My clients purchased a grand home on a spectacular waterfront setting, but the interior felt dark and drab. Our challenge was to turn the existing home into a high end Hampton-style residence without major construction. We choose to focus on color, contrast and texture, changing almost every surface in the home and reversing the contrast to make the home light and airy. We invested the construction expense on elements crucial to style and function. Removing a row of out of scale upper cabinetry in the kitchen and replacing it with 3 double hung windows expands the view to 180 degrees and floods the room with light. To create symmetry and balance in the kitchen, we moved the cooktop and centered the sink. The wine cellar entry opened awkwardly into the kitchen and there was no pantry, so we modified the wine cellar and moved the door for better flow, allowing for a large pantry. On the opposite end of the great room, we balanced the fireplace with cabinetry and tall wainscoting. The floors were stained dark espresso while all other trim and cabinetry went a bright white. It took 14 tries to get the perfect wall color – a pale beige/color reminiscent of sand. The blue and white furniture and details pull the entire space together and creates a sophisticated yet casual feel. Photos by Steve Armstrong www.cascadepromedia.com

Lincoln Barbour
Elegant dark wood floor enclosed dining room photo in Portland with blue walls

Beauty in the Details Project Details Designer: Amy Van Wie Cabinetry: Brookhaven I – Frameless Cabinetry Wood: Maple Finishes: Antique White on Perimeter; Distressed Black Espresso Glaze on Island Door: Perimeter – Edgemont Recessed; Island – Edgemont Raised Countertop: Grey Soapstone Awards 2013 Parade of Homes, Pinnacle Homes-Best Kitchen 2013 NKBA Tri-State Award Columbia Cabinets designed the cabinetry for this stunning home that was featured in the 2013 Parade of Homes and is a multi-award design winner. After the initial meet with the clients and Witt Construction, I began to think about how the space could work. The cabinets were crafted with Edgemont Recessed doors in maple with an antique white finish…a perfect selection for the kitchen’s traditional/coastal design. For countertop, I suggested modern grey soapstone. With a nod to today’s popular trend to mix and match finishes, the island was completed in a black espresso glaze distressed finish with maple Edgemont Raised doors. What really distinguishes this project is the attention to the details. Along the refrigerator wall, the shelf area has lowered seeded mullion glass cabinets and a valance. This created an airy, open look within the space. The bead board accents and corbels throughout the kitchen complete the design.

Jennifer Brown
Example of a large danish galley light wood floor enclosed kitchen design in New York with an island, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets and white backsplash

A rich Espresso finish creates a sophisticated style for this expansive walk-in closet. Hanging rods create zones for each type of clothing, and open shelves keep shirts, linens, and collections looking neat. Drawers, hutches, slanted shoe racks, and corner storage make the most of every square inch.

Inspiration for a modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen remodel in Miami with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, multicolored backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Ashley Avila Photography
Inspiration for a transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar remodel in Grand Rapids with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets and dark wood cabinets

Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen design in Salt Lake City with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, granite countertops, gray backsplash and glass tile backsplash

Design: Abodwell Interior Design | Photographer: Dennis Owen — in Laguna Beach, CA.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard tile patio remodel in Orange County with no cover

Large minimalist porcelain tile eat-in kitchen photo in Indianapolis with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Living room - contemporary formal living room idea in Phoenix with a ribbon fireplace

Photo: Adrienne DeRosa © 2015 Houzz As is the case with many homeowners, budget and durability topped the list of priorities with the Williamsons’ renovation. By choosing affordable units and doing much of the work themselves, the couple were able to achieve a quality kitchen within their frugal budget. Maintaining the neutral look through the kitchen, The Williamsons selected speckled granite, and espresso finish cabinets for some contrast. "We chose the most affordable cabinets offered," explains Catherine, "but got them in an espresso finish so off the bat they looked nice. We balanced them out with granite countertops, which cost us less than $500 because we cut and installed them ourselves."

A Showplace Kitchen featuring Arlington doors in two tones, Maple Soft Cream and Maple Espresso. Photos by: Scott Korsten
Example of a large classic u-shaped beige floor enclosed kitchen design in Miami with white cabinets, quartzite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets and a peninsula

This home office for two offers enough room for this busy couple to work side by side without getting in each others way. A beautiful mix of espresso cabinets with white uppers makes the upper cabinets recede giving the room a more open feel.

Erika Bierman Photography
Eclectic medium tone wood floor dining room photo in Los Angeles with white walls

This kitchen is a prime example of beautifully designed functionality. From the spacious maple butcher block island & eating bar to the roll-up pass through window for outdoor entertaining, the space can handle whatever situation the owners throw at it. The Espresso stain on these Medallion cabinets of Cherry wood really anchors the whimsy of the yellow bar stools and the ginger-tone checkerboard Marmoleum floor. Cabinets designed and installed by Allen's Fine Woodworking Cabinetry and Design, Hood River, OR. Photos by Zach Luellen Photography LLC

Mid-sized elegant brown two-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Chicago

Kitchen - transitional l-shaped light wood floor kitchen idea in Chicago with glass-front cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Beach style brick patio photo in Orange County with a bbq area