Behind the central wall in the home is the private zone of the condo. A queen-sized bed is lofted over a built-in desk, bookshelves, laundry, and closet. Plumbing pipe ladders on either side of the bed make for easy ascent and descent from the loft, as well as additional storage for decorative bedding. Photography by Cynthia Lynn Photography

This stunning luxury kitchen by Crespo Design Group blends timeless elegance with modern functionality, creating the perfect gathering space for family and entertaining. Crisp custom white cabinetry is paired with a dramatic navy blue island, while expansive marble countertops and a full-height marble backsplash add sophistication and natural beauty. Oversized designer pendant lights in brass and matte black create a striking focal point above the spacious island, which offers generous seating for casual dining and conversation. Thoughtfully curated finishes, including warm wood flooring, custom upholstered counter stools, and polished brass hardware, bring warmth and texture to the clean architectural lines. Professional-grade appliances, abundant storage, and a custom range hood combine luxury with everyday practicality, making this bespoke kitchen as functional as it is beautiful. Designed to flow seamlessly into the adjacent dining and living spaces, this open-concept kitchen reflects Crespo Design Group's signature approach to creating timeless interiors tailored to each client's lifestyle. As a premier luxury interior design firm in Tampa, Florida, Crespo Design Group specializes in designing custom kitchens, luxury residences, and high-end interiors throughout Florida, the Bahamas, and across the United States.

Inspiration for a cottage l-shaped light wood floor kitchen remodel in Other with marble countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops, shaker cabinets, white cabinets and subway tile backsplash

The Home Aesthetic
Huge farmhouse white two-story brick exterior home idea in Indianapolis with a metal roof

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless medium tone wood floor enclosed dining room remodel in New York with blue walls and a standard fireplace

This one is near and dear to my heart. Not only is it in my own backyard, it is also the first remodel project I've gotten to do for myself! This space was previously a detached two car garage in our backyard. Seeing it transform from such a utilitarian, dingy garage to a bright and cheery little retreat was so much fun and so rewarding! This space was slated to be an AirBNB from the start and I knew I wanted to design it for the adventure seeker, the savvy traveler, and those who appreciate all the little design details . My goal was to make a warm and inviting space that our guests would look forward to coming back to after a full day of exploring the city or gorgeous mountains and trails that define the Pacific Northwest. I also wanted to make a few bold choices, like the hunter green kitchen cabinets or patterned tile, because while a lot of people might be too timid to make those choice for their own home, who doesn't love trying it on for a few days?At the end of the day I am so happy with how it all turned out! --- Project designed by interior design studio Kimberlee Marie Interiors. They serve the Seattle metro area including Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Medina, Clyde Hill, and Hunts Point. For more about Kimberlee Marie Interiors, see here: https://www.kimberleemarie.com/

This property was transformed from an 1870s YMCA summer camp into an eclectic family home, built to last for generations. Space was made for a growing family by excavating the slope beneath and raising the ceilings above. Every new detail was made to look vintage, retaining the core essence of the site, while state of the art whole house systems ensure that it functions like 21st century home. This home was featured on the cover of ELLE Décor Magazine in April 2016. G.P. Schafer, Architect Rita Konig, Interior Designer Chambers & Chambers, Local Architect Frederika Moller, Landscape Architect Eric Piasecki, Photographer

When it comes to defining a space, few elements are as transformative as a rug. Particularly in larger rooms, 9x12 rugs play a pivotal role in anchoring furniture, unifying aesthetics, and providing comfort underfoot. As home design continues to evolve, so do the styles, materials, and motifs that define contemporary rug choices. Whether you're redesigning a single room or curating an entire home, choosing the right 9x12 rug can dramatically influence the tone and function of your space. This blog explores the transition from classic to contemporary rug styles, highlighting current trends in design, texture, and sustainability. Read on to discover how 9x12 rugs are being used to redefine modern living environments in 2025. Classic Rug Designs: Timeless Elegance and Historical Influence Classic rugs have always been synonymous with tradition, craftsmanship, and sophistication. These pieces often draw inspiration from centuries-old techniques and cultural aesthetics, primarily seen in Persian, Oriental, and Turkish designs. A 9x12 classic rug is not merely a floor covering but a narrative woven through intricate patterns and deep, rich colors. Traditional rug styles typically feature ornate borders, central medallions, and floral or geometric motifs. Colors like burgundy, deep navy, ivory, forest green, and gold dominate these designs, making them ideal for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The materials used often high-quality wool or silk add a luxurious texture and long-lasting durability. Hand-knotted techniques passed down through generations lend these rugs their intricate detail and resilience. Today, classic rugs are being reimagined to fit modern sensibilities. Interior designers are pairing antique Persian rugs with contemporary furniture to create a unique, eclectic mix. For instance, a vintage 9x12 Rugs might lie beneath a minimalist glass coffee table and a sleek leather sectional, marrying old-world charm with modern clarity. In open-plan layouts, these rugs help delineate spaces and introduce visual interest. Their timeless beauty ensures that they remain relevant, even as design trends shift. Moreover, the reintroduction of classic designs in modern colorways has allowed traditional rugs to appeal to a new generation. Muted tones, distressed finishes, and faded patterns give these rugs a more relaxed, lived-in feel that blends well with both rustic and urban interiors. For those seeking to infuse character and heritage into their living spaces, a classic 9x12 rug offers a versatile and enduring option. Modern Minimalism: Embracing Simplicity and Subtlety in Large Rugs As modern design trends continue to favor simplicity, functionality, and understated elegance, the demand for minimalist rugs has surged. The 9x12 rug format, given its expansive coverage, is particularly suited to minimalistic interiors where clean lines, neutral tones, and open spaces dominate the aesthetic. Minimalist 9x12 rugs often utilize a restrained palette think beige, gray, ivory, taupe, and soft earth tones. These colors help maintain a calm, cohesive environment, especially in spaces where natural light plays a crucial role. Designs may be solid or include subtle patterns such as linear textures, tone-on-tone geometrics, or abstract gradients. The absence of elaborate ornamentation allows these rugs to blend seamlessly with contemporary furniture, making them a staple in Scandinavian, Japandi, and transitional interior styles. Materials also play a crucial role in defining the minimalist look. Natural wool, bamboo silk, and viscose provide a soft, luxurious feel while maintaining a clean aesthetic. Flatweaves and low-pile constructions are popular choices, offering practicality alongside elegance.

Example of a mid-sized trendy u-shaped dark wood floor enclosed kitchen design in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, an island, solid surface countertops, beige backsplash, stone slab backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Transitional bathroom photo in New York

Dining room - traditional dark wood floor and brown floor dining room idea in Dallas with white walls

This one is near and dear to my heart. Not only is it in my own backyard, it is also the first remodel project I've gotten to do for myself! This space was previously a detached two car garage in our backyard. Seeing it transform from such a utilitarian, dingy garage to a bright and cheery little retreat was so much fun and so rewarding! This space was slated to be an AirBNB from the start and I knew I wanted to design it for the adventure seeker, the savvy traveler, and those who appreciate all the little design details . My goal was to make a warm and inviting space that our guests would look forward to coming back to after a full day of exploring the city or gorgeous mountains and trails that define the Pacific Northwest. I also wanted to make a few bold choices, like the hunter green kitchen cabinets or patterned tile, because while a lot of people might be too timid to make those choice for their own home, who doesn't love trying it on for a few days?At the end of the day I am so happy with how it all turned out!

The client requested a kitchen that would not only provide a great space to cook and enjoy family meals but one that would fit in with her unique design sense. An avid collector of contemporary art, she wanted something unexpected in her 100-year-old home in both color and finishes but still providing a great layout with improved lighting, storage, and superior cooking abilities. The existing kitchen was in a closed off space trapped between the family room and the living. If you were in the kitchen, you were isolated from the rest of the house. Making the kitchen an integrated part of the home was a paramount request. Step one, remove the wall separating the kitchen from the other rooms in the home which allowed the new kitchen to become an integrated space instead of an isolation room for the cook. Next, we relocated the pantry access which was in the family room to the kitchen integrating a poorly used recess which had become a catch all area which did not provide any usable space for storage or working area. To add valuable function in the kitchen we began by capturing unused "cubbies", adding a walk-in pantry from the kitchen, increasing the storage lost to un-needed drop ceilings and bring light and design to the space with a new large awning window, improved lighting, and combining interesting finishes and colors to reflect the artistic attitude of the client. A bathroom located above the kitchen had been leaking into the plaster ceiling for several years. That along with knob and tube wiring, rotted beams and a brick wall from the back of the fireplace in the adjacent living room all needed to be brought to code. The walls, ceiling and floors in this 100+ year old home were completely out of level and the room’s foot print could not be increased. The choice of a Sub-Zero wolf product is a standard in my kitchen designs. The quality of the product, its manufacturing and commitment to food preservation is the reason I specify Sub Zero Wolf. For the cook top, the integrated line of the contemporary cooktop and the signature red knobs against the navy blue of the cabinets added to the design vibe of the kitchen. The cooking performance and the large continuous grate on the cooktop makes it an obvious choice for a cook looking for a great cook top with professional results in a more streamlined profile. We selected a Sharp microwave drawer for the island, an XO wine refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and Kitchen Aid double convection wall ovens to round out the appliance package. A recess created by the fireplace was outfitted with a cabinet which now holds small appliances within easy reach of my very petite client. Natural maple accents were used inside all the wall cabinets and repeated on the front of the hood and for the sliding door appliance cabinet and the floating shelves. This allows a brighter interior for the painted cabinets instead of the traditional same interior as exterior finish choice. The was an amazing transformation from the old to the new. The final touches are the honey bronze hardware from Top Knobs, Mitzi pendants from Hudson Valley Lighting group, a fabulous faucet from Brizo. To eliminate the old freestanding bottled water cooler, we specified a matching water filter faucet.

The Home Aesthetic
Example of a huge farmhouse white two-story brick exterior home design in Indianapolis with a metal roof

In 2026, DIY home design and renovation will become easier than ever. Free mobile apps like Houzz, Homestyler, and Planner 5D will put professional tools in everyone’s pocket, letting users visualize layouts, test colors, and estimate costs before buying materials. Experts predict that over 50% of homeowners will use apps to plan upgrades. It will save money and reduce costly mistakes. Even now, about 54% prefer mobile tools. Why Mobile Apps are Changing Home Renovation DIY renovation has changed a lot in recent years. Homeowners don’t have to rely on sketches or guesswork anymore. Thanks to AR, AI, and 3D renderings, apps can show exactly how furniture and cabinets will fit. By 2026, many of these tools will be free - and packed with features that rival expensive software. With just a smartphone, anyone can try out layouts, test colors, and even create detailed floor plans. The Tech Behind Modern Design Apps Most renovation apps now leverage AI to generate design suggestions. They are based on your space and preferences. Upload a photo of your room. The algorithms will check the sizes, lighting, and features. Then, they’ll suggest furniture layouts or color schemes. Some apps use your phone’s camera and sensor. They make accurate measurements, so you won’t need tape measures or notepads. Top Free Apps Transforming DIY Projects Houzz continues to lead the pack with its massive photo library and ability to connect users with local contractors. The platform now gives AI design suggestions. It looks at your style preferences across millions of professional spaces. For anyone serious about planning their next project, exploring comprehensive resources helps narrow down what works. It’s just like in iGaming, where review platforms like Slotzilla help gamblers to find casinos with user-friendly tools, bonus rounds, and progressive jackpots that will work for them. Planner 5D shines with realistic 3D renderings and a huge furniture catalog, letting you switch between 2D plans and 3D walkthroughs - even in VR. Room Planner helps you design practical layouts. You can easily arrange furniture and check dimensions. It offers real-time 3D views and features items from real brands. Apps for Specific Renovation Tasks Not every project needs full 3D renderings - sometimes you just want to try paint colors or test tile patterns. ColorSnap by Sherwin-Williams uses AR to show colors on your actual walls and even matches shades from photos. Magicplan makes creating floor plans easy by measuring rooms with your phone as you walk around. Both apps help plan renovations and communicate ideas without the guesswork. Budget Tracking and Project Management Renovation apps do more than make spaces look good - managing budgets and timelines is just as important. HomeZada even uses AI to predict your budget and track material prices, so DIYers don’t get hit with surprise costs. Trello is a lifesaver - set deadlines, track progress, and share updates with anyone helping on the project. How Apps Reflect 2026 Design Trends This year’s popular apps reflect the largest home design trends. Colorful rooms are on the rise. Zillow shows a 149% increase in listings. Plus, apps like Houzz let users test bold shades before making a choice. Cozy reading nooks are also on the rise, showing up in nearly half of listings. Renovation apps now provide templates. They include tips for shelves and lighting. This helps create cozy, thoughtful spaces. Here’s a quick comparison of what different free apps offer: App name Best feature Learning curve Platform Houzz 25M+ inspiration photos Easy iOS, Android Planner 5D Photorealistic 3D renders Moderate iOS, Android, Web Room Planner Accurate measurements Easy iOS, Android Magicplan Auto floor plan creation Easy iOS, Android Natural materials and earthy tones will lead design trends in 2026. Warm neutrals will take over from the grey-and-white minimalism of the last ten years. The AI Revolution in Home Design AI is no longer just a gimmick in renovation apps. Chat features can suggest furniture layouts, color palettes, and materials for your budget. It’s like having a designer on call. Renovate AI turns photos of your room into multiple style ideas in seconds, from mid-century to rustic farmhouse. It’s great for brainstorming and getting past the “I don’t know what I want” stage. Practical Tips for Using Renovation Apps Getting the most from design apps requires a strategic approach. Here are essential steps every DIYer should follow: Start by gathering inspiration. Look through photo libraries on Houzz or Pinterest. Then, dive into detailed planning. Don’t rely solely on screen colors; get actual paint chips and fabric swatches. Save multiple design versions. Create variations of your plan to compare options side-by-side. This workflow helps you avoid common mistakes. It leads to better design choices before you buy anything. When Apps Aren’t Enough Digital tools can’t do everything. Big structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing always need a pro. Apps are great for planning and talking with contractors, but they can’t replace expertise. And always check textures in real life - that sofa might look perfect on screen, but feel different. The Future of DIY Renovation In 2026, renovation apps will become smarter. They’ll have voice control and better AR. Improved AI will make DIY design feel more like professional services. Creating beautiful, functional spaces is easier than ever. For homeowners, it’s important to use apps that match local materials and building codes. The biggest benefit is confidence - seeing your design in 3D makes projects far less intimidating.