We recently completed three distinct bathroom renovation projects, all located in the same home. Each bathroom — a master, a children’s Jack & Jill bath, and a family/guest bath — was gutted and fully remodeled. We worked on the project with architect Michael Szalaji of Cambridge-based On the Boards Design. The Jack & Jill bath was one of two that needed to be expanded. We annexed an adjacent closet to provide extra square footage. This allowed for the comfortable introduction of a shower stall with a glass Dreamliner door and for the installation of a tall, semi-custom hamper cabinet. The cabinet and vanity were each fitted with Caesarstone countertop. The master bathroom also received an upgrade, with a new shower stall, baseboard and crown molding. The shower features decorative 5” Ogee Drop Tile and an accent border in Natural Stone Pencil. The custom shower door, by Prestige Glass, includes a translucent privacy band etched across the center of the glass. For comfort on cold mornings, radiant heating was installed. On the third floor, adjacent to the family room, a third bath was remodeled. Like the children’s bath, the footprint for this room was also expanded by annexing closet space. We added a shower stall here too, and this one features built-in bench seating. Window glass in the bathroom window was replaced with tempered, frosted glass for safety and privacy. Photos by Shelly Harrison

This pool would look AMAZING in your own backyard, ASK us how!!! The custom lagoon vinyl liner in-ground swimming pool has all the extra features any pool owner is looking for; stamped cantilevered coping, vinyl liner instep, tanning ledge, deep end interior bench, in wall ladder, pool umbrellas and a fire ring for added comfort.

This pool would look AMAZING in your own backyard, ASK us how!!! The custom lagoon vinyl liner in-ground swimming pool has all the extra features any pool owner is looking for; stamped cantilevered coping, vinyl liner instep, tanning ledge, deep end interior bench, in wall ladder, pool umbrellas and a fire ring for added comfort.

The client contacted Thayer Construction to create a master bathroom and main hall bathroom in this recently purchased home. I was hired to create the design and work with the client to choose tile and other materials. We incorporated the existing bathroom and a long narrow closet from the master to gain the extra square footage for the bathrooms. Once the plans were created however, the homeowner decided that one large master bathroom would be better than 2 smaller bathrooms and would allow for a large tub with a gorgeous private view of her land. The client had found and fell in love with this stunning cement tile and wanted to bring it into the design as much as possible without it overwhelming the space. We accomplished this by adding a simple, but oversized, rustic white subway tile to the tile design. A clean edged, flat subway would not have done the rustic feel of the cement tile justice. To add a light pop of definition to the subway tile, a light grey grout was chosen. Gorgeous black hardware and fixtures were chosen to accent the rustic design. A rainshower head was installed so this space can be used as both a shower and as a soaking tub. To ensure the shower controls were within reach and to prevent a slipping safety hazard, I designed a pant shelf / bump out to bring the shower controls to the edge of the bath tub. The plant shelf / bump out top was tiled with the cement tile along with the tub deck to further the use of such gorgeous tile and to tie the entire space together visually. A dresser was converted to a vanity and this unique piece really stands out and fits perfectly with the entire bathroom design. Pendant lighting was chosen to allow for side lighting at the vanity mirror as there was not enough wall space to allow for sconces on either side of the mirror. The clients bathroom has turned out perfectly and she has that view she was wanting. This project was designed and built by Thayer Construction, LLC. Photos by H. Needham

Access to the Master Bathroom is made easy from the kitchen/laundry area. Upon entering the bathroom, the roll up sink and medicine cabinet are easily accessible. There is wainscoting wall protection that is carried in from the adjacent hallway that easily blends with wainscoting height tile in the bathroom as well. The toilet is extra high comfort height and sits at 21" so that access from the wheelchair is easiest. There is a linen cabinet across from the toilet that provides for drawers for bathroom items and supplies and for linens and towels on top. The shower threshold could not be eliminated, so we extended the shower bench over 21" into the bathroom floor so that easy transfer could be made from the wheelchair onto the bench in the bathroom, and then just slide over on the bench into the shower. The handheld shower is located within easy reach of the bench with all bathing supplies conveniently located in an easily accessible niche. Although not all grab bars are shown here, there is one at the sink to help her stand up, a pull down bar near the toilet, a vertical bar to help standing up from the toilets, an angled bar from the bench to stand up and a horizontal and vertical grab bar in the shower itself. Note that we selected the basic grab bar to install over any designer grab bar for maximum safety and comfort.

For many, professional interior design is a luxury. Whether your home’s design project is large or small, having the ability to transform your house, apartment or condo into a beautiful, unique space is a wonderful opportunity for self-expression. Even if it is a just simple accent wall painted in a color that speaks to you, or a complete renovation of your cabinets to achieve the kitchen of your dreams, interior design allows you to create an environment that is both personal and comfortable. That is exactly how interior designer and founder of Design Exchange Sean Carlson Perry feels about what he does for a living. “The reason that I love designing spaces, and value the impact of space design on people, is the way the spaces make us feel, the visceral appeal of good design. Good design should stimulate the senses and generate an emotionally engaging experience. As a designer, I get to massage and sculpt people’s experience of space!” Perry shared with us. In late 2017, the Paintzen team connected with Perry regarding a very special design project he was working on. Design Exchange was renovating, redesigning and re-furnishing The Ali Forney Center. The Ali Forney Center, based in New York City, is the largest and most comprehensive organization dedicated to housing homeless LGBTQ youth. Nearly 40% of the homeless youth population is LGBTQ. Homeless LGBTQ youth are eight times more likely to experience violence, discrimination, and suicide. AFC houses 124 youths each night and provides services to over 1,400 homeless young people per year. Although the organization does an incredible job to provide safety and shelter to homeless youth, Perry and his team felt the space itself could use some updating and could feel more welcoming. Rooms were dark, cold, and lacked proper storage. Furniture was in poor shape and didn’t work. The rooms were being under-utilized; overall, there was so much more that could be done within the walls of the AFC that could be improved using interior design & paint! We at Paintzen were excited to partner with Design Exchange to do our part in this transformation. The dark, paneled walls were re-painted white. This entirely opened up the space, making it brighter, warmer and more welcoming. The white walls also served as a much better backdrop for smart lighting, as well as for the furniture, wall decor, and new flooring. Beyond painting, Perry and his team used FLOR carpet tiles for durability in a bright Fuchsia shade for a pop of color. They created a more functional layout to maximize the space and make better use of its architectural details and added new furniture including lamps, tables, throws, a sofa, a TV and a Roku to make the space beautiful, and even fun. “Design increases connection and community,” Perry told us. “When we revamp a shelter space, history tells us that the residents spend more time in the space, more time with their peers, building connections and community; a greater sense of home.” Perry’s goal was to create an environment that set its residents up for success by improving their quality of life, outlook and self-esteem. “This isn’t extreme home makeover (although I wish I had that budget!). It’s about improving the aesthetics of the space to create a better environment and experience for people who are going through challenging times. I’ve been lucky enough to have an amount of work that allows me to donate a portion of profits to Design Exchange Projects.” Sean Carlson Perry founded Design Exchange as a way to use his talent, passion, and skills to help those who are struggling, or in a place of immediate need. He was searching to bring deeper meaning and a humanitarian component to his work. Perry has worked with clients in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. “Good design—functionally, aesthetically and ergonomically—promotes a better quality of life.” This is a mantra that describes why Perry does what he does through Design Exchange, working to help the underserved of New York City and other cities across the country. “I grew up gay in Nebraska, and have gone through some hard times when I was younger, but I can’t imagine going through what these kids go through – rejection from family, being kicked out of the house for being who they are, homeless and having nowhere else to turn,” said Perry. “Luckily, there is The Ali Forney Center. Doing these projects for AFC strikes close to home for me, so they are extra special and close to my heart.”

Custom Endles Pool Therapy Well with treadmill, safety cover. Extras include raised back bench, therapy jets, cedar skirting, and cedar steps. Rip Hooker

This pool would look AMAZING in your own backyard, ASK us how!!! The custom lagoon vinyl liner in-ground swimming pool has all the extra features any pool owner is looking for; stamped cantilevered coping, vinyl liner instep, tanning ledge, deep end interior bench, in wall ladder, pool umbrellas and a fire ring for added comfort.

This pool would look AMAZING in your own backyard, ASK us how!!! The custom lagoon vinyl liner in-ground swimming pool has all the extra features any pool owner is looking for; stamped cantilevered coping, vinyl liner instep, tanning ledge, deep end interior bench, in wall ladder, pool umbrellas and a fire ring for added comfort.

Award Winning Best Outdoor Living Space 2019 Splash Awards This pool has all the extras and it shows!! Vinyl liner custom steps and bench accented with a sheer decent water feature and deck jets. Enjoy sitting pool side with a custom fireplace, outdoor kitchen, pavilion, and multiple sitting areas.

At San Messina, we recently completed a rubber mulch installation for a playground area. Our team not only installed the rubber mulch, but also took extra steps to ensure proper drainage by leveling the playground and pitching it away from the playground equipment. This was done to prevent any standing water on the playground, which could be a safety hazard for children and cause damage to the equipment.

This beautiful bathroom remodel in Chino features a premium composite walk-in shower designed for comfort, safety, and style. The marble-look walls with integrated shelving and a recessed niche provide both elegance and convenient storage. Matte-black fixtures, including a rainfall showerhead, handheld sprayer, and matching grab bars, give the space a bold, modern feel. A built-in bench seat adds extra comfort and accessibility, while the low-threshold entry and sliding glass doors make it easy to step in and out. With durable, easy-to-clean materials and a timeless look, this remodel combines functionality with luxury—perfectly suited to elevate any Chino home.

Decorate your bedroom with a beautifully chosen area rug that seamlessly integrates style and practicality into your bedroom decor. Area rugs are essential in defining your space, adding warmth, and enhancing the overall aesthetic. Whether you’re aiming for a contemporary look or a more traditional vibe, the right rug can make all the difference. Style and Design: When selecting an area rug, consider various styles to match your bedroom decor. Hand-tufted and hand-knotted rugs offer luxurious textures and intricate patterns, perfect for adding elegance to any room. For a modern touch, machine-woven rugs are an excellent choice, featuring vibrant designs and practical features like heat-set fibers for durability. If you prefer a more versatile and lightweight option, flat-woven rugs, such as kilims, are reversible and complement a range of styles from contemporary to traditional. Materials and Comfort: Explore different materials to find the perfect rug for your needs. Shag and flokati rugs provide a plush, cushioned feel that makes your bedroom cozy and inviting. Hand-loomed rugs deliver a unique texture and artisanal quality, while braided and hand-hooked rugs add a rustic charm. Machine washable options are ideal for easy maintenance, ensuring that your rug stays fresh and clean with minimal effort. Functionality and Practical Features: Enhance your bedroom’s functionality with features designed for everyday use. Stain-resistant and water-resistant rugs protect against spills and stains, maintaining their appearance over time. Non-slip and adhesive backings ensure safety on hardwood floors, preventing slips and keeping your rug in place. Additionally, cushioned rugs provide extra comfort underfoot, making your bedroom feel even more luxurious. Customization and Personalization: Create a truly unique look with personalized or custom rug sets. An 8x10 area rug offers ample coverage and can be tailored to fit your room perfectly. Customization options, such as fringe details or organic textures, allow you to reflect your personal style and match your decor seamlessly. Versatility and Maintenance: With styles ranging from distressed to contemporary and transitional, the 15 best area rugs offer a wide selection to suit any bedroom theme. Whether you opt for a traditional hand-knotted rug or a modern machine-woven design, these rugs provide both visual appeal and practical benefits. Consider how easy the rug is to maintain, and choose features that enhance its durability and suitability for your lifestyle. In summary, incorporating the right area rug into your bedroom decor not only enhances the space with style but also adds comfort and functionality. From luxurious hand-tufted and hand-knotted options to practical machine-woven and washable designs, the perfect rug can elevate your bedroom and create a harmonious, inviting atmosphere. Explore the diverse range of options to find the ideal rug that meets your aesthetic and practical needs.

The clients enjoy entertaining guests in their home. They enjoy sports events, but don't necessarily enjoy the hustle 'n bustle of going to the stadium, finding a place to park, and in the case of football, freezing to death. They much prefer sharing the ambiance of their comfortable home, offering snacks and drinks from the bar, and enjoying a round of pool during intermissions and halftime, or watching halftime shows on a state-of-the-art home theater. These clients were so committed to this enterprise, they dedicated their 3,000 sq’ basement, except those areas already used for utility, storage, and mechanical needs, the renovation.To make sure the clients' every wish was met, a complete entertainment area was designed and constructed with ease of movement, lighting, and safety in mind. The area would include a home theater with totally wireless controls, a pool room, and a social area replete with a commercial-grade wet bar. The home theater consists of a screen within a custom cabinet system that also houses the complete audio-visual equipment center. Speakers are nestled in custom benches with the sound cones discretely hidden behind fabric panels. The motor for the panel that hides the screen when not in use is behind a similar fabric panel.The furniture style cabinet has Shaker style doors with walnut peg inlays and leaded glass panels. There are multiple lighting "scenes" for ambiance; low-voltage lighting inside the crown molding, and recessed can lights are discretely placed so that they can provide an extra level of illumination when required.The pool room was walled with a custom wainscot paneling with clear cherry stiles and rails finished with a clear satin lacquer. The panels are of Madagascar ebony with a light satin stain and a clear lacquer finish. A custom cue rack was constructed from clear cherry and backed with the Madagascar ebony panel.Drink rails were custom fabricated from cherry and custom crown molding was fabricated to match the rest of the house. The space is lit with a combination of recessed lights and a series of hidden lights behind crown molding for dramatic effect. The bar area is topped with a custom crown detail to contain the lighting. The bar is constructed in the same manner and fashion as the theater and pool rooms with Shaker style cabinetry with square walnut peg in the door corners and decorative leaded glass door fronts with more than enough front and back bar space to serve and enjoy drinks and snacks. Entry behind the bar is through custom, bi-directional butler doors. A custom bottle display and storage area takes up the bottom half of the bar's back wall. And, for the sake of convenience, a full size automatic dishwasher is installed under the bar for cleaning glasses and stemware. The bar is also tricked out with an espresso machine, its own flat screen TV and AmX video controller. The bar is lit with puck lights in the upper cabinets that illuminate downward through glass shelves, and low-voltage lighting is used behind the bottle display. The bar itself is lit by a series of earthen tone pendant lights.All three areas complement each other and are in total harmony with the remainder of the house. Moldings were matched, carpeting styles were chosen to complement rather than compromise, and muted, natural colors and textures were chosen that complement the surroundings. There is a seamless transition between the newer areas of the home and those already in everyday use. The entire area is a nebula of electrons operating servos, quietly opening and closing hidden switches, mysteriously dimming and brightening lights, and not only creating an alluring atmosphere, but one that is programmable, available at the touch of a finger to a heat sensitive screen, for an individual, or a group. At a single touch the lights in the theater and bar areas dim as the theater screen lowers into viewing position. Not only does the AMX controller open and close shades and window treatments to facilitate better viewing, but on an entirely different level it controls the very access to the property. It opens and closes entryways, external doors and gates as well.None of this magic came easily. Electrical circuits were at a premium. Over heating plagued the AV rack, and pesky rays of light seemed to creep in where and when they were least welcome. An exhaust fan was installed in the AV cabinet to dissipate the heat. New electrical outlets were scheduled and placed while others were moved. The bar area received custom wire chases hidden within the cabinetry. Exterior roll-a-way shutters, all controlled from the AMX controller, were installed and programmed as the answer to those pesky light rays.

Home Renovation - Carpet, Stairs and Railings, LVT We wrapped up a detailed and extensive flooring and carpentry project that spanned multiple stages and materials. Here's a breakdown of what we accomplished: Hardwood Refinishing: * Refinished hardwood on steps, railings, and floors with DuraSeal medium color stain. * Applied three coats of water-based polyurethane with a matte finish, plus an additional coat of BonaTrafficHD finish for extra durability. Carpentry: *Installed a new railing from the basement to the second floor, featuring five posts made from Square Red Oak (3.5" wide) for a sleek and sturdy look. Carpet Installation: *Installed carpet in bedrooms and closets using Monte Carlo II material in the color 6076 Antique Fresco. *Laid down a carpet runner on the stairs for added safety and a touch of elegance. LVT Installation: *Laid luxury vinyl tile (LVT) with rubber underlayment for enhanced comfort and sound absorption. *Used Shaw Endura Plus LVT material in the color Marina 2014 Each stage of the project was executed with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to delivering top-notch workmanship. The results are a beautifully finished, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space.

Home Renovation - Carpet, Stairs and Railings, LVT We wrapped up a detailed and extensive flooring and carpentry project that spanned multiple stages and materials. Here's a breakdown of what we accomplished: Hardwood Refinishing: * Refinished hardwood on steps, railings, and floors with DuraSeal medium color stain. * Applied three coats of water-based polyurethane with a matte finish, plus an additional coat of BonaTrafficHD finish for extra durability. Carpentry: *Installed a new railing from the basement to the second floor, featuring five posts made from Square Red Oak (3.5" wide) for a sleek and sturdy look. Carpet Installation: *Installed carpet in bedrooms and closets using Monte Carlo II material in the color 6076 Antique Fresco. *Laid down a carpet runner on the stairs for added safety and a touch of elegance. LVT Installation: *Laid luxury vinyl tile (LVT) with rubber underlayment for enhanced comfort and sound absorption. *Used Shaw Endura Plus LVT material in the color Marina 2014 Each stage of the project was executed with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to delivering top-notch workmanship. The results are a beautifully finished, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space.

Even if your home's bathroom is small, it doesn't have to look small. This client was looking to make the most of their bathroom space, so they turned to OakWood to work our design & build magic. The first thing that we did was increase the size of the bathroom by pushing the shower into the back bedroom, allowing for a few extra inches of space. The use of a floating vanity was another design choice that we made to save on space. Since floating vanities are raised from the floor, you’ll be able to see light bouncing off the bathroom floor with this option. This sense of openness (and light transmission) helps give the illusion of more space. Another design choice that was made to give the impression of a larger space was the use of a glass shower door. One of the main reasons that homeowners decide on clear glass shower doors is that they want to have an open and modern design. With clear glass, your whole bathroom will look larger, no matter how small the space. To top it off, we added safety measures to the shower, including a grab bar and a low-profile shower base to ensure that this bathroom meets their needs for today – and for the future!

For your desk or workstation, a custom-built desk will fit the size and shape of your room, and the size and shape of you too! Finally, you can sit or stand at an area that suits you just right. Perfect ergonomics are the key here so you can work for hours without undue strain on your body. The style of your desk can also meet your design preferences. You have the option of a built-in unit that fits like a custom furniture or will it look more like a contemporary desk with legs? Drawers that can function as a filing cabinet are a must. The hardware and storage options that are in your kitchen and Bathroom are optimal for this space. All those storage solutions from pantry pull outs and recycling receptacles can come into play into your personal space. Bring this luxury into your home workspace and let it be organized and clutter free. High capacity pulls out drawers made from maple tonged and groove box or metal slides full extension soft closing system. These Drawer units and pull out systems file your paper work. Organize your office supplies in a double drawer pull out system and have your pens and stapler always at hand. All to say that the hardware components are available in various sizes and these systems are silent, smooth, soft closing, full extension drawers with a safety device to prevent drawers from falling out. Open or closed cabinets and display units as overhead shelving can show off your beautiful objects or make extra room for gadgets, gizmos and work accessories. These shelves can come in a variety of sizes that house everything and fit our space perfectly.

Even if your home's bathroom is small, it doesn't have to look small. This client was looking to make the most of their bathroom space, so they turned to OakWood to work our design & build magic. The first thing that we did was increase the size of the bathroom by pushing the shower into the back bedroom, allowing for a few extra inches of space. The use of a floating vanity was another design choice that we made to save on space. Since floating vanities are raised from the floor, you’ll be able to see light bouncing off the bathroom floor with this option. This sense of openness (and light transmission) helps give the illusion of more space. Another design choice that was made to give the impression of a larger space was the use of a glass shower door. One of the main reasons that homeowners decide on clear glass shower doors is that they want to have an open and modern design. With clear glass, your whole bathroom will look larger, no matter how small the space. To top it off, we added safety measures to the shower, including a grab bar and a low-profile shower base to ensure that this bathroom meets their needs for today – and for the future!