This kitchen renovation in Owings Mills, Maryland reimagines a 1959 home’s original character with a thoughtful blend of mid-century design and modern performance. Located in Baltimore County, the project began as a necessary plumbing update and evolved into a full kitchen remodel that balances warmth, craftsmanship, and contemporary functionality. The design features stained cherry base cabinetry paired with custom-painted slab wall cabinets, honoring the home’s original woodwork while introducing a fresh, cohesive palette. Quartzite countertops add natural movement and durability, while preserved built-in seating and reupholstered dining pieces maintain the kitchen’s authentic mid-century feel. A layered kitchen lighting design enhances both form and function, with above-cabinet, under-cabinet, and in-cabinet LED lighting controlled by a Lutron RadioRA 3 system. The kitchen is equipped with Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele appliances, seamlessly integrated for a clean, professional look. A bold checkerboard tile floor and designer fixtures complete the space, resulting in a kitchen that feels timeless, personal, and built for modern living.

Whole-house remodel of a Lexington bungalow with a two-story garage addition, entertainment space, and luxurious primary suite.
Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in Boston

For their third Urbanology collaboration, longtime clients and close friends, the Songs, both physicians, envisioned a beautifully designed home in Dallas that exuded calm functionality and understated beauty. Rooted in their Asian heritage and Kim’s love for wabi-sabi simplicity, the design embraced clean lines, warm neutrals, and tactile materials that feel approachable yet elevated. The entry and living spaces were reimagined with textural millwork and a sculptural fireplace, creating cohesion and a serene rhythm between daily life and family gatherings. In the office, a once-awkward layout was transformed through custom millwork that turned the piano into a purposeful centerpiece, joined by a reading nook and seamless storage. The expansive primary bedroom gained intimacy and balance through built-in plaster planters, library-style cabinetry, and a curved sofa perfect for evening wine and conversation. Peter’s guest-turned-primary bath became a master class in function, featuring seamless, antimicrobial surfaces and smart hidden storage for his daily rituals. Through every detail, this third phase of the Midway Hollow residence reflects “the art of ease”: spaces that are clean but lived-in, practical but poetic. What began as functional refinements evolved into a warm, layered home—one that honors the couple’s rhythm, heritage, and pursuit of a life beautifully designed, but never overdone.

This master bathroom renovation in Frisco was completed for a repeat USI Design & Remodeling client as part of a larger first-floor transformation of the home. The original bathroom reflected a very typical North Texas layout of its era — dark stained cabinetry, granite countertops, compartmentalized vanities, a built-in tub adjoining a framed shower, and separated spaces that no longer aligned with how the homeowners wanted to live. As their aesthetic evolved toward a more transitional and contemporary direction, the goal became less about replacing finishes and more about redefining the experience of the room itself. The project needed to feel calmer, more architectural, and far more intentional in how the space functioned visually and emotionally. One of the most important changes was removing the original shower curb and pony wall in favor of a fully open curbless shower with ultra-clear ½-inch heavy glass. Achieving that look required recessing the slab, re-floating the shower floor toward a linear drain, and engineering the space so the room would read as visually uninterrupted from end to end. Throughout the project, many of the design decisions were rooted in restraint rather than excess. The oversized 24x48 Porcelanosa flooring carries very little shade variation, creating a quieter visual field, while the cabinetry was executed in rift-sawn white oak specifically because it produces a far more controlled and consistent finish outcome than more common cuts of wood. In luxury projects, consistency itself becomes part of the refinement. The floating vanity was designed more like custom furniture than traditional cabinetry, utilizing waterfall mitered edges and fully reworked plumbing locations so both homeowners could share in having generous functional countertop space. The original makeup station was repurposed into integrated storage with powered drawers and concealed organization for everyday items such as blow dryers and flat irons. Along the vanity wall, wall-mounted plumbing fixtures were paired with ribbed natural marble surfaces — a detail that required intentional planning long before construction began. Rather than allowing the ribbed material to terminate awkwardly behind the fixtures, the backsplash and stone transitions were specifically designed to resolve those conditions cleanly. Those are the types of details that distinguish highly coordinated design-build work from projects that simply assemble materials together. While the room contains a significant amount of luxury detailing — from the freestanding tub and geoprism marble focal wall to the custom rift-sawn white oak closet doors and elongated mirrors that leverage the 11-foot ceiling heights — the project was always guided by quiet luxury rather than visual competition. Even the water closet enclosure was handled with restraint through the use of a satin-etched glass door rather than another heavy solid opening. The intent throughout was to create a bathroom that feels restorative and serene rather than overdesigned. In our view, the best luxury spaces are the ones that feel composed long after the initial impression wears off.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

This newly constructed custom family home was designed from the ground up to meet the evolving needs of a young family. The layout balances open-concept living with quiet, more private moments, creating a home that is both stylish and functional. Every detail has been considered for both day-to-day living and long-term enjoyment. A curated palette of natural materials ensures a sense of calm and continuity throughout the home. The thoughtful layout supports daily life, while layered materials and refined details create a calming atmosphere. Most importantly, it’s a home that the family can grow into—designed with both the present and future in mind.

Sweeping boulder landscaping and massed desert tropical plants create a lush yet water-wise foreground beneath rusted steel architectural beams at the home’s entry courtyard.

Nearly two decades ago now, Susan and her husband put a letter in the mailbox of this eastside home: "If you have any interest in selling, please reach out." But really, who would give up a Flansburgh House? Fast forward to 2020, when the house went on the market! By then it was clear that three children and a busy home design studio couldn't be crammed into this efficient footprint. But what's second best to moving into your dream home? Being asked to redesign the functional core for the family that was. In this classic Flansburgh layout, all the rooms align tidily in a square around a central hall and open air atrium. As such, all the spaces are both connected to one another and also private; and all allow for visual access to the outdoors in two directions—toward the atrium and toward the exterior. All except, in this case, the utilitarian galley kitchen. That space, oft-relegated to second class in midcentury architecture, got the shaft, with narrow doorways on two ends and no good visual access to the atrium or the outside. Who spends time in the kitchen anyway? As is often the case with even the very best midcentury architecture, the kitchen at the Flansburgh House needed to be modernized; appliances and cabinetry have come a long way since 1970, but our culture has evolved too, becoming more casual and open in ways we at SYH believe are here to stay. People (gasp!) do spend time—lots of time!—in their kitchens! Nonetheless, our goal was to make this kitchen look as if it had been designed this way by Earl Flansburgh himself. The house came to us full of bold, bright color. We edited out some of it (along with the walls it was on) but kept and built upon the stunning red, orange and yellow closet doors in the family room adjacent to the kitchen. That pop was balanced by a few colorful midcentury pieces that our clients already owned, and the stunning light and verdant green coming in from both the atrium and the perimeter of the house, not to mention the many skylights. Thus, the rest of the space just needed to quiet down and be a beautiful, if neutral, foil. White terrazzo tile grounds custom plywood and black cabinetry, offset by a half wall that offers both camouflage for the cooking mess and also storage below, hidden behind seamless oak tambour. Contractor: Rusty Peterson Cabinetry: Stoll's Woodworking Photographer: Sarah Shields

This project began with a home rooted in a distinctly 1990s aesthetic that the client was ready to evolve. Their vision was a lighter, more contemporary West Coast–inspired interior, anchored by white oak floors and a warm, modern kitchen. We designed a fully custom white oak kitchen that balances clean lines with natural texture, along with a statement-scale dining room cabinetry piece that delivers both generous storage and visual impact. The result is a refreshed, transitional home that feels current yet timeless—blending modern restraint with warmth and livability.

Part mirage, part miracle - this masterful modern evocation is in the best Louisiana vernacular tradition. It was conceived by architect Kevin Gossen (Gossen Architects Lafayette, Louisiana) for an unusual piece of property in Metairie whose cheated landscape gives the illusion of open country spaces. He has created a “cottage” that already looks as if it might be a survivor from a couple of centuries ago. Using reclaimed building materials, magnificent beams, beautiful old flooring with classically scaled rooms, it was a perfect project for Decorations Lucullus. Both architect and interior designers admit the real magic rested with the client whose highly developed aesthetic and extensive experience in design gave the process amazing vitality. Conceived as a “résidence secondaire” to be near grandchildren, she wanted something more snug than her large primary house out of town but without sacrificing the qualities of charm or elegance. While the project is still evolving, she can’t repress a smile when some passer-by stops to chat over the rose-heavy iron fence, perhaps peering into the gracious side hall, asking how this old house has managed to survive all the changes in the neighborhood. Photography by Sara Essex Bradly

Where collaboration and craft converge, a luminous contemporary home near San Francisco emerges. This new residence is the result of a deeply collaborative design process between client, architect, interior designer, and builder – a team unified by a shared commitment to craft and precision. Set on a site carefully selected for its ideal solar orientation, the home’s layout balances humility and elegance: a single-story street presence conceals a more private two-story wing that opens to garden views. The design evolved through thoughtful iterations, each element studied and refined, from the sculptural plaster stair handcrafted on site to the interplay between light, material, and landscape. Long white Roman bricks and custom stucco ground the home in its Northern California setting, while Venetian plaster and oak inlays create a tactile, luminous interior that shifts with the seasons. Designed to support both intimate family life and larger public gatherings, the home reflects a thoughtful approach to luxury residential architecture in the San Francisco Bay Area: site-responsive, craft-driven, and built to endure.

Example of a mid-sized trendy open concept living room design in Other

This project began with a home rooted in a distinctly 1990s aesthetic that the client was ready to evolve. Their vision was a lighter, more contemporary West Coast–inspired interior, anchored by white oak floors and a warm, modern kitchen. We designed a fully custom white oak kitchen that balances clean lines with natural texture, along with a statement-scale dining room cabinetry piece that delivers both generous storage and visual impact. The result is a refreshed, transitional home that feels current yet timeless—blending modern restraint with warmth and livability.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

This newly constructed custom family home was designed from the ground up to meet the evolving needs of a young family. The layout balances open-concept living with quiet, more private moments, creating a home that is both stylish and functional. Every detail has been considered for both day-to-day living and long-term enjoyment. A curated palette of natural materials ensures a sense of calm and continuity throughout the home. The thoughtful layout supports daily life, while layered materials and refined details create a calming atmosphere. Most importantly, it’s a home that the family can grow into—designed with both the present and future in mind.

This newly constructed custom family home was designed from the ground up to meet the evolving needs of a young family. The layout balances open-concept living with quiet, more private moments, creating a home that is both stylish and functional. Every detail has been considered for both day-to-day living and long-term enjoyment. A curated palette of natural materials ensures a sense of calm and continuity throughout the home. The thoughtful layout supports daily life, while layered materials and refined details create a calming atmosphere. Most importantly, it’s a home that the family can grow into—designed with both the present and future in mind.

This thoughtfully designed nursery blends timeless elegance with playful charm, creating a warm and nurturing space for both parents and child. Designed by Crespo Design Group, the room features a calming palette of soft sage green, warm neutrals, and natural wood tones that create a serene atmosphere while allowing whimsical details to shine. Every element was carefully selected to provide comfort, functionality, and enduring style that will grow with the family. A custom upholstered daybed offers the perfect place for reading, relaxing, or overnight guests, while the natural wood crib, cozy nursery chair, and plush ottoman create a comfortable setting for everyday moments. Tailored floor-to-ceiling drapery, luxurious textiles, and a soft patterned area rug add warmth and texture, while playful artwork and curated accessories introduce personality without compromising the room's sophisticated design. The balance of refined furnishings and child-friendly details creates a nursery that is both beautiful and practical. Designed with longevity in mind, this luxury nursery combines custom furnishings, premium materials, and timeless design principles to create a space that can easily evolve as the child grows. Every detail reflects Crespo Design Group's commitment to creating interiors that are as functional as they are beautiful. As a premier luxury interior design firm in Tampa, Florida, Crespo Design Group specializes in designing custom nurseries, children's bedrooms, and luxury family homes throughout Florida, the United States, and the Bahamas. Every project is tailored to each family's lifestyle, resulting in thoughtfully designed interiors that combine exceptional craftsmanship, comfort, and timeless elegance.

Evolved in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, this Colorado Contemporary home features a blend of materials to complement the surrounding landscape. This home triggered a blast into a quartz geode vein which inspired a classy chic style interior and clever use of exterior materials. These include flat rusted siding to bring out the copper veins, Cedar Creek Cascade thin stone veneer speaks to the surrounding cliffs, Stucco with a finish of Moondust, and rough cedar fine line shiplap for a natural yet minimal siding accent. Its dramatic yet tasteful interiors, of exposed raw structural steel, Calacatta Classique Quartz waterfall countertops, hexagon tile designs, gold trim accents all the way down to the gold tile grout, reflects the Chic Colorado while providing cozy and intimate spaces throughout.

To meet the specific needs of our homeowners' evolving lifestyles we remodel luxury homes inside and outside, and from a single kitchen remodel to an entire whole home makeover. This extensive remodel in Woodlake at Bonita Bay exemplifies the open concept. Walls were removed, opening up the kitchen and redefining the space for a better flow, superior functionality, upgrading cabinets, appliances, flooring, and creating a gorgeous, expansive island, with comfortable seating for six. With light, wide-plank flooring, open-concept design and large windows and sliders. This home is bathed in natural light throughout, including the master suite and master bath. The outdoor living area, including the pool and decking were updated, and provides stunning, natural-landscaped views.