Houston Interior Designer Lisha Maxey took this Museum District condo from the dated, mirrored walls of the 1980s to Mid Century Modern with a gallery look featuring the client's art collection. "The place was covered with glued-down, floor-to-ceiling mirrors," says Lisha Maxey, senior designer for Homescapes of Houston and principal at LGH Design Services in Houston. "When we took them off the walls, the walls came apart. We ended up taking them down to the studs." The makeover took six months to complete, primarily because of strict condo association rules that only gave the Houston interior designers very limited access to the elevator - through which all materials and team members had to go. "Monday through Friday, we could only be noisy from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and if we had to do something extra loud, like sawing or drilling, we had to schedule it with the management and they had to communicate that to the condo owners. So it was just a lot of coordination. But a lot of Inner City Loopers live in these kinds of buildings, so we're used to handling that kind of thing." The client, a child psychiatrist in her 60s, recently moved to Houston from northeast Texas to be with friends. After being widowed three years ago, she decided it was time to let go of the traditionally styled estate that wasn't really her style anyway. An avid diver who has traveled around the world to pursue her passion, she has amassed a large collection of art from her travels. Downsizing to 1,600 feet and wanting to go more contemporary, she wanted the display - and the look - more streamlined. "She wanted clean lines and muted colors, with the main focus being her artwork," says Maxey. "So we made the space a palette for that." Enter the white, gallery-grade paint she chose for the walls: "It's halfway between satin and flat," explains Maxey. "It's not glossy and it's not chalky - just very smooth and clean." Adding to the gallery theme is the satin nickel track lighting with lamps aimed to highlight pieces of art. "This lighting has no wires," notes Maxey. "It's powered by a positive and negative conduit." The new flooring throughout is a blended-grey porcelain tile that looks like wood planks. "It's gorgeous, natural-looking and combines all the beauty of wood with the durability of tile," says Maxey. "We used it throughout the condo to unify the space." After Maxey started looking at the client's bright, vibrant, colorful artwork, she felt the palette couldn't stay as muted anymore. Hence the Mid Century Modern orange leather sofas from West Elm and bright green chairs from Joybird, plus the throw pillows in different textures, patterns and shades of gold, orange and green. The concave lines of the Danish-inspired chairs, she notes, help them look beautiful from all the way around - a key to designing spaces for loft living. "The table in the living room is very interesting," notes Maxey. "It was handmade for the client in 1974 and has a signature on it from the artist. She was adamant about including the piece, which has all these hand-painted black-and-white art tiles on the top. I took one look at it and said 'It's not really going to go.'" However, after cutting 6 inches off the bottom and making it look a little distressed, the table ended up being the perfect complement to the sofas. The dining room table - from Design Within Reach - is a solid piece of mahogany, the chair upholstery a mix of grey velvet and leather and the legs a shiny brass. "The side chairs are leather and the end ones are velvet," says Maxey. "It's a nice textural mix that lends depth and texture." The galley kitchen, meanwhile, has been lightened and brightened, with white quartz countertops and backsplashes mimicking the look of Carrara marble, stainless steel appliances and a velvet green bench seat for a punch of color. The cabinets are painted a cool grey color called "Silverplate." The two bathrooms have been updated with contemporary white vanities and vessel sinks and the master bath now features a walk-in shower tiled in Dolomite white marble (the floor is Bianco Carrara marble mosaic, done in a herringbone pattern. In the master bedroom, Homescapes of Houston knocked down a wall between two smaller closets with swing doors to make one large walk-in closet with pocket doors. The closet in the guest bedroom also came out 13 more inches. The client's artwork throughout personalizes the space and tells the story of a life. There's a huge bowl of shells from the client's diving adventures, framed art from her child psychiatry patients and a 16th century wood carving from a monastery that's been in her family forever. "Her collection is quite impressive," says Maxey. "There's even a framed piece of autographed songs written by John Lennon." (You can see this black-framed piece of art on the wall in the photo above of two green chairs). "We're extremely happy with how the project turned out, and so is the client," says Maxey. "No expense was spared for her. It was a labor of love and we were excited to do it."

Architect: Tom Ochsner General Contractor: Allen Construction Interior Designer: Shannon Scott Design Photographer: Jim Bartsch Photography
Example of an arts and crafts kitchen design in Santa Barbara

For the pantry door, our customer went with a French door with custom frosted glass.
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized craftsman l-shaped cork floor open concept kitchen idea in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white appliances and an island

Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Denver

Committing to a kosher kitchen is quite a daunting undertaking and when you are also taking on a complete remodel, it can be overwhelming. It does not, however, have to be insurmountable. There are many resources to help guide you through the experience. Check out the internet and magazines to guide you. Once you have done the initial research, contact your Rabi with questions and for clarification on a kosher kitchen. Kosher requirements can vary differently between Orthodox, Conservatism, Ultra Orthodox and Reform Judaism. Your Rabi most likely will have a list of rules and guidelines. Also, hire a professional kitchen designer. They will not only be able to design the needs of a kosher kitchen but also make it personal to your needs and beautiful too. If the space and the budget allow, two distinct kitchens within one space is a possibility. A kosher kitchen requires stringent separation of meat and dairy items. Depending on the sect of Judaism you practice ------ Storage: The Storage areas need space for two sets of dishes, pots and pans, flatware, cups and utensils. You can combine the storage areas as long as there is a separation and that you do not mix service ware. A good recommendation is to color code your plates, flatware, table linen, pots. For example, red plates, gold-colored flatware, copper pots for meat items while dairy items have white plates, stainless flatware, stainless pots. You may want to label each area so when you have your new sister-in-law help in the kitchen; everything stays in the correct place. Appliances: When selecting appliances look for the STAR-K logo. This will help you determine to what extent an appliance is Kosher. Some ovens will have Sabbath modes where they will turn on automatically at a predetermined time. Once the oven is open, the oven turns off. Some refrigerators also have Sabbath modes where the ice maker turns off on the Sabbath and back on the following day. One refrigerator is usually sufficient provided all foods stay on the proper container in the proper section of the refrigerator. Having an immaculately clean refrigerator is a must if this is the case. You do not want spills from one food source contaminating food from the other. If you decide on two refrigerators, one can be full size while the other is smaller. A good kitchen designer can help assess your family’s needs to determine which is best for you. Dishwashers cannot be Kosher in most cases. You either need two dishwashers, separate compartment dishwashers as in dishwasher drawers or wash by hand. Look at Fisher Pikel or Kitchen Aid for dishwasher drawers. Each drawer is on separate controls. You can dedicate the top drawer for dairy while the bottom drawer is for meat service ware. If you have space and decide to have two dishwashers, you can get two 24” wide dishwashers. Another option is to have one full size dishwasher and supplement it with a small 18” wide dishwasher. Miele makes an 18” wide dishwasher that is super quiet and cleans dishes very well. You may also opt for a single dishwasher drawer in addition to a full sized dishwasher. A single Microwave oven can be used for milk and meat provided that a complete cover is used around the food. You will also need separate plastic plate’s places on the bottom or glass turn table. Keeping the unit clean is very important. Counter tops: Counter tops may or may not be able to be koshered depending on your sect. Simply having sets of trivets for dairy, meat and pareve (not meat or dairy) will provide adequate separation of foods. Sinks: If you can’t have two separate sinks, include three separate tubs to be places in the sink. Color code the tubs for meat, dairy and pareve. If you have one sink or a single divided sink, you will need to be cautious about splashing, to keep the meat and dairy particulates apart. You will also need space for separate dish cloths or sponges and dish towels. Again, color coding is extremely helpful and highly suggested. Must Haves: ~Storage space for two sets of dishes, flatware, pans bowls ~Color Code and label where appropriate ~Separate burners dedicate for either meat or dairy ~Separate clean up areas ~Clean environment to avoid contamination between meat and dairy ~A space that functions for how you cook ~A space that reflects you Design and remodel by Design Studio West Brady Architectural Photography

Photography: River City Media Tina McCabe of McCabe Design & Interiors would like to thank Bordignon Marble & Stone, Vancouver, B.C., for supplying and fabricating the Bianco Venato Porcelain Slab for this island countertop. Bianco Venato is manufactured by Eiffelgres in Modena, Italy. Leave it to the Italians to produce a wonderful porcelain countertop that simulates marble. Porcelain slabs are extremely scratch and stain resistant as they are flamed at 1454 degrees Celsius. Bianco Venato is a practical and stunning alternative to marble and comes in 118" x 59" slabs. Thank-you again Bordignon Marble & Granite!!

Since the launch of model 2590, it has been an extremely popular choice for homeowners looking for country charm. The graceful sloping roof is punctuated by a greater and lesser gable and the entrance and service entry are sheltered by an enchanting wraparound porch. The addition of an attached garage adds additional convenience to this perennial favourite. Within, the entry leads to an convenient office to the right or fireplace adorned living room to the left. A large kitchen with island is located conveniently near the dining alcove which flows out to a covered rear porch, perfect for grilling and chilling. The service entrance includes garage access, and nearby coat closet, shower room and laundry. The generous single garage includes a staircase with direct basement access and space for a workbench at the rear. Upstairs, three good-sized bedrooms share access to a 5-piece bathroom and separate powder room. An unfinished basement and bonus space over the garage ensure plenty of storage and further development options. Blueprints and PDF file starting at: $880 Drummond House Plans - 2014 Copyright

This project started as a cramped cape with little character and extreme water damage, but over the course of several months, it was transformed into a striking modern home with all the bells and whistles. Being just a short walk from Mackworth Island, the homeowner wanted to capitalize on the excellent location, so everything on the exterior and interior was replaced and upgraded. Walls were torn down on the first floor to make the kitchen, dining, and living areas more open to one another. A large dormer was added to the entire back of the house to increase the ceiling height in both bedrooms and create a more functional space. The completed home marries great function and design with efficiency and adds a little boldness to the neighborhood. Design by Tyler Karu Design + Interiors. Photography by Erin Little.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary 3/4 black and white tile, blue tile and marble tile dark wood floor and brown floor bathroom remodel in New York with furniture-like cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

This exclusive full-scale luxury home renovation by HouseHome Interior Design redefines modern living through a complete gut-and-remodel transformation, executed with precision on an exceptionally tight timeline. Originally a 1971 green-and-brown vintage home, the property was fully reimagined into a sleek, high-tech contemporary residence for a C-level executive at Boeing, who entrusted HouseHome with the vision to create a bespoke, museum-worthy interior environment. Every square inch of the interior and exterior was redesigned and rebuilt from the ground up, delivering a dramatic architectural rebirth anchored in minimalist sophistication and industrial elegance. The new design showcases custom walnut cabinetry, seamless quartz surfaces, stainless steel metal accents, and a fully opened, reengineered floor plan that maximizes light, flow, and modern functionality. A refined palette of black, crisp white, warm wood tones, and layered greys establishes a timeless yet forward-thinking aesthetic, while top-tier luxury brands and high-performance systems elevate the home into the realm of true modern smart-home living. The result is a high-design, high-tech sanctuary that seamlessly blends architectural minimalism with executive-level luxury. The client was not only astonished by the speed and precision of execution, but by the extreme level of transformation and artistic vision delivered—solidifying this project as a signature example of HouseHome’s mastery in ultra-luxury modern residential design which has secured many referrals for us.

The grounds were treated with the same care and attention to design and detail as the residence in this complete remodel and restoration of a midcentury modern home and yard. The resulting landscape is a seamless integration of a low-maintenance, xeriscape front yard with modern appeal and a lush space for entertaining in the back, whose horticultural palette draws inspiration from an iconic time period while remaining drought-tolerant and aligned with Santa Barbara style. The high-desert plant palette provides an example an extremely low-maintenance and low-water-use garden without sacrificing aesthetics.

This exclusive full-scale luxury home renovation by HouseHome Interior Design redefines modern living through a complete gut-and-remodel transformation, executed with precision on an exceptionally tight timeline. Originally a 1971 green-and-brown vintage home, the property was fully reimagined into a sleek, high-tech contemporary residence for a C-level executive at Boeing, who entrusted HouseHome with the vision to create a bespoke, museum-worthy interior environment. Every square inch of the interior and exterior was redesigned and rebuilt from the ground up, delivering a dramatic architectural rebirth anchored in minimalist sophistication and industrial elegance. The new design showcases custom walnut cabinetry, seamless quartz surfaces, stainless steel metal accents, and a fully opened, reengineered floor plan that maximizes light, flow, and modern functionality. A refined palette of black, crisp white, warm wood tones, and layered greys establishes a timeless yet forward-thinking aesthetic, while top-tier luxury brands and high-performance systems elevate the home into the realm of true modern smart-home living. The result is a high-design, high-tech sanctuary that seamlessly blends architectural minimalism with executive-level luxury. The client was not only astonished by the speed and precision of execution, but by the extreme level of transformation and artistic vision delivered—solidifying this project as a signature example of HouseHome’s mastery in ultra-luxury modern residential design which has secured many referrals for us.

This exclusive full-scale luxury home renovation by HouseHome Interior Design redefines modern living through a complete gut-and-remodel transformation, executed with precision on an exceptionally tight timeline. Originally a 1971 green-and-brown vintage home, the property was fully reimagined into a sleek, high-tech contemporary residence for a C-level executive at Boeing, who entrusted HouseHome with the vision to create a bespoke, museum-worthy interior environment. Every square inch of the interior and exterior was redesigned and rebuilt from the ground up, delivering a dramatic architectural rebirth anchored in minimalist sophistication and industrial elegance. The new design showcases custom walnut cabinetry, seamless quartz surfaces, stainless steel metal accents, and a fully opened, reengineered floor plan that maximizes light, flow, and modern functionality. A refined palette of black, crisp white, warm wood tones, and layered greys establishes a timeless yet forward-thinking aesthetic, while top-tier luxury brands and high-performance systems elevate the home into the realm of true modern smart-home living. The result is a high-design, high-tech sanctuary that seamlessly blends architectural minimalism with executive-level luxury. The client was not only astonished by the speed and precision of execution, but by the extreme level of transformation and artistic vision delivered—solidifying this project as a signature example of HouseHome’s mastery in ultra-luxury modern residential design which has secured many referrals for us.

This exclusive full-scale luxury home renovation by HouseHome Interior Design redefines modern living through a complete gut-and-remodel transformation, executed with precision on an exceptionally tight timeline. Originally a 1971 green-and-brown vintage home, the property was fully reimagined into a sleek, high-tech contemporary residence for a C-level executive at Boeing, who entrusted HouseHome with the vision to create a bespoke, museum-worthy interior environment. Every square inch of the interior and exterior was redesigned and rebuilt from the ground up, delivering a dramatic architectural rebirth anchored in minimalist sophistication and industrial elegance. The new design showcases custom walnut cabinetry, seamless quartz surfaces, stainless steel metal accents, and a fully opened, reengineered floor plan that maximizes light, flow, and modern functionality. A refined palette of black, crisp white, warm wood tones, and layered greys establishes a timeless yet forward-thinking aesthetic, while top-tier luxury brands and high-performance systems elevate the home into the realm of true modern smart-home living. The result is a high-design, high-tech sanctuary that seamlessly blends architectural minimalism with executive-level luxury. The client was not only astonished by the speed and precision of execution, but by the extreme level of transformation and artistic vision delivered—solidifying this project as a signature example of HouseHome’s mastery in ultra-luxury modern residential design which has secured many referrals for us.

This exclusive full-scale luxury home renovation by HouseHome Interior Design redefines modern living through a complete gut-and-remodel transformation, executed with precision on an exceptionally tight timeline. Originally a 1971 green-and-brown vintage home, the property was fully reimagined into a sleek, high-tech contemporary residence for a C-level executive at Boeing, who entrusted HouseHome with the vision to create a bespoke, museum-worthy interior environment. Every square inch of the interior and exterior was redesigned and rebuilt from the ground up, delivering a dramatic architectural rebirth anchored in minimalist sophistication and industrial elegance. The new design showcases custom walnut cabinetry, seamless quartz surfaces, stainless steel metal accents, and a fully opened, reengineered floor plan that maximizes light, flow, and modern functionality. A refined palette of black, crisp white, warm wood tones, and layered greys establishes a timeless yet forward-thinking aesthetic, while top-tier luxury brands and high-performance systems elevate the home into the realm of true modern smart-home living. The result is a high-design, high-tech sanctuary that seamlessly blends architectural minimalism with executive-level luxury. The client was not only astonished by the speed and precision of execution, but by the extreme level of transformation and artistic vision delivered—solidifying this project as a signature example of HouseHome’s mastery in ultra-luxury modern residential design which has secured many referrals for us.

This beautiful home is an example of what can be achieved on a small lot. Interactive Construction was able to provide these homeowners with a Passive House that fit perfectly into their heritage neighbourhood, onto their narrow lot, and with their personalities. There are huge energy savings built into the design of this home. In keeping with Passive House principles, the house is insulated everywhere to minimize heat loss meaning this house doesn’t require a conventional heat source. There is an extremely efficient Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system that quietly manages airflow throughout the building and takes the heat from showers and cooking before expelling cool, filtered air. Triple glazed windows cut down on heat loss and are almost all openable to aid in cooling instead of a costly air conditioner. Environmental considerations in this build go beyond energy savings. The decision to use prefabricated wall panels and roof trusses to cut down on waste and aid in site storage of lumber. This house’s innovation comes from it being a modern design passive house that it somehow fits very well in a neighbourhood filled with heritage houses. We managed to squeeze a lot of house onto a postage sized lot and still have it feel roomy inside and in the yard. And check out those funky stairs! What the homeowners had to say: Despite the huge and unforeseen challenges of building safely and efficiently during the 2020 Covid pandemic, especially on a very narrow lot, Interactive's exceptional crew and their team of skilled subcontractors delivered our dream house.

These clients win the award for ‘Most Jarrett Design Projects in One Home’! We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been able to work with these kind folks so consistently over the years. The most recent project features their master bath, a room they have been wanting to tackle for many years. We think it was well worth the wait! It started off as an outdated space with an enormous platform tub open to the bedroom featuring a large round column. The open concept was inspired by island homes long ago, but it was time for some privacy. The water closet, shower and linen closet served the clients well, but the tub and vanities had to be updated with storage improvements desired. The clients also wanted to add organized spaces for clothing, shoes and handbags. Swapping the large tub for a dainty freestanding tub centered on the new window, cleared space for gorgeous his and hers vanities and armoires flanking the tub. The area where the old double vanity existed was transformed into personalized storage closets boasting beautiful custom mirrored doors. The bathroom floors and shower surround were replaced with classic white and grey materials. Handmade vessel sinks and faucets add a rich touch. Soft brass wire doors are the highlight of a freestanding custom armoire created to house handbags adding more convenient storage and beauty to the bedroom. Star sconces, bell jar fixture, wallpaper and window treatments selected by the homeowner with the help of the talented Lisa Abdalla Interiors provide the finishing traditional touches for this sanctuary. Jacqueline Powell Photography

This exclusive full-scale luxury home renovation by HouseHome Interior Design redefines modern living through a complete gut-and-remodel transformation, executed with precision on an exceptionally tight timeline. Originally a 1971 green-and-brown vintage home, the property was fully reimagined into a sleek, high-tech contemporary residence for a C-level executive at Boeing, who entrusted HouseHome with the vision to create a bespoke, museum-worthy interior environment. Every square inch of the interior and exterior was redesigned and rebuilt from the ground up, delivering a dramatic architectural rebirth anchored in minimalist sophistication and industrial elegance. The new design showcases custom walnut cabinetry, seamless quartz surfaces, stainless steel metal accents, and a fully opened, reengineered floor plan that maximizes light, flow, and modern functionality. A refined palette of black, crisp white, warm wood tones, and layered greys establishes a timeless yet forward-thinking aesthetic, while top-tier luxury brands and high-performance systems elevate the home into the realm of true modern smart-home living. The result is a high-design, high-tech sanctuary that seamlessly blends architectural minimalism with executive-level luxury. The client was not only astonished by the speed and precision of execution, but by the extreme level of transformation and artistic vision delivered—solidifying this project as a signature example of HouseHome’s mastery in ultra-luxury modern residential design which has secured many referrals for us.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Beverly II Carolina showcase home highlights the very best of custom home building in Columbia, South Carolina. The main residence features a thoughtfully designed 2,428-square-foot floor plan offering 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. As a larger, expanded version of our extremely popular Beverly design, this version provides more than enough room to comfortably accommodate life's everyday needs, making it a highly sought-after layout for modern families looking to build on their lot in the Columbia area. The heart and central hub of the home is the deluxe, open-concept eat-in kitchen. Equipped with a large kitchen island, this open layout flows seamlessly into the main great room and dining room, making it the absolute perfect space for cooking, entertaining family and friends, or managing weeknight homework. The home also features a bright morning room that beautifully captures the day’s first natural light, ensuring that relaxing and unwinding are always right at your doorstep. For ultimate flexibility, a dedicated main-floor flex room is open to your interpretation, serving perfectly as a quiet home office or formal den. The private quarters of the home are designed with true luxury in mind, led by a massive owner's retreat that offers a peaceful escape from the daily grind. The master bedroom features an elegant vaulted tray ceiling, adding a striking architectural detail that creates an elevated sense of volume and luxury. The attached primary bathroom includes the ever-popular dual vanities and dual walk-in closets for maximum storage efficiency. On the second level, a versatile bonus room provides the perfect spot for a children's playroom, a private home workout room, or an active game room. Blending timeless Carolina charm with modern functionality, this Beverly II design is an exceptional example of premium quality craftsmanship.