Jim Simmons
Balcony - contemporary balcony idea in Los Angeles

Dan Conklin
Inspiration for a large mediterranean entryway remodel in Other with beige walls and a black front door

Minimalist bathroom photo in Portland

Basement - contemporary carpeted and gray floor basement idea in Chicago with white walls

Mountain style mudroom photo in Minneapolis with beige walls

Bedroom - coastal carpeted bedroom idea in Orange County with beige walls

Mid-sized contemporary brown three-story mixed siding exterior home idea in Houston with a shed roof

Example of a mid-sized mountain style guest medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in Minneapolis with gray walls

Justin Krug Photography
Staircase - huge transitional wooden curved staircase idea in Portland

Bar
Mountain style ceramic tile seated home bar photo in Minneapolis with dark wood cabinets, wood countertops, raised-panel cabinets and brown countertops

This is an example of a rustic concrete screened-in porch design in Minneapolis.

Inspiration for a rustic mudroom remodel in Minneapolis with beige walls

Inspiration for a transitional laundry room remodel in Phoenix

Example of a large mountain style open concept medium tone wood floor game room design in Minneapolis with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

Spin Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master gray tile and mosaic tile marble floor and white floor alcove shower remodel in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, solid surface countertops and a hinged shower door

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

Photo by Grey Crawford
Example of a small beach style galley dark wood floor kitchen design in Orange County with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, black backsplash and no island

Inspiration for a large timeless master porcelain tile and brown floor alcove shower remodel in Charleston with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, granite countertops, a two-piece toilet, a hinged shower door and gray countertops

This 5,200-square foot modern farmhouse is located on Manhattan Beach’s Fourth Street, which leads directly to the ocean. A raw stone facade and custom-built Dutch front-door greets guests, and customized millwork can be found throughout the home. The exposed beams, wooden furnishings, rustic-chic lighting, and soothing palette are inspired by Scandinavian farmhouses and breezy coastal living. The home’s understated elegance privileges comfort and vertical space. To this end, the 5-bed, 7-bath (counting halves) home has a 4-stop elevator and a basement theater with tiered seating and 13-foot ceilings. A third story porch is separated from the upstairs living area by a glass wall that disappears as desired, and its stone fireplace ensures that this panoramic ocean view can be enjoyed year-round. This house is full of gorgeous materials, including a kitchen backsplash of Calacatta marble, mined from the Apuan mountains of Italy, and countertops of polished porcelain. The curved antique French limestone fireplace in the living room is a true statement piece, and the basement includes a temperature-controlled glass room-within-a-room for an aesthetic but functional take on wine storage. The takeaway? Efficiency and beauty are two sides of the same coin.