Kitchen in Ironwood Drive | Warm Modern Home in Scottsdale, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Remodel and Furnishings | Project Name: Ironwood Drive Residence | Key Feature: A Tuscan home transformed into a warm modern interior through a full remodel and furnishings, highlighted by a custom hand-painted terracotta tile backsplash, custom cabinetry, and a new fireplace clad in basalt black stone that anchors the living space with drama and elegance. Challenge: Tuscan homes in Scottsdale are everywhere, and the design language that defined them, heavy wood, ornate details, dark iron, and rustic stone, does not transition gracefully on its own. The goal was to shed that Old World weight and move the home into something warmer and more current without losing the character that makes a remodeled home feel intentional rather than generic. Solution: Living with Lolo led the full remodel and furnishings as a single integrated project, which meant every decision from the custom cabinetry to the final throw pillow was made in service of the same design vision. The hand-painted terracotta tile backsplash brought artisan character into the kitchen in a way that felt fresh rather than Tuscan, and the basalt black stone fireplace gave the living space a bold focal point that reads as distinctly modern. Because Lauren holds both an interior design credential and an active Arizona ROC general contractor license, the construction and design were managed under one roof with no gap between the two. Materials: Custom hand-painted terracotta tile backsplash, custom cabinetry, basalt black stone fireplace, curated warm modern furnishings and textiles sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $250,000 to $550,000 | Timeline: Approximately 5 to 9 months from design through completion.

This 1970’s Ranch was purchased by a young family with active boys and animals. Changes were needed in this home for the family to be comfortable. With a very limited budget, Obelisk Home was challenged to be creative but keep with the clients sensibilities. We painted paneling, painted trim in custom colors, and took the room to a new level. High gloss paint on brick added to a bright open feel. New art, lighting, furniture and accessories were brought in to work with existing furniture that was incorporated from the clients Oklahoma home. Old, dark and full becomes light, airy and cozy. Photos by Jeremy Mason McGraw

Harbor View is a modern-day interpretation of the shingled vacation houses of its seaside community. The gambrel roof, horizontal, ground-hugging emphasis, and feeling of simplicity, are all part of the character of the place. While fitting in with local traditions, Harbor View is meant for modern living. The kitchen is a central gathering spot, open to the main combined living/dining room and to the waterside porch. One easily moves between indoors and outdoors. The house is designed for an active family, a couple with three grown children and a growing number of grandchildren. It is zoned so that the whole family can be there together but retain privacy. Living, dining, kitchen, library, and porch occupy the center of the main floor. One-story wings on each side house two bedrooms and bathrooms apiece, and two more bedrooms and bathrooms and a study occupy the second floor of the central block. The house is mostly one room deep, allowing cross breezes and light from both sides. The porch, a third of which is screened, is a main dining and living space, with a stone fireplace offering a cozy place to gather on summer evenings. A barn with a loft provides storage for a car or boat off-season and serves as a big space for projects or parties in summer.

These South Shore of Boston homeowners are no different than many recent clients who show an interest in upgrading their dated and aged bathrooms. They are looking to modernize, reflecting today’s bath trends but also desire increased re-sale value with new fixtures, tile and ventilation system. Given the time we spend in our baths, it is not surprising. (A recent Houzz, survey found that 60% of people occupy their bathrooms for at least one hour per day plus 58% of people surveyed said they use their smart phone or tablet to handle a multitude of activities.) This stunning full bath Renovision involved replacing the existing builder-grade vanity, sink and faucet with striking dark blue cabinetry featuring a bank of three deep drawers on each side of a two-door sink base. This client likes the new standard vanity height, no 34.5” which allows more storage space for cosmetic and cleaning supply items. Silestone’s Blanco Zeus countertop clearly modernizes the look and feel of this bath and doesn’t take away from the grey wood-look planked porcelain tiled floor which is on trend. The tub/shower walls with niche for shampoos and 3”x6” white subway tiles reflect a classic, clean and fresh look. The curved shower rod provides additional room while showering and its chrome finish ties in with the new shiny fixtures. Adding a few architectural elements definitely enhanced this bath. Renovisions re-worked the existing closet space with a custom built piece which included open shelving to store bath towels and door(s) on the bottom to accommodate laundry hamper. This furniture-look closet along with the window, trims and plantation shutters were color matched in the same white painted finish; stylish and sensible indeed!

This large and active family determined they needed more storage and seating in their kitchen. Working with Designer, Sarah McDonald, and Project Manager, Steve Shanholtz, it was decided the elimination of the much-underused dining room would suit their needs. A large custom table with bench/seats anchored the open area between the new kitchen and comfortable family room, while a large island with seating provided the space for entertaining that they wanted. The bi-level island with open pub height seating invites family and guests to gather around without interfering in the workspace. Homeowners loved a rustic feel to match their location. Pairing together a dark Executive cabinet, replete with knots and rub through, with much lighter RD Henry rustic alder stained and glazed wall cabinets gave a unique look to the new space. Open shelving in the shallow bar setup is finished with a creamy rustic brick tile to carry the provincial vibes through the home. Our crew did a fantastic job of bringing our client’s vision to life.

Converting this bare area into a stunning new bathroom was an exciting endeavor. The design features, including a curbless shower with a linear drain, a pocket door, and a pony wall, were thoughtfully implemented to maximize both functionality and aesthetics. Innovative approaches were taken to adapt to the unique layout, with extra care given to ensuring the spacious curbless shower was both practical and visually appealing. The shower’s design features intricate details, beginning with a stainless-steel linear drain that spans its entire width. This setup accommodates large 12″x24″ tiles and a straight sloped floor, minimizing grout lines and simplifying the cleaning process. Two shower niches were designed to provide extra storage without clutter. A spacious bench was constructed for comfort, relaxation, and ease of access. A pony wall was added to divide the toilet and shower, eliminating the necessity for a shower curtain. A glass mosaic tile accent band was selected to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space. Subtle details like edge trim and aligned tile/drywall points contribute to a polished overall appearance. Our options for vanity selections were somewhat restricted, but we found a mahogany veneer piece on sale at a local big box store that met our requirements perfectly. Given the factory’s light lacquer application and the bathroom’s exposure to humidity and water, I decided to apply two additional coats of lacquer to all exposed wood after a thorough sanding and cleaning. To achieve a marble-like appearance, we constructed a polished tile countertop and installed an undermount sink for both aesthetics and functionality. After preparing the surface of the sink, I applied an epoxy coating to seamlessly integrate the sink and tile. The same mosaic tile from the shower was used for the backsplash, enhancing the overall luxurious feel. The recessed lighting and vanity bar fixture were connected to a dual dimmer switch for added versatility. A pocket door featuring latching hardware was installed to maximize space and maintain a sleek appearance. To enhance the sense of openness, a large, full-width mirror was selected. Adequate ventilation was provided by an in-wall fan connected to a standard switch and a programmable humidistat, allowing the fan to activate when humidity levels reached a specified threshold. Additionally, a compact Jeld-Wen window sourced from a local Habitat for Humanity store was fitted with a convenient cordless shade.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Heritage Coastal model home in Wilmington, North Carolina, effortlessly balances classic coastal architecture with contemporary modern design. Perfect for active families who love to entertain, this spacious floor plan features an expansive, light-filled open-concept living space designed to host large family gatherings and holiday parties. The main living areas showcase beautiful shiplap accent walls throughout the home, adding classic coastal dimension, texture, and a high-end designer feel. The open-concept layout flows seamlessly into a gourmet chef's kitchen, which is anchored by a dramatic central kitchen island featuring a premium waterfall countertop edge that provides a sleek, unique touch to the open kitchen design. To maximize daily functionality, a versatile flex room is outfitted with custom floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinets and open shelving, creating the ultimate organized home office, library, or homework zone. Serving as the perfect homeowner's oasis, the luxury primary suite (owner's retreat) offers a private, sophisticated sanctuary to unwind at the end of the day. Extending the indoor living space into nature, an optional covered porch and shaded patio area provides a seamless transition for outdoor entertaining, kicking back, and enjoying coastal ocean breezes. Combining highly sought-after coastal curb appeal, trending interior millwork, and practical spaces for modern lifestyles, this custom coastal home provides exceptional inspiration for families looking to design and build their forever dream home.

Hall in West Trail Drive | Moody Modern Home in Scottsdale, AZ | Room Type: Full home remodel and furnishings | Project Name: West Trail Drive Residence | Key Feature: A moody, modern aesthetic built from the ground up through renovation and furnishings, where every finish, fixture, and piece of furniture was selected to work as a cohesive whole rather than a collection of separate decisions. Challenge: The home had good bones but felt generic. The clients wanted something that reflected a specific point of view, not a safe Scottsdale palette. The risk with moody, dark interiors is that they can feel heavy or disconnected if the layering isn't right. Solution: Living with Lolo led both the remodel and the furnishings, which meant the design intent carried through from the walls and floors all the way to how the room actually lives. Because Lauren holds both an interior design credential and an active Arizona ROC general contractor license, there was no handoff between designer and contractor. That single point of accountability kept the vision intact and the project on track. Materials: Custom cabinetry, natural stone surfaces, designer lighting, curated furniture and textiles sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $150,000 to $400,000 | Timeline: 4 to 8 months.

When this family came to us, they loved their home — but their bathrooms were failing them. The kids' bathroom had a non-functioning tub, a serious problem with two young children in the house. The primary bathroom was battling an active shower leak, a poor layout, and finishes well past their prime. Both spaces needed to be gutted. We got to work. The Primary Bath: Elevated, Effortless, Unmistakably Theirs Our clients arrived with a clear vision and a beautiful, refined sense of style. The layout was reconfigured from the ground up, and at the heart of the room sits a custom double vanity in a soft, sophisticated sage, topped with a stunning marble countertop and coordinating backsplash. Paired with elegant walnut-framed mirrors, a sculptural black and brass sconce, and wall-mounted polished nickel faucets, the vanity wall is a showpiece. Custom woven shades add warmth without sacrificing light. The walk-in shower delivers — floor-to-ceiling white subway tile, a mosaic marble floor, transom windows, and frameless glass. Schluter DITRA radiant floor heating adds the kind of quiet luxury you feel every morning. Both marble surfaces were professionally sealed with StoneGuard to protect the investment for the long haul. The Kids' Bath: Cheerful, Timeless, Built to Last The girls' bathroom is designed with just as much intention as any room in the house. A warm white oak vanity with marble countertop anchors the space, paired with an antique brass-framed mirror and raspberry custom sconce shades that bring personality without being precious. A botanical-print Roman shade layers in pattern and charm. The fully rebuilt tub-shower features wall-to-wall white subway tile, polished nickel fixtures, and a beautiful geometric floor tile in cream and warm taupe. A glass-front wall cabinet keeps things tidy, and tile wainscoting wraps the room for durability where it counts. Schluter DITRA radiant heat runs underfoot here too — because warm floors aren't just for adults. Two bathrooms. Completely distinct. Completely intentional. Built for a family that already loved their home — and loves it even more now.

Dining Room in West Trail Drive | Moody Modern Home in Scottsdale, AZ | Room Type: Full home remodel and furnishings | Project Name: West Trail Drive Residence | Key Feature: A moody, modern aesthetic built from the ground up through renovation and furnishings, where every finish, fixture, and piece of furniture was selected to work as a cohesive whole rather than a collection of separate decisions. Challenge: The home had good bones but felt generic. The clients wanted something that reflected a specific point of view, not a safe Scottsdale palette. The risk with moody, dark interiors is that they can feel heavy or disconnected if the layering isn't right. Solution: Living with Lolo led both the remodel and the furnishings, which meant the design intent carried through from the walls and floors all the way to how the room actually lives. Because Lauren holds both an interior design credential and an active Arizona ROC general contractor license, there was no handoff between designer and contractor. That single point of accountability kept the vision intact and the project on track. Materials: Custom cabinetry, natural stone surfaces, designer lighting, curated furniture and textiles sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $150,000 to $400,000 | Timeline: 4 to 8 months.

For this full-home remodel, the homeowners were looking for a design-build firm with strong credentials, sustainable practices, and a personal touch. After an extensive search, they chose Schulte Design Build for our expertise, approachability, and commitment to high-quality craftsmanship. From the beginning, collaboration was essential. The homeowners had a well-defined vision but remained open to professional insights, allowing us to create a design that balanced functionality, sustainability, and budget-conscious decisions. Energy efficiency played a key role in the project, with strategic upgrades such as relocating the water heater and switching to a hybrid model. We also adjusted the backup furnace to side vent, reducing roof penetrations and improving overall efficiency. Accessibility was another priority, and our team incorporated thoughtful ADA-friendly solutions throughout the home. The material selection process was equally intentional, ensuring that finishes aligned with the homeowners’ aesthetic goals while staying within budget. Our design team worked closely with them to achieve a refined and cohesive look without compromising quality. Project management and clear communication were crucial to the success of this remodel. With regular check-ins and project tracking software, we kept the process organized and transparent, providing a seamless experience from start to finish. The construction phase lasted six months, during which the homeowners stayed actively involved while trusting our team to bring their vision to life. The end result is a beautifully transformed home that integrates modern efficiencies, accessibility, and timeless design. Beyond the renovation itself, the homeowners gained a deeper understanding of their home’s functionality and feel more connected to their space than ever before. At Schulte Design Build, we take pride in guiding homeowners through the remodeling journey with expertise, integrity, and a collaborative spirit.

An early-season storm hit Farragut on April 10, 2026, bringing hailstones from one inch to nearly two inches across. This home's roof was already near the end of its service life, and the hail finished it off. Heavy granule loss, nail pops, and dented gutters and downspouts told the whole story. A Smith Roofing team member noticed the damage while driving through the neighborhood and stopped to let the homeowner know. The homeowner worked with their insurance carrier, and after a few weeks the claim was settled and work began. After tear-off, the deck looked good. The replacement was proactive rather than catching active leaks. The homeowners chose Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration shingles in Peppercorn for the deeper, multi-tone look with a more textured, current feel. New ridge vents and lifetime pipe flashings went on with the roof. To finish, six-inch oversized gutters in Musket Brown were added to match the paint on the entry columns and window trim. The result fits right in with the neighborhood's warm, earth-tone palette.

This space was created as a master bath for this client and was part of a larger master suite and dance studio addition. The marbled countertop juxtapositions the glass wall tiles and framed mirrors over the dual sinks beautifully. With home prices rising and residential lots getting smaller, this Encinitas couple decided to stay in place and add on to their beloved home and neighborhood. Retired, but very active, they planned for the golden years while having fun along the way. This Master Suite now fosters their passion for dancing as a studio for practice and dance parties. With every detail meticulously designed and perfected, their new indoor/outdoor space is the highlight of their home. "We found Kerry at TaylorPro early on in our decision process. He was the only contractor to give us a detailed budgetary bid for are original vision of our addition. This level of detail was ultimately the decision factor for us to go with TaylorPro. Throughout the design process the communication was thorough, we knew exactly what was happening and didn’t feel like we were in the dark. Construction was well run and their attention to detail was a predominate character of Kerry and his team. Dancing is such a large part of our life and our new space is the loved by all that visit." ~ Liz & Gary O. Photos by: Jon Upson

The kitchen cabinets project embraces a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics, with a focus on creating a serene atmosphere. Rounded cabinets crafted from light pigmented oak form the backbone of the kitchen's design, infusing the space with a warm and inviting ambiance. The choice of light pigmented oak not only adds a touch of natural elegance but also complements the abundance of natural light that floods into the house, further enhancing the feeling of serenity. A soft color scheme is carefully curated to seamlessly blend with the light oak cabinets, creating a cohesive and soothing visual palette throughout the kitchen. Soft hues such as pale blues, gentle greens, or muted creams are incorporated into the walls, backsplash, and accents, adding depth and tranquility to the space. Central to the kitchen design is the island, intelligently sectioned into two levels. This feature not only maximizes functionality but also serves as a focal point for social gatherings and moments with loved ones. The lower level of the island provides ample space for food preparation and cooking activities, while the elevated section offers a comfortable dining area or a cozy spot for gathering, fostering a sense of togetherness and connection. Whether it's a casual family breakfast, a lively dinner party, or simply a quiet moment shared with loved ones, the versatile design of the kitchen island ensures that it remains the heart of the home, adaptable to any occasion. With its rounded cabinets, light pigmented oak finish, and thoughtfully designed layout, this kitchen exudes a timeless charm and a tranquil atmosphere, inviting occupants to unwind and savor life's simple pleasures.

Looking towards kitchen from foyer
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Other with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops and an island

Taza incorporates the natural color variations of striated yarns with the beauty of a Moroccan quatrefoil design. Inspired by the integration of natural, handcrafted materials and the influence of green design in the home, this unique design offers a handcrafted look and feel. The loop texture adds incredible performance with exceptional style. Constructed of STAINMASTER® Luxerell® nylon fiber and part of the Active Family™ brand, this patterned loop is offered in 18 colors.

Interior and Exterior Design Project This was an exciting interior and exterior design project for This house was purchased directly from a builder by a vibrant career couple with active children and a love for spending time with their extended family and friends. While it was presented to us empty, we still had input on the flooring, lighting, cabinetry, moldings and wall colors. We decided to go with a transitional design style and bring in furnishings with an emphasis on being comfortable for their large family and frequent family gatherings. With a love for family gatherings and entertainment of the immediate and extended family we knew from the start that our design had to be beautiful, very functional and durable. Having worked with the this couple’s parents and sister we knew the family, their style and preferences. We knew this multi generational family loved being and entertaining with each other and we knew from the start that our design had to be beautiful, very functional and durable. Since the family room and living room are connected we designed a seamless flow between them and unique ways to share the some of the furnishings between them. We began with a large sectional with cozy seating in the family room. We brought in extra swivel chairs guests could turn to the living room to converse with guests or swivel family room to and see TV. We love ottomans for extra seating in living room to accommodate 8 and can be pulled into the family room for additional seating. The carpet was selected with family in mind to look beautiful, functional and easy to clean. En route from the family room to the kitchen eating area we designed a fully accessorized bookcase that complimented perfectly the custom built “only by Margali and Flynn” built in desk with hid-a-way doors hide homework and and paperwork when needed. In the kitchen we created a family dining center on the large central island with lots of stools. In the dining area we installed beautiful dining set with functional leather fabric. We used suede with nailheads, a herringbone wool carpet and transitional circular lighting to compliment the traditional colors of warm blues and neutrals … all working together to create a sophisticated and comfortable feel.

He wanted a lake house, she wanted a pool. Tucked away on a small cul-de-sac in North Reading is a backyard oasis like no other. “During our initial meeting with the homeowners, it became apparent that they wanted a unique pool, so we suggested a free-form gunite pool surrounded by an indigenous Goshen Stone patio, custom cut to create ultra-tight joints. The stone arrived in huge slabs — most over 5’ x 5’ in size — and varied significantly in thickness. Countless hours were spent cutting, chiseling, and even sandblasting this life-sized jigsaw puzzle. The final look was exactly what we were shooting for.” Russell The pool itself has a dark, pebble finish with a long, custom bench and a simple, spillway stone creating a perfect respite with a calming sound. Surrounding the pool and patio is a lush lawn with large swatches of summertime perennials. The homeowner is an active gardener, so providing him with areas to hone his skills was paramount to our success as a design firm. Large, architectural boulders were carefully arranged throughout the rear yard as both design elements and as functional furniture. A custom-built, wood, wire, and split granite fence meets pool-enclosure requirements and adds that farmhouse-feel to the overall look. Carefully arranged Goshen step stone set flush in the lawn orchestrates movement throughout the garden while connecting the house and pool in a thoughtful, artistic way. No need to travel north to the lake when you’ve got this to enjoy daily — right in your own backyard!

When you see the before photos of this kitchen, the finished product is nearly unrecognizable! This is because the original kitchen was 10x10, and wall separated the kitchen area from the eating area. Opening up the 2 spaces was exactly what this new kitchen needed! Since the dining area was directly adjacent to the family room, the designer at Advance Design created a low wall of matching decorative book case cabinets with a granite top to create separation needed between the spaces. This bank also eloquently held a beautifully wood appointed supporting column necessary for the structural ceiling load. The focal point of the new kitchen is the hand-painted backsplash centered under a wooden hood in the chef’s special cooking area. A completely functional island now has space for several stools, and even has a decorative touch with the shelving unit facing the eating area. The space next to the refrigerator became an efficiently organized bill paying area for the lady of the house, complete with pull out file drawers hidden behind matching kitchen cabinets. Replacing the “black hole” of a pantry; pull out shelves grace the interior of new pantry units suitable for the family of five busy people. Existing hardwood oak was repaired and refinished on the entire first floor. A light patterned gold granite works effortlessly with the tumbled marble backsplash that enjoys hints of weathered iron looking details that coordinate nicely with the cabinetry hardware. What makes this kitchen special is how elegant it appears despite the rustic feel of the knotty alder cabinetry. Clean design lines lend an air of sophistication to the otherwise “rustic” looking materials. Now this active family can enjoy the open space, cooking and hanging out together is now an enjoyable pastime.