Great bath design (IMHO) stems from the KISS rule: Keep It Simple! Awesome simple tile designs, float glass, chrome, and let the materials speak for themselves. Any master bath worth its salt should have a curbless shower with a heated floor. Vanity lighting is key and should include both lighting from above for ambiance and direct, bright, in-your-face lighting for everyday tasks like putting on makeup or shaving, on separate circuits of course.

This 1980's home started out looking more like a cabin in the woods rather than the ocean front beach house it is. It had cedar wood ceilings, walls, wood-look laminate flooring, oak cabinets, and very outdated tile everywhere else. Almost everything was torn out with only the ceiling and some of the walls remaining, which were painted out in white and light gray to open up and brighten the space. Existing walls were smooth plastered to remove the dated heavy texture and the floors were replaced with a very beach friendly and practical wood-print porcelain tile in a herringbone pattern. Everything beach was the inspiration without becoming too kitschy. And the one rule was "no lighthouses", but there are corals, sea shells, coral, and a sail boat for good measure.

Inspiration for a transitional galley beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Orlando with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and white countertops

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a playful yet elegant, illuminated experience inspired by the classic film starring Audrey Hepburn. Delicate lighted branches, Calla Lilies and cream silk flowers gently swoon over a vintage glass lantern like a willow tree. This arrangement offers a variety of lighted branch options to suit your personal style or event. This 24 inch tall arrangement comes with a 4.5v-500mA IP20 UL adaptor.

Jalapeno Photography © 2015 Houzz
Cottage home design photo in DC Metro

This view from the entry foyer enjoys an expansive WOW view of the valley, and it makes watching Arizona’s summer monsoons into a wine-sipping event! With sliding recessing windows and doors, the entire living and entertaining spaces on the interior and exterior are joined together so that large parties could be hosted easily. The bar on the right is a smaller mirror image of the kitchen on the left and both back corners open to the patio with recessing windows and countertops that continue outside.

Custom shaker style cabinetry throughout kitchen. Costa Esmeralda granite countertops are featured on the perimeter of the kitchen with custom solid walnut butcher block countertop on the island. Mixed metal hammered iron pendents with dark silver exterior and interior accented with a brass weld.

This new home is the last newly constructed home within the historic Country Club neighborhood of Edina. Nestled within a charming street boasting Mediterranean and cottage styles, the client sought a synthesis of the two that would integrate within the traditional streetscape yet reflect modern day living standards and lifestyle. The footprint may be small, but the classic home features an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, and refined finishes throughout.

Who wouldn't want to keep their apartment in Buenos Aires? This family did. Which meant their new home in Bloomington was a fresh start and needed remodeling as well as furnishings—rugs, seating, art and everything in between. Local architect Russ Herndon revamped and opened up the kitchen in this 1970s ranch, moving awkwardly placed doors in three different locations to improve the traffic flow and allow for optimal furniture placement. SYI swept in to furnish and finish the public spaces with a careful mix of vintage and new, neutral and bold, family comfort and modern chic. The homeowner (turned friend) was a wonderful collaborator and speedy decision maker. Only one hard and fast rule governed the process: no yellow and blue, the colors of Brazil, Argentina's arch rival in soccer.

Richard Herman is in the hospitality business and owns several upscale hotels in Florida and in other states as well as cattle ranches in both Florida and Missouri. Their farm in Ocala is by farm their most unique. The property serves as a 4-H demonstration project for the purpose of children’s education. They have been working with the Academy Prep of St. Pete which is dedicated to inner-city youths that are selected on the basis of need and achievement. Wife Diane spends her time on the farm raising Gypsy Vanners, a diminutive draft horse named after the job they did in Eastern Europe, pulling the wagons (vans) for gypsies that wandered across the continent. On the Ocala farm, there are several mules with a unique profession. Richard had visited the Hearthstone display at a Log & Timber Home Shows at the Orlando Convention Center many years ago. He was impressed that Hearthstone had stayed in touch with him over the years by mailings, invitations to shows, and periodic phone calls. When the time came to start serious consideration of the design of barn, Hearthstone responded promptly and professionally to Richard and Diane’s requests for information and a review of their ideas for their barn, which would serve as the centerpiece for their new farm. They wanted a multipurpose facility that could accommodate an educational environment and a large hall suitable for the fundraising events for his charities. Richard wanted a barn that reflected the look and feel of barns built at the dawn of the 20th century. Besides the rustic chicken houses and vegetable gardens, they have completely renovated a 1020’s era farmhouse to be as historically correct as possible and serves as the entry to the farm. “They very careful to feel us out, get comfortable with our capabilities, and be convinced that we could perform as promised,” said Project Manager John Ricketson of Hearthstone. Design Process There were some initial drawings that gave us a start on the basic shape and size of the barn. From there, it was a process of narrowing down the uses of each area and the spans that could be achieved. The barn was going to have the traditional “board & batten” exterior siding and a metal roof. There is a cantilevered ‘hay hood” on the north gable end above the large sliding barn doors that open into the foyer and horse stalls. The wings house a combination of areas, beginning with the large restrooms to accommodate crowds for events. Other parts of the wings have garage areas for the farm vehicles, feed room, tack room, wash rack, storage, offices, and smaller restrooms. Keeping with the look and feel of the turn of the century, Hearthstone developed a process for giving the timbers a surface texture that mimicked the circular cuts of timbers that had just come out of an old sawmill. This was easier said than done. Randy Giles guided his millwright (Wolfgang) in designing a machine that would do this effectively. The barn was delivered in October of 2014 and was erected over the course of two weeks, thanks to a hardworking crew (Eric Foster) and near-perfect weather. After the Hearthstone crew completed the erection and roof dry-in, it was time for the local carpenters to step up and install some light conventional framing on the gable ends before applying the roof fascia and exterior board & batten siding. Next came the big sliding barn doors, plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling. Large rustic fixtures were hung from the great hall roof timbers. Exterior The board & batten siding was cypress and allowed to turn color naturally as rain hit it and the sun started working on it with UV rays. This method causes a much grayer look closer to the ground and less so where the roof overhang provides protection. The North end has some large limestone boulders and planters arranged around the pad with tall pampas grass. The planters provide casual seating before events and during outside receptions. The entire area was sodded with lush St. Augustine grass and split rail fences were added to enclose the barn area. The corrugated metal roof was a special order material that immediately rusted after being exposed to moisture. The layer of rust protects the metal from the elements. Interior The board & batten theme was carried throughout most of the interior with the timbers left natural to show off the circular saw texture. All of the tongue & groove decking was shipped in advance to allow the local painter to pre-stain it with a dark brown transparent stain that is a beautiful background to the light color Eastern White Pine timbers. “Everything was unique in this project” said Project Manager John Ricketson. “The setting on a small demonstration farm close to Ocala, the multipurpose design, the circular saw texture on the timbers.” The Hermans are very proud of their farm’s outcome. Richard sent a note to Randy Giles, owner of Hearthstone: “The Barn is fantastic, not a single problem, period. Next month, we have Jo Dee Messina coming in to help with a fundraiser for a local center for abused kids. Folks love the farm, ...... but that barn gets all of the attention. I would encourage you to use me as a reference for your sales team, feel free to extend my cell phone to any prospective purchasers.”

Never Dream Alone Headboard by Jimmie Martin California www.jimmiemartincalifornia.com Photo Credit: www.rickschultz.co.uk
Trendy bedroom photo in London with white walls

The home of Nobel Prize and Pullitzer Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck is located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Each year they host the Festival of Trees holiday event. I was selected to decorate the large library. The tree depicted holiday traditions throughout the world. Different framed photos were hung, along with traditional holiday decorations. A sleigh filled with gifts and books sits adjacent to the tree. A bircage filled with seasonal decor is the focus of the seating area. Two carolers adorn the fireplace.

https://www.beangroup.com/homes/45-E-Andover-Road-Andover/ME/04216/AGT-2261431456-942410/index.html Merrill House is a gracious, Early American Country Estate located in the picturesque Androscoggin River Valley, about a half hour northeast of Sunday River Ski Resort, Maine. This baronial estate, once a trophy of successful American frontier family and railroads industry publisher, Henry Varnum Poor, founder of Standard & Poor’s Corp., is comprised of a grand main house, caretaker’s house, and several barns. Entrance is through a Gothic great hall standing 30’ x 60’ and another 30’ high in the apex of its cathedral ceiling and showcases a granite hearth and mantel 12’ wide. Owned by the same family for over 225 years, it is currently a family retreat and is available for seasonal weddings and events with the capacity to accommodate 32 overnight guests and 200 outdoor guests. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and heralding contributions from Frederick Law Olmsted and Stanford White, the beautiful, legacy property sits on 110 acres of fields and forest with expansive views of the scenic Ellis River Valley and Mahoosuc mountains, offering more than a half-mile of pristine river-front, private spring-fed pond and beach, and 5 acres of manicured lawns and gardens. The historic property can be envisioned as a magnificent private residence, ski lodge, corporate retreat, hunting and fishing lodge, potential bed and breakfast, farm - with options for organic farming, commercial solar, storage or subdivision. Showings offered by appointment.

Experience the perfect balance of light, comfort, and efficiency with Krumpers Solar Blinds. Designed for spring and summer living, these two-sided, turn-around blinds provide exceptional UV protection, climate control, and a clear view of the outdoors. Proudly Made in Canada and featured on HGTV’s Vacation House Rules, Krumpers Solar Blinds are lab-tested and proven to deliver up to 41% energy savings. Whether for a modern condo, sunroom, or lakefront cottage, they help maintain a cool, comfortable indoor environment while preserving natural light and outdoor beauty. Available in manual and motorized options, Krumpers Solar Blinds redefine home comfort through innovative design and sustainable performance.

Experience the perfect balance of light, comfort, and efficiency with Krumpers Solar Blinds. Designed for spring and summer living, these two-sided, turn-around blinds provide exceptional UV protection, climate control, and a clear view of the outdoors. Proudly Made in Canada and featured on HGTV’s Vacation House Rules, Krumpers Solar Blinds are lab-tested and proven to deliver up to 41% energy savings. Whether for a modern condo, sunroom, or lakefront cottage, they help maintain a cool, comfortable indoor environment while preserving natural light and outdoor beauty. Available in manual and motorized options, Krumpers Solar Blinds redefine home comfort through innovative design and sustainable performance.

Stay warm and enjoy natural light with Krumpers Solar Blinds, engineered for fall and winter comfort. The two-sided, turn-around design helps retain heat indoors while maintaining a clear view of the outdoors — keeping your home bright, cozy, and energy efficient. Proudly Made in Canada and featured on HGTV’s Vacation House Rules, Krumpers Solar Blinds are lab-tested and proven to deliver up to 41% energy savings. Available in manual and motorized options, they provide year-round insulation, UV protection, and timeless elegance for any home.

Stay warm and enjoy natural light with Krumpers Solar Blinds, engineered for fall and winter comfort. The two-sided, turn-around design helps retain heat indoors while maintaining a clear view of the outdoors — keeping your home bright, cozy, and energy efficient. Proudly Made in Canada and featured on HGTV’s Vacation House Rules, Krumpers Solar Blinds are lab-tested and proven to deliver up to 41% energy savings. Available in manual and motorized options, they provide year-round insulation, UV protection, and timeless elegance for any home.

Experience the perfect balance of light, comfort, and efficiency with Krumpers Solar Blinds. Designed for spring and summer living, these two-sided, turn-around blinds provide exceptional UV protection, climate control, and a clear view of the outdoors. Proudly Made in Canada and featured on HGTV’s Vacation House Rules, Krumpers Solar Blinds are lab-tested and proven to deliver up to 41% energy savings. Whether for a modern condo, sunroom, or lakefront cottage, they help maintain a cool, comfortable indoor environment while preserving natural light and outdoor beauty. Available in manual and motorized options, Krumpers Solar Blinds redefine home comfort through innovative design and sustainable performance.