• A busy family wanted to rejuvenate their entire first floor. As their family was growing, their spaces were getting more cramped and finding comfortable, usable space was no easy task. The goal of their remodel was to create a warm and inviting kitchen and family room, great room-like space that worked with the rest of the home’s floor plan. The focal point of the new kitchen is a large center island around which the family can gather to prepare meals. Exotic granite countertops and furniture quality light-colored cabinets provide a warm, inviting feel. Commercial-grade stainless steel appliances make this gourmet kitchen a great place to prepare large meals. A wide plank hardwood floor continues from the kitchen to the family room and beyond, tying the spaces together. The focal point of the family room is a beautiful stone fireplace hearth surrounded by built-in bookcases. Stunning craftsmanship created this beautiful wall of cabinetry which houses the home’s entertainment system. French doors lead out to the home’s deck and also let a lot of natural light into the space. From its beautiful, functional kitchen to its elegant, comfortable family room, this renovation achieved the homeowners’ goals. Now the entire family has a great space to gather and spend quality time.

Alyssa Kirsten
Staircase - mid-sized modern wooden straight metal railing staircase idea in New York with wooden risers

Cleaning the kitchen is a easy task with a built in vacuum pan. Simply sweep debris into the chute and into the central vacuum system.
Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea

Design Statement: My design challenge was to create and build a new ultra modern kitchen with a futuristic flare. This state of the art kitchen was to be equipped with an ample amount of usable storage and a better view of the outside while balancing design and function. Some of the project goals were to include the following; a multi-level island with seating for four people, dramatic use of lighting, state of the art appliances, a generous view of the outside and last but not least, to create a kitchen space that looks like no other...”The WOW Factor”. This challenging project was a completely new design and full renovation. The existing kitchen was outdated and in desperate need help. My new design required me to remove existing walls, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, electric…a complete demolition. My job functions were to be the interior designer, GC, electrician and a laborer. Construction and Design The existing kitchen had one small window in it like many kitchens. The main difficulty was…how to create more windows while gaining more cabinet storage. As a designer, our clients require us to think out of the box and give them something that they may have never dreamed of. I did just that. I created two 8’ glass backsplashes (with no visible supports) on the corner of the house. This was not easy task, engineering of massive blind headers and lam beams were used to support the load of the new floating walls. A generous amount of 48” high wall cabinets flank the new walls and appear floating in air seamlessly above the glass backsplash. Technology and Design The dramatic use of the latest in LED lighting was used. From color changing accent lights, high powered multi-directional spot lights, decorative soffit lights, under cabinet and above cabinet LED tape lights…all to be controlled from wall panels or mobile devises. A built-in ipad also controls not only the lighting, but a climate controlled thermostat, house wide music streaming with individually controlled zones, alarm system, video surveillance system and door bell. Materials and design Large amounts of glass and gloss; glass backsplash, iridescent glass tiles, raised glass island counter top, Quartz counter top with iridescent glass chips infused in it. 24” x 24” high polished porcelain tile flooring to give the appearance of water or glass. The custom cabinets are high gloss lacquer with a metallic fleck. All doors and drawers are Blum soft-close. The result is an ultra sleek and highly sophisticated design. Appliances and design All appliances were chosen for the ultimate in sleekness. These appliances include: a 48” built-in custom paneled subzero refrigerator/freezer, a built-in Miele dishwasher that is so quiet that it shoots a red led light on the floor to let you know that its on., a 36” Miele induction cook top and a built-in 200 bottle wine cooler. Some other cool features are the led kitchen faucet that changes color based on the water temperature. A stainless and glass wall hood with led lights. All duct work was built into the stainless steel toe kicks and grooves were cut into it to release airflow. Photography by Mark Oser

Wrought iron door compliment the Mediterranean style home and decor. The wrought iron seen here is sealed between the inner and outer layers of tempered glass which makes cleaning the glass an easy task. The wrought iron gives maximum privacy while allowing light into the entryway.

Wrought iron door compliment the Mediterranean style home and decor. The wrought iron seen here is sealed between the inner and outer layers of tempered glass which makes cleaning the glass an easy task. The wrought iron gives maximum privacy while allowing light into the entryway.

The only popcorn left in this place is "Fishers Popcorn"! The first order of business - eliminate the caked on popcorn walls and ceiling, no easy task! Second - design a functional eat-in kitchen with what little wall space was available. Third - Lighting! It was important to have more cabinet storage, trash can pull out, an actual silverware drawer and of course a coffee bar. To keep it budget friendly I kept the existing refrigerator and dishwasher and replaced the bulky range and micro hood with a peninsula configuration. I decided to use copper lighting and accents as opposed to the predictable silver or gold. I think it really pops off the harbor blue cabinets and gives a subtle, feminine, mermaid feel. To top this kitchen off right, a scale tile backsplash and Quartz Borghini countertops with waterfalls were installed. Backsplash/Counters: American Granite, Bishopville, MD Photography: Ricky Johnson, Fenwick Island, DE Dining Set/Sleeper Sofa: Casual Designs Furniture, Heidi Rae Ocean City, MD

The only popcorn left in this place is "Fishers Popcorn"! The first order of business - eliminate the caked on popcorn walls and ceiling, no easy task! Second - design a functional eat-in kitchen with what little wall space was available. Third - Lighting! It was important to have more cabinet storage, trash can pull out, an actual silverware drawer and of course a coffee bar. To keep it budget friendly I kept the existing refrigerator and dishwasher and replaced the bulky range and micro hood with a peninsula configuration. I decided to use copper lighting and accents as opposed to the predictable silver or gold. I think it really pops off the harbor blue cabinets and gives a subtle, feminine, mermaid feel. To top this kitchen off right, a scale tile backsplash and Quartz Borghini countertops with waterfalls were installed. Backsplash/Counters: American Granite, Bishopville, MD Photography: Ricky Johnson, Fenwick Island, DE Dining Set/Sleeper Sofa: Casual Designs Furniture, Heidi Rae Ocean City, MD

The modern look even follows through to the chrome plumbing fixtures. The tub filler includes a handheld to make washing hair and cleaning a easy task.

Our expert stone mason achieved the curve details by using a stone saw with a diamond-edged blade to make the cuts. This is no easy task, but the results are stunning!

Keeping a clean pool on a weekly basis is not easy task for the active lifestyle of most pool owners in Montgomery County Texas. Put your pool in the hands of the pros today!

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

The client wanted to add a lot of colour and energy to the bland beige on beige loft. She also wanted harmony flowing through the kitchen, dining, and living area…not an easy task. Despite a wall of windows, the condo felt dark and dreary (see before photos). We produced a light plan for track lighting mounted on the cement ceiling and recommended several lamps, including the corner dramatic red fabric lamp. We recruited the painters for a fresh new colour palette of bright white and blue with hits of colour distributed throughout the open-plan concept. We selected a new deep red area rug to add interest to the dining area. The area rug also anchors and defines the dining-room. We assisted the client in all material selections, finishes, custom cushions and window treatment for privacy in the daylight hours; white sheers allow the light in, but also a level of intimacy. They also soften and balance out the rough concrete structures. The entire living space is uncluttered, brighter and far more interesting than it was when she moved in.

The client wanted to add a lot of colour and energy to the bland beige on beige loft. She also wanted harmony flowing through the kitchen, dining, and living area…not an easy task. Despite a wall of windows, the condo felt dark and dreary (see before photos). We produced a light plan for track lighting mounted on the cement ceiling and recommended several lamps, including the corner dramatic red fabric lamp. We recruited the painters for a fresh new colour palette of bright white and blue with hits of colour distributed throughout the open-plan concept. We selected a new deep red area rug to add interest to the dining area. The area rug also anchors and defines the dining-room. We assisted the client in all material selections, finishes, custom cushions and window treatment for privacy in the daylight hours; white sheers allow the light in, but also a level of intimacy. They also soften and balance out the rough concrete structures. The entire living space is uncluttered, brighter and far more interesting than it was when she moved in.

The client wanted a stylish and contemporary open space with harmony flowing through the kitchen, dining and living area…not an easy task. We recruited the painters for a fresh new colour palette of greige and turquoise. We selected a new neutral-toned area rug for living room, and a colourful turquoise rug for the dining area. We assisted the client in all material selections, finishes, furniture, cushions, colours and the open plan floor plan and design. The entire living space is uncluttered, cohesive, and casual…exactly what the clients asked for. Materials used: Sherwin Williams paint, Fireplace stone wall, stained oak floor, neutral area rugs, original artwork, wood coffee and end tables, contemporary sectional, turquoise accent chair, turquoise leather stools

If we want to be honest with ourselves, we have to admit that buying new furniture has never been an easy task or something that you do with a snap of your fingers (unless you're a millionaire, that is). It has always been a somewhat tiring (albeit exciting) and a definitely complicated affair that affected both our finances and our household for some time. Especially when you're not thinkiing in the categories of buying the so called disposable furniture that costs very little, but also lasts very little. When you want real furniture, you have to pay a little more. What you might not know though, that it is not as much as many stores and sellers would like to tell you. You can get perfectly good, stylish and comfortable furniture straight from us. Our mission is to bring great quality into everything we do. We want to invade every home and we make our prices affordable. Our furniture is made of synthetic rattan and other very solid, durable material, which combined – give a really stunning effect. In our stores you'll find everything from sofas to dining sets. This way you can certainly fix more than just your patio as our furniture fits nicely both in the exteriors and interiors.