Using white as the backdrop color, deep navy blue cabinetry is used on the island and echoes the accent color in the backsplash mosaic tile behind the hood. Glass inserts are strategically integrated into lighted cabinets, adding interest and illumination to the white wall cabinets. The soothing grey beadboard backsplash adds texture and speaks to the beachy aesthetic. To ensure a durable solution especially behind the sink, the bead board is installed above a 5” tall piece of quartz. We opted for a statement chandelier over the dining table in lieu of pendant lighting over the island, and added a single sconce above the window over the farmhouse sink. Additional accent lighting inside the glass cabinets and below the wall cabinets adds ambient and task lighting. Modern rustic details include hammered shiny chrome hardware and floating reclaimed shelves. Photo: Peter Krupenye

3,800sf, 4 bdrm, 3.5 bath with oversized 4 car garage and over 270sf Loggia; climate controlled wine room and bar, Tech Room, landscaping and pool. Solar, high efficiency HVAC and insulation was used which resulted in huge rebates from utility companies, enhancing the ROI. The challenge with this property was the downslope lot, sewer system was lower than main line at the street thus requiring a special pump system. Retaining walls to create a flat usable back yard. ESI Builders is a subsidiary of EnergyWise Solutions, Inc. and was formed by Allan, Bob and Dave to fulfill an important need for quality home builders and remodeling services in the Sacramento region. With a strong and growing referral base, we decided to provide a convenient one-stop option for our clients and focus on combining our key services: quality custom homes and remodels, turnkey client partnering and communication, and energy efficient and environmentally sustainable measures in all we do. Through energy efficient appliances and fixtures, solar power, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, enhanced insulation and sealing, and other construction elements – we go beyond simple code compliance and give you immediate savings and greater sustainability for your new or remodeled home. All of the design work and construction tasks for our clients are done by or supervised by our highly trained, professional staff. This not only saves you money, it provides a peace of mind that all of the details are taken care of and the job is being done right – to Perfection. Our service does not stop after we clean up and drive off. We continue to provide support for any warranty issues that arise and give you administrative support as needed in order to assure you obtain any energy-related tax incentives or rebates. This ‘One call does it all’ philosophy assures that your experience in remodeling or upgrading your home is an enjoyable one. ESI Builders was formed by professionals with varying backgrounds and a common interest to provide you, our clients, with options to live more comfortably, save money, and enjoy quality homes for many years to come. As our company continues to grow and evolve, the expertise has been quickly growing to include several job foreman, tradesmen, and support staff. In response to our growth, we will continue to hire well-qualified staff and we will remain committed to maintaining a level of quality, attention to detail, and pursuit of perfection.

Palm Springs house remodel by H3K Design. Photo by Patrick Ketchum
Pool - modern pool idea in Los Angeles

A versatile office solution, the SEQUEL WALL DESK can be positioned at any height - seated, standing or stool-height - to create a convenient workstation. Attaching securely to the wall with a simple mounting bracket, the desk features a micro-etched, black glass work surface and multi–function keyboard/storage drawer. Intelligent wire management keeps cables under control, provides space for a concealed power strip, and the lower panel is removable for easy access to a wall outlet.

Study room - large modern freestanding desk gray floor study room idea in Los Angeles with white walls

A contemporary farmhouse kitchen renovation, made custom and built by Amish craftsmen. Cabinets are flat inset panel shaker style cabinetry, a custom distressed antique black glazed oak island countertop, marble countertops and a plethora of drawers, custom pull out trays, hidden book shelf, custom muffin drawer and more.

A drinks station or coffee bar links the dining room and kitchen of this terrific house. Built by local builder, Veridian Homes, this coffee bar features under-cabinet lighting on a dimmer switch so it doubles as soft night lighting in the late evenings. Photo by Shanna Wolf, S Photography

Photo: Corynne Pless © 2013 Houzz
Living room - eclectic living room idea in New York

Layers of lamps highlight vignettes for task lighting as well as add some jewelry and texture to the space.
Example of a large transitional open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room design in Dallas with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces. Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine. The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions. We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity. whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...

Greg Premru
Home theater - large coastal open concept light wood floor home theater idea in Boston with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces. Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine. The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions. We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity. whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...

Located on the flat of Beacon Hill, this iconic building is rich in history and in detail. Constructed in 1828 as one of the first buildings in a series of row houses, it was in need of a major renovation to improve functionality and to restore as well as re-introduce charm.Originally designed by noted architect Asher Benjamin, the renovation was respectful of his early work. “What would Asher have done?” was a common refrain during design decision making, given today’s technology and tools. Photographer: Bruce Buck

Mitch Shenker Studio Photography
Small trendy built-in desk light wood floor home office photo in San Francisco with blue walls

My client called me in for a "Design Perspective". She hated her floors and wanted my professional opinion. I questioned whether I should be brutally honest, and her response was "absolutely". Then truth be told, "your countertops bother me more than your floors". My client has a stunningly beautiful home and her countertops were not in "the same league". So the project scope expanded from new floors to include countertops, backsplash, plumbing fixtures and hardware. While we were at it, her overly froufrou corbels were updated along with dishwashers that "drove her crazy". Since there was plenty of "demo" in store, she elected to lower her breakfast bar to counter height at the same time to connect her nook more seamlessly with her kitchen. The process: at our first slab warehouse stop, within ten minutes, we uncovered the most beautiful slabs of Taj Mahal ever. No need to keep looking. The slabs had perfect coloration and veining. So different from any other slab of Taj Mahal, it really ought to have its own name. Countertop selection was easy as was the subway and Arabesque backsplash tile. Polished chrome, with its blend of warm and cool tones, was the obvious choice for her plumbing fixture and hardware finish. Finding the right floor tile was what proved to be most challenging, but my client was up to the task. Several weeks of shopping and numerous samples hauled home led us to the perfect limestone. Once her room was complete, better barstools were in order. Hancock and Moore with their huge assortment of leather colors and textures was our clear choice. The Ellie barstools selected embody the perfect blend of form and comfort. Her new limestone flooring extends into her Butler's pantry, pool bath, powder bath and sewing room, so wait, there is still more to do.

A traditional Georgian home receives an incredible transformation with an addition to expand the originally compact kitchen and create a pathway into the family room and dining area, opening the flow of the spaces that allow for fluid movement from each living space for the young family of four. Taking the lead from the client's desire to have a contemporary and edgier feel to their home's very classic facade, House of L worked with the architect's addition to the existing kitchen to design a kitchen that was incredibly functional and gorgeously dramatic, beckoning people to grab a barstool and hang out. Glossy macassar ebony wood is complimented with lacquered white cabinets for an amazing study in contrast. An oversized brushed nickel hood with polished nickel banding makes a presence on the feature wall of the kitchen. Brushed and polished nickel details are peppered in the landscape of this room, including the cabinets in the second island, a storage cabinet and automated hopper doors by Hafele on the refrigeration wall and all of the cabinet hardware, supplied and custom sized by Rajack. White quartz countertops by Hanstone in the Bianco Canvas colorway float on all the perimeter cabinets and the secondary island and creates a floating frame for the Palomino Quartzite that is a highlight in the kitchen and lends an organic feel to the clean lines of the millwork. The backsplash area behind the rangetop is a brick patterned mosaic blend of stone and glass, while surrounding walls have a layered sandstone tile that lend an incredible texture to the room. The light fixture hanging above the second island is by Wells Long and features faceted metal polygons with an amber gold interior. Woven linen drapes at window winks at the warmer tones in the room with a lustrous sheen that catches the natural light filtering in. The rift and sawn cut white oak floors are 8" planks that were fitted and finished on site to match the existing floor in the family and dining rooms. The clients were very clear on the appliances they needed the kitchen to accommodate. In addition to the vast expanses of wall space that were gained with the kitchen addition the larger footprint allowed for two sizeable islands and a host of cooking amenities, including a 48" rangetop, two double ovens, a warming drawer, and a built-in coffee maker by Miele and a 36" Refrigerator and Freezer and a beverage drawer by Subzero. A fabulous stainless steel Kallista sink by Mick De Giulio's series for the company is fitted in the first island which serves as a prep area, flanked by an Asko dishwasher to the right. A Dorenbracht faucet is a strong compliment to the scale of the sink. A smaller Kallista stainless sink is centered in the second island which has a secondary burner by Miele for overflow cooking. Jason Miller, Pixelate

The Jack + Mare worked with the homeowners of this cool mid-century inspired kitchen from schematic design all the way through construction. The existing kitchen was demolished all the way to studs, subfloor and ceiling joists and completely rebuilt with custom cabinets, solid oak flooring, task and ambient lighting, new electrical/plumbing, counter-to-ceiling wall tile, new beam (took down wall between living/kitchen), new window and colorful barn door. The final design maximized storage, increased counter space, improved traffic flow, connected kitchen to adjacent living room (by removing existing wall), and improved the social aspect of the kitchen. The kitchen is now efficient, beautiful, full of light and a happy place to call home! Features: custom walnut cabinets (designed by The J+M), tile backsplash, new lighting plan (LED can lights, under-cabinet LED lights, Cedar+Moss pendants with LED bulbs), quartz countertops, new Marvin window with new trim, pantry with pull out shelves, glass upper cabinet (with puck LED) to feature antique glass-ware, island with microwave under counter, island seating. photo credit: Jason Quigley

Some long-time repeat Drury customers were ready to update their wine cellar and bar area. The right design would make the space more functional and relaxing while increasing viewable wine storage capacity. The homeowners appreciate craftsmanship and dedication – it’s the difference between good and truly great whiskies and wines. A relaxing space to appreciate such mastery would need to reflect the same kind of care and attention to detail. Design Objectives: -Remove heavy posts and archway to open the bar to the basement entertainment area -Add an undercounter ice maker -Create a clean, open display for liquor and glassware -Create a cabinet-matching rolling cart for transporting cases of wine from the area’s entryway to the wine cellar -Add drama and improve lighting -Expand the wine cellar and add ceiling-mounted cooling -Add a concealed area in the wine cellar for wine case storage -Update task and decorative lighting Design Challenges: -Complement the existing stained-cherry trim in the basement area -Determine how to include a separate area for case storage accessible from the main wine cellar -Create an updated look that integrates seamlessly with the upscale traditional Tudor home -The curved staircase called for creativity in the floor tile layout Design Solutions: -For cabinetry, a rich smoky blue-grey paint was chosen to complement the cherry stain -Gorgeous leather-finished Tiempo Cielo quartzite countertops pair beautifully with the flooring -Elegant textured-glass tile creates an interesting backdrop to open shelving -High Gloss veneer shelving elevates the space and feels more modern than the previous cabinetry -Realistic wood-look porcelain tile in a light greige tone creates a durable surface for this high traffic area -A custom rolling cart was included to move cases into the wine cellar with ease -Fresh decorative lighting in the bar and wine cellar adds drama while updating the overlook look and feel Removing the heavy posts and archway between the bar and the rest of the entertainment area made the entire space feel more welcoming and inviting. The steel blue finish on the cabinetry blends beautifully with the existing woodwork, giving the basement a fresh look. The homeowners are more than pleased with how their renewed bar and wine cellar elevates the experience of celebrating fine spirits and enjoying them with friends.

The game table in this area of the large open plan family room, multi-tasks as a place to do homework and crafting. The gorgeous antique piano sounds as good as it looks! And the built-in bar is ideal for entertaining.