This 5466 SF custom home sits high on a bluff overlooking the St Johns River with wide views of downtown Jacksonville. The home includes five bedrooms, five and a half baths, formal living and dining rooms, a large study and theatre. An extensive rear lanai with outdoor kitchen and balcony take advantage of the riverfront views. A two-story great room with demonstration kitchen featuring Miele appliances is the central core of the home.

Photo of a mid-sized traditional partial sun courtyard formal garden in Denver.

This striking space demonstrates that neutrals are anything but boring. The predominantly gray space is kept interesting with varying shades and a mix of textures and materials. Jason Ickowitz of Jake Boyd Photography

The original kitchen island was undersized, offering seating for only two and limiting both workspace and entertaining potential. By thoughtfully repositioning the adjacent breakfast area, the renovation created room to significantly enlarge the island, allowing comfortable seating for three while preserving generous traffic flow throughout the kitchen. The expanded island now serves as the functional heart of the home, providing ample space for meal preparation, casual dining, and gathering with family and friends. To further enhance both storage and entertaining, the wall cabinetry was extended to seamlessly incorporate a dedicated beverage refrigerator and a custom glass-front stemware cabinet. These integrated features create a sophisticated beverage station while keeping crystal stemware beautifully displayed, organized, and conveniently accessible for everyday enjoyment and gracious entertaining. A custom upholstered dining bench transformed the breakfast nook into one of the most inviting spaces in the home. By maximizing seating without increasing the room's footprint, the banquette offers exceptional comfort for everyday meals, morning coffee, and relaxed family gatherings. It has quickly become the homeowner's favorite place to sit, demonstrating how thoughtful furniture selection can elevate both function and comfort. The sliding glass doors leading to the outdoor living area were finished with softly textured sheer drapery in a tone that harmonizes with the wall color. These elegant window treatments gently diffuse intense natural sunlight while preserving outdoor views, adding softness, warmth, and visual texture to the kitchen. The sheers enhance the bright, airy atmosphere while contributing to the refined, layered aesthetic that defines this luxury kitchen renovation.

This dedicated home theater demonstrates how you don’t have to have some massive space or room addition to create the perfect home cinema experience. This 18’ x 13’ space comfortably seats 9. The speakers are all hidden in the walls and behind the screen behind various acoustic panels. The walls are treated with decoratively designed and fabric-wrapped sound absorbing panels that improve acoustics while adding great flare to the space. StereoTypes custom built this into an existing room in this home and to avoid having to cut holes and do major drywall repair, we create a soffit system that surrounds the room, providing space for wires to be run and recessed lighting to be installed. As an added feature; there is also a star-field ceiling for that extra-special added pop.

And here is the After photo that demonstrates what a little sprucing up and light can do!
Bedroom - mid-sized coastal master carpeted and beige floor bedroom idea in Miami with beige walls and no fireplace

This Washington DC interior design project features two beautifully distinct dining spaces, each telling its own design story within the same residence. The first dining room commands attention with forest green velvet seating, a dramatic black fluted pedestal table, a brass and glass bubble chandelier, and a large-scale abstract gold artwork flanked by floor-to-ceiling olive drapery, a masterclass in luxe, color-driven transitional dining room design. The second dining space leans into refined elegance, cool grey walls, a glass-top round table, plush white velvet chairs, a cascading silver globe chandelier, and a sculptural silver wall installation paired with a custom lit built-in bookcase. Together, these spaces demonstrate how thoughtful residential interior design can create cohesion across an entire home without sacrificing individuality in each room.

Returning home after more than a decade living and working in Taiwan, our client envisioned something entirely different from the French Colonial aesthetic of his early-1990s Beaverton home. Through a comprehensive design-build renovation, this Portland metro whole-house remodel transformed a conventional suburban residence into a richly layered retreat inspired by global travel, natural materials, and timeless craftsmanship. The result is a warm, sophisticated home designed to showcase treasured artifacts and collectibles gathered from years abroad while providing modern functionality for everyday living. From the moment you enter, the home's new character unfolds through a carefully curated palette of wood, stone, and metal. Rich ebony-stained knotty alder millwork draws the eye through the entry, where a newly created mudroom replaces the former office space. Beyond a set of dramatic barn doors, a striking stone fireplace becomes the focal point of the living room, anchored by a reclaimed wood mantel and rustic ceiling beams that add warmth and architectural depth. Nearby, the sunroom was completely refreshed through thoughtful window modifications and custom trim detailing, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The kitchen serves as the heart of the renovation, blending rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship. Custom alder cabinetry is paired with layered metal finishes, allowing subtle copper and bronze undertones to emerge from creamy quartz countertops. A textured slate backsplash echoes the flagstone-inspired flooring, while a newly created butler's pantry provides both beauty and functionality. Each material was selected to evoke the authenticity of old-world craftsmanship while supporting the practical needs of modern living. One of the home's most dramatic architectural transformations is the custom floating staircase. Designed as both a sculptural centerpiece and a solution to circulation challenges, the staircase opens previously constricted pathways and enhances the home's flow. Hand-tooled hickory wraps each tread while weathered metal accents provide subtle industrial character. Upstairs, creative space planning allowed for the addition of a discreet laundry nook within an underutilized hallway area, improving convenience without sacrificing valuable living space. The primary suite continues the home's story of understated luxury and global influence. Rustic ceiling beams mirror those seen throughout the main level, creating visual continuity and warmth. An antique carved door serves as a distinctive feature within the reconfigured closet layout, while the primary bathroom embraces a calming combination of stone, concrete, and matte black finishes. Large-format tile arranged in a custom Versailles-inspired pattern guides the eye through the spa-like retreat, where natural textures and abundant daylight create a serene atmosphere. While the main and upper levels celebrate warmth and global influence, the basement renovation introduces an entirely different layer of the home's personality. To create the ultimate entertainment destination, the basement footprint was extended approximately seven feet beyond the original foundation, transforming previously underutilized space into a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering environment. Inspired by cultured industrial design, the newly expanded lower level was envisioned as a place where family and friends could relax, connect, and enjoy the home's resort-like backyard amenities. At the heart of the basement renovation is a custom entertainment bar featuring reclaimed rustic cabinetry and chiseled-edge granite countertops that emphasize the natural character of the materials. Accordion-style serving windows create a direct connection between the interior bar and the outdoor living spaces, allowing drinks, food, and conversation to flow effortlessly between the entertainment room and the backyard pool, hot tub, and professionally landscaped grounds. The result is a true indoor-outdoor living experience designed for year-round enjoyment. The expansive recreation area accommodates a variety of activities while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. A shuffleboard table, billiards area, and casual bar dining space provide multiple destinations for gathering, all unified by a sophisticated palette of brick, concrete, wood, and metal. Slim-profile brick walls introduce texture and authenticity, while custom decorative painting techniques create the appearance of cast concrete accent walls, reinforcing the basement's refined industrial character without overwhelming the space. Supporting spaces throughout the lower level were equally transformed. An outdated bathroom was fully renovated to reflect the home's dark and moody aesthetic, incorporating a curbless shower, rustic vanity, and layered finishes that balance comfort with style. Two underutilized bedrooms were thoughtfully reconfigured to better support the homeowner's lifestyle, with one becoming a dedicated home office and the other opening into a flexible music room designed for creativity and relaxation. Additional unfinished crawlspace and storage areas were reclaimed to create a private home gym, maximizing every square foot of the home's footprint. The renovation extended beyond the interior walls of the home. A newly rebuilt two-story deck strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing multiple vantage points overlooking the backyard retreat. On the upper level, adjacent to the primary suite, a new enclosed sunroom addition creates a peaceful sanctuary elevated among the trees. Together, these exterior improvements complement the home's interior transformation, enhancing both livability and year-round enjoyment while creating a true extension of the living space outdoors. Behind the finished spaces, this Beaverton full home remodel required significant structural and technical expertise. Replacing the original staircase involved extensive modifications to the upper-floor framing system, including the installation of concealed supports for the floating treads and the creation of a new landing structure. Throughout the home, natural materials presented unique installation challenges. The dimensional variation of the slate backsplash required each stone to be precisely shaped around electrical devices and surrounding elements, while reclaimed wood beams demanded extensive preparation before they could be securely installed. Careful coordination among multiple trades ensured every custom detail performed as beautifully as it appeared. Because the homeowner remained in Taiwan for much of the renovation, collaboration relied on a highly organized design-build process and frequent communication across a fourteen-hour time difference. Detailed design presentations, material selections, and construction updates allowed key decisions to be made efficiently, even from across the globe. This partnership enabled the project team to successfully execute a highly customized vision despite logistical complexities and construction delays outside of the project's control. Strategic planning also played a crucial role in maintaining the project budget. While the homeowner initially envisioned reclaimed wood flooring and natural flagstone throughout the home, carefully selected engineered hardwood and porcelain tile provided a similar aesthetic with improved performance and cost efficiency. Authenticity was preserved through the use of genuine stone at key focal points, including the fireplace surround and kitchen backsplash, as well as reclaimed wood incorporated into architectural beam details. Existing high-quality windows were retained and transformed through selective replacement, custom trim work, and thoughtful refinishing, delivering the desired look while avoiding unnecessary expense. Additional savings came from a creative exterior repair solution that replicated the home's original stucco detailing without requiring a complete façade replacement. This luxury Beaverton whole-house renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design-build remodeling can completely reimagine an existing home. Through strategic space planning, custom craftsmanship, and budget-conscious decision making, a dated suburban residence was transformed into a distinctive rustic contemporary retreat that reflects its owner's global experiences, personal story, and vision for home.

Another fabulous client for Designs By Elizabeth. This is a classic example of demonstrating the 'Year-round' beauty that we strive for at Designs By Elizabeth. Our landscapes are always in bloom and have a different personality marked by each season. As you will see from the pictures, the landscape is constantly blooming and displaying an elegant and vibrant show in the spring, heat of summer and the winter. We incorporated an existing arbor to revive and establish a beautiful herb garden for the culinary-loving owners. Each season, using sustainable and organic practices, delivers an abundance of herbs and vegetables.

We believe Alaskans deserve the best and should be able to find it here. For over 30 years we have been providing the finest home furnishings, design, and customer service in Alaska. In our showroom we carry only the highest quality furniture available from companies like Stickley, Hancock & Moore, and Marge Carson among others. Find that piece you have been looking for or let us custom order it for you! Look through our large selection of hand knotted designer and collector rugs from all over the world. Choose that perfect fabric for your window coverings or watch a demonstration of Q-Motion remote controlled window shades. Whatever your design needs may be, our staff at Elaine S. Baker & Associates has over 60 years of combined experience to help you turn your house into a home.

This project demonstrates our expertise in large-scale commercial exteriors. The design features a multi-textured facade that seamlessly integrates smooth, professional-grade stucco with precision stone cladding. This durable finish provides a clean, modern aesthetic for high-traffic facilities, ensuring long-lasting protection and a high-end appearance that complements expansive outdoor amenities like the integrated pool deck and lounge area.

Home Bar Excellence: This sophisticated wet bar demonstrates how Rice White pavers provide both functionality and style in entertaining spaces. The neutral foundation allows dramatic cabinetry to take center stage while ensuring easy maintenance for beverage service areas.

We were recently contacted by a local realtor to assist with staging a condo that had been on the market since April. The condo located on Franklin St. in Old Town Alexandria, is in a building that had recently been converted from commercial to residential and needed staging to help potential buyers visualize the space as a home. We were happy to help! level of the condo is approximately 350 square feet so we selected furnishings that would maximize space and demonstrate how homeowners could use it wisely. Decor and You DC supplied everything: furniture, lighting, artwork, rugs, accessories, and bedding. There was no yard in the front of the unit, but we were able to create a small court yard area with a cozy seating area for two. The condo looks great now and we think it won’t be long before it sells!

This image showcases a sleek bedroom with custom ceiling lighting in a geometric design. Warm, ambient lighting creates a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere, showcasing attention to detail in our renovation services. Elegant Vanity Corner A functional vanity area with a minimalist desk, plush stool, and soft lighting emphasizes our ability to blend utility with elegance, tailored to your needs. Chic and Minimalist Design The bedroom features streamlined furniture, muted tones, and floor-to-ceiling curtains, reflecting our commitment to contemporary aesthetics and maximizing space. tatement Wall Design An intricate headboard accent wall with vertical wooden slats and integrated LED lighting transforms this bedroom into a unique design statement, combining style with functionality. These images demonstrate our expertise in crafting bespoke interiors. Take advantage of our complimentary visualization service that we offer when hired for a renovation to bring your dream space to life!

Deck conversion to an open porch. Even though this is a smaller back porch, it does demonstrate how the space can easily accommodate a love seat, 2 chairs, end table, plants and a large BBQ.

In this image, we are presented with the exquisite kul grilles vent covers in Anodized Light Bronze. This vent cover are flawlessly integrated into the home's nature-inspired design, enhancing the overall aesthetic with their unique features. The Anodized Light Bronze vent covers showcase a soft, matte bronze-toned aluminum finish. This finish beautifully complements the home's nature-inspired design, harmonizing with the soft and textural palettes as well as warm features present in the space. The gentle bronze tones add a touch of warmth and elegance to the surrounding decor, seamlessly blending with the natural elements and creating a cohesive atmosphere. The Anodized Light Bronze finish from kul grilles have been thoughtfully selected to enhance the overall aesthetic of the home. They demonstrate the meticulous attention to detail and the desire to create a space where every element aligns with the natural-inspired design concept. The vent covers not only serve their functional purpose of allowing air circulation but also elevate the visual appeal, contributing to a cohesive and visually pleasing environment.

A dramatic vertical backdrop of black marble with white inclusions frames this unique freestanding staircase in an open-concept home. As the staircase descends into the naturally lit area below, white oak treads appear to float against the striking marble wall. The handrail is crafted from the same black marble as the backdrop, demonstrating how thoughtful material choices create true luxury. A glass panel railing system completes the design, creating an unexpected focal point that pairs organic warmth with luxurious stone. The interplay between natural wood, transparent glass, and dramatic marble proves that a staircase can be both functional architecture and sculptural art. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

The brief was to update a tired kitchen, which doubled as a conference room, along with a waiting room, entrance hall, stairs and first floor landing. The beautiful Georgian building retained many of its original features. The scheme highlighted these where possible, using a Farrow and Ball palette. Modern door handles were replaced with authentic brass handles, and beading was added to modern doors to help blend them with original doors still in situ. Care had to be taken to balance the period details with the needs of a modern brand.

Set on a narrow lakefront parcel defined by tight setbacks and limited hardscape allowance, this modern cabin demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform restriction into possibility. Carefully composed to preserve privacy while opening fully toward the water, the home feels both expansive and intimate—an elevated retreat grounded in its landscape. Though modest in footprint, the residence lives generously. Four bedrooms are tucked efficiently within the plan, including a light-filled quilting studio that reflects the homeowners’ creative life. Each bedroom opens onto its own private balcony, offering moments of pause and perspective with views stretching across lake and countryside. The upper level also includes a family room, providing a quiet gathering space removed from the activity below. From here, the home’s vertical volume becomes apparent, as daylight pours down through a dramatic two-story space framed by glass facing the lake. At the center of the home, a custom steel-and-wood plank stair acts as both circulation and sculpture. Rising through the double-height volume, it leads the eye upward to a tall Nelson cigar lamp suspended above—an intentional moment of drama and delight. The main floor is designed around connection and flow. Kitchen, dining, and living areas exist as one continuous space, unified by light, views, and material warmth. A 12-foot-long island anchors the kitchen, serving as the natural gathering place for morning coffee, family meals, and summertime buffet-style entertaining. When fully opened, large folding accordion glass doors dissolve the boundary between inside and out, allowing the screened porch to become a true extension of the living space. Function is carefully layered throughout the plan. A mudroom entry from the tucked-under two-car garage includes a powder room and utility closet, while a generous entry closet provides essential storage and has been dimensioned to accommodate a future elevator. Designed intentionally for aging in place, the home incorporates zero-threshold access from the garage, wide halls and doorways, reinforced wall blocking for future grab bars, and infrastructure for a future elevator—ensuring long-term comfort without compromising design. Clad in dark painted board-and-batten siding, the exterior minimizes visual scale and allows the home to recede quietly into the landscape. Recessed balconies and façade elements are wrapped in warm wood-look siding, adding depth and contrast while bringing warmth into the interior. At night, light spills softly from within, and the cabin glows along the shoreline—welcoming, calm, and enduring.