Many homeowners have their own ideas about how light or dark their home interiors should be. Some folks love nothing more than sunny, light-filled rooms. Other people adore their comforting, softly-lit spaces. While light levels can be a matter of personal preference, lighting can also be a powerful tool for shaping the mood, emotional tone and usage of every room. In fact, lighting is just as important as furnishings. Lighting Tips 1. Stay Warm Cool light looks brighter to the eye and can seem more like daylight. It can also make your home feel like a hospital or grocery store, which is not what we’re going for. Warm light is softer and creates a more relaxed mood. That’s what you want in your home. 2. Yes, You Can We’re big fans of can lighting. These in-ceiling lights draw zero attention to themselves while creating a foundation for excellent interior lighting. We add lamps for emphasis and mood in particular areas and put everything on a dimmer switch (see #3). This formula gives you maximum flexibility. 3. The Great Dimmer What did people do before the dimmer switch was invented? We suspect they shielded their eyes or huddled together in the dark because there was nothing inbetween. We use dimmer switches everywhere except the bathroom. Controlling the level of every light in your home allows you to create the right mood for the moment every time. 4. Beam Me Up We’re head over heels in love with this stunning raw wood beam wrapped with light bulbs on cords. Flip one dimmer switch and all the lights go on, at the exact intensity level you choose. The can lights in the ceiling gently illuminate the room, so this fabulous fixture can serve its true purpose—which is to create an irresistibly inviting space and a found-object, vintage vibe. 5. Open Bulb Policy Many of our light fixtures feature exposed bulbs. Once upon a time, light bulbs might have been ugly, but clear Edison bulbs, showing the filaments within, are themselves works of art. In a chandelier with an open, orb structure, candelabra bulbs are reminiscent of candle flames. A small lamp with a square metal base and a single bulb takes the open concept one step further. 6. Double Up Above a long dining table or bar, consider using multiple light fixtures. Especially with hanging light fixtures, we tend to think of putting just one in the middle. But lighting only the center of a long table would leave some of your dinner guests in the dark while others take the spotlight. 7. Reflections Reflections off mirrors, glass and tile bring a secondary light source into play and add a soft, beautiful touch. Candles create particularly compelling reflections. 8. Looking Up In high, open spaces, a light fixture can help balance the space, bringing the eye downward and helping make the area less cavernous and more inviting. 9. Looking Out Lighting is also a safety issue. Make sure you can turn on the stair lights at the top and the bottom of the stairs. Incorporate the flexibility to light up the room you’re entering before you get there, so you aren’t stumbling around in the dark, trying to find the switch. 10. How Low Can You Go?
While low light may be flattering, people tend to err on the side of too little light, rather than too much. Turn up that dimmer a notch more than you would normally and you may like what you see. Having sufficient light is particularly important in areas such as basements, where there may be little to no natural light.

The couple each had their own wish lists. Hers was focused on aesthetics and was very clear: a contrasting combo of dark and crisp-white tile along with warm wood, soft bronze plumbing finishes, and an elegant soaking tub. His list was all about the shower. He wanted to match the experience of a luxury hotel shower. Design objectives: -Open up the space and omit heavy millwork details -Furniture-style vanity in a warm wood finish -Classic neutral palette -Ample storage for toiletries and towels -Luxurious modern technology, especially in the shower THE REMODEL “I’m not good at coming up with ideas,” the homeowner focused on the shower told us. “I like it when someone taps into my idea and gives me the options of what I’m looking for. That’s what Diana did for me and the shower while making my wife’s clear vision for everything else happen.” Once the goals were clear, Diana identified the project’s challenges and solutions so the Drury Design installation team could make the remodel a reality. Design challenges: -Expand and open up the shower in a way that lets in more light -Continue crown molding from the rest of the home – solve for how this could work around the shower -More storage solutions in the same space -Create an elegant, streamlined look that unifies all of the new elements Design solutions: -Adding a soffit above the shower area allows crown molding to flow continuously -Large Robern medicine cabinets offer convenient eye-level storage while freeing up vanity space. The mirrors on both sides of the inner medicine cabinet make them bright and sleek without having to be lit. -Open elegance – spacious tone and feel created by free-standing tub highlighted by a large wall mirror and oversized sconces -White quartz with black and bronze veining ties all the materials together -Warm, contrasting character of walnut adds a nice infusion of nature into the spa-like space THE RENEWED SPACE This elegant bathroom is all about symmetry and well-thought-out details. A classic, spa-like appeal emanates from simple beveled subway tile, herringbone patterns in the floor and shower niches, and the gorgeous walnut vanity. The result is a beautiful bathroom that checks all the boxes from the homeowners’ original wish lists.

A small microwave with a hanging kit was built into the wall cabinets. It's surrounded by medium stained maple cabinets and looks built in without the bulky trim kit. Hanging the microwave keeps it at eye level, gets it off the countertop, and looks more custom.

This transitional kitchen brings in clean lines, simple cabinets, warm earth tones accents, and lots of function. This kitchen has a small footprint and had very little storage space. Our clients wanted to add more space, somehow, get the most storage possible, make it feel bright and open, have a desk area, and somewhere that could function as a coffee area. By taking out the doorway into the dining room, we were able to extend the cabinetry into the dining room, giving them their desk area as well as storage and a nice area for guests! A custom appliance garage was made that allows you to have all the necessities right at your hands and gives you the ability to close it up and hide all of the appliances. Trash, spice, tray, and drawer pull outs were added for function, as well as 2 lazy susans, wine storage, and deep drawers for pots and pans. The homeowner fell in love with the matte white GE Cafe appliances with the brushed bronze accents, and quite frankly, so did we! Once we found those, we knew we wanted to incorporate that metal throughout the kitchen. New hardwood flooring was installed in the kitchen and finished to match the existing wood in the dining room. We brought the warmth up to eye level with open shelving stained to match. We love creating with our clients, and this kitchen was no exception! We are thrilled with how everything came together.

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Kent

Hunter Douglas Duette Architella Shades with top-down/bottom-up functionality provide privacy at eye level while preserving the view.
Inspiration for a coastal living room remodel in Seattle

Home design - transitional home design idea in Kent

Inspiration for a small transitional 3/4 blue tile, white tile and subway tile ceramic tile and white floor bathroom remodel in New York with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, an integrated sink and quartz countertops

Changes in elevation offer the opportunity to create landing spaces and showcase gardens at eye level. Install statuary and garden art for charming vignettes, and include comfortable seating to enjoy the view.

100 Year Old Home Re-Imagined For Today. Pantry Pull Out Storage. Gage Seaux
Example of a mid-sized arts and crafts u-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen design in New Orleans with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The old cabinetry was removed and replaced with this floating double vanity. The green glass bubble tiles on the backsplash are divided by one long horizon mirror at eye level.

An eye-level, detailed view looking into a bespoke appliance pantry cabinet. The two lower shelves feature light wood interiors and display a standing wine rack with several bottles, a row of cookbooks, and white appliances including a KitchenAid stand mixer, a Cuisinart food processor, and a slow cooker. The right side of the view shows dark wood lower cabinetry, light grey upper cabinetry, and marble countertops leading back. A dark wood charging drawer at the bottom left is fully extended, revealing multiple black power outlets and USB ports.

The couple each had their own wish lists. Hers was focused on aesthetics and was very clear: a contrasting combo of dark and crisp-white tile along with warm wood, soft bronze plumbing finishes, and an elegant soaking tub. His list was all about the shower. He wanted to match the experience of a luxury hotel shower. Design objectives: -Open up the space and omit heavy millwork details -Furniture-style vanity in a warm wood finish -Classic neutral palette -Ample storage for toiletries and towels -Luxurious modern technology, especially in the shower THE REMODEL “I’m not good at coming up with ideas,” the homeowner focused on the shower told us. “I like it when someone taps into my idea and gives me the options of what I’m looking for. That’s what Diana did for me and the shower while making my wife’s clear vision for everything else happen.” Once the goals were clear, Diana identified the project’s challenges and solutions so the Drury Design installation team could make the remodel a reality. Design challenges: -Expand and open up the shower in a way that lets in more light -Continue crown molding from the rest of the home – solve for how this could work around the shower -More storage solutions in the same space -Create an elegant, streamlined look that unifies all of the new elements Design solutions: -Adding a soffit above the shower area allows crown molding to flow continuously -Large Robern medicine cabinets offer convenient eye-level storage while freeing up vanity space. The mirrors on both sides of the inner medicine cabinet make them bright and sleek without having to be lit. -Open elegance – spacious tone and feel created by free-standing tub highlighted by a large wall mirror and oversized sconces -White quartz with black and bronze veining ties all the materials together -Warm, contrasting character of walnut adds a nice infusion of nature into the spa-like space THE RENEWED SPACE This elegant bathroom is all about symmetry and well-thought-out details. A classic, spa-like appeal emanates from simple beveled subway tile, herringbone patterns in the floor and shower niches, and the gorgeous walnut vanity. The result is a beautiful bathroom that checks all the boxes from the homeowners’ original wish lists.

This close-up, eye-level shot captures the front facade of a modern luxury home on a sunny day. The house is painted in a clean white stucco with a dark gray tiled roof. A prominent entryway is framed by two large white pillars and features a set of double front doors with dark wood frames and frosted glass panels. Above the entrance, exposed wood beams and brackets add a touch of warmth and natural texture to the design. The home has a mix of large, modern windows and narrow transom windows, allowing for ample natural light. In the foreground, a vibrant green lawn is bordered by a gray paver walkway leading to the front door, with lush green shrubs and small palm trees planted along the foundation.

Inspiration for a bathroom remodel in DC Metro

Home design - transitional home design idea in Kent

A trio of tiled underwater bar stools invites informal gathering in the shallow area, perfect for relaxing with a drink or supervising swimmers at eye level.

Bathroom in Ridgerunner Drive | Room Type: Whole Home Remodel | Project Name: Ridgerunner | Key Feature: A full-home transformation that converted the property from a dated Tuscan style into a modern farmhouse design with a more contemporary edge. Challenge: The home’s original Tuscan style felt dated and did not align with the homeowners’ desired aesthetic. The challenge was to modernize the entire space while creating a design that remained practical and comfortable for a young family with a child. Solution: The home underwent a complete remodel that replaced the heavy Tuscan finishes with a lighter, more modern farmhouse palette. Updated materials, finishes, and design details created a fresh, contemporary look while maintaining a family-friendly environment. Timeline: Completed in 2019.

A spice pull out near the cooktop makes cooking a breeze and keeps all of those bottles and jars neatly organized.
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional u-shaped bamboo floor eat-in kitchen idea in Bridgeport with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula