This three home project in Seattle was a creative challenge we were excited to tackle. The lot sizes were long and narrow, so we decided to create a compact contemporary space. Our design team chose light solid surface elements and a dark flooring for a warmer mix. Photographer: Layne Freedle

Once again, we have had the pleasure of working with this outstanding builder on another project. Aaron Mauk not only designed but supplied and installed all the cabinetry in this new home which definitely utilizes an "open" design concept throughout. Unique lighting elements are found in every room which keeps every space fun and exciting. The kitchen uses grey tones to create a cool, clean environment that showcases the breathtaking ceilings. Most of the cabinetry in the house is shown in Marsh’s “Graphite” stain on maple wood, which is a beautiful way of tying the whole home together. This home is not only beautiful, but it is functional as well. The pull down closet rods found in the laundry room extend over the washer and dryer so it can be used when needed, but easily stored out of the way when not in use. Designer: Aaron Mauk Builder: G.A. White Homes Photos: Aaron Mauk

[Our Clients] We were so excited to help these new homeowners re-envision their split-level diamond in the rough. There was so much potential in those walls, and we couldn’t wait to delve in and start transforming spaces. Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. So, we started by converting the existing single car garage into their living room (complete with a new fireplace) and opening up the kitchen to the rest of the level. [Kitchen] The original kitchen had been on the small side and cut-off from the rest of the home, but after we removed the coat closet, this kitchen opened up beautifully. Our plan was to create an open and light filled kitchen with a design that translated well to the other spaces in this home, and a layout that offered plenty of space for multiple cooks. We utilized clean white cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen and popped the island with a spunky shade of blue. To add a real element of fun, we jazzed it up with the colorful escher tile at the backsplash and brought in accents of brass in the hardware and light fixtures to tie it all together. Through out this home we brought in warm wood accents and the kitchen was no exception, with its custom floating shelves and graceful waterfall butcher block counter at the island. [Dining Room] The dining room had once been the home’s living room, but we had other plans in mind. With its dramatic vaulted ceiling and new custom steel railing, this room was just screaming for a dramatic light fixture and a large table to welcome one-and-all. [Living Room] We converted the original garage into a lovely little living room with a cozy fireplace. There is plenty of new storage in this space (that ties in with the kitchen finishes), but the real gem is the reading nook with two of the most comfortable armchairs you’ve ever sat in. [Master Suite] This home didn’t originally have a master suite, so we decided to convert one of the bedrooms and create a charming suite that you’d never want to leave. The master bathroom aesthetic quickly became all about the textures. With a sultry black hex on the floor and a dimensional geometric tile on the walls we set the stage for a calm space. The warm walnut vanity and touches of brass cozy up the space and relate with the feel of the rest of the home. We continued the warm wood touches into the master bedroom, but went for a rich accent wall that elevated the sophistication level and sets this space apart. [Hall Bathroom] The floor tile in this bathroom still makes our hearts skip a beat. We designed the rest of the space to be a clean and bright white, and really let the lovely blue of the floor tile pop. The walnut vanity cabinet (complete with hairpin legs) adds a lovely level of warmth to this bathroom, and the black and brass accents add the sophisticated touch we were looking for. [Office] We loved the original built-ins in this space, and knew they needed to always be a part of this house, but these 60-year-old beauties definitely needed a little help. We cleaned up the cabinets and brass hardware, switched out the formica counter for a new quartz top, and painted wall a cheery accent color to liven it up a bit. And voila! We have an office that is the envy of the neighborhood.

Excitement and unique elements make for this special kitchen design. Using shape to create a space that is pleasant to the eye yet functional for the homeowner. Natural lighting, bright paint colours and beautiful backsplash all come together in creating a bold appeal. Traditional cabinetry, mouldings and hardware make for a unique spin on a traditional style. Accents, seating and décor help implement just how beautifully this space is laid out. Having to create such a striking kitchen, yet considering the everyday use for the space is a challenge to all. This kitchen would make anyone never want to step away from their sink. While entertaining, having a separation between dining and prepping is important to many everyday hosts. This design is one to stand the test of time.

This sprawling estate is an incredible sight see! Soaring coffered ceilings with gorgeous winding staircases set the stage for a grand entry. We took advantage of the classical elements of this home and built our design (at the request of our amazing clients) with a heavy nod to european traditional style. Decadent silk fabrics paired with amazingly rich wall treatments bring a luxurious feeling to every room. Heavily carved details are found on an eclectic mix of furnishings throughout the home. We incorporated some of the clients pieces from their years of collecting and traveling. Their favorite rolled arm sofa is given new life in the library once reupholstered in a cozy woven chenille. After completing the interior, it was time to get started on the grounds! We were so excited to design the exterior entertaining space which includes an outdoor kitchen, living and dining areas, pergola, bath and pool. One of our favorites for sure.

For this project, the home buyer approached us with a clear vision: a warm, rustic aesthetic, a highly functional kitchen layout, and spaces throughout the home that flow seamlessly and support their love of entertaining. We were excited to tie all of these elements together in a timeless, functional design!

This 14,000 square foot Holmby Hills residence was an exciting opportunity to play with its classical footprint while adding in modern elements creating a customized home with a mixture of casual and formal spaces throughout.

44 Photos · Updated 3 hours ago Our Louisville clients were proud new home owners who were excited to move into their home and start personalizing! We created a transitional design for their home that incorporates modern touches and classic lines to tie the spaces together. Our primary focus was to update the home and keep things feeling clean and fresh while making it comfortable for everyone in the family. We started by painting every room in their home, replacing all of their interior doors, and updating all of their light fixtures. One of the most transformative elements was the updated flooring throughout the home. We removed the oak floors and replaced them with a wide plank solid hickory which removed the yellow undertones and gave them a clean backdrop for the rest of the design. The clients really wanted to freshen up their kitchen and incorporate new appliances without starting from scratch, so we rearranged a few of their existing cabinets to make room for their new stove and range hood. We also lowered the original bar-height counter to make the kitchen feel more open to their family room. We then painted all of their cabinets a crisp white, replaced the crown molding, updated the hardware, replaced their counter top with a marble look quartz, and used a soft green mosaic tile on their backsplash. This home has a large family room, and the original fireplace was far too small and seemed to disappear under the 20 foot ceilings. So we removed the old square fireplace, replacing it with a linear gas fireplace and a floor-to-ceiling tiled surround with a custom wood mantle. This created a real focal point and helped to anchor the space. We then brought in a cozy blue sectional and a soft new rug to make this the perfect place for a family movie night. The clients have a real love of music, and wanted to create a space where they could lay back and enjoy their vinyls. So in their family room we created a custom stereo wall with floating cabinets and shelves to house all of their audio equipment and showcase a few of their favorites. We then furnished the room with clean and classically inspired pieces to tie in with the aesthetics in the rest of the home.

Once again, we have had the pleasure of working with this outstanding builder on another project. Aaron Mauk not only designed but supplied and installed all the cabinetry in this new home which definitely utilizes an "open" design concept throughout. Unique lighting elements are found in every room which keeps every space fun and exciting. The kitchen uses grey tones to create a cool, clean environment that showcases the breathtaking ceilings. Most of the cabinetry in the house is shown in Marsh’s “Graphite” stain on maple wood, which is a beautiful way of tying the whole home together. This home is not only beautiful, but it is functional as well. The pull down closet rods found in the laundry room extend over the washer and dryer so it can be used when needed, but easily stored out of the way when not in use. Designer: Aaron Mauk Builder: G.A. White Homes Photos: Aaron Mauk

This sprawling estate is an incredible sight see! Soaring coffered ceilings with gorgeous winding staircases set the stage for a grand entry. We took advantage of the classical elements of this home and built our design (at the request of our amazing clients) with a heavy nod to european traditional style. Decadent silk fabrics paired with amazingly rich wall treatments bring a luxurious feeling to every room. Heavily carved details are found on an eclectic mix of furnishings throughout the home. We incorporated some of the clients pieces from their years of collecting and traveling. Their favorite rolled arm sofa is given new life in the library once reupholstered in a cozy woven chenille. After completing the interior, it was time to get started on the grounds! We were so excited to design the exterior entertaining space which includes an outdoor kitchen, living and dining areas, pergola, bath and pool. One of our favorites for sure.

Ocean Blue Pools LLC is widely recognized for extravagant swimming pool construction and unmatched customer service. Our specialties include custom designed swimming pools, spas, beautiful rock and stone water features and astounding outdoor kitchens and living spaces. The designing process incorporates classic principles, proportioned balance and expert design in accordance with your topography and space. We strive to make your outdoor living space as user friendly as it is beautiful. With profound focus on our client’s needs, we will design around your unique lifestyle and taste and create a space that is inviting, comfortable, safe, and engages the senses. Your swimming pool, which becomes the focal point, is just one component of the backyard. The landscape, lighting, water features, fire pit or outdoor kitchen will define your pool and evoke emotion. Our design team will offer several feature choices to create the most exciting and relaxing outdoor environment using the harmony of these elements. The design process begins with a consultation to understand your lifestyle and vision for your new outdoor living space. We will inquire about your usage plans and the vision you would like to achieve. We take into consideration, location of views, site conditions and accessibility. We will examine your homes existing architectural design to ensure continuity and flow from your home into to your new outdoor living space. Our design team and graphic artists will then transform your vision into conceptual drawings and renderings. A visual presentation will also be prepared to convey the look and feel of the proposed project. Under the design process, materials will be recommended which may include: pavers, travertine, glass tile, stone veneer, precast concrete, landscape and lighting. The final design drawings will provide an accurate representation of your new outdoor living space. Once the design process is complete, we will construct your project to the exact vision of the original design concept. We will maintain relentless attention to detail with our latest innovations and technology. All projects are managed from decades of experience by our trained superintendent who will manage timeframes, quality, and most of all, the client’s expectations. Our goal is to exceed your expectations. Randall Schmidt / Design and Construction

A detached office structure plus a large fully covered patio completely transforms a small yet still underutilized backyard space into a functional and lush oasis. Xeriscaping with drought tolerant succulents create an ultra-low maintenance landscape that still feels teeming with life and excitement. Earthen boulders, water features, fire pits, and windchimes shaped as birdhouses complete the family's request to incorporate the 4 Natural Elements into the design.

A neutral palette and ingenious design lend passage to a space that is entirely unique with a personality all its own. Decorative glass and modern elements complete the space, adding a bit of exciting flair to the transitional kitchen design.

Mixing meaningful antiques with modern, fresh and playful elements. The crisp neutral interior color palette allows for the lake view and surrounding property to provide color excitement season by season.

This mid-century remodel in North Park, San Diego featured a full kitchen remodel, renovations to two bathrooms, and other aesthetic upgrades throughout the home. The clients were excited to experiment stylistically, while incorporating their own personal style into the space. While mixing modern and mid-century elements throughout the home, the end result was exactly what the couple was looking for. Take a look at renderings, plans and before & after photos to see how the process was executed from start to end.

A detached office structure plus a large fully covered patio completely transforms a small yet still underutilized backyard space into a functional and lush oasis. Xeriscaping with drought tolerant succulents create an ultra-low maintenance landscape that still feels teeming with life and excitement. Earthen boulders, water features, fire pits, and windchimes shaped as birdhouses complete the family's request to incorporate the 4 Natural Elements into the design.

A happy east coast family gets their perfect second home on the west coast. This family of 6 was a true joy to work with from start to finish. They were very excited to have a home reflecting the true west coast sensibility: ocean tones mixed with neutrals, modern art and playful elements, and of course durability and comfort for all the kids and guests. The pool area and kitchen got total overhauls (thanks to Jeff with Black Cat Construction) and we added a fun wine closet below the staircase. They trusted the vision of the design and made few requests for changes. And the end result was even better than they expected.

To deal with the pain and excitement of their kids leaving the house for college, these empty nesters wanted to transform their lawn—once home to swing sets and games of catch—into a peaceful retreat. She was dead-set on a water feature, he really wanted a fire pit, and their dogs (which had moved up in rank since the kids were gone) needed a nice patch of grass to play on. The couple’s tastes had changed in the 20 years since they’d bought the Spanish- style bungalow, and they wanted a garden with a more contemporary feeling. Looking to the history of Spanish landscape design, we were able tweak traditional layouts and elements to create a more contemporary garden that fit the needs of all the inhabitants of the home—human and canine alike.

This 14,000 square foot Holmby Hills residence was an exciting opportunity to play with its classical footprint while adding in modern elements creating a customized home with a mixture of casual and formal spaces throughout.