An original turn-of-the-century Craftsman home had lost it original charm in the kitchen and bathroom, both renovated in the 1980s. The clients desired to restore the original look, while still giving the spaces an updated feel. Both rooms were gutted and new materials, fittings and appliances were installed, creating a strong reference to the history of the home, while still moving the house into the 21st century. Photos by Melissa McCafferty

Bedrooms are one of my favorite rooms in the home, a bedroom must be comfortable and serene. I design master bedrooms as a private retreat for my clients. Elements of a great bedroom include: -Foundation: Don’t underestimate the power of a great night’s sleep. Your matress is the most important element in the room. We have some tips below from Chicago Luxury Beds about how to select the right mattress for you. Chicago Luxury Beds is providing a wonderful mattress for the model showcase we are creating at the Ritz Carlton Residences. You’ll have to come by and see it for yourself, stay tuned for the opening in March. -Fabulous Sheets: I love Pratesi, they make the softest most luxurious bedding in the marketplace. -Bedding Toppers: Accent pillows, cashmere blankets or a colorful throw will pull your entire room together. -Create a Focal Point: Use a great wallcovering, window treatment, piece of art or fireplace. -Mix and Match Furniture: Bedroom sets are a thing of the past. I love creating full dressing rooms for my clients and keeping furniture within the bedroom suite more decorative. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to create an eclectic vibe. Upholstered headboards are still a strong trend and allow for a personal touch by mixing shapes, custom fabrics and trimmings. -Window Treatments: Don’t skimp on window treatments. Decorative panels add softness to the room while shades should be black-out lined to guarantee a good night’s rest. -Lighting: I believe there should be a combination of ambient and task lighting in the bedroom. A great chandelier should always be on a dimmer. Bedside lamps or sconces should be on dimmers as well but should be bright enough to read by. Don’t forget lighting should be flattering, we all want to look our best, don’t we? I hope you enjoy the photo selections from Chicago Luxury Beds, Pratesi, The Gray + Walter Portfolio, Elle Decor and House Beautiful. Good night, sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite. Big Hugs, Ken Photo Credit: House Beautiful

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.

www.paperanter.com
Inspiration for a coastal kitchen remodel in Minneapolis

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Sacramento

The clients were inspired to renovate following exposure to Zen architecture while honeymooning in Japan. The architectural brief was to deliver a modern Australian home that serves as a private, meditative retreat that would also cater to a buzzing family as their relationship evolves; and transform into a welcoming and generous entertaining space. The home would need to maximise the potential of the sites orientation and create a strong connection to generous and versatile outdoor spaces including sheltered entertaining areas and spacious areas for planting and lawn. It was essential that elements of the existing residence be retained where possible to reduce waste, however disguised so that the final product was effectively a new home.

We focused on creating a nurturing space that would help the family and their guests unwind and heal from the stress of everyday life. An eclectic mix of wood finishes and tones, metals and neutral color palettes create a strong connection to the natural lakeside environment right outside the home. In the master bedroom we created a calming space built around gray, white and blue tones. For the bedroom office space, we designed and built classic cabinetry and paired it with another slab of natural wood for the desktop. The children and guest bedrooms are peaceful and comfortable, carrying through the neutral palette and blending of textures and materials. Our focus was on creating a home that would inspire and heal anyone who enters it, both the family enjoying their vacations and the people invited there for retreats. Through careful consideration of materials and the purpose of this home, we revealed a nurturing and peaceful atmosphere that would refocus people’s awareness to the exquisite natural surroundings.

We focused on creating a nurturing space that would help the family and their guests unwind and heal from the stress of everyday life. An eclectic mix of wood finishes and tones, metals and neutral color palettes create a strong connection to the natural lakeside environment right outside the home. In the master bedroom we created a calming space built around gray, white and blue tones. For the bedroom office space, we designed and built classic cabinetry and paired it with another slab of natural wood for the desktop. The children and guest bedrooms are peaceful and comfortable, carrying through the neutral palette and blending of textures and materials. Our focus was on creating a home that would inspire and heal anyone who enters it, both the family enjoying their vacations and the people invited there for retreats. Through careful consideration of materials and the purpose of this home, we revealed a nurturing and peaceful atmosphere that would refocus people’s awareness to the exquisite natural surroundings.

Unleash the luxurious beauty of the desert in your commercial space with our Steplock® Desertlock pavers! Our distinct sand-set design seamlessly blends the natural richness and elegance of the desert into high-quality pavers, creating a truly unique look for your pool deck, patio, or walkway. The combination of modernity and desert sophistication brings a touch of sophistication to any pedestrian application. This specific installation carries both 16x16 and 12x12 pavers, interlocking between each other to create a strong, rich, and elegant design. With matching coping pieces available, our Desertlock Sand pavers are perfect for elevating your commercial pool deck, patio, or walkway. The durable yet elegant nature of our pavers ensures longevity and easy maintenance for years to come. Our easy sand-set installation saves you time and money, making your installation a breeze while creating a seamless and beautiful finish. Discover the ultimate combination of modern design and desert sophistication with our Steplock® Desertlock pavers. Shown: APM2001: 12x12+16x16 Hopscotch Straight Color: Desertlock Sand

Located in the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York, this stunning A-frame Cabin is the perfect retreat from busy city life. With 2,072 total square feet, the cabin has two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, two living spaces, a kitchen, an office, a laundry room, and a mudroom. This modern timber frame is sleek and stunning inside and out. The exterior is bold, with a striking contrast between the black metal roof and the warm tones of Douglas Fir wood siding. Large windows strategically placed on each side of the home highlight the surrounding landscape's beauty. Open the front door, and it's easy to imagine stepping into this cabin to unplug and reset. Upon entering the space, the classic white and natural wood combination gives a fresh, clean, calming vibe. The first floor features an open living space with a massive bank of windows letting natural light flood the room. The concealed (or hidden) kitchen design creates a clutter-free look. Right off the kitchen are sliding doors where you can step outside and relax on the ground-level deck. You'll find the primary bedroom and bath near the back of the home. The bathroom has a freestanding tub where you can truly soak in the beautiful views of the forest. Climb the floating stairs to the loft, passing beneath the web pendant light, and you'll find a guest bedroom on one side and additional living space to relax or create on the other. The desk space with a large lookout window is the perfect setting to spark creativity. A frameless glass railing in the loft is a unique touch that creates a great sense of spaciousness throughout the home. This A-Frame cabin is the perfect example of a minimalist aesthetic that allows nature to be the focal design element. The timber's natural warmth and texture play a key role in achieving biophilic design. Biophilic design is a philosophy and architectural practice that connects people with nature in built environments. It incorporates natural elements into spaces to improve health and well-being. Shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive performance, incorporating wood is an important aspect to consider when designing your home. The structure type of this home is a timber frame. Timber frame construction relies on mortise and tenon (or wood-to-wood) joinery to bring everything together aesthetically and structurally. This traditional method is known for longevity and creates a strong and attractive space.

Designed as the architectural centerpiece of this contemporary backyard, this custom timber pavilion creates a seamless connection between the home's clean modern lines and the outdoor living spaces surrounding the pool. Positioned along the water's edge, the structure defines a destination for gathering while maintaining uninterrupted views across the landscape. The design embraces simplicity through bold proportions and carefully detailed craftsmanship. Heavy timber posts and beams create a strong architectural framework, while the angled knee braces introduce a subtle sculptural element that adds both visual interest and structural expression. The low-slope roof emphasizes the pavilion's modern profile, extending generous overhangs that provide shade without feeling heavy. A rich black exterior finish contrasts beautifully with the warmth of the natural tongue-and-groove wood ceiling, creating depth and highlighting the beauty of the exposed timber construction. The ceiling becomes a focal point from beneath the pavilion, drawing the eye upward while softening the bold exterior palette. Three woven pendant lights suspended over the seating area add texture and a welcoming ambiance that transitions effortlessly from day to evening. Built from premium heavy timber with a stained tongue-and-groove ceiling and finished with durable exterior coatings, the pavilion was designed to withstand the elements while requiring minimal maintenance. Its open layout allows for flexible use, whether as an outdoor lounge, dining space, or poolside entertaining area. The finished structure demonstrates how modern timber framing can feel both timeless and contemporary. It combines natural materials, clean architectural detailing, and purposeful design to create an outdoor living space that is as striking from across the pool as it is inviting from beneath the roof.

This concept explores a contemporary mountain residence designed to respond directly to a sloping site while maximizing daylight, views, and connection to the landscape. The home is organized as a series of simple roof forms that step with the terrain, creating a dynamic composition that balances modern simplicity with regional architectural influences. The upper level appears lightly positioned above the hillside, with generous roof overhangs providing solar protection and emphasizing horizontal lines. Expansive glazing opens primary living spaces to surrounding views while creating a strong indoor-outdoor relationship. A restrained material palette of light-toned cladding, natural stone, and large-format glass reinforces the home's modern character while grounding it within the site. The lower level is partially embedded into the slope and expressed through substantial stone walls and piers that visually anchor the structure to the landscape. These masonry elements create a sense of permanence and provide a durable base that contrasts with the lighter forms above. The interplay between solid stone surfaces and transparent glazing introduces depth, rhythm, and visual interest across the façade. The result is a contemporary custom home that merges clean architectural lines with natural materials, creating a residence that feels both modern and timeless while responding thoughtfully to the challenges and opportunities of hillside living.

Trent Bell Photography
Example of a huge trendy open concept living room design in Portland Maine with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a concealed tv

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.

These Northern Virginia residents have owned this vacation home for about ten years. With retirement imminent, they decided to give the entire home an over-haul. With it’s great bones and amazing location, this seemed like a very sound investment for their future. Paola McDonald from Olamar Interiors had been working with the clients for the past three years, helping them to renovate their Sterling, VA condominium and their Moorefield, WV weekend home. It seemed fitting that they would also hire her to help them renovate this home as well. For this project we took the home down to the studs and practically rebuilt it. The renovation includes an addition to the basement level and main floor to create a new fitness room, additional guest bedroom and larger kitchen and dining area. It also included a renovation of the facade of the home. The exterior of the home was completely re-sided and painted, and we added the tall windows at the stairs. The lower entry deck was expanded and an upper deck was added just off the kitchen in order for the homeowner to keep his grill away from the strong ocean winds. A new deck was also added off of the master bedroom. New stainless steel railings were added to all the decks. We opened the homes stairwells, adding custom glass railings and new lighting to create a much more open feel and allow for natural light to flood the entire main living area. The original, tiny kitchen was expanded substantially, adding a large custom eat in bar, wine storage area and plenty of storage. We utilized Decora’s Marquis Cabinetry in an espresso finish to give the kitchen a very clean, contemporary feel. Carrara marble countertops paired with a grey quartz, single slap marble backsplash, and stainless appliances create a clean look. In the new dining area, a simple Modloft dining table was paired with a Regina Andrew bubbles chandelier and Jessica Charles dining chairs for a sophisticated feel accentuated perfectly by beachy colors and textures that tie in the beautiful views of the Ocean. A custom chandelier from John Pomp is the highlight of the family room, particularly at night when it is reminiscent to fireflies in the sky. A new custom designed, custom made sectional, cozy newly added Spark Modern Fires gas fireplace, custom rug by Julie Dasher and Lee Industries chairs create a cozy place to lounge and watch television after a long day at the beach. Guests feel like they are in a luxurious boutique hotel complete with spectacular views, comfortable Ann Gish linens and beautiful and unique lighting fixtures. All three full baths and the powder room received complete facelifts with new glass, marble and ceramic tiles, Decora cabinetry, new lighting fixtures, quartz countertops and unique features that make unique statements in each one. Phillip Jeffries mica wallpaper are used in the entryway and family room fireplace walls to add a sandy texture to each space. Phillip Jeffries grasscloth was added to the master bedroom accent wall to create a delicate feature. New flooring throughout includes gorgeous dark stained hardwood floors, ceramic tile and Karastan carpeting in the bedrooms. The crisp white and grey walls are accentuated throughout the home by beach inspired turquoises, navies and lime greens. Perfectly appointed furnishings, artwork, accessories and custom made window treatments complete the look and feel of this gorgeous vacation home. Photography by Tinius Photography

This is an example of a small traditional drought-tolerant and shade backyard stone garden path in New York for spring.

Tim & Elissa have a beautiful home in the most desirable Wyomissing neighborhood. Broad sidewalks under stately oaks, with nearby parks makes it a perfect place to raise a growing family. But their 2-bedroom mid-century rancher was becoming a squeeze. They asked Spring Creek Design to come up with a cost-effective solution to their space problem, while also tackling some of the home’s aged infrastructure. Design Criteria: - Increase living space by adding a new 2nd storey Master Suite. - Enhance livability with an open floorplan on the first floor. - Improve the connection to the outdoors. - Update basics systems with new windows, HVAC and insulation. - Update interior with paint & refinished floors. Special Features: - Bright, mid-century modern design is true to the home’s vintage. - Custom steel cable railings at both stairways. - New open plan creates strong connections between kitchen, living room, dining room and deck. - High-performance Pella windows throughout, including a new triple-panel slider to the deck.

These homeowners were ready to update the home they had built when their girls were young. This was not a full gut remodel. The perimeter cabinetry mostly stayed but got new doors and height added at the top. The island and tall wood stained cabinet to the left of the sink are new and custom built and I hand-drew the design of the new range hood. The beautiful reeded detail came from our idea to add this special element to the new island and cabinetry. Bringing it over to the hood just tied everything together. We were so in love with this stunning Quartzite we chose for the countertops we wanted to feature it further in a custom apron-front sink. We were in love with the look of Zellige tile and it seemed like the perfect space to use it in.

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Chicago