Block Off Distractions With Venetian Blinds Whether for a home office section where you need to get work done or a real office setting for the modern workplace, Venetian window blinds deliver the classic look that provides both privacy and sunlight control tools. Find out about the different variations and possibilities Venetian blinds can add to your doors or windows by booking a free, no-obligation, in-person consultation with our expert blinds design team! "

Inspiration for a dining room remodel in Seattle

design: Studio TOOP, 2008 location: Vianen, NL status: built in 2008, Tuinvreugd photo: Jolanthe Lalkens, 2009 This front garden needed to make a link with the newly built contemporary home and its gorgeous view. The key was for the design not to compete with either. Strokes of three types of grass and textural interest and privacy while not distracting you from the main focus of the garden: the view!

This contemporary kitchen was in need of a lighter and brighter counter top and backsplash. The black granite on both was absorbing all the light and distracting from the beauty of the newly refaced bamboo cabinets. A pallet of light grey and charcoal grey Silestone quartz counter tops were installed with a suede finish. The glass mosaic backsplash adds interest, texture and color. Now the kitchen and adjoining hutch and hall cabinets reflect the style of the rest of the home.

Example of a mountain style patio design in Houston

We updated this 1907 two-story family home for re-sale. We added modern design elements and amenities while retaining the home’s original charm in the layout and key details. The aim was to optimize the value of the property for a prospective buyer, within a reasonable budget. New French doors from kitchen and a rear bedroom open out to a new bi-level deck that allows good sight lines, functional outdoor living space, and easy access to a garden full of mature fruit trees. French doors from an upstairs bedroom open out to a private high deck overlooking the garden. The garage has been converted to a family room that opens to the garden. The bathrooms and kitchen were remodeled the kitchen with simple, light, classic materials and contemporary lighting fixtures. New windows and skylights flood the spaces with light. Stained wood windows and doors at the kitchen pick up on the original stained wood of the other living spaces. New redwood picture molding was created for the living room where traces in the plaster suggested that picture molding has originally been. A sweet corner window seat at the living room was restored. At a downstairs bedroom we created a new plate rail and other redwood trim matching the original at the dining room. The original dining room hutch and woodwork were restored and a new mantel built for the fireplace. We built deep shelves into space carved out of the attic next to upstairs bedrooms and added other built-ins for character and usefulness. Storage was created in nooks throughout the house. A small room off the kitchen was set up for efficient laundry and pantry space. We provided the future owner of the house with plans showing design possibilities for expanding the house and creating a master suite with upstairs roof dormers and a small addition downstairs. The proposed design would optimize the house for current use while respecting the original integrity of the house. Photography: John Hayes, Open Homes Photography https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/classic-craftsman-update/

The ONE+ soundproof office pod has the same footprint as a typical desk and chair workstation—without all the noise and distractions. Step inside and you’ll find that this pod is surprisingly spacious. Open your laptop, get in the zone, and stay in it all day. 4 x 5 ft footprint 3 power outlets: 1 USB, 1 USBC, ethernet port Automatic motion-sensor light and fan saves energy Reduces sound by 26+ decibels Monitor-mount-ready Best price out there

Working from home has its distractions; your home office shouldn’t be one of them. Here’s where form wins over frills, resulting in a sleek, minimalistic, modern workspace.

Large transitional formal and open concept travertine floor and beige floor living room photo in Vancouver with beige walls, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

One of the hottest trends in bath design is open, clean-line spaces. This serene look is accomplished by reducing distractions caused by too many ornate details. This client approached Renovisions to remodel her outdated master bath and create a clean and uncluttered space with a contemporary flair. The bathtub and tile floor remains in the new design adding a small challenge to coordinate the right color selection for shower and tub surround tile. The existing bath’s fiberglass shower was cramped, under utilized and under styled, so Renovisions first enlarged the depth of the shower with a complete water proof system, hand-held shower and soap dish, corner shelf and safety grab bar. A teak veneer vanity was designed to compliment the client’s master bedroom teak furniture. A beautiful combination of sleek grey quartz countertop, rectangular under-mount sink, modern plumbing fixtures, stylish hardware and a simple yet elegant tilt mirror completed the contemporary look. This renewed master bath combines functionality and aesthetics in perfect harmony.

Jennifer Sims
Example of a minimalist deck design in Kansas City

Embracing the natural elements of this circa 1960’s Condo development in Stowe Vermont was a priority for our clients. We worked closely with a great design team and our clients to create this simple, but beautiful minimalist retreat. Our clients, both authors, wanted a place to withdraw from the endless distractions and fast pace rhythms of the city. Custom made cabinets, bookshelves and built ins helped off set the sandblasted CMU block walls and ground concrete floors. A beautiful handcrafted stairwell was a center piece connecting the three floors. A handcrafted integrated concrete sink in the master is was another testament to the mixed mediums used to create this space. We embraced exposed conduit and commercial grade light fixtures throughout which helped add to the overall minimalist feel of the space. There is a beautiful rawness to this project which everyone came to admire.

Type of Project: Kitchen Style of Project: Transitional Cabinetry: Tedd Wood Wood: Maple Finishes: Greystone Door: Lincoln Countertop: Granite Other Design Elements: • Stunning x-mullion glass doors • Appliance garage to keep counters clutter free • Soothing Greystone finish as an alternate to transitional white • Shaker doors Project Year: 2018 Designed for a family that love to cook and entertain, this kitchen may be small in scale but it is huge in form and function. Our clients loved their neighborhood so decided to take on an extensive remodel rather than building a new house. Once the walls and windows were realigned, we undertook a design that would maximize the space but maintain a complete sense of calm. The Graystone finish enhances that tranquility as do the handsome mouldings and clean shaker doors. Lots of accessory built-ins including an appliance garage reduce any distracting clutter and the x-mullion glass doors add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Our client came to us with the objective of building an outdoor living space for his family to always come back to instead of going on separate vacations. They needed a space that felt like a retreat from the world. A space for relaxing and spending quality family time together without the day-to-day distractions. Our team provided a rustic, industrial looking outdoor entertaining area with sports watching as the main goal to provide years of family fun through the seasons! Our biggest challenge on this project was to design and build a beautiful, custom triangular floor to ceiling outdoor fireplace that was the centerpiece of this project. The entire project included building a porch roof over a flagstone patio. All surfaces were clad in cedar with built in bluetooth speakers, ceiling fan, recessed lighting, and a gas heater. We also built an outdoor kitchen with bar height table top and gas grill. The floor to ceiling stone fireplace in the corner of the patio included a custom mantle and mounted TV.

This Naperville kitchen had some BIG changes. From the ceiling to the floor, everything was transformed. Soffits were removed, and also a small closet, which opened up the kitchen space. New lighting, moldings and interior doors elevated the look. And finally, new hardwood floors installed throughout complete the updated framework. For this new space we chose lovely Cherry cabinets from Kemper. The transitional Wolcott door style bridges the more modern family area with the formal living spaces. The classic chestnut tones blend perfectly with the existing furniture. Finishing the look is a traditional tall crown, adding detail at the ceiling. Though the room is not huge, thoughtful storage options make the most of the space. On the wall that previously held the small closet, a buffet piece was designed. This carries our wood tones through the space, provides more storage, and offers the perfect opportunity for a display piece. The antique glass doors are a subtle touch of texture. The next layer is the beautiful Cambria countertops. The soft, neutral tones allow the cabinetry to be the star, while the random variations in pattern add interest, and pull together our color palette. In keeping with the brown tones, an Espresso quartz sink was used, as well as Vintage Bronze hardware, and classic brown leather stools. The slightly irregular handmade tiles used for the backsplash add texture without being distracting. Overall, the blending of rich wood tones and neutral surfaces creates a warm yet light and open space – a perfect place for the family to gather!

Example of a mid-sized transitional formal and open concept light wood floor living room design in Minneapolis with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

In collaboration with the client’s architect, AR Design the layout of the kitchen was already in place. However, upon meeting the client it was clear she wanted a ‘wow’ island, symmetry in design and plenty of functional storage. As well as a contemporary, family-friendly space it was also important the space that still respected the heritage of the house. The original walls of the property had many angled walls and featured some tight spaces, so careful consideration of SieMatic's cabinetry choices was given to ensure maximum functionality in those spaces. After much consideration, The Myers Touch specified SieMatic’s SC10 Cabinetry in a Provence Oak Laminate finish which was placed in a framed-style at the rear wall. The same cabinetry was specified for under the island to create contrast with the new and original material features in the space. In order for the family to keep the kitchen uncluttered, careful planning of internal storage systems was considered in the form of using SieMatic’s internal Drawer boxes and their MultiMatic internal storage system which were used to store smaller items such as spices and sauces, as well whilst providing space for slide-out drawers and storage baskets. To ensure an elegant yet ‘wow’ factor central island, The Myers Touch combined contrasting textures by using 30mm Silestone Eternal Calacatta natural stone, polished worktops with ‘waterfall island’ edges and a Corian solid surface back panel. The distinctive geometric patterned Corian panel in Cameo White looks particularly spectacular at night when the owner's turn on the architectural-toned lighting under the island. Appliances chosen for the island included a sophisticated Elica Illusion extractor hood so it could be totally integrated in the new architectural space without visual distraction, a Siemens iQ500 Induction Hob with touch-slide control and a Caple Under-counter Wine cabinet. To maximise every inch of the new space, and to ensure the owners had a place for everything, The Myers Touch also used additional cabinetry and storage options in the island such as extra deep drawers to store saucepans, cutlery, and everyday crockery. The eye-catching Antique-bronze mirrored splashback not only helps to provide the illusion of extra space, but reinforces family ‘togetherness’ as it reflects and links the rear of the kitchen ‘snug’ area where family members can sit and relax or work when not in the main kitchen extension area. The original toned brickwork and 18th Century steel windows in the original part of the extension also helps to tell the story about the older part of the house which now juxtaposes to the new, contemporary kitchen living extension. A handy door was also included in the extension which leads to the garage on the main road for family convenience and over-flow storage. Photography by Paul Craig (Reproduction of image by request only - joy@bakerpr.co.uk)

Despite the stately brick exterior, these owners boldly flaunted convention by choosing a sleek contemporary esthetic for their kitchen remodel. For continuity, the home’s hardwood flooring continues throughout. Unadorned flat panel doors create a soothing environment in light-reflecting glossy white on the perimeter, with soft matte gray on the bar and island. Beautifully veined “Blue Savoie” marble countertops and backsplashes inject organic color and pattern into the scheme. To ensure that light penetrates the space, wall cabinets at the sink and bar stop short of the ceiling for an airy ambiance, with horizontal lift—up doors. Stacked cabinets flanking the hood are vertically hinged; top doors align with cabinetry above the paneled refrigeration columns. Easy entertaining is guaranteed with the convenient wet bar, which includes a paneled beverage fridge and icemaker. Minimalizing visual distraction is accomplished by limiting the use of handles to appliances requiring them; otherwise, base cabinets have unobtrusive integrated channel pulls, while uppers have touch latches. The hard-working island houses both microwave and paneled refrigerator drawers, along with extra storage and plenty of seating. Enhancing the dining experience in the breakfast area is a custom curved banquette, with light-filled views of the bucolic, backyard, and pool.

The phrase “Less is More” holds very true for this small master bathroom. With its neutral color scheme, clean lines, and linear fixtures, this bathroom is nothing short of excellent in its portrayal of modern. There is not much to distract the eye on this crisp design.