The kitchen may be the heart of a home, but the dining room is where the family gathers to enjoy special occasions, create and pass on traditions, and savour each other’s company free from distractions. The family behind this particular dining room enjoys doing just that. When they are not traveling the world, Matthew and Anna (names changed) love to cook meals at home with their teenage daughter, entertain family and friends, and live amongst their cherished travel souvenirs and heirlooms. Their dining room, however, was far from the perfect backdrop for these experiences. Before: Dining Room: When Matthew and Anna contacted us, they imagined a space that would comfortably seat 8 to 10 people and incorporate their beautiful inherited dining table and sideboard in a fresh, modern way. Above all, they wanted a dining room that they would feel proud to share. They worked with us to design, lightly renovate, and furnish their dining room and adjacent living space. Now, the room is nothing short of inviting and elevated. Classic Yet Contemporary Dining Room: Viewed from the living area, the dining room is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Matthew and Anna wanted dark blue for the walls, and we couldn’t have been happier to find the perfect shade for them. By leaning darker, this rich blue creates the perception of depth, making the room feel enticing, comfortable and secluded. The previous built-ins were underwhelming and lacked function, so we designed wider, taller, double sided cabinets that integrated the existing bulk-head, and then accessorized the shelves with the family’s travel finds, books, and decor. Topping these units with brass art lights not only blends contemporary and traditional styles, it also draws attention to the dining table’s modern show-stopping chandelier. You can’t miss it. Inside the dining room, the effect is equally impressive: enveloping yet spacious, warm yet cool, classic yet contemporary. We incorporated their heirloom pieces seamlessly into the design thanks to the 1:2 ratio. For every traditional piece, we introduced two more modern or contemporary pieces — clean lines, subtle curves, and lustrous brass hardware. The result is a collected yet updated look. In any room with dark walls, lighting is of the utmost importance. We placed a mirror adjacent to the window to reflect natural light throughout the room, and we kept the trim and ceiling white for brightness. To provide maximum versatility, we provided multiple light sources that can be adjusted to create different levels of light to suit any mood or occasion. These include: pot lights and a chandelier on dimmers, a sculptural trilight lamp on the sideboard, and art lights on the bookcases and above important art pieces. The built-ins have another surprise waiting inside this special dining room: Double-sided built-ins: dining room shelving and living room shelving. Rather than keep them white like we did in the living room, we painted the back wall of the book cases the same dark blue as the walls in the rest of the room. This reduces the contrast with the surrounding walls and emphasizes the white outline of the cabinets. We also love the dark blue walls’ role as a beautiful backdrop for this family’s treasures. The brass accessories and hand-painted vases and bowls feel like part of the experience. Of course, what is beauty without function? It may not look like it, but the base storage is only accessible from the dining room side. The units include deep cabinets for storing serving ware, as well as another delightful surprise: silverware drawers lined in luxurious navy velvet! Lastly, we designed this beautiful nook for their heirloom sideboard. From afar, the wall looks as if it has texture and perhaps a touch of shine. Up close, you will notice that it is actually navy blue wallpaper with tiny golden dots. This unique touch accentuates the brass in the room touches throughout the space.. The room feels curated, contemporary, and full of character. Words of Praise: Anna and Matthew were thrilled with their new dining room and with the design process itself, which is always the highest compliment. They said: “Working with Lori and her team at Simply Home Decorating was a great experience. The design they came up with was both beautiful and practical for our family. Renovations can be stressful but working with Simply Home made the process much more pleasant. “Simply Home's project management and their longstanding relationships with reliable trades meant we could relax, knowing that everything was taken care of. If an issue arose, the entire Simply Home team was quick to address it. They were excellent at communicating with us—we never felt like we didn't know what was going on. We would highly recommend working with Simply Home Decorating.” Thank you, Matthew and Anna! We are honoured to have been part of your journey and wish your family many happy memories in these new spaces. Now, is it your turn? Are you ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home? If so, contact us here to start the conversation or download my guide Uncovering the Hidden Potential in Your Home below to learn more about what we can do for you.

Addition off the side of a typical mid-century post-WWII colonial, including master suite with master bath expansion, first floor family room addition, a complete basement remodel with the addition of new bedroom suite for an AuPair. The clients realized it was more cost effective to do an addition over paying for outside child care for their growing family. Additionally, we helped the clients address some serious drainage issues that were causing settling issues in the home.

This Houston, TX property, nestled in the Timbergrove neighborhood, rests on a floodplain. To address this, the owners constructed a custom farmhouse porch raised above a substantial crawlspace beneath the home. Concealing this crawlspace was pivotal, requiring a foliage that will mature to effectively mask and blend it. The property's sloped and sun-soaked terrain posed another layer of complexity, both of which our landscape architect seamlessly integrated into the design process. Guided by these factors, we devised a plan that features three distinctive gardens, each leading gracefully to the house. The front garden boasts a xeriscape design with succulents and Blackstar gravel. The middle garden showcases the rugged beauty of West Texas native plants, accentuated by moss rock boulders and Texas sage. As you approach the house, the final garden combines a medley of the owners' favorite ornamental plants such as hollyleaf fern, wood fern, salvia, yucca plants, frog root, and blue flag iris. We employed chop block raised beds crafted from rectangular limestone cuts, aligning with the farmhouse's aesthetic. Strategic placement of Brody juniper trees ensures they will mature in harmony with the home.

This Houston, TX property, nestled in the Timbergrove neighborhood, rests on a floodplain. To address this, the owners constructed a custom farmhouse porch raised above a substantial crawlspace beneath the home. Concealing this crawlspace was pivotal, requiring a foliage that will mature to effectively mask and blend it. The property's sloped and sun-soaked terrain posed another layer of complexity, both of which our landscape architect seamlessly integrated into the design process. Guided by these factors, we devised a plan that features three distinctive gardens, each leading gracefully to the house. The front garden boasts a xeriscape design with succulents and Blackstar gravel. The middle garden showcases the rugged beauty of West Texas native plants, accentuated by moss rock boulders and Texas sage. As you approach the house, the final garden combines a medley of the owners' favorite ornamental plants such as hollyleaf fern, wood fern, salvia, yucca plants, frog root, and blue flag iris. We employed chop block raised beds crafted from rectangular limestone cuts, aligning with the farmhouse's aesthetic. Strategic placement of Brody juniper trees ensures they will mature in harmony with the home.

This powder room is part of our "British Colonial Meets Modern Beach House" project. A unexpected blend of aristocratic elegance, coastal ease, glamour, and a touch of whimsy. As with every cabinet throughout the home, the vanity was custom designed specifically for this space, creating a one-of-a-kind focal point. To amplify the drama, we enveloped the room in a richly patterned gold and turquoise paisley wallcovering accented with hand painted gold paper on the ceiling, creating a jewel-box effect. The bold black-and-white checkerboard floor introduces a playful sense of movement, while crystal-beaded sconces adorned with black shades add a layer of old-world sophistication. A luxurious white marble countertop brings timeless elegance, beautifully complemented by an ornate gilded mirror reminiscent of a grand European estate. The result is a powder room that feels both refined and unexpected—where classic aristocratic influences meet the relaxed spirit of a modern beach house, proving that even the smallest room can make a memorable statement.

As part of the initiative to rebuild New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Brooks + Scarpa’s Make it Right (MIR) home seeks to redefine the concept of a home into a flexible, multifunctional and adaptable space addressing the needs of today’s modern family, on a limited budget. Offering shelter and comfort, the MIR home breaks the prescriptive mold of the traditional home by creating public and private “zones” in which private space is deemphasized in favor of large public living areas. The organization of the space is intended to transform the way people live—away from a reclusive, isolating layout, towards a family-oriented, interactive space. The inspiration for the exterior’s design came from American patchwork quilting traditions, particularly the distinctive Gee’s Bend quilt-makers of southwest Alabama. Recycled wooden pallets are repositioned here as a patchworked shade screen wrapping the building, an innovative alternative to expensive façade materials. The visually expressive pallets impart an imperfect, rough-hewn individuality, adding depth and texture. Brooks + Scarpa is working with local manufacturers to ensure the viability of this cost-effective and sustainable off-the-shelf product, easily obtainable and readily replaceable. The pallet wrapping is joined by decoratively perforated cement board on the east and west façades, providing both shade and privacy, while allowing views out and dappled, indirect daylight and breezes to enter. All the exterior elements will combine and interweave, emerging as a distinctive pattern-making aesthetic.

This project was all about resurfacing an existing deck, which provides a significant amount of benefits, including: - Enhanced Aesthetics: A deck resurfacing project can transform the appearance of the deck, giving it a fresh and modern look that can significantly improve the curb appeal of the entire home. - Cost Savings: Resurfacing is often more cost-effective than completely rebuilding a deck. It allows homeowners to achieve a like-new appearance without the expense of a full replacement. - Increased Durability: New materials used in resurfacing are designed to be more resistant to wear, fading, and the elements, resulting in a longer lifespan for the deck. - Improved Safety: Addressing structural issues during the resurfacing process ensures the deck's safety and stability, reducing the risk of accidents. - Less Disruption: Compared to a full deck replacement, resurfacing typically involves less disruption to the homeowner's daily routine, as it's a faster and less invasive process. - Customization: Homeowners can choose from a wide range of materials, colors, and finishes to match their design preferences and complement their home's style. - Environmentally Friendly: Resurfacing reduces the amount of old material that needs to be disposed of, making it a more environmentally conscious option. By undertaking a deck resurfacing project, homeowners can rejuvenate their outdoor space, enjoy a beautiful and functional deck for years to come and increase the overall value of their property.

Addition off the side of a typical mid-century post-WWII colonial, including master suite with master bath expansion, first floor family room addition, a complete basement remodel with the addition of new bedroom suite for an AuPair. The clients realized it was more cost effective to do an addition over paying for outside child care for their growing family. Additionally, we helped the clients address some serious drainage issues that were causing settling issues in the home.

Green Home Systems provides reliable solar power solutions to residential and commercial customers all over the country. Recently, we had the opportunity to work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL to provide a 19kW solar system for his home. We were able to complete this job quickly and efficiently, delivering a high quality product at an affordable price. At Green Home Systems, our mission is to provide our customers with the best customer service in the industry as well as unparalleled solar solutions at the most economical price. We understand that not everyone can afford large upfront costs associated with installing solar systems and we are proud to offer competitive financing options that make it easier for our customers to go solar without breaking the bank. This was certainly true for Bruce D., who took advantage of our financing options and was able to have his new solar system installed within a couple of weeks time. Our team worked hard to ensure everything went smoothly when installing Bruce’s new system. We began by inspecting his roof to determine if it was suitable for installation and if there were any potential problems that needed addressing before beginning work. Once we determined everything was in order we then moved on to designing and installing the system itself. Our team of experienced professionals worked diligently to ensure each component was installed properly and securely so that it would be able to withstand years of exposure to the elements without issue. We also made sure that Bruce was aware of all the financial benefits associated with having a photovoltaic system installed on his home. He was now able to take advantage of numerous tax credits available in Illinois as well as decreased utility bills due to reduced consumption from his local electricity provider. Additionally, he will be able to increase the value of his home by having a solar power system installed which will make it more attractive should he decide he wants to sell it down the line. In conclusion, we are proud of our work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL and were happy to provide him with an efficient and cost-effective way to add renewable energy sources into his home’s power grid. Our team worked diligently throughout every stage of this project from design through installation until completion and we are thrilled with the results. We look forward to continuing our work throughout Illinois providing reliable solar solutions at competitive prices so that more people can benefit from this clean source of energy!

Addition off the side of a typical mid-century post-WWII colonial, including master suite with master bath expansion, first floor family room addition, a complete basement remodel with the addition of new bedroom suite for an AuPair. The clients realized it was more cost effective to do an addition over paying for outside child care for their growing family. Additionally, we helped the clients address some serious drainage issues that were causing settling issues in the home.

An open floor plan kitchen renovation essentially merges your kitchen area with another living space, typically the dining room or living room, creating a more spacious and interconnected feel. Opening Up the Space and Removing walls: This is the key step, taking down non-load-bearing walls that separate the kitchen from the living or dining area. You'll want to consult a structural engineer to ensure any remaining walls can support the weight of the house. Considering beams or columns: Depending on the layout and size of the opening, you might need exposed beams or support columns to maintain structural integrity. These can be incorporated into the design as a stylish feature. Kitchen Repositioning and Functionality: Rethinking the work triangle: The work triangle refers to the refrigerator, sink, and stove - the most used areas in a kitchen. In an open plan, you'll want to ensure these elements remain close together for an efficient workflow. This might involve rearranging cabinetry or appliances. Creating a focal point: An island is a popular choice in open concept kitchens. It can house the sink, cooktop, provide additional storage and counter space, and even offer seating for guests to chat while you cook. Peninsula counters can also be used for a similar effect. Unifying Design Elements: Use consistent flooring throughout the open area to create a cohesive flow. You can also extend the same color scheme or material accents (like backsplash tile) from the kitchen into the adjoining space. Letting in Light: Maximize natural light by incorporating large windows or skylights. This will brighten the entire open area and make it feel even more spacious. Storage Solutions: With an open plan, you might lose some wall space for cabinets. Consider built-in storage solutions like pantry cabinets or creative mudroom cabinetry to ensure you have enough storage for your kitchenware. An open floor plan kitchen renovation can be a transformative project, creating a light-filled and social space in your home. By carefully planning the layout, incorporating design elements that unify the space, and addressing practical considerations with lighting and storage, you can achieve a beautiful and functional open concept kitchen.

This family throws some mean parties where large crowds usually sit at the poolside. There’s an entire section of this walk out second level that is dedicated to entertaining which also gives access to the pool in the backyard. This place comes alive at night with built in surround sounds and LED lights. There was just one issue. The kitchen. The kitchen did not fit in. It was old, outdated, out-styled and nonfunctional. They knew the kitchen had to be address eventually but they just didn’t want to redo the kitchen. They wanted to revamp the kitchen, so they asked us to come in and look at the space to see how we can design this second floor kitchen in their New Rochelle home. It was a small kitchen, strategically located where it could be the hub that the family wanted it to be. It held its own amongst everything that was in the open space like the big screen TV, fireplace and pool table. That is exactly what we did in the design and here is how we did it. First, we got rid of the kitchen table and by doing so we created a peninsular. This eventually sets up the space for a couple of really cool pendant lights, some unique counter chairs and a wine cooler that was purchased before but never really had a home. We then turned our attention to the range and hood. This was not the main kitchen, so wall storage wasn’t the main goal here. We wanted to create a more open feel interaction while in the kitchen, hence we designed the free standing chimney hood alone to the left of the window. We then looked at how we can make it more entertaining. We did that by adding a Wine rack on a buffet style type area. This wall was free and would have remained empty had we not find a way to add some more glitz. Finally came the counter-top. Every detail was crucial because the view of the kitchen can be seen from when you enter the front door even if it was on the second floor walk out. The use of the space called for a waterfall edge counter-top and more importantly, the stone selection to further accentuate the effect. It was crucial that there was movement in the stone which connects to the 45 degree waterfall edge so it would be very dramatic. Nothing was overlooked in this space. It had to be done this way if it was going to have a fighting chance to take command of its territory. Have a look at some before and after photos on the left and see a brief video transformation of this lovely small kitchen. See more photos and vidoe of this transformation on our website @ http://www.rajkitchenandbath.com/portfolio-items/kitchen-remodel-new-rochelle-ny-10801/

The kitchen may be the heart of a home, but the dining room is where the family gathers to enjoy special occasions, create and pass on traditions, and savour each other’s company free from distractions. The family behind this particular dining room enjoys doing just that. When they are not traveling the world, Matthew and Anna (names changed) love to cook meals at home with their teenage daughter, entertain family and friends, and live amongst their cherished travel souvenirs and heirlooms. Their dining room, however, was far from the perfect backdrop for these experiences. Before: Dining Room: When Matthew and Anna contacted us, they imagined a space that would comfortably seat 8 to 10 people and incorporate their beautiful inherited dining table and sideboard in a fresh, modern way. Above all, they wanted a dining room that they would feel proud to share. They worked with us to design, lightly renovate, and furnish their dining room and adjacent living space. Now, the room is nothing short of inviting and elevated. Classic Yet Contemporary Dining Room: Viewed from the living area, the dining room is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Matthew and Anna wanted dark blue for the walls, and we couldn’t have been happier to find the perfect shade for them. By leaning darker, this rich blue creates the perception of depth, making the room feel enticing, comfortable and secluded. The previous built-ins were underwhelming and lacked function, so we designed wider, taller, double sided cabinets that integrated the existing bulk-head, and then accessorized the shelves with the family’s travel finds, books, and decor. Topping these units with brass art lights not only blends contemporary and traditional styles, it also draws attention to the dining table’s modern show-stopping chandelier. You can’t miss it. Inside the dining room, the effect is equally impressive: enveloping yet spacious, warm yet cool, classic yet contemporary. We incorporated their heirloom pieces seamlessly into the design thanks to the 1:2 ratio. For every traditional piece, we introduced two more modern or contemporary pieces — clean lines, subtle curves, and lustrous brass hardware. The result is a collected yet updated look. In any room with dark walls, lighting is of the utmost importance. We placed a mirror adjacent to the window to reflect natural light throughout the room, and we kept the trim and ceiling white for brightness. To provide maximum versatility, we provided multiple light sources that can be adjusted to create different levels of light to suit any mood or occasion. These include: pot lights and a chandelier on dimmers, a sculptural trilight lamp on the sideboard, and art lights on the bookcases and above important art pieces. The built-ins have another surprise waiting inside this special dining room: Double-sided built-ins: dining room shelving and living room shelving. Rather than keep them white like we did in the living room, we painted the back wall of the book cases the same dark blue as the walls in the rest of the room. This reduces the contrast with the surrounding walls and emphasizes the white outline of the cabinets. We also love the dark blue walls’ role as a beautiful backdrop for this family’s treasures. The brass accessories and hand-painted vases and bowls feel like part of the experience. Of course, what is beauty without function? It may not look like it, but the base storage is only accessible from the dining room side. The units include deep cabinets for storing serving ware, as well as another delightful surprise: silverware drawers lined in luxurious navy velvet! Lastly, we designed this beautiful nook for their heirloom sideboard. From afar, the wall looks as if it has texture and perhaps a touch of shine. Up close, you will notice that it is actually navy blue wallpaper with tiny golden dots. This unique touch accentuates the brass in the room touches throughout the space.. The room feels curated, contemporary, and full of character. Words of Praise: Anna and Matthew were thrilled with their new dining room and with the design process itself, which is always the highest compliment. They said: “Working with Lori and her team at Simply Home Decorating was a great experience. The design they came up with was both beautiful and practical for our family. Renovations can be stressful but working with Simply Home made the process much more pleasant. “Simply Home's project management and their longstanding relationships with reliable trades meant we could relax, knowing that everything was taken care of. If an issue arose, the entire Simply Home team was quick to address it. They were excellent at communicating with us—we never felt like we didn't know what was going on. We would highly recommend working with Simply Home Decorating.” Thank you, Matthew and Anna! We are honoured to have been part of your journey and wish your family many happy memories in these new spaces. Now, is it your turn? Are you ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home? If so, contact us here to start the conversation or download my guide Uncovering the Hidden Potential in Your Home below to learn more about what we can do for you.

Last week we featured an incredible new kitchen with an open floor plan and unique architectural interest. I alluded to a change in the staircase and here it is. Part of designing a new kitchen or bath is looking at surrounding spaces and how the remodel will affect them. Will the current master bedroom seem dated as an entrance to the new bath? Is the dining room that adjoins the kitchen badly in need of flooring and lighting? Some projects might have to wait. But if the immediate area has an adverse affect on the newly remodeled kitchen it might be just as important to address these areas within your remodel. Although the staircase was in harmony with the homes existing era and colors, it simply didn’t work with the new kitchen. Despite its open risers, the existing balusters and railings with their colonial turnings and dark stain, were the opposite of the finished kitchen. With the carpeting gone from the floors, it looked dated and out-of-place on the stairs. We carried our kitchen theme to the staircase. We used the natural oak of our flooring for the treads, handrails and posts, but kept the balusters and trim crisp white. The effect perfectly reflects the feel of the kitchen, light and airy. Before, the dark wood details drew the eye up, ultimately to the textured ceiling in the dining room. The darker tone created a dramatic ending as it traveled up to die into the wall. Now, as the eye travels up, the staircase seems to soar. The textured ceiling was replaced with a smooth white one and the wall color is a soft warm contrast. The handrail still ends at the wall, but with white balusters and the light oak handrail, the ending is softer. It isn’t a lighting change, the staircase simply lets the light shine through. The treads are slim and sleek, while the white walls, trim and balusters reflect the light for an overall brighter feel. The newel posts were a great choice. The larger size and square craftsman like features add substance and architecture without seeming heavy or bulky. The final touch completes the look. From front door to back, up and down, this remodel is finished. This home now bursts with sunshine the minute you enter and stays bright and sunny no matter where you turn. From the architectural details that are the center of attention, to the modern stainless steel appliance, this space is perfect for entertaining, or any day. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

Thoughtful design addressed the privacy, light control and aesthetic needs of this custom Eastern Shore home designed by a local Annapolis architect. With all windows of the home facing either water or expansive fields, we preserved the view with functional panels. They offer an unobstructed panorama during the daytime, but can easily be pulled closed for a room-darkening effect in the bedroom and theater room. In the open kitchen, a custom, upholstered banquette outlines a round dining and gathering space for family and guests. Throughout the home, a neutral color palette provides balance to the accent tiling and the deep browns of the high ceiling’s wooden beams.

Addition off the side of a typical mid-century post-WWII colonial, including master suite with master bath expansion, first floor family room addition, a complete basement remodel with the addition of new bedroom suite for an AuPair. The clients realized it was more cost effective to do an addition over paying for outside child care for their growing family. Additionally, we helped the clients address some serious drainage issues that were causing settling issues in the home.

Addition off the side of a typical mid-century post-WWII colonial, including master suite with master bath expansion, first floor family room addition, a complete basement remodel with the addition of new bedroom suite for an AuPair. The clients realized it was more cost effective to do an addition over paying for outside child care for their growing family. Additionally, we helped the clients address some serious drainage issues that were causing settling issues in the home.

This transitional kitchen design is as elegant as it is functional. Built in 1999, this kitchen has remained nearly untouched. With the need for a more functional space and storage, our team was able to completely rethink this kitchen design within its original footprint. Here we addressed a load bearing wall, allowing for an expansion of usable space and opened up the living area to feel more warm and inviting. By far this kitchen’s most notable feature is the custom cabinetry which creates an efficient and effective use of space.

Elevated curb appeal with family-friendly function. Varying elevations and an unexpected structural challenge required a strategic plan for this charming Bethesda home. The clients wanted an outdoor space for family and friends that had room for play, lounging, and grilling—all while keeping a high curb appeal. Once all structural needs were addressed, our team installed an exposed aggregate driveway with a brick border and banding. The stunning outdoor kitchen was custom-built for the grill and smoker station, topped with a granite counter. A custom lattice planted with climbing hydrangea serves as a beautiful privacy screen for the kitchen windows. A lush, serene feel was created using low-maintenance plantings like crepe myrtle trees, creeping Jenny, heavenly bamboo, roses, and ferns. Stepping stones dotted with mazus plants meander through, and the entire effect is one of a woodland paradise that’s always been there. It’s the perfect place to relax with friends and family, and the home has been made even lovelier with these additions.