How much style can we put in one small hall bathroom? Oh so much! Our clients needed to renovate their family bathroom which was almost completely original, in their 1920’s Royal Oak tudor style home – but they didn’t want to sacrifice the style and character that they love about their home. We enhanced the arch in the bathtub/shower area and incorporated traditional tile elements including a rich colored beveled tile and tile base and installed a traditional mosaic key patterned flooring. We added wallpaper and gold fixtures and topped it off with a bright white, stylish vanity. This bathroom is small, mighty and completely in sync with this historic home.

Kitchen - large rustic kitchen idea in Other with shaker cabinets and an island

This Manhattan Upper East side apartment renovation introduces memories of California into a New York setting for clients who embrace the Big Apple lifestyle but didn’t want to give up their Marin County, California comforts. The carved out ceilings and walls add a new dimension to the space; while the blond color woods and curved shapes bring memories of a calmer life. The overall result of the apartment design is a fun, warm and relaxing refuge from their current, higher energy lives. Photography: Charles Callister Jr.

Example of an island style medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room design in Miami with multicolored walls and no fireplace

We embrace collaboration: Working with the incomparable Agnes Bourne, we created a residence at once rustic and rare, in concert with its surroundings. The one-of-a-kind palette featured reclaimed timbers, Montana moss stone, custom furniture in leather, mohair and linen plus pops of crimson.

Rear of the 'Lausanne' showing the rooms embracing the courtyard and covered porches; Lindsay Salazar Photography
Example of a large transitional white two-story brick exterior home design in Salt Lake City with a shingle roof

Located in stylish Chelsea, this updated five-floor townhouse incorporates both a bold, modern aesthetic and sophisticated, polished taste. Palettes range from vibrant and playful colors in the family and kids’ spaces to softer, rich tones in the master bedroom and formal dining room. DHD interiors embraced the client’s adventurous taste, incorporating dynamic prints and striking wallpaper into each room, and a stunning floor-to-floor stair runner. Lighting became one of the most crucial elements as well, as ornate vintage fixtures and eye-catching sconces are featured throughout the home. Photography: Emily Andrews Architect: Robert Young Architecture 3 Bedrooms / 4,000 Square Feet

When it comes to finding inspiration for your house or apartment design, there are a variety of routes you can take. For some, it is important to dive into the latest trends in fashion and art, using only the most popular decor pieces and embracing the color palettes seen on runways or in home and garden magazines. But for others, it’s simply about discovering what feels most like “home.” Ashley Steele, the creator of A Styled Affair, was part of the latter group. “Since my husband and I were moving into a space that was previously owned, I needed a way to make it feel like it was truly ours, and unique to us,” she told our team. A Styled Affair sprang from Ashley’s passion for fashion, and need for a creative outlet. But it soon became more than that. She developed a following, and it quickly became a place where she could share her personal style, travel adventures, and lifestyle tips. “While the blogging industry has become overwhelmed with people sharing their favorite home decor or make-up tips, I think what sets A Styled Affair apart is my commitment to stay true to my unique taste. I have always marched to the beat of my own drum – and that carries through in the clothes I wear, the decor I select for our home, and the travels I plan.” Paintzen connected with Ashley as she was settling into her new home in Boston’s Seaport District. Although she and her husband have lived in Boston for almost 8 years, they were used to smaller, more traditional spaces. Their new home is much bigger, and more modern, than any place they lived before. “I wanted to select colors of comfort, simplicity, and sophistication so we could elevate the space and make it feel more like a home.” Ashley also accurately pointed out that new construction can sometimes feel a little cold and sterile, almost industrial. “I wanted our home to feel like a peaceful oasis after coming in from the bustling city.” Ashley chose soft white paint for her walls to bring a sense of comfort and zen. With lots of wall decor, art work and carefully selected furniture, the walls serve as a clean and comfortable palette, and allowed her more freedom when making her other design decisions throughout the space. Ashley kept the overall palette fairly neutral, and incorporated “modern bohemian” inspired decor throughout the home; the final product was clean and simple, and catered to her style. We asked Ashley what she was most excited for now. “I’m most excited to continue to find new decor pieces to compliment the paint colors and decor we’ve already found for the space. We have been really patient with decorating and selected each piece really careful to make sure it is cohesive and flows from room to room. I’m looking forward to enjoying the space with my husband and dog, and entertaining friends and family in the spring and summer!” A few final questions for Ashley on her experience with Paintzen: “I would highly recommend Paintzen to anyone, especially those that live in the city. There are so many different paint companies and contractors to choose from but going through Paintzen simplified the process and made me feel comfortable that we had the right team working on our space. Their platform for booking services and choosing paint colors made the process seamless and was a great way to keep track of what we booked and chose for colors. Most importantly, the customer service team was outstanding whenever we had a question or needed to make an adjustment.” And advice she would give someone repainting their home: “Patience. I would recommend taking your time and doing your research before selecting paint colors. Lighting changes every color so make sure to bring paint swatches and samples into the space and look at it throughout the day to see the different tones that the light will pick up. I would also recommend researching color trends and recommendations for colors in the family you are looking for. We found our living room color through a blog post listing top-used colors by interior designers and it looks amazing.”

Hedrick Blessing Photography
Large transitional master marble floor alcove bathtub photo in Chicago with marble countertops, beige walls, brown cabinets and an undermount sink

Inspiration for a huge industrial underground carpeted basement remodel in Baltimore

Example of a mountain style light wood floor sunroom design in Milwaukee with a wood stove and a standard ceiling

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What began as a forgotten mid-century modern house was reimagined into a home that celebrates its architectural roots while embracing modern comfort and functionality. The redesigned layout opened the floor plan, inviting light and flow throughout the home. A new primary suite now offers a private retreat with a walk-in closet, floating vanity, heated towel bars, and spa-inspired comfort. The kitchen was crafted for efficiency and style, featuring quartzite surfaces, custom millwork, and clever storage like a hidden “magic corner.” Lighting was thoughtfully integrated into exposed beams, highlighting textures and form while maintaining the home’s mid-century character. Every detail, inside and out, reflects a seamless balance of nostalgia, accessibility, and timeless design.

This 1920s Spanish-style estate located in Beverly Hills had not been maintained or updated for several decades. The residence’s new design includes a 1,800-square-foot addition containing a large family room, kitchen, and service area. The rest of the first floor was reconfigured to provide a new connection to the backyard and “resort” vibe. The existing two-story accessory building was demolished and replaced by a new 1,400-square-foot building comprising a three-car garage and pool house. Between the residence and pool house is the remodeled backyard with a new pool and water wall, a large outdoor terrace, and an area for the clients’ two Bernese Mountain dogs to play. The project has drought-tolerant planting, a solar system, and the latest electronic smart home technology. Many design strategies allow the clients to age in place, including reducing level changes throughout the house and designing rooms for accessibility.

This rural retreat along the shores of the St. Joe River embraces the many voices of a close-knit extended family. While contemporary in form - a nod to the older generation’s leanings - the house is built from traditional, rustic, and resilient elements such as a rough-hewn cedar shake roof, locally mined granite, and old-growth fir beams. The house’s east footprint parallels the bluff edge. The low ceilings of a pair of sitting areas help frame views downward to the waterline thirty feet below. These spaces also lend a welcome intimacy since oftentimes the house is only occupied by two. Larger groups are drawn to the vaulted ceilings of the kitchen and living room which open onto a broad meadow to the west that slopes up to a fruit orchard. The importance of group dinners is reflected in the bridge-like form of the dining room that links the two wings of the house.

From early planning through permitting and construction, this project required careful decisions to balance preservation with innovation. The clients were particularly keen to maintain the playful and unexpected qualities that give mid-century homes their personality, and we embraced that spirit throughout the design. Several custom details were carefully engineered to achieve this balance, including a sliding backsplash panel that conceals storage behind a seamless porcelain surface—an element that consistently surprises visitors. The completed space honors the architectural character of the original home while introducing modern functionality, light, and craftsmanship designed to support daily family life

In the embrace of Hudson, a family of five embarked on a transformative journey within their cherished abode. Their aspirations were clear: an island, double ovens, and an open concept seamlessly merging the living area with the deck. The addition of much-needed pantry storage expanded both practicality and aesthetics. During festive seasons, the extended seating area welcomed company, fostering warmth and camaraderie. In this cozy haven, where hues whisper comfort and memories linger, evenings unfolded—a symphony of shared stories, laughter, and nourishment. Our cabinet choices for the colors chosen on this job was Fabuwood stock line and Bridgewood semi custom.

This bathroom design embraces high-contrast elegance with creative flair. Matte black cabinetry on two separate vanities and a spacious storage wall are paired with polished black tile flooring sets a dramatic foundation, while the soft gray grasscloth wallpaper adds texture and warmth. A square, black-framed mirror and contemporary wall sconce above the vanity strike a minimalist tone. Brass hardware throughout including the cabinet knobs, drawer pulls and picture light adds a touch of understated glamour. A vibrant abstract painting infuses the space with energy in an otherwise neutral palette. A sleek black stool completes this chic master bath design. Bold, modern, and artfully balanced.

With lovely lake views, this home deserved an interior that reflected the breezy, relaxed essence of lakeside living. Our challenge was to balance contemporary elements—especially the bold black stone in the kitchen— with a warm, inviting feel perfect for both entertaining and everyday family life. We embraced lake-inspired hues of blues and greens, layering in organic textures like seagrass, grasscloth, jute and sisal but in modern charcoal-to-black tones. Working within the existing palette, we enhanced the home’s character with a thoughtfully curated, fully staged design, down to the table settings. The result is a sophisticated yet welcoming retreat that truly feels like home.