A large upper floor living room with a full glass wall created from slim framed sliding doors. The floor to ceiling sliding doors have an ultra slim 20mm sightline with minimal detailing in keeping with the modern house design. A single element of the glass wall opens with an integrated glass balustrade to create a juliette balcony design.

Custom peninsula reef aquarium designed as a room divider within this contemporary New Jersey home. The aquarium was integrated directly into the architectural layout of the space to create separation between the dining and living areas while still maintaining open sightlines and natural flow throughout the home. The peninsula-style layout allows viewing from multiple angles and creates a strong visual focal point within the interior space. Projects like this require coordination between aquarium design, structural planning, cabinetry integration, plumbing layout, lighting placement, and long-term service accessibility prior to fabrication and installation. The system includes remote filtration and life support equipment located separately from the main display aquarium to improve serviceability, reduce equipment visibility, and maintain a cleaner overall presentation within the living space. Custom aquarium design, fabrication coordination, installation, and ongoing maintenance by Aqua Creations. www.AquaCustomFishTanks.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.

The goal of this remodel was to open the kitchen to the dining room, add storage solutions that were otherwise lacking, include unique features, and update it overall while also giving homage to the age of the home. The small space proved challenging when trying to improve the workspace and storage options but was combatted by removing the wall between the kitchen and dining area to create a peninsula with seating. In addition, open shelving with metal supports offers easy access to dishes and glassware while black base cabinets set off by white uppers offer a strong contrast. The wood peninsula top and shelf over window add warmth and the brass pulls contrast nicely with cabinetry finishes.

Door style: Pendleton Inset | Species: Red Oak | Finish: Vintage Sandstone Island: Rustic Alder | Finish: Vintage Natural This unique home has an unmistakably strong aesthetic. Elements like the bold iron range hood, exposed natural stone, rough-cut rafter beams and steel backsplash create a nineteenth-century industrial persona. Learn more about our style and convenience accessories to enhance your Showplace: http://www.showplacewood.com/ProdGuide1/PGaccs/accshome.html

The design goal of this home was to create an old English cottage. Francis Garcia of Francis Garcia Architect studied the architecture of aged English cottages through photos as well as referenced various homes in Carmel, CA. In search of a stone to complement the client’s stylistic goals, Eldorado Stone’s York Limestone proved to be exactly what they were looking for. The sense of age and authenticity in conjunction with a consistent color palette and profile cut produced the exact feel Garcia was hoping to recreate. Having experienced a great deal of success with the installation, both Francis Garcia and Ken Blaise of Blaise Construction & Development receive a great deal of requests from people inquiring about the kind of stone that brought such a strong sense of authenticity to the client’s home. Eldorado Stone Profile Featured: York Limestone Architect & Photographer: Francis Garcia of Francis Garcia Architect Phone: (925) 984 9983 Website: www.francisgarciaarchitect.com Builder: Ken Blaise of Blaise Construction & Development Phone: (925) 820-4737 Website: www.blaise-construction.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.

Transitional hallway photo in Houston

The grey trend has evolved in the last twelve months. Nowadays browns, beige and a touch of grey are in demand. Greige is the new buzzword. Heavier hand scraped or contoured products, the rage that started around 2005 has taken a back seat in most areas, while a softer wire brushed "ceruse effect" seen mostly on White Oak has been remarkably strong showing no effects of becoming “dated” like the others mentioned. Ceruse Color Possibilities There are numerous color combinations to the "cerused" process with the most popular being white or off white. This design trend in hardwood flooring can have darker gray white oak with a mild ceruse off white effect. There are limitless possibilities in either a prefinished hardwood floor or with what we can create for you in a custom on-site finished hardwood floor. If something suits your fancy, contact us and we can work on creating just the look and sense of style you are looking for.

This Coconut Grove cabana bath was transformed from a former exterior door condition into a fully functioning bathroom with a shower, creating a smarter layout for guests, poolside use, and everyday living. The remodel turned an underused pass-through area into a more complete bath solution within the home’s larger interior and exterior renovation. The shower was designed around a client-selected Aboriginal-inspired Talavera mosaic tile from Mexico, giving the compact space a strong artistic focal point. Straw chevron wallcovering, clean glass, and black plumbing details connect the bath to the home’s eclectic design language while keeping the space functional, personal, and visually memorable.

This Short Pump kitchen was designed to feel timeless, highly functional, and deeply connected to the way the homeowners live every day. The goal was to create a classic white kitchen with warmth and architectural presence, while incorporating thoughtful details that make the space work beautifully. Painted cabinetry, layered storage, and furniture-inspired detailing give the kitchen a tailored, built-in feel. A large central island anchors the room for prep, gathering, and everyday living, while the professional-style cooking area creates a strong focal point. One of the defining features of this project is the thoughtful mix of textures—from the soft white cabinetry to the leathered black countertops at the perimeter and the movement in the natural stone island top. These material contrasts add depth and quiet sophistication without overpowering the space. Designed for both beauty and function, the kitchen includes specialty storage, a built-in coffee and serving area, generous pantry cabinetry, and hardworking prep zones that support how the family uses the space. The result is a timeless kitchen that feels elegant, practical, and meant to have always belonged in the home.

This Villa Harrah powder room in South Lake Tahoe makes a strong statement with a tall dark cylindrical pedestal basin and a luminous rectangular mirror. Geometric wall panels in brown, black and muted gold create a repeating vertical pattern behind the sink. Compact wall-mounted fixtures keep the narrow vanity area uncluttered, while the backlit mirror supplies a soft ambient glow. The result is a dramatic, graphic interpretation of a small guest bathroom.

Bell Rock Hideaway at Kinkell Byre was designed as a warm, welcoming and beautifully considered guest lodge for the St Andrews wedding venue. The brief was to create a relaxed yet elevated retreat that would feel comfortable, memorable and practical for guests, while still reflecting the character of its coastal setting and the rustic charm of Kinkell Byre. The design brings together natural textures, rich grounding tones and carefully layered details to create a boutique experience. In the open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, warm timber, garnet-toned cabinetry, soft stone flooring and relaxed woven textures create a calm and inviting backdrop. Deep red upholstery, blue armchairs, natural rugs, rustic timber furniture and generous planting add depth, warmth and on brand personality. The bedrooms were designed to feel restful and quietly luxurious, with soft neutral textiles, textured curtains, warm timber pieces, rattan lighting and subtle red accents. In the twin bedroom, a painted shiplap headboard wall creates a strong focal point, adding character and definition while keeping the overall scheme calm and welcoming. The result is a timeless, comfortable and atmospheric hideaway that balances practicality with thoughtful design. A space created for gathering, relaxing and enjoying the beauty of its St Andrews setting.

Bell Rock Hideaway at Kinkell Byre was designed as a warm, welcoming and beautifully considered guest lodge for the St Andrews wedding venue. The brief was to create a relaxed yet elevated retreat that would feel comfortable, memorable and practical for guests, while still reflecting the character of its coastal setting and the rustic charm of Kinkell Byre. The design brings together natural textures, rich grounding tones and carefully layered details to create a boutique experience. In the open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, warm timber, garnet-toned cabinetry, soft stone flooring and relaxed woven textures create a calm and inviting backdrop. Deep red upholstery, blue armchairs, natural rugs, rustic timber furniture and generous planting add depth, warmth and on brand personality. The bedrooms were designed to feel restful and quietly luxurious, with soft neutral textiles, textured curtains, warm timber pieces, rattan lighting and subtle red accents. In the twin bedroom, a painted shiplap headboard wall creates a strong focal point, adding character and definition while keeping the overall scheme calm and welcoming. The result is a timeless, comfortable and atmospheric hideaway that balances practicality with thoughtful design. A space created for gathering, relaxing and enjoying the beauty of its St Andrews setting.

Bell Rock Hideaway at Kinkell Byre was designed as a warm, welcoming and beautifully considered guest lodge for the St Andrews wedding venue. The brief was to create a relaxed yet elevated retreat that would feel comfortable, memorable and practical for guests, while still reflecting the character of its coastal setting and the rustic charm of Kinkell Byre. The design brings together natural textures, rich grounding tones and carefully layered details to create a boutique experience. In the open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, warm timber, garnet-toned cabinetry, soft stone flooring and relaxed woven textures create a calm and inviting backdrop. Deep red upholstery, blue armchairs, natural rugs, rustic timber furniture and generous planting add depth, warmth and on brand personality. The bedrooms were designed to feel restful and quietly luxurious, with soft neutral textiles, textured curtains, warm timber pieces, rattan lighting and subtle red accents. In the twin bedroom, a painted shiplap headboard wall creates a strong focal point, adding character and definition while keeping the overall scheme calm and welcoming. The result is a timeless, comfortable and atmospheric hideaway that balances practicality with thoughtful design. A space created for gathering, relaxing and enjoying the beauty of its St Andrews setting.

The Scorpio Keramik dining table weds two superb design concepts. Envisioned by Andrea Lucattello for Cattelan Italia, this piece creates a luxurious focal point for formal dining engagements while being equally well prepared to take on the rigors of family life. Available in 4 finishes that include graphite embossed lacquer, the angular, architecturally inspired, bold base supports a classic Italian setting surface as sleek as it is strong. With Made in Italy quality, Cattelan Italia's newest addition to the Skorpio dining collection, creates an added dimension of practicality with it's innovative ceramic top finishes. The table top is composed of robust and highly durable Calcatta or Alabastro Marmi ceramic; a surface that resists staining, abrasions, or bending, and is effortless to clean. Beautiful and enduring, this pragmatic ceramic abounds with naturally occurring color, varied vein and compliments the cool metallic geometric base. Pair this highly flexible centerpiece with a set of Maya Flex ML dining chairs and place this beside the Chelsea Sideboard for a complete contemporary dining experience as livable as it is visually impressive.

This kitchen remodel, located in a large historic home in Richmond’s Laburnum Park neighborhood, was designed to bring warmth, function, and longevity to a space that originally featured dated metal cabinetry. The goal was to create a kitchen that felt appropriate to the scale and character of the home, while dramatically improving how the space functioned for everyday living. Rich wood cabinetry was selected to add depth and timeless appeal, complemented by classic detailing and full-height storage that reinforces the architectural presence of the room. A large central island anchors the kitchen, providing generous prep space and a natural gathering point, while professional-grade appliances and a substantial hood create a strong, functional focal point along the cooking wall. Natural stone countertops introduce movement and warmth, pairing beautifully with the cabinetry and hardwood floors to create a layered, cohesive feel throughout the space. Perhaps most telling—this kitchen was recently revisited years after completion and remains as beautiful and functional as the day it was installed. A true testament to thoughtful planning, quality materials, and design that stands the test of time.

A conceptual framework of long, straight lines anchors the landscape design for this proposed contemporary house set in a rural wetland environment. Against this datum, the site’s subtleties reveal themselves for interpretation and appreciation. The iconic element of a strong axial grass ‘runway’ serves both as a horizontal extrusion against which to read the natural topography and also as a platform for viewing the site’s wetlands. A monolithic retaining wall stratifies the entry area into a lower, private parking court and an upper, public one, which is further defined by a series of rough-hewn stone planters containing formal plantings of dogwoods. These planters break the plane of the retaining wall and extend to the ground, alluding to the substantial bedrock deposits that underlie much of the site. Stepped down from this plane is the fire pit terrace, nestled into the rocky structure of the site and offering views towards a vernal pond. Scott Carman

Jane Vorbrodt
Living room - 1960s living room idea in Vancouver with a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace