We completely remodeled a two-bedroom downsize home for our client, opening up the space as much as we could to add a spacious feel. The neutral palette balances warm and cool hues. We added wainscoting to the dining room walls and grasscloth wallpaper to the top. The geometric patterned drapery adds visual interest when paired with neutral chair fabric. A wall of cabinets creates much-needed storage Adding a natural element through the tree stump table base ties the warm and cool together.

Location: North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, United States This client was downsizing from a very large vintage co-op to a two bedroom two bath condo. The project scope included gutting the entire unit and starting from scratch. One of the most difficult challenges was making sure the design could properly display her extensive art collection. Because of the scale difference, I custom designed all new living room and dining room furniture fabricated by Barron Custom Furniture. The end result was a beautiful contemporary space that fit all of my clients needs.

Location: North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, United States This client was downsizing from a very large vintage co-op to a two bedroom two bath condo. The project scope included gutting the entire unit and starting from scratch. One of the most difficult challenges was making sure the design could properly display her extensive art collection. Because of the scale difference, I custom designed all new living room and dining room furniture fabricated by Barron Custom Furniture. The end result was a beautiful contemporary space that fit all of my clients needs.

The homeowners of this condo sought our assistance when downsizing from a large family home on Howe Sound to a small urban condo in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver. They asked us to incorporate many of their precious antiques and art pieces into the new design. Our challenges here were twofold; first, how to deal with the unconventional curved floor plan with vast South facing windows that provide a 180 degree view of downtown Vancouver, and second, how to successfully merge an eclectic collection of antique pieces into a modern setting. We began by updating most of their artwork with new matting and framing. We created a gallery effect by grouping like artwork together and displaying larger pieces on the sections of wall between the windows, lighting them with black wall sconces for a graphic effect. We re-upholstered their antique seating with more contemporary fabrics choices - a gray flannel on their Victorian fainting couch and a fun orange chenille animal print on their Louis style chairs. We selected black as an accent colour for many of the accessories as well as the dining room wall to give the space a sophisticated modern edge. The new pieces that we added, including the sofa, coffee table and dining light fixture are mid century inspired, bridging the gap between old and new. White walls and understated wallpaper provide the perfect backdrop for the colourful mix of antique pieces. Interior Design by Lori Steeves, Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography

Bedroom - contemporary bedroom idea in Minneapolis

Architect: Elizabeth Herrmann Photos: Susan Teare This 1100 sf 3-bedroom cottage in the Mad River valley was designed by architect Elizabeth Herrmann for a family of four who dreamed of downsizing and reducing energy consumption. Sited on an east-facing slope with view over the Mad River, the little black house features a standing seam roof, triple-glazed windows from Alpen, and a high-performing insulation package. A small Morso woodstove provides heat in the winter. A single Mitsubishi heat pump provides cooling in the summer and backup heat in the winter. Water is heat by an electric heat pump water heater.

Architect: Elizabeth Herrmann Photos: Susan Teare This 1100 sf 3-bedroom cottage in the Mad River valley was designed by architect Elizabeth Herrmann for a family of four who dreamed of downsizing and reducing energy consumption. Sited on an east-facing slope with view over the Mad River, the little black house features a standing seam roof, triple-glazed windows from Alpen, and a high-performing insulation package. A small Morso woodstove provides heat in the winter. A single Mitsubishi heat pump provides cooling in the summer and backup heat in the winter. Water is heat by an electric heat pump water heater.

Architect: Elizabeth Herrmann Photos: Susan Teare This 1100 sf 3-bedroom cottage in the Mad River valley was designed by architect Elizabeth Herrmann for a family of four who dreamed of downsizing and reducing energy consumption. Sited on an east-facing slope with view over the Mad River, the little black house features a standing seam roof, triple-glazed windows from Alpen, and a high-performing insulation package. A small Morso woodstove provides heat in the winter. A single Mitsubishi heat pump provides cooling in the summer and backup heat in the winter. Water is heat by an electric heat pump water heater.

These owners were downsizing out of a 7,500 sqft home built in the '80s to their "forever home." They wanted Alair to create a traditional setting that showcased the antiques they had collected over the years, while still blending seamlessly with the modern touches required to live comfortably in today's world.

Leasa Erkiletian, Interior Designer at our Leesburg store, shares this design project that blends Babette's past and present to create a fresh transitional style. Our beloved customer recently downsized and wanted to integrate several statement pieces from Babette's that they love to their new home. We beautifully added transitional furniture and accessories throughout the home to transform the look from traditional Tommy Bahama to an elegant transitional home. The homeowners have a great sense of style and quality and were very receptive to design advice to help complete this very special project!

Leasa Erkiletian, Interior Designer at our Leesburg store, shares this design project that blends Babette's past and present to create a fresh transitional style. Our beloved customer recently downsized and wanted to integrate several statement pieces from Babette's that they love to their new home. We beautifully added transitional furniture and accessories throughout the home to transform the look from traditional Tommy Bahama to an elegant transitional home. The homeowners have a great sense of style and quality and were very receptive to design advice to help complete this very special project!

Add VALUE To Your Home With Custom Closets. Whether you are a homeowner or a home buyer (even downsizing), everyone is looking for more space. Organizing and maximizing the space you have is always a good idea, making your home more livable for your family and increasing its value when it's time to put it on the market. When the time to sell does come around, a well designed custom closet may be the one thing that causes your home to stand out from all the rest! Closet Factory Gulf Coast; making closets great again. www.facebook.com/closetfactorygulfcoast

This kitchen was a huge change from the original - we were able to move to a much more open concept by removing several walls, a column, and adding a large support beam in the ceiling. The result is striking!

Steve Bronstein
Trendy exterior home photo in Boston

Transitional built-in desk home office photo in Edmonton with gray walls

This kitchen remodel by Showplace was designed by Cathy from our Nashua showroom. These homeowners recently downsized into their new condo and are in the process of remodeling their home! This transitional kitchen remodel features a Showplace Lancaster door with a Gunsmoke finish, granite "white ice" countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Cathy also designed a bathroom vanity for this home.