Advice on interior design is available everywhere—from TV shows and websites to books, magazines and apps. We love seeing people become engaged in design and educated on the wide range of possibilities. But we hope you’ll proceed with caution. It’s not that style errors are a matter of life and death. It’s just that it’s easy to choose designs that aren’t necessarily reflective of your own personality and character. And since you’re typically stuck with your interior design decisions for years, styles that don’t quite fit can tend to grate on you. Interiors that give one person comfort may unleash chaos in someone else. This goes beyond favorite colors or hot trends, right to the heart of interior design, where you find questions of composition, balance, repetition, space and more. The goal is to find that unique combination of design elements that gives you comfort, support and balance. In one home, that perfect balance was struck through the use of symmetry. A pair of comfortable swivel chairs sit beneath matching indigo patterned paintings. Matching bookcases below the paintings contain similar, but not identical, arrangements of books, vases and bowls. Woods and bronzes help warm up the simple white bookcase shelving. Two matching poufs in front of the fireplace provide additional seating. The sofa is accented with a pair of pillows with a blue pattern that echoes the artwork. The effect of the symmetry is to achieve order and simplicity, which I promote at every opportunity. After all, your home interiors should be the setting or the backdrop of your life—not center stage. Antique bronze and blue are complementary colors. Together, they offer a rich palette of richness and depth, which brings out the beauty of wood and stone. In the home office, a unique, whitewash-stained wooden desk rests on metal, Sawhorse-inspired legs for a warm, rustic look. The black leather chair features a contemporary silhouette with an antique brass frame. An adjustable desk lamp has bronze accents. The bookcase combines a sleek, black metal frame with concrete shelves, for another unusual pairing. It’s kept uncluttered for an orderly, peaceful look. Items on the shelves include a bronze-accented lamp and a pair of high gloss-finished wooden bookends. The elegant artwork behind the desk is a simple midnight-blue and bronze with mottled white. Deep blues are again picked up in the rug, which adds a stately vibe with a modern pattern and satisfying texture. Within the framework of symmetry, the living room repeats the blue-and-bronze color scheme. A large midcentury brass clock above the fireplace keeps the natural stone visible, rather than hidden behind a painting or television, while its straight lines and color create a beautiful contrast. The sofa is a soft, neutral blue. The pattern on the round brass side table features echoes the darker blue-patterned rug, as well as the rug in the office, tying the rooms together. Indigo blue books adjacent to bronze vases on the shelves repeat the color scheme. The soapstone-topped coffee table echoes the shape of the fireplace. A pair of tall, matching floor lamps with long wooden bases, brass pulls and simple linen shades combine both the colors and symmetry found throughout the home.

There are so many design elements to this kitchen, I almost don’t know where to start. Bright and airy with crisp clean white cabinets, the kitchen is open and welcoming. Still crisp but gently contrasting, the stainless steel appliance add depth amid the white. To keep this kitchen warm, natural oak covers the floors and a toasted wheat color washes the walls. And then there is the architectural elements. You know. That post and beam in the middle of the room. It’s the center of attention. When you walk into a room your eyes roam around, establishing the size and shape of the room as your feet take you forward. From the front door of this home straight ahead you encountered this wall. The dining area to the right gives you a glimpse of things to come. Where there is a dining room you will usually find a kitchen. The architecture of years gone by consistently hides the kitchen, the heart of the home, behind walls. I sympathize with my Mom, and all the other Moms, who have had to spend so much time tucked into a tight kitchen, away from the family. This wall had to go, but it was structural. We needed its support but not its bulk. So we got rid of the bulk and only the bulk. Instead of a wall we have a post and beam, offering all of the structure we need. We could have installed a huge steel beam and reconfigure the joists to upset the beam, but why? The small beam and post add an incredible architectural element. It’s turning lemons into lemon, we simply made the most of what we had. It may be functional but it’s so fantastic. It looks like we created the effect just for the drama. The original kitchen may have had a working triangle and some counter space, but it was fairly small, with each area only a step or two away. The dark cabinets made the space feel even smaller and the butcher block patterned laminate counter tops were very dated. The appliances were feeling their age as well, from a coil burner electric stove to a top freezer refrigerator. To keep this kitchen within its space, a half wall separated it from the dining area. With the wall gone we borrowed some space from the living room and extended what was a U shaped kitchen into an L. At the living room window we start our new kitchen. We kept a small part of the wall to support the other end of our decorative beam. Sandwiched between a large pantry and our new French door refrigerator, the wall disappears. With our new open floor plan a sizable island was in order. We split our cooking areas and installed a continuous grill gas cooktop into the island. A sleek island hood takes care of exhaust and adds an extra element to our architectural feature. Under the cooktop we added over-sized drawers for pots and pan storage. The frameless cabinets from New River Cabinetry are maple, painted white, with the Herndon door style. With the cooktop safely nestled into our island, we still had to add an oven. We used the space where the old range sat for a large single oven of stainless steel and glass. If it worked for one, why not two? We created a home for a microwave in the wall cabinets. It’s perfect for heating leftovers so close to the refrigerator. An important consideration for hot spots in your kitchen is landing zones. Each of our cooking areas have generous landing zones, one on each side of the cooktop and an entire counter area above or below the ovens, depending on which one you’re using. We wanted to give the sink area more room so the half wall had to come out. We moved the trash and recycle cans into a cabinet, removed the heavy soffits and kept the sink under the window. With that little bit of extra space we were able to add a larger cabinet above the dishwasher and slide it all down. This used to be where the carpeting met the vinyl floor, but all of it is gone. Long oak planks eliminate that final divide between the kitchen and the dining area, while adding visual length to the area. White wall cabinets on each side of the window reflect the sunlight for a brighter view. With all of the darker cabinetry the backsplash walls had been painted white. Even still, there was a darkness in the corners and it wasn’t very exciting. We wanted to add visual interest and reflect the new under-cabinet lighting, eliminating the shadows in this corner. With 1″x 2″ Arabescato Honed marble mosaics and those under-cabinet lights, we achieved the perfect balance. The marble has subtle swirls in gray and beige on a clean white background, but with the honed finish the light is softly reflected instead of glaring. For granite, we chose the soft gray tones of Luna Pearl. The speckles of gray and beige are a gentle contrast to the white cabinets and emulate the color of the stainless steel. Between the carpet, red half wall, dark railing and dated light fixture, the dining area felt tired. Since the kitchen lacked sufficient storage, a large utility cabinet crowded the table space without adding any decorate elements. Although it didn’t get any bigger, our dining area feels fresher and more open too. With the oak flooring joining the area to the rest of our space and the toasted wheat on the walls, the white table and chairs compliment the cabinetry while contrasting the warmer colors. We replaced the chandelier with recessed lighting and changed that railing too. With our new open floor plan, we ended up with a fairly open area in between our foyer closet and the living room window. Not one to miss an opportunity, we filled the space with a multi-functional work space. With the sunlight streaming in this bright corner works for anything this family needs. There’s plenty of space for a chair under this large desk drawer. A closed cabinet below, glass doors above and lots of open shelving let you store and or showcase your belongings. We added a lite area at the top to keep away the darker corners. The transformation is complete. This kitchen and all of its features are truly the center of attention in this home. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

This contemporary home features two striking staircases with integrated LED lighting, glass railing, and thick wood treads. The color-changing LEDs shift from red to blue to yellow, transforming the staircases into dynamic focal points throughout the day. Wood treads and handrails are paired with frameless glass balustrades secured by black pins. Open risers amplify the LED lighting effect while maximizing transparency. The first-level staircase uses cantilevered and field-supported construction, while the second rises on dual metal stringers. Glass railing continues on the second-floor balcony, creating a cohesive system where light and glass elevate the design beyond the purely functional. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Showcasing artistic contrast, bold rectilinear shapes make up the minimalistic design of the Jut Seating Collection. This assortment of chunky, geometric pieces make up the first furniture collection made using rotation-molding that creates straight lines. The ergonomics, functionality and ecology are other key features of the Jut set, which include drainage holes to assure maximum comfort. Clean, sharp lines and angles give this collection a contemporary charm, making dining and relaxing more enjoyable indoors and out.

This is the pool of precision - one big math problem that sparkles with water, glass tile, and fire. The primary view from the front door straight through the back door is across the widest part of the pool to the fire and water feature. The other 2 views from the dining and family room had focal points lined up with the lines of sight. The gushers were lined up on both lines of sight. One of the challenges was the required diving board for the five boys in the house. So the diving board was hidden in the raised wall with stone matching the house. Spill edges were incorporated in all the raised walls to create a subtle waterfall for sound and visual effect. All the elements had to line up with sightlines of the doors and windows so the patio pattern would then keep its precision as well. The details were in the materials, color, pattern, and the combination of materials. The blue fire glass matches the glass waterline and veneer. Subway detail carried through paving detail, patio cap, to travertine pattern and glass tile pattern. The tumbled Travertine was used on the patio and coping and the deck was patterned to match in color and texture. This kept the monochrome look. The dwarf mondo grass was incorporated in the patio to create a more organic setting and blend with the home's rustic contemporary feel. Project designed by Mike Farley

This is the pool of precision - one big math problem that sparkles with water, glass tile, and fire. The primary view from the front door straight through the back door is across the widest part of the pool to the fire and water feature. The other 2 views from the dining and family room had focal points lined up with the lines of sight. The gushers were lined up on both lines of sight. One of the challenges was the required diving board for the five boys in the house. So the diving board was hidden in the raised wall with stone matching the house. Spill edges were incorporated in all the raised walls to create a subtle waterfall for sound and visual effect. All the elements had to line up with sightlines of the doors and windows so the patio pattern would then keep its precision as well. The details were in the materials, color, pattern, and the combination of materials. The blue fire glass matches the glass waterline and veneer. Subway detail carried through paving detail, patio cap, to travertine pattern and glass tile pattern. The tumbled Travertine was used on the patio and coping and the deck was patterned to match in color and texture. This kept the monochrome look. The dwarf mondo grass was incorporated in the patio to create a more organic setting and blend with the home's rustic contemporary feel. Project designed by Mike Farley

This contemporary home features two striking staircases with integrated LED lighting, glass railing, and thick wood treads. The color-changing LEDs shift from red to blue to yellow, transforming the staircases into dynamic focal points throughout the day. Wood treads and handrails are paired with frameless glass balustrades secured by black pins. Open risers amplify the LED lighting effect while maximizing transparency. The first-level staircase uses cantilevered and field-supported construction, while the second rises on dual metal stringers. Glass railing continues on the second-floor balcony, creating a cohesive system where light and glass elevate the design beyond the purely functional. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Modern Minimal Landscape Design The landscape design for this home perfectly complements its modern look, with straight and clean lines. The walkway off of the driveway leads us to the backyard with clean 90-degree lines and green shrubs for colour. Moving into the backyard, we have a 2-tiered Zen wall that creates two patio areas for seating, complimented with a water feature for sound and visual effect with trees and plantings that will grow and provide privacy for the backyard. This project includes: 25mm Rundle Rock Sterling grey Lexington tiles 16x24 90-degree poured concrete curbing Trees and shrubs in a 25 mm Rundle Rock bed 2-tiered Zen wall in grey from Expocrete with drainage and charcoal caps Contrasting Bridgewood slabs in charcoal that utilize all three sizes of slabs with 25mm Limestone in between Waterwall and blade that feeds into a small pond with Montana Rainbow River Rock, sound and visual for a seating area

This kitchen is inspired by the European style with its straight lines and curated design. No cabinets overload here, minimalism is of the essence! We made sure to optimise the space in order for it to be functional and light. However, this kitchen is far from boring with its curvy peninsula embellished with textured wood paneling, which is clearly the centerpiece of the room. It can be seen throughout the open area and creates a dynamic effect for the whole house. Appliances are strategically placed on the wall facing the sink and window so they are hidden, yet accessible. The coffee cabinet with pocket doors can conceal small appliances or display a bistro look if desired. Lastly, the wooden shelves beautifully complete the look by adding warmth to this refined kitchen.

This contemporary home features two striking staircases with integrated LED lighting, glass railing, and thick wood treads. The color-changing LEDs shift from red to blue to yellow, transforming the staircases into dynamic focal points throughout the day. Wood treads and handrails are paired with frameless glass balustrades secured by black pins. Open risers amplify the LED lighting effect while maximizing transparency. The first-level staircase uses cantilevered and field-supported construction, while the second rises on dual metal stringers. Glass railing continues on the second-floor balcony, creating a cohesive system where light and glass elevate the design beyond the purely functional. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

The original shower had angles in the back corners, which, when converted to straight lines, resulted in an expansive space with a chevron stone mosaic floor inset and a hidden niche so as to not detract from the finished effect.

This contemporary home features two striking staircases with integrated LED lighting, glass railing, and thick wood treads. The color-changing LEDs shift from red to blue to yellow, transforming the staircases into dynamic focal points throughout the day. Wood treads and handrails are paired with frameless glass balustrades secured by black pins. Open risers amplify the LED lighting effect while maximizing transparency. The first-level staircase uses cantilevered and field-supported construction, while the second rises on dual metal stringers. Glass railing continues on the second-floor balcony, creating a cohesive system where light and glass elevate the design beyond the purely functional. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Classic Ward Parkway to Wornall corridor home. Very traditional landscaping with the Japanese Maple and Dogwood understory and elm canopy. Stately brick walkway approach and lush, but under-stated plantings. Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Values: Any given Landscape Architect or Landscape Designer may have a different approach, but Landscape Designer and Landscape Contractor, Brett Berry of Berry Outdoor Living creates living areas that feel connected to the home. As a Landscape Designer and Landscape Contractor working with a Landscape Architect, we try to create the space so it feels relaxed. It should feel like it's been in place with the home for years and not an "add-on". As a Landscape Contractor that merges old and new construction into the landscape design, the goal is to build a space people want to spend time, whether at the bar of the outdoor kitchen, fire pit, patio, or covered porch. When a space becomes a large part of the homeowners' daily life, a Landscape Architect or Landscape Designer, or Landscape Contractor, knows a project has been completed with excellence. I work closely with a Landscape Architect through the design process to ensure the space has the correct "feel". A Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer must design the space to flow from the inside of the home out. The patio and outdoor living space feels like an extension of the home, or another "room" of the home and feels wrapped with fresh, low-maintenance landscaping. In Kansas City patio, and landscaping design, there is a clear trend toward a cleaner, more defined look influenced by a more modern era viewpoint that values a non-cluttered look and feel. So, as a Landscape Contractor, in our circle of clients, we've seen a definite shift toward cleaner, artisan-crafted backyards and fewer "boxy", shrub-heavy yards. A Landscape Architect with a keen sense designs this effect. Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Design, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Plan, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer style, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer feel, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Kansas City, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Overland Park, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Mission Hills, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Lee's Summit, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Lenexa, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Shawnee, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Olathe, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Riss Lake, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Tiffany, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Loch Lloyd, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Lionsgate, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Deer Creek, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Ward Parkway, Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer Cedar Creek http://www.berryolc.com/kansas_city_landscaping.html

This contemporary home features two striking staircases with integrated LED lighting, glass railing, and thick wood treads. The color-changing LEDs shift from red to blue to yellow, transforming the staircases into dynamic focal points throughout the day. Wood treads and handrails are paired with frameless glass balustrades secured by black pins. Open risers amplify the LED lighting effect while maximizing transparency. The first-level staircase uses cantilevered and field-supported construction, while the second rises on dual metal stringers. Glass railing continues on the second-floor balcony, creating a cohesive system where light and glass elevate the design beyond the purely functional. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This contemporary home features two striking staircases with integrated LED lighting, glass railing, and thick wood treads. The color-changing LEDs shift from red to blue to yellow, transforming the staircases into dynamic focal points throughout the day. Wood treads and handrails are paired with frameless glass balustrades secured by black pins. Open risers amplify the LED lighting effect while maximizing transparency. The first-level staircase uses cantilevered and field-supported construction, while the second rises on dual metal stringers. Glass railing continues on the second-floor balcony, creating a cohesive system where light and glass elevate the design beyond the purely functional. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This extremely dirty and dull Victorian tiled hallway floor was at a house in Westcliffe on Sea near Southend. The tiles were well overdue for a deep clean and having worked on many of these types of floors before I was confident we could do the job. Any sealer that was originally present had worn off years earlier so I went straight in with a strong solution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean diluted 1:1 with water. This was applied to the floor and left to soak in for ten minutes before being worked into the tiles with a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary buffing machine. The soiled cleaning solution was then removed using a wet vacuum and the floor was rinsed. The process was then repeated a few times to ensure all the ingrained dirt had been removed and we also tackled a few paint splashes that became evident. The floor was given a final and thorough rinse with water to ensure all trace of cleaning products had been removed and dried as much as possible using a wet vacuum. The Victorian tiles were left to dry out for two days before we returned and the floor checked for dampness using a damp meter. Everything checked out OK so we proceeded to seal the tiles using numerous coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go which is our recommended sealer for Victorian tiles as it gives a nice low sheen effect that enhances their appearance as well as protecting them from future staining. Nick Murphy South Essex Tile Doctor

This contemporary home features two striking staircases with integrated LED lighting, glass railing, and thick wood treads. The color-changing LEDs shift from red to blue to yellow, transforming the staircases into dynamic focal points throughout the day. Wood treads and handrails are paired with frameless glass balustrades secured by black pins. Open risers amplify the LED lighting effect while maximizing transparency. The first-level staircase uses cantilevered and field-supported construction, while the second rises on dual metal stringers. Glass railing continues on the second-floor balcony, creating a cohesive system where light and glass elevate the design beyond the purely functional. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This contemporary home features two striking staircases with integrated LED lighting, glass railing, and thick wood treads. The color-changing LEDs shift from red to blue to yellow, transforming the staircases into dynamic focal points throughout the day. Wood treads and handrails are paired with frameless glass balustrades secured by black pins. Open risers amplify the LED lighting effect while maximizing transparency. The first-level staircase uses cantilevered and field-supported construction, while the second rises on dual metal stringers. Glass railing continues on the second-floor balcony, creating a cohesive system where light and glass elevate the design beyond the purely functional. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This contemporary home features two striking staircases with integrated LED lighting, glass railing, and thick wood treads. The color-changing LEDs shift from red to blue to yellow, transforming the staircases into dynamic focal points throughout the day. Wood treads and handrails are paired with frameless glass balustrades secured by black pins. Open risers amplify the LED lighting effect while maximizing transparency. The first-level staircase uses cantilevered and field-supported construction, while the second rises on dual metal stringers. Glass railing continues on the second-floor balcony, creating a cohesive system where light and glass elevate the design beyond the purely functional. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company