We’re excited to showcase one of our most stunning kitchen transformations yet! This space beautifully balances modern elegance with a timeless design that works for every season. The sleek cabinetry, rich textures, and bold backsplash bring a touch of sophistication, while the warm accents create a cozy atmosphere that feels just right, especially during these fall months. Though perfect year-round, the subtle touches—like the warm-toned wood floors and soft lighting—add the coziness we all crave as the weather cools. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or enjoying a quiet morning coffee, this kitchen is designed to be the heart of the home.

We’re excited to showcase one of our most stunning kitchen transformations yet! This space beautifully balances modern elegance with a timeless design that works for every season. The sleek cabinetry, rich textures, and bold backsplash bring a touch of sophistication, while the warm accents create a cozy atmosphere that feels just right, especially during these fall months. Though perfect year-round, the subtle touches—like the warm-toned wood floors and soft lighting—add the coziness we all crave as the weather cools. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or enjoying a quiet morning coffee, this kitchen is designed to be the heart of the home.

We’re excited to showcase one of our most stunning kitchen transformations yet! This space beautifully balances modern elegance with a timeless design that works for every season. The sleek cabinetry, rich textures, and bold backsplash bring a touch of sophistication, while the warm accents create a cozy atmosphere that feels just right, especially during these fall months. Though perfect year-round, the subtle touches—like the warm-toned wood floors and soft lighting—add the coziness we all crave as the weather cools. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or enjoying a quiet morning coffee, this kitchen is designed to be the heart of the home.

The owners of this tiny front yard craved an interesting front yard that was colorful, drought tolerant and filled with herbs. We began by tearing out the hillside of junipers and overgrown hollies against the house. We created an interesting bedline, added boulders for visual interest and lots of good garden soil. In the areas for the most drought tolerant plants such as rosemary, lavender and sedums, we further amended to soil to insure extremely well drained soil preferred by these plants. All plant choices are drought tolerant and can tolerate the full sun of this south facing slope. In this early spring photo you see blue phlox in full bloom along the walk leading to front door. In the foreground, fragrant dianthus is just beginning to bloom. Behind the dianthus, fall blooming asters are just beginning to emerge. This is a landscape of 4 season interest. Photographer: Danna Cain, Home & Garden Design, Inc.

Becky Hulsey, Envision Virtual Tours The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity Awaits…. Have you dreamed of owning your own spectacular waterfall, a serene trout pond, or a one of a kind mountain lodge filled with high end touches, all near Lake Burton? If the answer is yes…..then “The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls” is for you! Located just off HW 76 .3 miles to Anchorage Marina, this unique 2.8 acre property borders the National Forest, boasts a fully remodeled 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2000+ square foot rock lodge that is adjacent to its own private, spectacular 60 foot waterfall all surrounded by native landscape such as rhododendron and mountain laurel. Tumbling under the 40 foot suspension bridge, the pristine, crystal clear water continues to ramble on its way to large pond ready to be stocked with trout. Picture yourself fly fishing for a trout dinner right at your front door, or delight your friends or family while entertaining on your new porch or extensive, multi-level deck that connects your new home to your own waterfall. The kids or grandkids will be entertained for hours wading in the pool at the base of the waterfall, exploring the crooks and crannies among the stream’s boulders while looking for salamanders, or panning for “fool’s gold” in the stream. Just imagine….The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls has all this and more! As you walk up the front steps to The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls, you will notice the craftsmanship of this uniquely one of a kind home made from local stone and granite from a period gone by. If you look closely at some of the stones, you will find raw garnets, some the size of a nail head. Upon opening the front door constructed of solid oak and a tasteful piece of leaded glass, you will be amazed at the spaciousness of the lodge room. Once upon a time, the 20 x 30 foot room with 10 foot ceilings was the entire home. The focal piece of the room is the new floor to ceiling field stone fireplace, hand honed solid maple mantel, rounded hearth, accentuated by a hand-cut keystone, and flanked by raw cedar columns. The new gas logs can be remotely controlled with programmable heat. A built-in floor to ceiling cherry wood wall unit, with granite serving surface, highlights a side wall and is topped off with a large piece of stained glass from an English pub. The mood lighting behind the stained glass and the antique library ladder really highlights this unique bookcase. Distinctive lighting fixtures and fans provide dining area lighting and circulation from the cool breezes off of Lake Burton. On the bottom, the solid oak 1.5 inch flooring is a remnant of the past on the top, the height of the ceilings is enhanced by double crown moldings throughout and a touch of the outdoors is brought indoors by the three new skylights. Surrounded by rustic cedar window boxes, additional ambient light streams through the four windows facing south, and the new French doors. As you open the French doors to the new porch, you are immediately struck by the sights and sound produced by the rushing water as it cascades over the spectacular multilevel waterfall. You will also notice that the mountain has literally been carved away as you view the layers and striations in the granite that surround the back of the porch. The peaked cathedral ceiling sports a glass apex and the bead board on the ceiling accentuated by the raw cedar plank framing and the five cedar trees used as cornerstones all bring the outdoors within your reach. The addition of “E-Z Breeze” vinyl windows along with the cast iron gas stove will allow you and your family to enjoy the beauty and continually changing scenery at The Lodge at Gold Mine Fall during all four seasons. Opening the Adirondack style door on the other side of the lodge room allows you to step into the Lodge’s addition built at a later date. The four foot wide hallway boasts stained glass light fixtures and an architectural feature from the new stairwell that divides the living and the bedroom spaces. Knowing that the east wall in the kitchen and study were once on the home’s exterior allowed us to investigate and reveal the true character of these walls by removing the two layers of drywall and 4 inches of plaster exposing a striking addition to both rooms…… beautiful granite rock walls. The hallway flows into the granite breakfast bar which fully complements the newly exposed granite wall. From the Viking SS refrigerator to gas Jenn Air ceramic cooktop and microwave the appliances are a chef’s delight. Lighting is a critical component in a gourmet kitchen and the light from the double window is enhanced by two spotlights over the cooking area, LED task lighting under the cabinets, mood lighting over the top cabinets, and four “Murano” hand blown glass pendant lights over the sink and bar area. Scoring points in the design category, the full wood “Thomasville” two tone glazed cabinets that are country white and palomino scream style and sophistication, and are accentuated by the cool copper glass backsplash and refined stainless steel hardware. The porcelain, two bowl farmhouse sink is large enough for your biggest pots while the stainless steel sink guards will protect it from scratches. The SS faucet is professional quality and the Insinkerator will help the chef in the house save time with instant 190 degree water. An eight foot long exposed cedar tree trunk hangs over the cooking area allowing the chef to hang his/her favorite utensils and pots or pans in full lodge style. And who wouldn’t crave a large walk in pantry with commercial grade slides that will up to 120 pounds. With all these features, the cook/cooks in the family will love spending time in this room. Across from the kitchen is a study/office area which can be closed off from the hallway by a double barn door. Except for the remarkable exposed granite rock wall mentioned earlier, the entire room has been paneled with raw cedar boards treated with Australian Tree Oil for true lodge feel. The triple crank out window provides a superb view of the pond and blazing Japanese maple trees in the fall. Outside, the hallway leads to the utility room which has been fully upgraded with all the modern amenities. The oak cabinetry with granite tops also has an extra deep sink with commercial kitchen sprayer. The sink area is surrounded by white subway tile while slate and green glass mini tile accents bring the outdoor colors inside. The doggy door, new exterior door and crank out window provide access to the back yard and additional light. From the new “Rinnai” point of use, gas hot water heater to the new “LG” full size, stackable washer and dryer, this utility room delivers. The master bedroom has four windows which provide outstanding light and air circulation. To take the chill off of nippy evenings, this bedroom also has its own romantic fireplace with travertine marble surround, remote controlled gas logs, and a beautiful antique oak and mirror mantle. To top it off, the en-suite bath contains high end fixtures, a spacious vanity, and floor to ceiling rain shower with independent valves allowing you to turn on the shower and not get wet. Multiple safety handrails and a fold down shower seat give bathers assurance and provide an additional measure of safety. The earthy color tiles, glass tile accents and hand blown light fixtures continue the lodge theme in this end of the house. Located across the hall, the guest bedroom is light and airy with its white window boxes and double crown molding, and also has an attached bathroom. This bathroom also has an entrance door leading to the hallway and doubles as the guest bathroom for the house. Its antique oak vanity and mirror, stained glass lights and wrought iron accents remind me of a past era while the vessel sink, modern fixtures, and floor to ceiling travertine and glass tile rain shower all bring the bathroom up to modern standards. Located at the end of the hallway, and next to the guest bathroom, is the handcrafted stairwell leading to the sleeping loft. The distinctive maple stair treads with their grain and raw edge being displayed, were milled locally in Clayton and then installed from underneath so that no screw or nail heads are visible. The staircase was completed with wrought iron spindles, raw cedar handrail and floor to ceiling end post. Upon your entry into the sleeping loft, you will notice the amount of light that enters through the two skylights and large window facing the pond. The sound of water rushing over the pond’s spillway is a delightful addition to this large sleeping loft. Finished with engineered hardwood flooring and two built in double beds with tree trunks for legs, the room can accommodate four additional twin beds. The sleeping loft is also equipped with a kitchenette and a distinctive cedar and rock walled bathroom. The bath features an antique dresser vanity with marble vessel sink, distinctive fixtures and a floor to ceiling polished travertine marble shower with rain head. This bathroom also has an exterior door leading to a secondary upstairs staircase in the back yard. Just envision the great sleepovers the kids or grandkids will have here or how your out of town friends or family will just love this special area designed with their comfort and needs in mind. Originally constructed in 1925 by “off Broadway” star Rose Grant, this property is rich in history. In the early years, this home was one of the first in Rabun County to generate its own electric from the waterfall. Several small cabins were also built on the property and rented out to guests who came for the waterfall, swim in the pond and connect with nature. Other notable residents were Mrs. and Doctor Fowler who was a local pediatrician. According to an aged newspaper article, Mrs. Fowler was very interested in the indigenous flora and fauna and grew a variety of native plants on the property including some that were rare or endangered. Many metal name tags still remain along the various paths on the property thus reminding you of times gone by and the true beauty of property. Lastly, this solidly built home has just been structurally solidified, become more energy efficient, and reconfigured to further usable space all while retaining the Lodge’s original charm. After removing the flooring in the kitchen, hall and both bathrooms, the home’s structure and roof were fortified with numerous concrete footers to support both bathrooms, kitchen, and stairwell walls that extend from floor to roof. To make this home more comfortable, energy efficient, and bring it up to modern standards, the electrical system was upgraded to 220 service with the wiring, outlets, electrical panels and fixtures replaced throughout the entire home. A whole house surge protector was also installed to protect against damage that may occur with lightning strikes. Speaking of electric…..the pond’s newly poured formed concrete wall contains a pipe enabling you to install your own hydro-electric system. And whether you might decide to tie into the grid or store you energy in a battery system, you could generate your own electric 24/7. The homes plumbing was also replaced with new pipes, energy/water efficient fixtures in each bathroom (including three Toto toilets), and a new cistern was installed behind the garage with a laboratory grade water filtration system. The task of water heating was completed by a gas Rinnai point of use hot water heater in the utility room and all windows were replaced with Anderson thermal pane and 6 Velux skylights were mounted to bring the outdoors inside. The home’s HVAC system was top of the line several years ago and both sets of new gas logs are controlled with remotes. Formerly a summer home, all exterior walls were studded out with insulation added, and whole house fans were installed in the attic and upstairs bathroom. Although many of these upgrades may not be visible, they allow the home to be more energy efficient and more comfortable……allowing The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls to become your four season retreat.

Denise Carballo
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless master dark wood floor bedroom remodel in New York with multicolored walls

In the top floor of the Hopkinson House lived a neglected, dingy corner apartment facing Washington Square. The new owner purchased the unit and undertook a complete gut renovation of the space. With parallels to her own life, the owner craved a new, fresh, light filled, colorful space to call her own. The design centers around a retractable suede wall panel system which when open, draws in the western sun, creating a spacious living area. When closed, it allows for a guest bedroom complete with Murphy bed. Fine finishes accent the space throughout and wood shelving provide displays for an extensive teapot collection.

We’re excited to showcase one of our most stunning kitchen transformations yet! This space beautifully balances modern elegance with a timeless design that works for every season. The sleek cabinetry, rich textures, and bold backsplash bring a touch of sophistication, while the warm accents create a cozy atmosphere that feels just right, especially during these fall months. Though perfect year-round, the subtle touches—like the warm-toned wood floors and soft lighting—add the coziness we all crave as the weather cools. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or enjoying a quiet morning coffee, this kitchen is designed to be the heart of the home.

We’re excited to showcase one of our most stunning kitchen transformations yet! This space beautifully balances modern elegance with a timeless design that works for every season. The sleek cabinetry, rich textures, and bold backsplash bring a touch of sophistication, while the warm accents create a cozy atmosphere that feels just right, especially during these fall months. Though perfect year-round, the subtle touches—like the warm-toned wood floors and soft lighting—add the coziness we all crave as the weather cools. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or enjoying a quiet morning coffee, this kitchen is designed to be the heart of the home.

The area rug helps define the footprint of the dining room in the open floor plan of this house. Photo by Michael Garig
Great room - mid-sized contemporary medium tone wood floor great room idea in San Francisco with blue walls and no fireplace

In the top floor of the Hopkinson House lived a neglected, dingy corner apartment facing Washington Square. The new owner purchased the unit and undertook a complete gut renovation of the space. With parallels to her own life, the owner craved a new, fresh, light filled, colorful space to call her own. The design centers around a retractable suede wall panel system which when open, draws in the western sun, creating a spacious living area. When closed, it allows for a guest bedroom complete with Murphy bed. Fine finishes accent the space throughout and wood shelving provide displays for an extensive teapot collection.

In the top floor of the Hopkinson House lived a neglected, dingy corner apartment facing Washington Square. The new owner purchased the unit and undertook a complete gut renovation of the space. With parallels to her own life, the owner craved a new, fresh, light filled, colorful space to call her own. The design centers around a retractable suede wall panel system which when open, draws in the western sun, creating a spacious living area. When closed, it allows for a guest bedroom complete with Murphy bed. Fine finishes accent the space throughout and wood shelving provide displays for an extensive teapot collection.

Transforming this Los Gatos home into a contemporary , adaptable , and polished space was an exciting journey for our team at May Construction. Whether you prefer the sleek modern minimalist appeal, a farmhouse abode or just crave a certain elegance that will never go out of style, our in-house Design Process offers advice and ideas based on your personal needs and desires. Contact us today to see what’s possible for your family and for your space.

This home remodel is a celebration of curves and light. Starting from humble beginnings as a basic builder ranch style house, the design challenge was maximizing natural light throughout and providing the unique contemporary style the client’s craved. The Entry offers a spectacular first impression and sets the tone with a large skylight and an illuminated curved wall covered in a wavy pattern Porcelanosa tile. The chic entertaining kitchen was designed to celebrate a public lifestyle and plenty of entertaining. Celebrating height with a robust amount of interior architectural details, this dynamic kitchen still gives one that cozy feeling of home sweet home. The large “L” shaped island accommodates 7 for seating. Large pendants over the kitchen table and sink provide additional task lighting and whimsy. The Dekton “puzzle” countertop connection was designed to aid the transition between the two color countertops and is one of the homeowner’s favorite details. The built-in bistro table provides additional seating and flows easily into the Living Room. A curved wall in the Living Room showcases a contemporary linear fireplace and tv which is tucked away in a niche. Placing the fireplace and furniture arrangement at an angle allowed for more natural walkway areas that communicated with the exterior doors and the kitchen working areas. The dining room’s open plan is perfect for small groups and expands easily for larger events. Raising the ceiling created visual interest and bringing the pop of teal from the Kitchen cabinets ties the space together. A built-in buffet provides ample storage and display. The Sitting Room (also called the Piano room for its previous life as such) is adjacent to the Kitchen and allows for easy conversation between chef and guests. It captures the homeowner’s chic sense of style and joie de vivre.

When a visual artist purchases a mass production home in one of Wilmington, NC’s developing neighborhoods, she quickly realizes that the builder’s standard house plans and amenity options lack the personality she craved. A chance visit to the Kitchen & Bath Design Studio showroom proves to be ‘love at first sight’ when a designer listens to the artist’s needs and immediately produces a tile sample that matches the artist’s vision. Can our designer achieve the client’s vision while respecting the production builder’s restrictions and architectural plans? Of course she can! To satisfy the client’s wish list, the kitchen design required a larger island, more counter space, and semi-custom cabinetry. The client settled on Brazilian cherry-style flooring, her favorite of the builder-approved upgrades for flooring. Iridescent glass mosaic tile and multiple chandelier pendants brought in the “bling factor” at the top of the client’s list—she has penchant for “bright, shiny objects” and wanted her kitchen to reflect a Farmhouse Chic or Rustic Glam aesthetic. Left to her own devices, the client would have veered toward a more liberal, Liberace-esque application of bling, so the designer introduced a neutral color palette and warm, polished nickel finishes as a counterbalance to all of that sparkle and shine. Working within the builder’s constraints, the designer made changes to the kitchen’s layout to increase island workspace and nearly double countertop space. The client had to go with an entry-level builder-approved refrigerator available in only one fridge counter depth size. So the designer moved the pantry location, situating it behind the refrigerator and then recessed the refrigerator into the pantry to cheat the counter depth needed to flow seamlessly with the semi-custom cabinetry line. She also maximized drawers and upper cabinets to increase storage space, but did not take the upper cabinets to the ceiling to respect the home’s half crown molding details. Chris Davis Photography

This project was a major renovation in collaboration with Payne & Payne Builders and Peninsula Architects. The dated home was taken down to the studs, reimagined, reconstructed and completely furnished for modern-day family life. A neutral paint scheme complemented the open plan. Clean lined cabinet hardware with accented details like glass and contrasting finishes added depth. No detail was spared with attention to well scaled furnishings, wall coverings, light fixtures, art, accessories and custom window treatments throughout the home. The goal was to create the casual, comfortable home our clients craved while honoring the scale and architecture of the home.

We’re excited to showcase one of our most stunning kitchen transformations yet! This space beautifully balances modern elegance with a timeless design that works for every season. The sleek cabinetry, rich textures, and bold backsplash bring a touch of sophistication, while the warm accents create a cozy atmosphere that feels just right, especially during these fall months. Though perfect year-round, the subtle touches—like the warm-toned wood floors and soft lighting—add the coziness we all crave as the weather cools. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or enjoying a quiet morning coffee, this kitchen is designed to be the heart of the home.

We’re excited to showcase one of our most stunning kitchen transformations yet! This space beautifully balances modern elegance with a timeless design that works for every season. The sleek cabinetry, rich textures, and bold backsplash bring a touch of sophistication, while the warm accents create a cozy atmosphere that feels just right, especially during these fall months. Though perfect year-round, the subtle touches—like the warm-toned wood floors and soft lighting—add the coziness we all crave as the weather cools. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or enjoying a quiet morning coffee, this kitchen is designed to be the heart of the home.

What started as a full gut-to-studs renovation turned into a one-of-a-kind, personality-packed bathroom. The client craved color and drama, leading to a bold design anchored by a striking faux blue marble shower—instantly creating a luxe, high-impact focal point. To balance the energy of the shower tile, a soft, textured wallpaper in a shimmering blue hue was added to the main walls, offering depth, elegance, and a calming contrast. The shimmer in the wallpaper catches the light beautifully and sets the tone for the rest of the space. But the true showstopper? A fully custom-designed floating sink, sculpted specifically for this layout. What began as a functional necessity—maximizing counter space while preserving a clear walkway—evolved into a stunning design feature. With graceful curves and a sleek, transitional profile, the sink blends utility and artistry, proving that thoughtful design can elevate even the most practical elements. This bathroom is now a perfect blend of boldness and balance, where every material and detail serves a purpose—and turns heads.