation on a picturesque bathroom. A scene of symmetry, quite pleasing to the eye, the counter and sink area was cultivated to be a clean space, with hidden storage on the side of each elongated mirror, and a center section with seating for getting ready each day. It is highlighted by the shiny silver elements of the hardware and sink fixtures that enhance the sleek lines and look of this vanity area. Lit by a thin elegant sconce and decorated in a pathway of stunning tile mosaic this is the focal point of the master bathroom. Following the tile paths further into the bathroom brings one to the large glass shower, with its own intricate tile detailing within leading up the walls to the waterfall feature. Equipped with everything from shower seating and a towel heater, to a secluded toilet area able to be hidden by a pocket door, this master bathroom is impeccably furnished. Each element contributes to the remarkably classic simplicity of this master bathroom design, making it truly a breath of fresh air. Custom designed by Hartley and Hill Design. All materials and furnishings in this space are available through Hartley and Hill Design. www.hartleyandhilldesign.com 888-639-0639

Phacelia tanacetifolia / tansy leaf phacelia
Design ideas for a landscaping in San Francisco.