Search results for "Determines character" in Home Design Ideas

Paul Burk Photography
Staircase - mid-sized modern concrete straight metal railing staircase idea in Baltimore with wooden risers
Staircase - mid-sized modern concrete straight metal railing staircase idea in Baltimore with wooden risers

When full-time Massachusetts residents contemplate building a second home in Telluride, Colorado the question immediately arises; does it make most sense to hire a regionally based Rocky Mountain architect or a sea level architect conveniently located for all of the rigorous collaboration required for successful bespoke home design. Determined to prove the latter true, Siemasko + Verbridge accompanied the potential client as they scoured the undulating Telluride landscape in search of the perfect house site.
The selected site’s harmonious balance of untouched meadow rising up to meet the edge of an aspen grove and the opposing 180 degree view of Wilson’s Range spoke to everyone. A plateau just beyond a fork in the meadow provided a natural flatland, requiring little excavation and yet the right amount of upland slope to capture the views. The intrinsic character of the site was only enriched by an elk trail and snake-rail fence.
Establishing the expanse of Wilson’s range would be best served by rejecting the notion of selected views, the central sweeping curve of the roof inverts a small saddle in the range with which it is perfectly aligned. The soaring wave of custom windows and the open floor plan make the relatively modest house feel sizable despite its footprint of just under 2,000 square feet. Officially a two bedroom home, the bunk room and loft allow the home to comfortably sleep ten, encouraging large gatherings of family and friends. The home is completely off the grid in response to the unique and fragile qualities of the landscape. Great care was taken to respect the regions vernacular through the use of mostly native materials and a palette derived from the terrain found at 9,820 feet above sea level.
Photographer: Gibeon Photography

Add warmth, texture, color and character by creating your own coordinating wall art. Determine your color scheme and find the perfect fabric. For this I used an outdoor waverly fabric. The room has a traditional fireplace with warm tones, but the rest of the home is filled with neutral and cool tones, so I needed to bridge the gap to create a cohesive feeling to the entire home. I couldn't find just the right piece, so I created my own. With only one empty wall in the living/great room I needed the piece the inform the whole room, create a focal point and set the color scheme. After selecting the right fabric, I stretched it like a canvas with a varied pattern to create charm and character and then used reclaimed wood stained with miniwax's 2 fairly new stain colors - wood grey and weathered oak. After cutting out the frame staining and assembling I gave it a quick polyurethane spray. I added some beautiful almost tropical plant accents and decided to go very simple on pillows adding only 2 small botanicals to create a large seating area to create the sense of invitation. Greek key ottomans in emerald green, a patterned linen chair and quatrefoil chair created a consistence color scheme and just enough interest. To finish the look a rustic industrial coffee table and coordinating nesting tables to anchor the room, vintage books, succulents, jute detailed candles, red lanterns, a bicycle trunk for a touch of whimsy and a canvas framed with the same reclaimed wood to tie in the two art pieces. The result is the look I always strive for - the collected home. A touch of traditional, vintage treasures, botanical accents and one of a kind signature pieces. The only category that fits it all is eclectic, but I like to think that eclectic is another way of saying that the room has a designer touch and a sense of having an auteur at work. I welcome your comments. /Abi/ Charles Hoffman: photo credit / Wolverton Homes: Builder / Kerri O'Hara: TreVa Group Real Estate
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This rustic ranch retreat in the mountains was built using siding recycled from Wyoming snow fencing. Extensive use of heavy timbers and traditional ranch styling create an inviting Western atmosphere. The flooring is recycled from an old shoe factory for a timeless feel.

Chuck Carver- Photographer
Brickhouse- Architect
Beth Hanson- Interior Designer
Inspiration for a rustic hallway remodel in Minneapolis
Inspiration for a rustic hallway remodel in Minneapolis

Governor's House Entry by Lisa Tharp. 2019 Bulfinch Award - Interior Design. Photo by Michael J. Lee
Transitional painted wood floor foyer photo with white walls and a black front door
Transitional painted wood floor foyer photo with white walls and a black front door

Many people can’t see beyond the current aesthetics when looking to buy a house, but this innovative couple recognized the good bones of their mid-century style home in Golden’s Applewood neighborhood and were determined to make the necessary updates to create the perfect space for their family.
In order to turn this older residence into a modern home that would meet the family’s current lifestyle, we replaced all the original windows with new, wood-clad black windows. The design of window is a nod to the home’s mid-century roots with modern efficiency and a polished appearance. We also wanted the interior of the home to feel connected to the awe-inspiring outside, so we opened up the main living area with a vaulted ceiling. To add a contemporary but sleek look to the fireplace, we crafted the mantle out of cold rolled steel. The texture of the cold rolled steel conveys a natural aesthetic and pairs nicely with the walnut mantle we built to cap the steel, uniting the design in the kitchen and the built-in entryway.
Everyone at Factor developed rich relationships with this beautiful family while collaborating through the design and build of their freshly renovated, contemporary home. We’re grateful to have the opportunity to work with such amazing people, creating inspired spaces that enhance the quality of their lives.

Gorgeous master bath finished with Dal-Tile's Fabrique porcelain tile in the color Noir Linen polished. Tile size is 12"x24" installed in a brick joint pattern. The floor boasts underfloor heating on a timed thermostat.

Natural Oak. There are times and places where the simple, clean look of natural oak is all that is needed. Parkhurst captures a natural oak pattern, in what might be called a “classic grade” (not too much character, but some color variation).
REDEFINING DURABILITY
The most important specification for determining the durability of vinyl flooring is the thickness of the wear-layer. The best wear-layers are made of thick, clear virgin PVC, which covers the paper print-film that gives the floor its unique appearance. Once the wear-layer wears through, the paper is damaged and the floor will need replacement.
Most vinyl floors come with a 8-12 mil wear-layer (0.2-3 mm). The top commercial specs in the industry are higher, at 20-22 mil (0.5 mm). A select few manufacturers offer a “super” commercial spec of 28 mil (0.7 mm).
For Modin, we decided to set a new standard: 40 mil (1.0 mm) of premium virgin PVC. This allows us to offer an industry-leading 20 year Commercial Warranty (Lifetime Residential), compared to nearly all other commercial vinyl floors’ 10 year Commercial Warranty.
Beyond our superior wear-layer, we also use a patented click mechanism for superior hold, and a ceramic-bead coating.
SIZE MATTERS
Wider and longer planks create a sense of space and luxury. Most vinyl floors come in 6” or 7” widths, and 36” or 48” lengths.
For Modin, we designed our planks to be 9” wide, and 60” long. This extra large size allows our gorgeous designs to be fully expressed.
DETAILS THAT COUNT
We made sure to get all the details right. Real texture, to create the feel of wire-brushed wood. Low sheen level, to ensure a natural look that wears well over time. 4-sided bevels, to more accurately emulate the look of real planks. When added together they help create the unique look that is Modin.
DESIGNS THAT INSPIRE
We spent nearly a year just focusing on our designs, to ensure they provide the right mix of color and depth. Focusing on timeless wire-brush and European Oak styles, as well as more contemporary modern washes, our collection offers truly beautiful design that is both functional and inspiring.

Handscraped or distressed hardwood floors have a natural worn appearance. They look like floors from the days when floors were finished by hand.

THE SETUP
Located in a luxury high rise in Chicago’s Gold Coast Neighborhood, the condo’s existing primary bath was “fine,” but a bit underwhelming. It was a sea of beige, with very little personality or drama. The client is very well traveled, and wanted the space to feel luxe and glamorous, like a bath in a fine European hotel.
Design objectives:
- Add loads of beautiful high end finishes
- Create drama and contrast
- Create luxe showering and bathing experiences
- Improve storage for toiletries and essentials
THE REMODEL
Design challenges:
- Unable to reconfigure layout due to location in the high rise
- Seek out unique, dramatic tile materials
- Introduce “BLING”
- Find glamorous lighting
Design solutions:
- Keep existing layout, with change from built in to free-standing tub
- Gorgeous Calacatta gold marble was our inspiration
- Ornate Art deco marble mosaic to be the focal point, with satin gold accents to create shimmer
- Glass and crystal light fixtures add the needed sparkle
THE RENEWED SPACE
After the remodel began, our client’s vision for her bath took a turn that was inspired by a trip to Paris. Initially, the plan was a modest design to allocate resources for her kitchen’s marble slabs… but then she had a vision while admiring the marble bathroom of her Parisian hotel.
She was determined to infuse her bathroom with the same sense of luxury. They went back to the drawing board and started over with all-marble.
Her new stunning bath space radiates glamour and sophistication. The “bling” flows to her bedroom where we matched the gorgeous custom wall treatment that mimics grasscloth on an accent wall. With its marble landscape, shimmering tile and walls, the primary bath’s ambiance creates a swanky hotel feel that our client adores and considers her sanctuary.

Natural Oak. There are times and places where the simple, clean look of natural oak is all that is needed. Parkhurst captures a natural oak pattern, in what might be called a “classic grade” (not too much character, but some color variation).
REDEFINING DURABILITY
The most important specification for determining the durability of vinyl flooring is the thickness of the wear-layer. The best wear-layers are made of thick, clear virgin PVC, which covers the paper print-film that gives the floor its unique appearance. Once the wear-layer wears through, the paper is damaged and the floor will need replacement.
Most vinyl floors come with a 8-12 mil wear-layer (0.2-3 mm). The top commercial specs in the industry are higher, at 20-22 mil (0.5 mm). A select few manufacturers offer a “super” commercial spec of 28 mil (0.7 mm).
For Modin, we decided to set a new standard: 40 mil (1.0 mm) of premium virgin PVC. This allows us to offer an industry-leading 20 year Commercial Warranty (Lifetime Residential), compared to nearly all other commercial vinyl floors’ 10 year Commercial Warranty.
Beyond our superior wear-layer, we also use a patented click mechanism for superior hold, and a ceramic-bead coating.
SIZE MATTERS
Wider and longer planks create a sense of space and luxury. Most vinyl floors come in 6” or 7” widths, and 36” or 48” lengths.
For Modin, we designed our planks to be 9” wide, and 60” long. This extra large size allows our gorgeous designs to be fully expressed.
DETAILS THAT COUNT
We made sure to get all the details right. Real texture, to create the feel of wire-brushed wood. Low sheen level, to ensure a natural look that wears well over time. 4-sided bevels, to more accurately emulate the look of real planks. When added together they help create the unique look that is Modin.
DESIGNS THAT INSPIRE
We spent nearly a year just focusing on our designs, to ensure they provide the right mix of color and depth. Focusing on timeless wire-brush and European Oak styles, as well as more contemporary modern washes, our collection offers truly beautiful design that is both functional and inspiring.

www.jfaynovakphotography.com
This is an example of a large modern partial sun side yard concrete paver formal garden in Boston for fall.
This is an example of a large modern partial sun side yard concrete paver formal garden in Boston for fall.

Better Homes & Gardens landscaping software is very user-friendly, which means you’ll be creating the moment you load the software onto your computer. You merely tell the software what kind of dimensions you’re working with and then you can play around with the options available by the software program. For instance, with the click of a mouse, you can add a bush here, a rose garden there, or you can even put in a little man-made pond, the choices are all up to you. Playing with the different options available is all part of the fun. Of course, the best part is when your vision is actually realized and when you finally get the yard you’ve always wanted.
In choosing a home and garden decor, first, you have to know what you want and what style you are looking for. One way of determining which décor to buy is by setting a theme for your garden. Thin about what you would like your garden to look like — what accessories you would like to see, and what plants and trees you’d like to add. Here are some of the theme ideas that you can incorporate with your home and garden decor: butterfly, temple, sundial, Japanese, water, winter, and jungle.
Home furnishing:
As any professional interior decorator will tell you, each room within the house has a certain function and a certain character. It is necessary to recognize this innate character before one can go about furnishing the room appropriately. Indoor decor leans heavily on the right use of color, lighting, and furnishing. For instance, the role of curtains, decorative rugs, objects of art and other decorative materials must be complimentary. Every object within the room must contribute seamlessly to the total effect.
Garden furnishing:
The garden is typically the extension of the home. It is where we seek to establish an instant connect with nature. For many, it is the place dedicated to the pleasure of cultivation and abundant growth. Even homes in urban areas where garden space is limited make the effort to transform the garden into a haven of sorts.
The use of unusual, whimsical and colorful furniture and objects of art can transform the garden into something that is out of a fairytale book. For example, whimsically designed benches and tables are available in the most stunning colors. These pieces of furniture greatly add to the appeal of the garden. In addition to this, pieces of art may be strategically scattered around the garden to make it colorful and beautiful. By adding these pieces of art to your garden space, it is possible to achieve the perfect balance between beauty and utility that characterizes great outdoor spaces.
When you want to landscape your yard, you typically hire someone to come out and give you a quote. However, what if you could do it all yourself with Better Homes & Gardens landscaping software? You’re probably thinking that you don’t have the artistic ability, or the know how to landscape your yard yourself. However, with Better Homes & Gardens landscaping software, you don’t need to be artistically inclined, nor do you need any knowledge of how to landscape a house or yard. All you need is a computer, a mouse, and a little time and a lot of imagination. With Better Homes & Gardens landscaping software, the sky’s the limit as far as what you can create, not to mention it’s a lot of fun to create the yard you want.

Professional wallpaper installation Old Town requires expertise that honors the neighborhood's historic character while delivering modern durability and beauty.
Project Overview and Architecture
This Old Town wallpaper installation showcased our ability to work with the area's distinctive architecture, from classic greystones to renovated vintage condos that define this prestigious neighborhood.
Materials and Products
We selected premium wallpaper materials specifically designed for Chicago's climate conditions, using high-quality adhesives and primers that ensure long-lasting adhesion on various surface types.
Installation Process
Step 1: Surface preparation including cleaning, smoothing, and addressing imperfections common in older buildings
Step 2: Professional repairs to walls ensuring perfect foundation for wallpaper application
Step 3: Quality primer application designed specifically for wallpaper adhesion and longevity
Step 4: Expert wallpaper installation with precise pattern matching and seamless application techniques
Chicago-Specific Challenges
Old Town homes present unique challenges including weather exposure, aging building materials, potential lead paint considerations, and vintage surfaces requiring specialized preparation techniques.
Results Achieved
Windy City Painters delivered flawless wallpaper installation that enhanced the room's aesthetic while respecting the architectural integrity of this historic Old Town property.
Professional Tips
Homeowners should always hire experienced professionals for wallpaper installation, especially in historic properties where surface preparation and material selection significantly impact long-term success and beauty.
See more work and request free estimate at windypainters.com.
FAQs
Q: Why hire professionals for wallpaper installation Old Town homes? / A: Expert installation prevents costly mistakes, ensures proper adhesion, and preserves historic property values through quality craftsmanship.
Q: What wallpaper materials work best in Chicago climate? / A: High-quality papers with proper backing designed for humidity fluctuations and temperature changes typical in Chicago homes.
Q: How do you prepare Old Town walls for wallpaper? / A: Thorough cleaning, surface smoothing, repairs, and specialized primers ensure optimal wallpaper installation adhesion and longevity.
Q: Can wallpaper be installed over existing paint? / A: Sometimes, but professional assessment determines if surface preparation or primer application is needed for successful wallpaper installation.
Q: How long does professional wallpaper installation take? / A: Most rooms completed within one day, depending on size, pattern complexity, and surface preparation requirements.
Q: What about removing old wallpaper first? / A: We safely remove existing wallpaper using proper techniques that protect walls and prepare surfaces for new installation.
Q: Do you offer design consultation for wallpaper selection? / A: Yes, we help choose patterns and materials that complement Old Town architectural character and personal style preferences.
Q: How do you handle pattern matching across walls? / A: Precise measurements and expert techniques ensure seamless wallpaper installation with perfect pattern alignment throughout rooms.
Q: What's your wallpaper installation warranty coverage? / A: Comprehensive warranties cover both materials and workmanship, giving you confidence in your wallpaper installation investment.
Q: Can you work around furniture and schedules? / A: Absolutely! We coordinate timing and setup to minimize disruption during your professional wallpaper installation project.

This stained glass window was created as part of our signature Aspen Stained Glass line. These windows look beautiful in cottage style or contemporary homes and are a great way for outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate their love of nature. The textured appearance of the glass provides the homeowners with a high level of privacy and comfort.

Our goal is to make your kitchen remodel as comfortable as possible. After establishing rapport with our client, we used our ingenuity to redesign and build their ideal kitchen in this stunning 10-foot-ceiling Brooklyn home. The warm tones of wood, quartz, and rich greens strike the ideal balance in creating this appealing design.
How did we achieve this look?
The Backsplash
Our client wanted a simple kitchen remodel in the shaker design, but she also wanted to include green. Initially, we proposed green cabinets to create a bold green look in the kitchen. The main objective was to incorporate our complimenting colors while keeping a feeling of lightness. After going through a number of ideas and 3D prototypes, installing as many cabinets as we could without overpowering the kitchen was our goal of optimizing space. We determined that the best way to brighten the space would be to install white shaker cabinets in addition to higher lumen recessed LED lighting. We decided that finding exquisite green backsplash tiles would be the best way to give it the desired green pop. After numerous searches, we came across a company called Mercury Mosaics.
While there were many green backsplash tiles to choose from, we opted for the mercury mosaics bluegrass diamond tiles. We loved these tiles because its created an illusion of cubes but at times, diamonds. The pattern is an art of illusion and its really gave us the personality we were looking for.
The Flooring of Choice
The flooring of choice was made by our client. We wanted the floors to feel soft and natural while capturing every bit of warmth to balance the whites and the greens and bring them together. While we could’ve opted for wood look tiles or luxury vinyl plank flooring, we ended up going with a premium slightly distressed white oak engineered hardwood flooring from Floor and Decor.
Accents
Although the flooring and the backsplash brought most of the kitchen together, we were still missing the cherry on top. The hardware and maybe something else?
We decided on thin profiled brushed brass hardware to give us that luxurious feel we were looking for every time we opened the cabinet. The cherry on top for us were the hand made quarter round oak shelves which really tied in the floors and cabinets together and gave us that final pop we were looking for. It truly added the perfect character for our client who is also a teen-fiction author of multiple books.

A few years ago, the owners added two stories with finished basement to their Edina home. It was a big project that greatly expanded and enhanced the first-floor kitchen, dining room and living room. The project also added a second-floor bedroom/home office.
Their home has another two bedrooms and ¾ bath on the first floor, plus a beautiful master bedroom and ¾ bath on the second floor which they’ve been using for years.
Looking into the future they began to consider aging in place: What living on one floor might look like. They determined that the only thing that needed attention was the first-floor bath – it was pretty dated. So, they built their dream bath. They began with tearing everything out, right down to the studs.
The new 5’ X 9’ ¾ bath includes a 5’ X 3’ walk-in glass enclosed shower, with a twist. The shower control has been moved from the typical location (just below the shower head) to the opposite wall, just inside the shower door. This allows one to turn on the shower and wait for it to get hot without having to step into the shower and then just stand there and get wet with cold water. A small detail that has proven to be a good idea.
The shower floor is made using 3/4" x 3/4" Penny round matte Porcelain mosaic tile set in charcoal grout. The back shower wall and the remaining bathroom floor is constructed with Aster 9" x 10" hexagon glazed Porcelain patterned wall & floor tile. Hexagonal tile adds an unusual feature that establishes a unique, interesting, repeated design.
The main bath’s walls feature white matt finish 6" x 18" ceramic Subway Wall tile in white grout.
A TOTO center flushing toilet looks great on the dark hexagonal floor tile.
The custom vanity features a walnut base with white Silestone top and undermounted Kohler sink with brushed nickel fixtures.
Another interesting feature are two 3” X 6” X 18” floating Walnut shelves – just the right touch to add character to the bath without taking up too much space.
Finally, the dimmable can lighting is enhanced with two black cylinder slotted pendant lights on either side of the vanity.
This project fulfills the promise of down-the-road one floor living with an efficient, comfortable ¾ bath.
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