Light moves through this Upper West Side kitchen, catching the stone surface of the island and the handmade tile along the backsplash, drawing the eye toward Central Park. Tall custom cabinetry and integrated refrigeration increase storage without crowding the room, and the island establishes a sense of structure between the kitchen, living, and dining areas. Proportion and elevation were central to the redesign, bringing cohesion and balance to a compact apartment layout. More on cabinetry proportion and design: https://homehouseinteriors.com/nyc-cabinetry-design-proportion/

“Compelling.” That’s how one of our judges characterized this stair, which manages to embody both reassuring solidity and airy weightlessness. Architect Mahdad Saniee specified beefy maple treads—each laminated from two boards, to resist twisting and cupping—and supported them at the wall with hidden steel hangers. “We wanted to make them look like they are floating,” he says, “so they sit away from the wall by about half an inch.” The stainless steel rods that seem to pierce the treads’ opposite ends are, in fact, joined by threaded couplings hidden within the thickness of the wood. The result is an assembly whose stiffness underfoot defies expectation, Saniee says. “It feels very solid, much more solid than average stairs.” With the rods working in tension from above and compression below, “it’s very hard for those pieces of wood to move.” The interplay of wood and steel makes abstract reference to a Steinway concert grand, Saniee notes. “It’s taking elements of a piano and playing with them.” A gently curved soffit in the ceiling reinforces the visual rhyme. The jury admired the effect but was equally impressed with the technical acumen required to achieve it. “The rhythm established by the vertical rods sets up a rigorous discipline that works with the intricacies of stair dimensions,” observed one judge. “That’s really hard to do.”

A long established style with a contemporary flare. Inspired by Damask weaving, one of the original Byzantine time weaving techniques; the classic collection is versatile and timeless.

This masterbath feels bright and open with light walls, cabinetry, and tile. The shower and floor are laid with light gray porcelain tile, while a glass tile inlay marks the shower. The vanity top is carrera marble. Kris Decker / Firewater Photography

Innovation and esthetics merge in this stunning cutting edge kitchen. White oak floors and custom-stained rift cut white oak cabinets establish the airy scheme. A variety of closure devices were chosen: touch latches on the tall cabinets except for the polished chrome handles on the refrigeration columns; beveled top edges with black backing for contrast on the pot drawers; and low-profile chrome edge pulls for cabinets on the island. The first technology update is the cooktop: the knobs are separate, and are set into the oversized marble counter edge. Another surprise is the marble countertop fronts on either side of the cooktop: they’re actually drawers with beveled top edges that disappear when closed. An additional upgrade is the electrical sockets (without switch plates) that are set flush into the tall cabinet sides. Both tall sections flanking the cooktop have retractable doors: at left is a coffee station; at right is storage for serving pieces and pantry items. Boldly veined marble adds organic pattern in several applications: countertops; the double-waterfall island; the back of the island; and the recessed vent hood front. Polished stainless steel is the cooktop alcove’s backsplash, reflecting the entire kitchen when viewed from the adjoining family room.

This elegant house seems to have been designed to allow its owner to experience the beauty of light with a particular intensity. ​ The use of white emphasizes the interplay of forms and levels that has been established in the interior. Outside, a patio provide an idyllic setting for relaxing, reading, playing and above all enjoying the southern California weather.

Innovation and esthetics merge in this stunning cutting edge kitchen. White oak floors and custom-stained rift cut white oak cabinets establish the airy scheme. A variety of closure devices were chosen: touch latches on the tall cabinets except for the polished chrome handles on the refrigeration columns; beveled top edges with black backing for contrast on the pot drawers; and low-profile chrome edge pulls for cabinets on the island. The first technology update is the cooktop: the knobs are separate, and are set into the oversized marble counter edge. Another surprise is the marble countertop fronts on either side of the cooktop: they’re actually drawers with beveled top edges that disappear when closed. An additional upgrade is the electrical sockets (without switch plates) that are set flush into the tall cabinet sides. Both tall sections flanking the cooktop have retractable doors: at left is a coffee station; at right is storage for serving pieces and pantry items. Boldly veined marble adds organic pattern in several applications: countertops; the double-waterfall island; the back of the island; and the recessed vent hood front. Polished stainless steel is the cooktop alcove’s backsplash, reflecting the entire kitchen when viewed from the adjoining family room.

This primary bathroom remodel in Olney, Maryland, showcases a sophisticated transition from traditional architecture to a clean, modern aesthetic. The design centers on a high-contrast palette of crisp whites, deep blacks, and warm wood tones, creating a bright and functional sanctuary. Design Highlights Walk-In Shower: The curbless shower features large-format marble-veined wall tiles paired with a dark grey hexagonal mosaic floor. Matte black hardware, including a rain showerhead and a handheld wand, provides a bold, contemporary finish. Vanity & Storage: Dual white shaker-style vanities are topped with white quartz counters featuring subtle grey veining. Minimalist matte black faucets and pulls tie the look together. A custom window bench with drawer storage sits beneath the large arched window, maximizing utility and seating. Lighting & Fixtures: Modern four-light vanity fixtures with textured glass shades provide ample illumination. Rounded-corner black framed mirrors add a soft geometric touch to the workspace. Flooring: Durable luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in a multi-tonal wood finish adds warmth to the space and balances the cooler tones of the cabinetry and tile. Architectural Features: The original arched window and vaulted ceiling were preserved and enhanced with custom plantation shutters, allowing for privacy without sacrificing the room's natural light. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of using large-format tile in a shower? Large-format tiles create a more seamless appearance by reducing the number of grout lines. This not only makes the space feel larger and more open but also significantly reduces the surface area where mold and mildew can accumulate, making the shower easier to clean. Why choose matte black hardware over chrome or brushed nickel? Matte black serves as a strong "anchor" in a white bathroom, providing a high-contrast, modern look that hides water spots and fingerprints more effectively than polished finishes. It pairs exceptionally well with various wood tones and stone patterns. Is luxury vinyl plank (LVP) a good choice for a bathroom? Yes, high-quality LVP is 100% waterproof, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms. It offers the aesthetic warmth of hardwood—which is susceptible to moisture damage—with the durability and slip resistance needed for a wet environment. How does a custom window bench improve a bathroom layout? Beyond providing a place to sit, a custom bench utilizes the often-underused space beneath a window for extra storage. It creates a cohesive, "built-in" look that ties the vanities together and adds a high-end, furniture-like quality to the room. What is the advantage of a "design-build" approach for a remodel like this? The design-build model integrates both the design and construction phases into a single contract. This ensures that the aesthetic vision stays within the established budget and allows for better communication between the designers and the craftsmen during the actual renovation.

This house was bought and the homeowner’s wanted to completely remodel their kitchen and three bathrooms before they moved in. While the homeowners were in town we were able to establish a strong sense of what they were wanting to achieve and their tastes in design. However, most of the design, selections and construction was done while they were in New Hampshire. Thankfully with technology our team and the homeowners were able to communicate and successfully prepare the home so that when they moved in it felt like theirs. The kitchen was a place where they wanted functionality and an open area to entertain guests and family.

This upscale urban style penthouse is designed for entertaining. The open floor plan and angled windows presented layout challenges so several zones were established to create balance. The living room is defined by an area rug and conversation-friendly furniture placement. The bistro table and stools distinguish the casual eating zone and were placed strategically to take advantage of the spectacular views.

This channel features the CABLE WINE SYSTEMS™, a floating wine racking system known for its versatility, sophistication, and unmatched quality. Custom wine racking displays from Cable Wine Systems Inc. are made of the highest quality stainless steel cable and chromed brass clamps. The perception of a floating wine rack placed almost anywhere in your home or establishment can beautifully showcase either some or all of a wine collection. And with the ability to hold any number of bottles of wine of various sizes, the Cable Wine System meets all the needs of even the boldest wine collectors. The CABLE WINE SYSTEMS™ wine racking system was formally introduced to the public at Toronto’s Interior Design Show in 2012 where it received rave reviews from the design, building, and architectural communities alike. It has continued to gain in popularity across North America and internationally ever since. For more information please visit www.cablewinesystems.com

Maintaining continuity established by the ensuite design, this main floor bathroom was updates with the same crisp white quartz counter tops and brilliant glass & metal mosaic tiles. Neutral enough, the client was able to lower project costs by leaving the existing vinyl floor in this bathroom.

Maintaining continuity established by the ensuite design, this main floor bathroom was updates with the same crisp white quartz counter tops and brilliant glass & metal mosaic tiles. Neutral enough, the client was able to lower project costs by leaving the existing vinyl floor in this bathroom.

This primary bathroom remodel in Olney, Maryland, showcases a sophisticated transition from traditional architecture to a clean, modern aesthetic. The design centers on a high-contrast palette of crisp whites, deep blacks, and warm wood tones, creating a bright and functional sanctuary. Design Highlights Walk-In Shower: The curbless shower features large-format marble-veined wall tiles paired with a dark grey hexagonal mosaic floor. Matte black hardware, including a rain showerhead and a handheld wand, provides a bold, contemporary finish. Vanity & Storage: Dual white shaker-style vanities are topped with white quartz counters featuring subtle grey veining. Minimalist matte black faucets and pulls tie the look together. A custom window bench with drawer storage sits beneath the large arched window, maximizing utility and seating. Lighting & Fixtures: Modern four-light vanity fixtures with textured glass shades provide ample illumination. Rounded-corner black framed mirrors add a soft geometric touch to the workspace. Flooring: Durable luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in a multi-tonal wood finish adds warmth to the space and balances the cooler tones of the cabinetry and tile. Architectural Features: The original arched window and vaulted ceiling were preserved and enhanced with custom plantation shutters, allowing for privacy without sacrificing the room's natural light. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of using large-format tile in a shower? Large-format tiles create a more seamless appearance by reducing the number of grout lines. This not only makes the space feel larger and more open but also significantly reduces the surface area where mold and mildew can accumulate, making the shower easier to clean. Why choose matte black hardware over chrome or brushed nickel? Matte black serves as a strong "anchor" in a white bathroom, providing a high-contrast, modern look that hides water spots and fingerprints more effectively than polished finishes. It pairs exceptionally well with various wood tones and stone patterns. Is luxury vinyl plank (LVP) a good choice for a bathroom? Yes, high-quality LVP is 100% waterproof, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms. It offers the aesthetic warmth of hardwood—which is susceptible to moisture damage—with the durability and slip resistance needed for a wet environment. How does a custom window bench improve a bathroom layout? Beyond providing a place to sit, a custom bench utilizes the often-underused space beneath a window for extra storage. It creates a cohesive, "built-in" look that ties the vanities together and adds a high-end, furniture-like quality to the room. What is the advantage of a "design-build" approach for a remodel like this? The design-build model integrates both the design and construction phases into a single contract. This ensures that the aesthetic vision stays within the established budget and allows for better communication between the designers and the craftsmen during the actual renovation.

This house was bought and the homeowner’s wanted to completely remodel their kitchen and three bathrooms before they moved in. While the homeowners were in town we were able to establish a strong sense of what they were wanting to achieve and their tastes in design. However, most of the design, selections and construction was done while they were in New Hampshire. Thankfully with technology our team and the homeowners were able to communicate and successfully prepare the home so that when they moved in it felt like theirs. The kitchen was a place where they wanted functionality and an open area to entertain guests and family.

This primary bathroom remodel in Olney, Maryland, showcases a sophisticated transition from traditional architecture to a clean, modern aesthetic. The design centers on a high-contrast palette of crisp whites, deep blacks, and warm wood tones, creating a bright and functional sanctuary. Design Highlights Walk-In Shower: The curbless shower features large-format marble-veined wall tiles paired with a dark grey hexagonal mosaic floor. Matte black hardware, including a rain showerhead and a handheld wand, provides a bold, contemporary finish. Vanity & Storage: Dual white shaker-style vanities are topped with white quartz counters featuring subtle grey veining. Minimalist matte black faucets and pulls tie the look together. A custom window bench with drawer storage sits beneath the large arched window, maximizing utility and seating. Lighting & Fixtures: Modern four-light vanity fixtures with textured glass shades provide ample illumination. Rounded-corner black framed mirrors add a soft geometric touch to the workspace. Flooring: Durable luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in a multi-tonal wood finish adds warmth to the space and balances the cooler tones of the cabinetry and tile. Architectural Features: The original arched window and vaulted ceiling were preserved and enhanced with custom plantation shutters, allowing for privacy without sacrificing the room's natural light. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of using large-format tile in a shower? Large-format tiles create a more seamless appearance by reducing the number of grout lines. This not only makes the space feel larger and more open but also significantly reduces the surface area where mold and mildew can accumulate, making the shower easier to clean. Why choose matte black hardware over chrome or brushed nickel? Matte black serves as a strong "anchor" in a white bathroom, providing a high-contrast, modern look that hides water spots and fingerprints more effectively than polished finishes. It pairs exceptionally well with various wood tones and stone patterns. Is luxury vinyl plank (LVP) a good choice for a bathroom? Yes, high-quality LVP is 100% waterproof, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms. It offers the aesthetic warmth of hardwood—which is susceptible to moisture damage—with the durability and slip resistance needed for a wet environment. How does a custom window bench improve a bathroom layout? Beyond providing a place to sit, a custom bench utilizes the often-underused space beneath a window for extra storage. It creates a cohesive, "built-in" look that ties the vanities together and adds a high-end, furniture-like quality to the room. What is the advantage of a "design-build" approach for a remodel like this? The design-build model integrates both the design and construction phases into a single contract. This ensures that the aesthetic vision stays within the established budget and allows for better communication between the designers and the craftsmen during the actual renovation.

Stephani Buchman Photography
Open concept kitchen - large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Toronto with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash and an island

Designed by Lisa Lauren of Closet Works Traditional in nature, the Shaker drawer fronts blend exquisitely with the Emerald Brushed Chrome handles establishing the overall transitional aesthetic of this arrangement.

This primary bathroom remodel in Olney, Maryland, showcases a sophisticated transition from traditional architecture to a clean, modern aesthetic. The design centers on a high-contrast palette of crisp whites, deep blacks, and warm wood tones, creating a bright and functional sanctuary. Design Highlights Walk-In Shower: The curbless shower features large-format marble-veined wall tiles paired with a dark grey hexagonal mosaic floor. Matte black hardware, including a rain showerhead and a handheld wand, provides a bold, contemporary finish. Vanity & Storage: Dual white shaker-style vanities are topped with white quartz counters featuring subtle grey veining. Minimalist matte black faucets and pulls tie the look together. A custom window bench with drawer storage sits beneath the large arched window, maximizing utility and seating. Lighting & Fixtures: Modern four-light vanity fixtures with textured glass shades provide ample illumination. Rounded-corner black framed mirrors add a soft geometric touch to the workspace. Flooring: Durable luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in a multi-tonal wood finish adds warmth to the space and balances the cooler tones of the cabinetry and tile. Architectural Features: The original arched window and vaulted ceiling were preserved and enhanced with custom plantation shutters, allowing for privacy without sacrificing the room's natural light. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of using large-format tile in a shower? Large-format tiles create a more seamless appearance by reducing the number of grout lines. This not only makes the space feel larger and more open but also significantly reduces the surface area where mold and mildew can accumulate, making the shower easier to clean. Why choose matte black hardware over chrome or brushed nickel? Matte black serves as a strong "anchor" in a white bathroom, providing a high-contrast, modern look that hides water spots and fingerprints more effectively than polished finishes. It pairs exceptionally well with various wood tones and stone patterns. Is luxury vinyl plank (LVP) a good choice for a bathroom? Yes, high-quality LVP is 100% waterproof, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms. It offers the aesthetic warmth of hardwood—which is susceptible to moisture damage—with the durability and slip resistance needed for a wet environment. How does a custom window bench improve a bathroom layout? Beyond providing a place to sit, a custom bench utilizes the often-underused space beneath a window for extra storage. It creates a cohesive, "built-in" look that ties the vanities together and adds a high-end, furniture-like quality to the room. What is the advantage of a "design-build" approach for a remodel like this? The design-build model integrates both the design and construction phases into a single contract. This ensures that the aesthetic vision stays within the established budget and allows for better communication between the designers and the craftsmen during the actual renovation.