The remodeling of the kitchen and bathroom forms the core of this interior renovation. The existing peninsula design and cabinetry broke up the ‘great room’ and stood the kitchen as a distinct element within the room. Our design strategy operates more on a principle of integration. As such, we created a galley condition with a spine of cabinetry and appliances that anchors to the long wall of the room. The feature design element is the solid Caesarstone backsplash which appears to be carved from the wall itself. The particular challenge in the windowless bathroom was how to create an inviting, expanded sense of depth without a resulting cave-like feel. Removal of a half wall, soffit and tub unified the space overall. We reinforced the unification with the deployment of a single large format tile spec. Smaller details such as touch latch cabinetry hardware and flush conditions between tile, wall and mirror further the principle that simpler is bigger, deeper and more inviting. We were also charged with elevating what was a pedestrian 1990’s townhouse to something more sophisticated and engaging. Our approach was to first remove builder grade detailing around windows and railings. Then, we introduced simplified profiles and glass guardrails that would extend a consistency established in the new kitchen and bathroom designs. photo by Scott Hargis

Living room - cottage living room idea in Phoenix

Welcome to a newly built home in Redwood City, crafted from the ground up with over 25 years of skilled construction expertise. Original home was demolished. Every detail was thoughtfully designed to meet city standards, limitations, and requirements—resulting in a residence that feels light, crisp, and deeply connected to nature. Wood floors run throughout the home, creating warmth and continuity from the moment you step inside. *Entry & Living Spaces* As you enter through the clean, modern 8-foot door—perfectly aligned with the 9-foot ceiling—you’re greeted by a bright, open feel. The living room centers around a custom fireplace clad in artistic tile, paired with a built-in TV stand. Directly across, double sliding doors invite natural light and seamless indoor-outdoor living. The entire home enjoys a ceiling of 9' with a combination of vaulted ceiling in the primary bedroom. *Kitchen – The Heart of the Home* The kitchen is the true centerpiece. Designed with an open concept and surrounded by generous windows, it features quartz on both the countertops and full-height walls for a luxurious, cohesive aesthetic. A large island—topped with a full slab of quartz—anchors the room, offering extra space between the island and main counters for comfortable movement and entertainment. Two elegant clear pendant lights highlight its presence. Outfitted with top-tier luxury appliances designed for both performance and visual refinement. White cabinetry keeps the look clean and minimalist, while oversized drawers provide functional storage for cooking utensils. The induction cooktop, paired with a pot filler, reinforces the modern and streamlined design. A double oven and an almost-hidden pantry maintain the sleek look, keeping the focus on the kitchen’s architecture and flow. Mudroom & Dining Area Adjacent to the kitchen is a mudroom with a charming barn door leading toward the garage. A half-wall accent features eccentric black-and-white tile, complemented by bold black fixtures. A small custom hidden closet maximizes storage while maintaining a refined appearance. The dining room, open and airy, continues the wood flooring and is adorned with stylish pendant lighting—perfect for gatherings and everyday meals. The wide, open staircase is fully exposed to the dining area and first floor, creating a striking architectural feature that visually connects the spaces. Its modern wood-and-metal design contributes to the home’s open flow while serving as a sculptural centerpiece within the main living level. *Bedrooms & Laundry* Guest and secondary bedrooms are bright and inviting, each with multiple windows framed in sleek black for a modern edge. Every bedroom enjoys its own bathroom, offering comfort and privacy. A compact but well-designed laundry room includes a sink and drying rack, making smart use of space. The second story features an open layout with wide hallways, enhancing the sense of space and natural flow. This home also includes an office and one of the bedrooms is used for a workout space. *Primary Suite* Set apart from the other bedrooms for privacy, the primary suite is a luxurious retreat. An accent wall adds character, while a large walk-in closet offers abundant storage. A skylight fills the room with natural light, enhancing the open, breathable atmosphere. *Bathrooms* Each bathroom was thoughtfully designed with its own personality: - Primary bathroom: The primary bathroom embraces a concrete-inspired look, featuring dual sinks and a spacious shower with double-sided niches—one for each person. An LED makeup mirror adds functional elegance. - Second bathroom: Gray cabinet, tile wall, black fixtures, frameless shower door, and a striking floral tile accent. - Third bathroom: White cabinets, gold fixtures, white tile floors, a shower stall, and a bold green tile feature wall with a large niche. - Fourth bathroom: Blue cabinet, gray tile floors, a tub with frameless shower door, and gray wall tiles paired with sleek chrome fixtures. - Powder Room: Half wall crown molding with black tile design and fixtures. *Exterior & Landscape* The planning process also emphasized low-maintenance landscape design, using easy-care plants that enhance the home’s natural feel without demanding constant upkeep. The home is also equipped with a dedicated EV charging station and solar panels, supporting energy efficiency and modern sustainable living.

At its core, this home is about balance. It combines a cozy, lived-in feel with the clean lines and open spaces characteristic of modern design. A space where natural elements and minimalist details coexist beautifully, creating a warm and inviting environment that feels both timeless and up-to-date. The primary bedroom is serene with a neutral color scheme and simple furniture. Use of layered bedding in textural fabrics and a mix of tones helps to create a cozy retreat. The adjoining bathroom features a double vanity, which provides both functionality and balance with plenty of natural light, keeping the space feeling fresh and inviting.

My clients approached this kitchen remodel hoping not only for improved functionality but for a space that invited comfort, warmth, and daily enjoyment. Their existing kitchen was limited in both layout and atmosphere where a small island barely larger than a podium offered little utility. An oversized double-width doorway at the rear of the room leading into the adjacent living space disrupted the flow, making furniture placement nearly impossible. They longed for a kitchen where cooking felt easy and intuitive, but also one where they could sit at the table with a book and a cup of tea, or host friends without feeling cramped or awkwardly positioned. One of the most impactful decisions we made early on was to close off that extra-wide opening to the living room. Doing so allowed us to reclaim the wall, which not only improved circulation but also gave us the freedom to rethink the spacing of the kitchen and eat-in area. With that change, we could introduce a much larger island—truly functional this time—complete with generous workspace and storage. It became a true centerpiece for meal prep, casual dining, and gathering. From there I turned my attention to layering in comfort, personality, and style. I curated a color palette of soft white, pale blue, light wood tones, and touches of sunshine yellow. This fresh and uplifting combination feels timeless and relaxed. We chose cabinetry with traditional Shaker-style doors, accented by black forged iron hardware for a subtle hint of contrast and authenticity. For the countertops we chose a Gold Calacatta-look quartz, bringing elegance and warmth with its soft veining and classic appeal. To elevate the kitchen walls I selected a soft matte glass tile in a moody, sky-blue that blankets the backsplash, providing a gentle wash of color that’s calming and cohesive. On the floors I chose a limestone-look porcelain tile in a classic Versailles pattern as an homage to old English manor houses—bringing character and texture underfoot while remaining durable and low-maintenance for modern life. Lastly I transformed the adjacent eat-in area into a cozy, multifunctional space. We added custom built-in bookshelves and a sideboard for serving and display—perfect for entertaining or simply making daily routines feel more special. A black iron picture light softly illuminates the buffet, lending a warm, ambient glow in the evenings. I carefully planned the seating arrangement to include a space-saving banquette along the wall, paired with a trestle-style dining table and side chairs. At either end I placed tufted host chairs upholstered in an exquisite, tonal Chinoiserie dragon pattern that are comfortable enough to sit on for hours. Whether sharing a leisurely meal, reading in the sunlight, or gazing out at the greenery just beyond the windows, this spot now invites my clients to truly enjoy their home in a new, deeper way. Photo: Bernardo Grijalva

At its core, this home is about balance. It combines a cozy, lived-in feel with the clean lines and open spaces characteristic of modern design. A space where natural elements and minimalist details coexist beautifully, creating a warm and inviting environment that feels both timeless and up-to-date. The primary bedroom is serene with a neutral color scheme and simple furniture. Use of layered bedding in textural fabrics and a mix of tones helps to create a cozy retreat. The adjoining bathroom features a double vanity, which provides both functionality and balance with plenty of natural light, keeping the space feeling fresh and inviting.

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

At its core, this home is about balance. It combines a cozy, lived-in feel with the clean lines and open spaces characteristic of modern design. A space where natural elements and minimalist details coexist beautifully, creating a warm and inviting environment that feels both timeless and up-to-date. The primary bedroom is serene with a neutral color scheme and simple furniture. Use of layered bedding in textural fabrics and a mix of tones helps to create a cozy retreat. The adjoining bathroom features a double vanity, which provides both functionality and balance with plenty of natural light, keeping the space feeling fresh and inviting.

At its core, this home is about balance. It combines a cozy, lived-in feel with the clean lines and open spaces characteristic of modern design. A space where natural elements and minimalist details coexist beautifully, creating a warm and inviting environment that feels both timeless and up-to-date. The primary bedroom is serene with a neutral color scheme and simple furniture. Use of layered bedding in textural fabrics and a mix of tones helps to create a cozy retreat. The adjoining bathroom features a double vanity, which provides both functionality and balance with plenty of natural light, keeping the space feeling fresh and inviting.

At its core, this home is about balance. It combines a cozy, lived-in feel with the clean lines and open spaces characteristic of modern design. A space where natural elements and minimalist details coexist beautifully, creating a warm and inviting environment that feels both timeless and up-to-date. The primary bedroom is serene with a neutral color scheme and simple furniture. Use of layered bedding in textural fabrics and a mix of tones helps to create a cozy retreat. The adjoining bathroom features a double vanity, which provides both functionality and balance with plenty of natural light, keeping the space feeling fresh and inviting.

his dining room was designed to feel calm, elevated, and welcoming. Natural light fills the space through large windows, and the mix of warm wood, soft neutral fabrics, and clean lines creates a modern organic look that feels both comfortable and refined.

At its core, this home is about balance. It combines a cozy, lived-in feel with the clean lines and open spaces characteristic of modern design. A space where natural elements and minimalist details coexist beautifully, creating a warm and inviting environment that feels both timeless and up-to-date. The primary bedroom is serene with a neutral color scheme and simple furniture. Use of layered bedding in textural fabrics and a mix of tones helps to create a cozy retreat. The adjoining bathroom features a double vanity, which provides both functionality and balance with plenty of natural light, keeping the space feeling fresh and inviting.

Welcome to a newly built home in Redwood City, crafted from the ground up with over 25 years of skilled construction expertise. Original home was demolished. Every detail was thoughtfully designed to meet city standards, limitations, and requirements—resulting in a residence that feels light, crisp, and deeply connected to nature. Wood floors run throughout the home, creating warmth and continuity from the moment you step inside. *Entry & Living Spaces* As you enter through the clean, modern 8-foot door—perfectly aligned with the 9-foot ceiling—you’re greeted by a bright, open feel. The living room centers around a custom fireplace clad in artistic tile, paired with a built-in TV stand. Directly across, double sliding doors invite natural light and seamless indoor-outdoor living. The entire home enjoys a ceiling of 9' with a combination of vaulted ceiling in the primary bedroom. *Kitchen – The Heart of the Home* The kitchen is the true centerpiece. Designed with an open concept and surrounded by generous windows, it features quartz on both the countertops and full-height walls for a luxurious, cohesive aesthetic. A large island—topped with a full slab of quartz—anchors the room, offering extra space between the island and main counters for comfortable movement and entertainment. Two elegant clear pendant lights highlight its presence. Outfitted with top-tier luxury appliances designed for both performance and visual refinement. White cabinetry keeps the look clean and minimalist, while oversized drawers provide functional storage for cooking utensils. The induction cooktop, paired with a pot filler, reinforces the modern and streamlined design. A double oven and an almost-hidden pantry maintain the sleek look, keeping the focus on the kitchen’s architecture and flow. Mudroom & Dining Area Adjacent to the kitchen is a mudroom with a charming barn door leading toward the garage. A half-wall accent features eccentric black-and-white tile, complemented by bold black fixtures. A small custom hidden closet maximizes storage while maintaining a refined appearance. The dining room, open and airy, continues the wood flooring and is adorned with stylish pendant lighting—perfect for gatherings and everyday meals. The wide, open staircase is fully exposed to the dining area and first floor, creating a striking architectural feature that visually connects the spaces. Its modern wood-and-metal design contributes to the home’s open flow while serving as a sculptural centerpiece within the main living level. *Bedrooms & Laundry* Guest and secondary bedrooms are bright and inviting, each with multiple windows framed in sleek black for a modern edge. Every bedroom enjoys its own bathroom, offering comfort and privacy. A compact but well-designed laundry room includes a sink and drying rack, making smart use of space. The second story features an open layout with wide hallways, enhancing the sense of space and natural flow. This home also includes an office and one of the bedrooms is used for a workout space. *Primary Suite* Set apart from the other bedrooms for privacy, the primary suite is a luxurious retreat. An accent wall adds character, while a large walk-in closet offers abundant storage. A skylight fills the room with natural light, enhancing the open, breathable atmosphere. *Bathrooms* Each bathroom was thoughtfully designed with its own personality: - Primary bathroom: The primary bathroom embraces a concrete-inspired look, featuring dual sinks and a spacious shower with double-sided niches—one for each person. An LED makeup mirror adds functional elegance. - Second bathroom: Gray cabinet, tile wall, black fixtures, frameless shower door, and a striking floral tile accent. - Third bathroom: White cabinets, gold fixtures, white tile floors, a shower stall, and a bold green tile feature wall with a large niche. - Fourth bathroom: Blue cabinet, gray tile floors, a tub with frameless shower door, and gray wall tiles paired with sleek chrome fixtures. - Powder Room: Half wall crown molding with black tile design and fixtures. *Exterior & Landscape* The planning process also emphasized low-maintenance landscape design, using easy-care plants that enhance the home’s natural feel without demanding constant upkeep. The home is also equipped with a dedicated EV charging station and solar panels, supporting energy efficiency and modern sustainable living.

At its core, this home is about balance. It combines a cozy, lived-in feel with the clean lines and open spaces characteristic of modern design. A space where natural elements and minimalist details coexist beautifully, creating a warm and inviting environment that feels both timeless and up-to-date. The primary bedroom is serene with a neutral color scheme and simple furniture. Use of layered bedding in textural fabrics and a mix of tones helps to create a cozy retreat. The adjoining bathroom features a double vanity, which provides both functionality and balance with plenty of natural light, keeping the space feeling fresh and inviting.

ID: Karly Kristina Design Photo: SnowChimp Creative
Mid-sized trendy master marble tile white floor and marble floor bathroom photo in Vancouver with flat-panel cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, medium tone wood cabinets and solid surface countertops

Example of a trendy bedroom design in Charlotte

Located in one of the Ritz residential towers in Boston, the project was a complete renovation. The design and scope of work included the entire residence from marble flooring throughout, to movement of walls, new kitchen, bathrooms, all furnishings, lighting, closets, artwork and accessories. Smart home sound and wifi integration throughout including concealed electronic window treatments. The challenge for the final project design was multifaceted. First and foremost to maintain a light, sheer appearance in the main open areas, while having a considerable amount of seating for living, dining and entertaining purposes. All the while giving an inviting peaceful feel, and never interfering with the view which was of course the piece de resistance throughout. Bringing a unique, individual feeling to each of the private rooms to surprise and stimulate the eye while navigating through the residence was also a priority and great pleasure to work on, while incorporating small details within each room to bind the flow from area to area which would not be necessarily obvious to the eye, but palpable in our minds in a very suttle manner. The combination of luxurious textures throughout brought a third dimension into the environments, and one of the many aspects that made the project so exceptionally unique, and a true pleasure to have created. Reach us www.themorsoncollection.com Photography by Elevin Studio.

Example of a transitional living room design in Chicago

Built in 2024 by Cutuli Homes, this custom detached accessory dwelling unit was designed as a true mother-in-law home—a private, beautifully finished residence that allows three generations of one family to live close together while maintaining their own individual spaces. The DADU was built as a companion to the homeowners' main residence, which Cutuli Homes had extensively remodeled and expanded two years earlier. Rather than treating the new structure as an afterthought, the goal was to create a home that felt architecturally connected to the existing property. Its traditional exterior, white siding, steeply pitched roof, generous windows and carefully proportioned trim give the small residence the character of an established home. The project was created for the homeowners' mother, who downsized from her large lakefront home in the Midwest to move closer to her family and young grandchild. The result captures one of the greatest advantages of multigenerational living: family and shared community just steps away, balanced with the independence, privacy and comfort of a home of her own. Inside, every inch was carefully considered. The compact footprint feels remarkably open thanks to a vaulted, white-paneled ceiling, abundant natural light, tall windows and an open vertical design that draws the eye upward. A loft level expands the usable living space without sacrificing the airy feeling of the main floor. Traditional white Shaker-style cabinetry provides extensive built-in storage throughout the home and gives the interior a clean, timeless architectural character. In the kitchen, cabinetry extends upward to take advantage of the available height, while warm neutral countertops and a textured herringbone-pattern backsplash introduce subtle depth and contrast. Stainless-steel appliances are thoughtfully incorporated into the compact layout, creating a highly functional kitchen without overwhelming the living space. One of the home's most charming features is the intimate living area tucked beneath custom built-in cabinetry. A built-in upholstered window-seat-style sofa with drawers below transforms what could have been unused space into a comfortable place to read, relax or visit. Across from it, a contemporary fireplace is integrated into a compact feature wall, with a wood display ledge above providing space for artwork, plants and personal collections. Warm wood accents soften the predominantly white interior. Natural wood ledges, shelving, flooring and the loft ladder bring warmth and texture to the rooms, while greenery and personal furnishings give the home the comfortable character of a full-size residence rather than a conventional accessory dwelling unit. The private sleeping area demonstrates the same emphasis on intelligent space planning. Built-in cabinetry surrounds the bed and continues overhead, providing substantial storage without requiring bulky freestanding furniture. A softly textured wall treatment, warm wood shelving and abundant natural light make the compact bedroom feel inviting and finished. Above, the loft takes advantage of the dramatic roofline with a white tongue-and-groove style paneled ceiling extending from wall to wall. Built-in storage is incorporated beneath the sloped portions of the ceiling, turning otherwise difficult spaces into useful cabinetry while preserving an open central area for a desk, music, hobbies or additional flexible living space. Even the exterior reflects the home's attention to detail. Large windows bring daylight deep into the interior, while the private patio extends the living space outdoors. Traditional siding and trim allow the DADU to complement the architecture of the main residence while still having an identity of its own. At every turn, this project demonstrates that downsizing does not have to mean compromising on craftsmanship, beauty, storage or individuality. Through custom cabinetry, creative built-ins, vertical space planning and carefully considered architectural details, Cutuli Homes transformed a modest footprint into an elegant and highly personalized residence. More than simply a DADU, this is a thoughtfully designed multigenerational home—close enough for grandparents, parents and grandchildren to share everyday life, while giving everyone the privacy and independence of having a place of their own.