Thse clients came to me for a kitchen refresh. Keeping the existing floor plan but updating as much as possible. After explaining my thoughts, they chose to go with a much larger project. The wall to the garage wash pushed bach 12" to allow for the island to happen. This almost couldn't happen as there is a support post in the garage we had to keep. I designed the last pantry area as on 10" deep, allowing us to conceal that behind the cabinets. Then, we opend up the wall to the dining room to make the rooms one large space. The wall to the family room was also openend up, leaving the half wall to allow for the kitchen eating area. They wanted to incorporate a bar area, without it feeling like a "bar" The fabulous tall custom unit houses their wine collection and then half of the dining room buffet area holds glassware and other bar items. I helped the clients with all of the design choices.We all wanted to keep the space classic, war, functional and with mixed materials. I chose to use the same countertop material for the backsplash, to keep the space feeling as large as possible.

Modern luxury meets warm farmhouse in this Southampton home! Scandinavian inspired furnishings and light fixtures create a clean and tailored look, while the natural materials found in accent walls, casegoods, the staircase, and home decor hone in on a homey feel. An open-concept interior that proves less can be more is how we’d explain this interior. By accentuating the “negative space,” we’ve allowed the carefully chosen furnishings and artwork to steal the show, while the crisp whites and abundance of natural light create a rejuvenated and refreshed interior. This sprawling 5,000 square foot home includes a salon, ballet room, two media rooms, a conference room, multifunctional study, and, lastly, a guest house (which is a mini version of the main house).

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2016 Houzz
Living room - eclectic living room idea in New York

Situated along Eagle River, looking across to the mouth of the Ipswich Harbor, this was clearly a little cape house that was married to the sea. The owners were inquiring about adding a simple shed dormer to provide additional exposure to the stunning water view, but they were also interested in what Mathew would design if this beach cottage were his. Inspired by the waves that came ashore mere feet from the little house, Mathew took up a fat marker and sketched a sweeping, S-shape dormer on the waterside of the building. He then described how the dormer would be designed in the shape of an ocean wave. “This way,” he explained, “you will not only be able to see the ocean from your new master bedroom, you’ll also be able to experience that view from a space that actually reflects the spirit of the waves.” Mathew and his team designed the master suite and study using a subtle combination of contemporary and traditional, beach-house elements. The result was a completely unique and one-of-a-kind space inside and out. Transparencies are built into the design via features like gently curved glass that reflects the water and the arched interior window separating the bedroom and bath. On the exterior, the curved dormer on the street side echoes these rounded shapes and lines to create continuity throughout. The sense of movement is accentuated by the continuous, V-groove boarded ceiling that runs from one ocean-shaped dormer through to the opposite side of the house. The bedroom features a cozy sitting area with built in storage and a porthole window to look out onto the rowboats in the harbor. A bathroom and closet were combined into a single room in a modern design that doesn't sacrifice any style or space and provides highly efficient functionality. A striking barn door made of glass with industrial hardware divides the two zones of the master suite. The custom, built-in maple cabinetry of the closets provides a textural counterpoint to the unique glass shower that incorporates sea stones and an ocean wave motif accent tile. With this spectacular design vision, the owners are now able to enjoy their stunning view from a bright and spacious interior that brings the natural elements of the beach into the home. Photo by Eric Roth

Photo: Caela McKeever © 2015 Houzz
Transitional home design photo in Seattle

Photo: Carolyn Reyes © 2015 Houzz
Living room - eclectic living room idea in Los Angeles

My House Design/Build Team explained that these homeowners were a vibrant, young family with children that live a very active lifestyle and value family time together. The family expressed that they wanted the kitchen to be heart of the home, where family spends much of their time together day-in and day-out. My House Design/Build Team said that these clients love their family-oriented kitchen and noted that the kitchen now brings everyone together. They added that by reconfiguring kitchen layout and opening up the exterior wall to new outdoor-space achieved amazing results.

Photo: A Darling Felicity Photography © 2015 Houzz
Bedroom - small eclectic guest medium tone wood floor bedroom idea in Seattle with white walls

Karen Melvin Photography

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2013 Houzz
Inspiration for an industrial kids' room remodel in Seattle

Photo: Carolyn Reyes © 2015 Houzz
Eclectic basement photo in Los Angeles

Pondless Waterfalls are simply a re-circulating waterfall and/or stream without the presence of a pond. You can enjoy the sight and sound of running water without the maintenance of a pond. The waterfall is undoubtedly the most beautiful and favored feature in a water garden. If space is lacking in your yard or you have safety concerns with a pond, go Pondless! The name basically explains it all. It’s a waterfall and stream, without the pond. So why would you want a waterfall without a pond? The truth is that a Pondless Waterfall isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great alternative for someone who isn’t quite sure if a pond is right for their family.

Oklahoma Pondless Waterfalls are simply a re-circulating waterfall and/or stream without the presence of a pond. You can enjoy the sight and sound of running water without the maintenance of a pond. The waterfall is undoubtedly the most beautiful and favored feature in a water garden. If space is lacking in your yard or you have safety concerns with a pond, go Pondless! The name basically explains it all. It’s a waterfall and stream, without the pond. So why would you want a waterfall without a pond? The truth is that a Pondless Waterfall isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great alternative for someone who isn’t quite sure if a pond is right for their family.

Pondless Waterfalls are simply a re-circulating waterfall and/or stream without the presence of a pond. You can enjoy the sight and sound of running water without the maintenance of a pond. The waterfall is undoubtedly the most beautiful and favored feature in a water garden. If space is lacking in your yard or you have safety concerns with a pond, go Pondless! The name basically explains it all. It’s a waterfall and stream, without the pond. So why would you want a waterfall without a pond? The truth is that a Pondless Waterfall isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great alternative for someone who isn’t quite sure if a pond is right for their family.

AMIDST OUR MODERN ERA WHERE “FAKE NEWS” AND “ALTERNATIVE FACTS” wastefully contributes to the wealth of information and inspiration for our culture, authenticity in all aspects of lifestyle reigns a supreme value as believed by interior designer Aaron B. Duke. “My approach to interior design is visual storytelling and creating authentic interiors that reflect the lifestyle of the client,” explains Aaron. “I spend a great deal of time upfront getting to know my clients. It is important to understand how they live, how they entertain, what they are passionate about, where they like to travel, what is their style, what are their preferences, how do they spend their free time, do they have children, do they have pets, is this their forever home?”

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2016 Houzz
Photo of a traditional landscaping in New York.

Modern meets rustic farmhouse interior railing
Large mountain style wooden l-shaped metal railing staircase photo in Indianapolis with metal risers

This home was a new construction and the client came in explaining to me that she wished to display her antique SELTZER bottles. We therefore designed a beautiful appliance/pantry wall with open shelving above that have LED lighting where she has placed her colorful collection of bottles. We also designed a bar area adjacent to the kitchen that adds extra storage and connects the eating area to the kitchen with its matching cabinetry and open shelving above.