This project won in the 2013 Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Housing Excellence Award for Best Urban Renewal Renovation Project. The glass bowl was made in the glass studio owned by the owner which is adjacent to the residence. The mirror is a repurposed window. The door is repurposed from a boarding house. George Mendel

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client wanted a complete update of their kitchen and came to us with several objectives. They wanted a larger island and easier access to the dining room. They also wanted to eliminate the existing cooktop location from the island and make the island larger. Because the existing space was not able to accommodate all those requests, we decided to eliminate the breakfast area and incorporate that space into the kitchen. By eliminating an existing bay window and making the kitchen sink window larger, we were able to make the new layout work without sacrificing any natural light. A French door to the newly added and adjoining sunroom and casual outdoor dining spot still allows for multiple dining options. And by enlarging the opening to the dining room, it allows for easier access to this space on a daily basis versus for special occasions only. The client already had a large desk in the kitchen and spends a lot of time at this area. We were able to make the new desk even larger by moving the refrigerator to another area. The refrigerator is covered in decorative panels so that it blends nicely into the furniture look of the room. The larger island can now seat several people comfortably. The room’s traditional feel was achieved by providing different finishes on the perimeter, island and desk cabinetry. Handmade gray backsplash tile, a combination of soapstone and Carrera marble give the space a classic appeal. Details provide interest – custom glass mullions, decorative wood hood and bronze hardware give the space character and charm. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Interior Design by: Rachel Alcorn Architect: Rick Rearick Contractor: KJN Renovations Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

John Valls
Inspiration for a transitional light wood floor living room remodel in Portland with beige walls

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Chicago

Photography - Eric Moore
This is an example of a traditional full sun gravel vegetable garden landscape in Los Angeles.

Elegant entryway photo in Denver

Photo: Ten Ten Creative
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

(c) Alain Jaramillo
Home design - modern home design idea in Baltimore

With sleek, contemporary styling, the living room boasts a curved wall with a textural copper-and-silver finish and five very tall, narrow windows. The room itself was all the inspiration I needed to envision big, bold and bright decorative hardware and trim, but the modern furniture and the eye-catching metallic-copper coffee table provided additional inspiration. Because the clients don’t like floor lamps and because they entertain frequently, I suggested back-lit crowns to reflect light off the ceiling. They loved the idea, but then came the challenge. Incorporating LED lighting in the design sounded easy enough, but a certified electrician had to be consulted to ensure safety and security. After spending considerable time learning about installing lights within the crowns, I set about designing how the lights needed to be placed to have the most dramatic effect. Two rows of lights were installed. The upper row shines upward to create a curved light on the ceiling, which enhances the height of the windows, creates a rhythm suggestive of the curve of the accent wall, and mimics the pebble-like shape of the table. The second row of lights shine downward, creating beams of light on the drapery sheer for dramatic effect and helping illuminate the room. Dimmer switches were installed so the clients can adjust brightness. A decorative trim of diamond crystals was attached to the center of the crowns to create visual interest and add a touch of luxury – a detail that was repeated on the tiebacks. The sheer draperies hanging under the crowns are very close in color to the walls, reducing the contrast between the wall and the draperies, which helps give the room a more open and expansive look and feel. The clients are delighted with the end result and said that when visitors see the room for the first time, they never fail to comment on the amazing lights in the window treatments.

Example of a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room design in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

Powder room with glam geometric wallpaper complimented with a vessel sink rustic vanity with riveted hardware. Counter top is quartz Viatera - Truffle. Mirror framed wall mirror. Ryan Hainey

Small elegant gray one-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Charleston

New Installation of Red Oak Wood, 3 1/4 in width. White-washed Bona Stain was used, Bona Finish, as well as Bona Traffic HD. Dustless sanding.
Living room - contemporary living room idea in Detroit

This renovation was completed with the primary goal of removed the carpet in the stairs which was not only difficult to clean but constantly looking worn in this very busy household. Ideally they wanted a durable, low maintenance flooring solution that still added character and coziness. The solution: Luxury vinyl planks! The unique and discreet metal nosings we used respect the clean lines and richness of this amazing plank in a non-commercial way. NOTE: While not all vinyl planks are created equal - the good ones are worth paying a little extra for!

Great spacious bathroom with lot of amenities. Photographer: Jon Upson
Large elegant master beige tile and porcelain tile drop-in bathtub photo in San Diego with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige walls and a two-piece toilet

Patio - small traditional backyard stamped concrete patio idea in Denver with no cover

Tucked away in the backwoods of Torch Lake, this home marries “rustic” with the sleek elegance of modern. The combination of wood, stone and metal textures embrace the charm of a classic farmhouse. Although this is not your average farmhouse. The home is outfitted with a high performing system that seamlessly works with the design and architecture. The tall ceilings and windows allow ample natural light into the main room. Spire Integrated Systems installed Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades paired with Hartmann & Forbes windowcovers to offer privacy and block harsh light. The custom 18′ windowcover’s woven natural fabric complements the organic esthetics of the room. The shades are artfully concealed in the millwork when not in use. Spire installed B&W in-ceiling speakers and Sonance invisible in-wall speakers to deliver ambient music that emanates throughout the space with no visual footprint. Spire also installed a Sonance Landscape Audio System so the homeowner can enjoy music outside. Each system is easily controlled using Savant. Spire personalized the settings to the homeowner’s preference making controlling the home efficient and convenient.

Great glass scallop tile detail. This tile is bordered by slabs of white marble.
Bathroom - modern bathroom idea in Miami