Ranunculus ficaria, Anemone blanda Jaap de Vries © 2016 - Houzz

Location: Cohasset, MA, USA When my clients purchased this historic house, they saw that this garden held great potential, even though the property had been somewhat neglected. They wanted the new landscape to evoke the feeling of an Olde Maine house that time had forgotten. Sitting on the front veranda in the shade of the treasured Horse Chestnut and Maple trees that flank each side of the house, we explored the possibilities together. The front yard sloped a bit too much for comfort, so we determined that building a stone wall in the middle would create a terrace, making both parts of the lawn more usable. Visions of parties and children's weddings came to mind. We put a set of elegant arching steps in the middle, leading down to the sunken garden. Large, mature Rhododendrons were planted at the base of the Horse Chestnut and Maple trees just off the front veranda. Boxwoods undulate beneath the trees with Vinca as a ground cover. Ticonderoga stone was used for the walls and steps, which was the closest match to the existing stone foundation. The exquisite masonry by Doug Brooks Masonry makes this staircase as elegant as a tiered wedding cake.

How do you create a larger space? Or at least the illusion of a larger space...Adding mirrors behind the bed make this master room feel spacious and inviting. The custom hand painted mural brings life to this small space. Surprisingly filled with storage, the queen size, extra long, custom bed, houses tons of storage beneath the mattress while drawers line the face of the bed for easy access to personal items. In addition, the wall adjescent the bed has an 18' long bench seat that runs the full length of the Bedroom with easy lift lids for... more storage of-course. Even the striped carpet tiles camoflage built-in floor storage which gives the owners all the room they might need.

The kitchen is the heart of the Ashmont — and it shows. A plastered custom range hood anchors the space, arched and substantial, with a professional range tucked beneath and a pot filler finished in brass. Taj Mahal quartzite countertops run the length of the oversized island, where three seats pull up naturally for morning coffee or an evening pour. Black and gold cone pendants overhead tie it all together. The scullery sits just off the kitchen, keeping the prep work out of sight and the main space ready for company.

Tucked beneath the staircase, this cozy reading nook transforms an often-overlooked space into a quiet retreat. Fully upholstered in a richly patterned Schumacher fabric, the nook envelops you in warmth, texture, and comfort. The tailored upholstery softens the architecture while creating an intimate cocoon for reading, reflection, or simply taking a moment to unwind. Thoughtfully integrated into the home's design, this charming hideaway adds both function and personality, proving that even the smallest spaces can become memorable destinations.

Even with a monochromatic palette, this transitional master bathroom stays fresh and interesting with texture and touches of glam and rustic charm. The bathtub beneath the large arched window becomes a stunning focal point – traditional shutters coupled with rich marble blend old world and new world sophistication. Photo Credit: Clarified Studios

This stunning basement in Huntingtown, MD is fully outfitted with a wet bar, theatre room, gym, billiard room, wine cellar and even an elevator! The beautiful custom bar is clad with top tier magma black granite and sits conveniently across from the, also custom built, wine cellar beneath the stairs. It is perfect for impressing any guest. The surrounding amenities provide an array of entertainment like enjoying a movie on the big screen, getting a much needed work out or simply having a casual game of pool.

From ample counter space to utilizing the headroom above the washer and dryer with upper cabinets, this light and open combination mudroom and laundry room was created to maximize use. The space features a Blue Toile finish on Nova Recessed doors as well as a custom-made oversized island, allowing ample space for folding and storing clothing baskets on shelving underneath. Even a built-in kennel space was incorporated beneath the large island for the family’s favorite pet. Floating shelves allow creative decorating, making the space feel livable and part of the home’s flow. And a well-positioned corner sink takes advantage of the lake view outside, while custom built mudroom lockers allow each family member to have their own space to store jackets, bags, shoes and more. Designed by Jennifer Hissa Greater Chicago Kitchen and Bath

Complete Hillside Backyard Renovation, El Paso – by GoDesigns This breathtaking backyard transformation in the historic area of El Paso, Texas, is a shining example of GoDesigns’ vision, expertise, and resilience. Situated on a challenging hillside property, the original backyard installed in 2005 was plagued by critical design flaws that led to a complete failure of the outdoor space. The existing negative edge pool, improperly installed with insufficient grade, drainage, and support, caused massive water loss and structural issues. The consequences were severe — the side rock wall broke in half, the backyard destabilized, and even a portion of the house was compromised. GoDesigns was brought in to turn crisis into opportunity. During the height of COVID-19, they launched Phase 1 of a multi-phase master plan to restore and reinvent the space. The entire backyard was demolished, including the compromised pool shell. The broken negative edge section was filled in, making way for a reimagined pool design. A new, reinforced pool structure was shot, finished with 5cm tumbled travertine coping, oversized mossrock boulders, new waterline tile, and a premium PebbleTec interior. Beneath the beauty lies smart engineering: GoDesigns replaced all plumbing and regraded the property, applying subsurface remediation and compaction techniques to ensure long-term stability. A new rocksalt steel reinforced concrete deck was poured, replacing the narrow wraparound layout with a spacious, functional outdoor living area. Now, the family enjoys ample room for chaise lounges, alfresco dining, and relaxing by the existing outdoor fireplace — luxuries they never had before. GoDesigns didn’t stop there. Advanced drainage systems — including underground piping, box drains, and planter drains — were installed to protect the integrity of the hillside. These systems are integrated into leveled planters that not only beautify the space but also reinforce the structure of the pool and surrounding terrain. Phase 2 focused on upgrading the patio directly outside the main house, while Phase 3 was the final touch — a lush landscape planting plan paired with elegant outdoor lighting to enhance ambiance and curb appeal. What was once a scene of despair is now a luxurious retreat — completed in thoughtfully timed phases over four years. Thanks to GoDesigns’ master planning and unwavering commitment, this hillside haven is a true testament to transformation. The clients are now looking forward to their next chapter: the front yard.

In Frederick, Maryland, a design-build kitchen remodel incorporates local charm with modern touches, creating a functional and inviting space. This kitchen remodel blends traditional elements with contemporary design, making the space ideal for both daily use and entertaining. Here's a breakdown of the remodel, featuring a large island, a beverage station, and an Icelandic Picket ceramic tile backsplash above the gas range. 1. Large Island: The focal point of the kitchen is a spacious island, perfect for meal preparation, casual dining, and socializing. At about 8 to 10 feet long, the island features a high-end engineered quartz countertop, with subtle veining in shades of gray and white. This island is designed for both functionality and beauty, with ample storage beneath in custom cabinetry, including pull-out drawers, open shelves and deep cabinets. The island is finished with painted cabinetry in soft olive-green color, balancing the space with a touch of elegance. 2. Beverage Station: Adjacent to the island is a dedicated beverage station, positioned for convenience and style. This cozy nook includes a built-in coffee bar, and a sleek under-counter wine cooler, and drawers to store glassware and coffee mugs. The beverage station provides plenty of counter space for drink preparation and is thoughtfully integrated into the kitchen layout, so it’s easily accessible from both the dining area and living spaces. 3. Icelandic Picket Ceramic Tile Backsplash Above the Gas Range: Above the gas range, the Icelandic Picket ceramic tile backsplash makes a bold statement, drawing attention with its unique design and color palette. These elongated, picket-shaped tiles come in a range of soft, natural tones – think cool whites, subtle greens, and light grays – that evoke the serene beauty of Iceland’s landscapes. The tiles are installed in a chic, geometric pattern, creating a contemporary feel that contrasts beautifully with the traditional elements of the kitchen. Their glossy finish adds a sense of brightness, reflecting natural light from the large windows. The backsplash not only serves as a practical, easy-to-clean surface but also acts as a visually dynamic feature that ties the entire kitchen design together. 4. Overall Aesthetic and Materials: The kitchen remodel brings a blend of modern sophistication and rustic charm, perfectly suited to Frederick’s historic character. Light-colored cherry cabinetry provides warmth and a timeless feel, while stainless steel appliances contribute a sleek, polished contrast. The flooring consists of large ceramic tiles in a soft, natural finish, tying the kitchen's elements together and ensuring a cohesive, inviting atmosphere. Large windows bring in plenty of natural light, enhancing the airy, open feel of the space. The addition of subtle, muted lighting throughout creates a soft, welcoming glow for evening meals and gatherings. 5. Local Touches and Context: Incorporating elements of the local Frederick style, the remodel emphasizes craftsmanship and functional beauty. The kitchen’s open-plan layout flows seamlessly into the dining and living areas, creating an inviting space for both intimate family dinners and larger gatherings.. This remodel captures the essence of Frederick, combining contemporary style with local tradition, all while making a bold statement with design choices that are both elegant and functional.

This project was all about transforming an awkward, underutilized space beneath the stairs into a cozy yet stylish retreat. My client wanted a comfortable area to unwind after work, and the design solution delivered. The newly created lounging area has become her go-to spot, and she even enjoys teleworking from the dining room while savoring her morning coffee. Now, it’s one of her favorite spaces in the apartment. She loves the luxurious yet comfortable sofa, and the credenza ties in perfectly with the rug, adding a touch of elegance. The result? A transitional design that perfectly blends her personal style with functionality.

To help make this family room in Wexford more functional and cohesive, we added new custom built-in storage around the brick fireplace. On the left side, an existing built-in was situated in between the fireplace and a small closet, which also contained a sink. We started by peeling away these elements to create a larger space. Adding symmetry to the room, we designed new cabinetry which included a mix of hidden and open shelf storage. Behind full-height pocketing doors on the left, a new wet bar with a tiled backsplash and quartz countertop. On the right, another set of pocketing doors conceals three large drawers, plus overflow toy storage for the adjacent playroom. Immediately flanking the fireplace, bookshelves provide a space to display favorite items with even more storage beneath. To balance the room’s rich wood tones and multi-tonal red brick, we helped the clients select a neutral color palette to make the space feel more relaxed. Complimentary colors and textures are added through the playful wallpaper lining the back of the shelves, and hexagon backsplash tile. A stylish new fireplace faceplate, gallery lighting, and cabinet hardware — each in a dark metal finish — help to tie everything together.

The kitchen is the heart of the Ashmont — and it shows. A plastered custom range hood anchors the space, arched and substantial, with a professional range tucked beneath and a pot filler finished in brass. Taj Mahal quartzite countertops run the length of the oversized island, where three seats pull up naturally for morning coffee or an evening pour. Black and gold cone pendants overhead tie it all together. The scullery sits just off the kitchen, keeping the prep work out of sight and the main space ready for company.

Nestled within a thoughtfully landscaped backyard, this custom timber pergola transforms a simple patio into a welcoming outdoor retreat. A natural stone walkway guides visitors beneath the handcrafted Coastal Douglas Fir structure, where exposed rafters and traditional timber joinery create warmth, character, and filtered shade throughout the day. Constructed from premium timber and finished to highlight the wood's natural beauty, the pergola complements the surrounding gardens while providing a comfortable destination for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying a quiet evening outdoors. The open-air design preserves views of the landscape, allowing the structure to feel connected to its surroundings while becoming the focal point of the backyard. The finished project demonstrates how timeless craftsmanship and natural materials can elevate an everyday outdoor space into an inviting extension of the home.

The homeowners asked KCRH to redesign their landscape to fit their family lifestyle as well as for entertaining group and student events. We worked closely with the interior designer and architect to create a seamless outdoor and indoor relationship throughout their historical Spanish Mission home. The design incorporated an outdoor kitchen and pizza oven beneath a wood arbor structure equipped with recessed lighting, sleek heaters, and retractable cloth fabric. The working vegetable garden was strategically located adjacent to the seed lab so they could have year round access. At the far end of the pool sits the fireplace which is a focal point and extends the use of the yard into the evening.

Fond memories and classic charm guide the design for a modern family home in Old Palo Alto Even in future-oriented Silicon Valley, there are enclaves like Old Palo Alto, where time has stood still a little longer. The clients, a family of four, were drawn to the casual charm of the community, particularly the rambling landscape of a rare half-acre lot near Gamble Garden where they could build a warm and welcoming home suited to their relaxed style of living and entertaining. The two-tone gray shingle style abode features a broad front porch for taking in the afternoon breezes and greeting children as they return from school. Beneath a center gable, the sunny yellow Dutch door ushers in all who enter with a very warm welcome. Inside, bespoke details are the result of genuine collaboration between the clients and FGA. Soft ivory plaster walls, chestnut floors, and cedar-inlay ceilings frame rooms filled with custom milled built-ins like library shelves, writing desks, and window seats. Handsome wainscoting, whimsical railings, and colorful tiles are among the unique elements that wrap rooms in comfort and elicit a sense of nostalgia for the homeowners. Storybook stone fireplaces recall time spent in Carmel while hand-hewn half-round beams are inspired by vacations in New Mexico. The living room picture window is a heartfelt reminder of childhood memories made at grandmother’s house. All first-floor rooms offer immediate access to outdoor living areas including the large stone patio, lounge, and pool. This seamless extension to the vintage farm-like grounds and lush gardens signifies the authentic spirit of California’s al fresco lifestyle.

To help make this family room in Wexford more functional and cohesive, we added new custom built-in storage around the brick fireplace. On the left side, an existing built-in was situated in between the fireplace and a small closet, which also contained a sink. We started by peeling away these elements to create a larger space. Adding symmetry to the room, we designed new cabinetry which included a mix of hidden and open shelf storage. Behind full-height pocketing doors on the left, a new wet bar with a tiled backsplash and quartz countertop. On the right, another set of pocketing doors conceals three large drawers, plus overflow toy storage for the adjacent playroom. Immediately flanking the fireplace, bookshelves provide a space to display favorite items with even more storage beneath. To balance the room’s rich wood tones and multi-tonal red brick, we helped the clients select a neutral color palette to make the space feel more relaxed. Complimentary colors and textures are added through the playful wallpaper lining the back of the shelves, and hexagon backsplash tile. A stylish new fireplace faceplate, gallery lighting, and cabinet hardware — each in a dark metal finish — help to tie everything together.

This hand-stained Alder vanity maximizes storage in the home’s single bathroom with three deep storage drawers and two large openings beneath the sink. Our cabinet shop created two matching medicine cabinets that provide even more storage, and create a mounting space for the vanity light fixtures. The designer carefully planned the placement of outlets, towel rings, and accessories so that every fixture has its place.

Imbued with color inspiration from the 1930’s, the massive style capacity of this home is demonstrated over 15 years of artful adaptation in the living and dining rooms. An analogous color scheme with prominent aqua and green tones popular in the 1930’s first graces the living room to creatively infuse a traditional French style. Bergère chairs flank the large focal fireplace with its classical use of stone and versatile dentil trim molding. Coordinating colors in boldly-striped silk shantung bring the acanthus leaf chandelier comfortably into the 20thcentury; only to be jettisoned even further with the room’s next iteration. Still with a nod to the 1930’s color palette, bolder tones of orange and rose with smaller stripes later reinvent the saber legged dining room chairs to skillfully incorporate smoky hues on the walls. Sketchy floral print drapery revises the room by bringing a joyful eclecticism, ever expanding the potential of the space to bring in new influences. A curved back chair reminiscent of the 1930’s set beneath decidedly 20th century artwork; further showcasing the room’s latest use of more streamlined forms. The more transitional upholstered chairs and ottoman craftily unify a more diverse portfolio of furnishings and artwork, as does the continuation of deep tones in thought both spaces. Invigorated once again with a third look, the living and dining areas are dramatically transformed with a backdrop of soft neutral punctuated by juicy pops of color introduce a new sense of depth and character to the space. Articulated beautifully in the artwork, colors keep the eyes dancing and creativity flowing yet they allow the space to also nurture relaxation and calm. A bold statement on the windows maintains the necessary balance in the dining room for its chandelier; miraculously staying right at home with each redesign. The familiar is successfully re-imagined to prove once again that the perennial beauty of a well-crafted home, furnishings and accessories can be made to embody our unique sense of style at every stage of our lives.