Nichole Kennelly
Large transitional look-out light wood floor basement photo in Kansas City with beige walls

This young family began working with us after struggling with their previous contractor. They were over budget and not achieving what they really needed with the addition they were proposing. Rather than extend the existing footprint of their house as had been suggested, we proposed completely changing the orientation of their separate kitchen, living room, dining room, and sunroom and opening it all up to an open floor plan. By changing the configuration of doors and windows to better suit the new layout and sight lines, we were able to improve the views of their beautiful backyard and increase the natural light allowed into the spaces. We raised the floor in the sunroom to allow for a level cohesive floor throughout the areas. Their extended kitchen now has a nice sitting area within the kitchen to allow for conversation with friends and family during meal prep and entertaining. The sitting area opens to a full dining room with built in buffet and hutch that functions as a serving station. Conscious thought was given that all “permanent” selections such as cabinetry and countertops were designed to suit the masses, with a splash of this homeowner’s individual style in the double herringbone soft gray tile of the backsplash, the mitred edge of the island countertop, and the mixture of metals in the plumbing and lighting fixtures. Careful consideration was given to the function of each cabinet and organization and storage was maximized. This family is now able to entertain their extended family with seating for 18 and not only enjoy entertaining in a space that feels open and inviting, but also enjoy sitting down as a family for the simple pleasure of supper together.

This open concept living and dining room bring a whole new feel to what are usually traditional spaces. Transforming the formal living area into a fun lounge space great for drinks and conversation changes the vibe to a more functional space for the buyer demographics.

This project was all about dynamic depth. Our client has a lot of passions and wanted her space to feel as integrated and multi-faceted as she is. The dark walls create a womb-like vibe, housing the multitude of artistic expressions and the abstract ceiling embodies our client's love of intrigue.

This stunning primary bedroom remodel delivers a refined, masculine aesthetic that feels equal parts luxury hotel and personal sanctuary. The transformation centers around a rich, moody palette anchored by a custom periwinkle-blue wall color that shifts beautifully from cool gray to soft lavender depending on the light — creating an atmosphere that is both energizing and deeply restful. The room's focal point is a king-sized upholstered platform bed featuring a wide, channel-tufted headboard in warm taupe velvet, dressed with layered indigo linen bedding, oversized quilted shams in dusty mauve, and a classic windowpane throw blanket. Flanking the bed are sleek black oval nightstands — each topped with a marble-column lamp, silver starburst sculptures, and carefully curated personal accessories that nod to the homeowner's passions for horology and classic automobiles. A full wall of fluted black wood dressers provides generous storage while doubling as a dramatic display surface beneath a large-scale framed photograph of a luxury watch movement — a conversation piece that elevates the space into gallery territory. The sitting area features a channel-tufted slate leather armchair paired with a minimalist pedestal side table, positioned beside a grand bay window with an arched transom and custom woven valance. Personal touches throughout — a vintage car model, A Man & His Car coffee table book, watch displays, and framed automotive photography — give this retreat a deeply personal character without sacrificing sophistication. A cognac leather oval bench at the foot of the bed introduces warmth and a subtle vintage nod that ties the entire palette together beautifully. The second bedroom refreshes a guest suite with a softer, transitional sensibility: warm greige walls, a linen platform bed, crisp white bedding with charcoal velvet accent pillows, and a triptych of terracotta-framed abstract art above the headboard.

This project was all about dynamic depth. Our client has a lot of passions and wanted her space to feel as integrated and multi-faceted as she is. The dark walls create a womb-like vibe, housing the multitude of artistic expressions and the abstract ceiling (shown in other photos related to this project) embodies our client's love of intrigue.

This Evanston basement was built out into a modern, comfortable living area. Space was maximized by creating storage closets under the stairs, wood flooring was added over the concrete floors for a warm feel, and the palette was kept light with white walls complemented with colorful, abstract art. The furniture is all about stylish comfort. Project designed by Skokie renovation firm, Chi Renovations & Design - general contractors, kitchen and bath remodelers, and design & build company. They serve the Chicago area, and it's surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest. For more about Chi Renovation & Design, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/portfolio/finished-basement-evanston/#basement-renovation

This stunning primary bedroom remodel delivers a refined, masculine aesthetic that feels equal parts luxury hotel and personal sanctuary. The transformation centers around a rich, moody palette anchored by a custom periwinkle-blue wall color that shifts beautifully from cool gray to soft lavender depending on the light — creating an atmosphere that is both energizing and deeply restful. The room's focal point is a king-sized upholstered platform bed featuring a wide, channel-tufted headboard in warm taupe velvet, dressed with layered indigo linen bedding, oversized quilted shams in dusty mauve, and a classic windowpane throw blanket. Flanking the bed are sleek black oval nightstands — each topped with a marble-column lamp, silver starburst sculptures, and carefully curated personal accessories that nod to the homeowner's passions for horology and classic automobiles. A full wall of fluted black wood dressers provides generous storage while doubling as a dramatic display surface beneath a large-scale framed photograph of a luxury watch movement — a conversation piece that elevates the space into gallery territory. The sitting area features a channel-tufted slate leather armchair paired with a minimalist pedestal side table, positioned beside a grand bay window with an arched transom and custom woven valance. Personal touches throughout — a vintage car model, A Man & His Car coffee table book, watch displays, and framed automotive photography — give this retreat a deeply personal character without sacrificing sophistication. A cognac leather oval bench at the foot of the bed introduces warmth and a subtle vintage nod that ties the entire palette together beautifully. The second bedroom refreshes a guest suite with a softer, transitional sensibility: warm greige walls, a linen platform bed, crisp white bedding with charcoal velvet accent pillows, and a triptych of terracotta-framed abstract art above the headboard.

Photo taken by Greg Premru
Study room - traditional freestanding desk carpeted study room idea in Boston with blue walls

We designed this dining room to be elegant in its simplicity and striking in its beauty. The bright, modern feel of the open space gave us the perfect canvas for this dining area; we kept the furniture lines clean while making sure the silhouettes were interesting and glamorous. The artwork and lighting are the focal points, as these are both unique and interesting pieces. The large upholstered end chairs bring a subtle contrast, creating the ideal balance of light and dark.

This gorgeous primary bedroom got a whole new look with a fresh color palette. We painted the entire room (and ceiling) a soft white called Night Blooming Jasmine by Behr. The accent wall was painted in Asphalt Gray by Behr. We updated the bedding, installed new curtains, curtain rod, tiebacks, rug, accent chair, nightstands, ceiling fan, and accent decor. Additionally, I painted a custom 5' x 4' abstract painting for the wall by the bed. This room has an incredibly calm and peaceful feeling without sacrificing sophistication and style.

Bright and fun is the best description of this collaborative project. It started with a phone call from Meredith Miller, an out-of-state designer working for a client who recently relocated to Severna Park. Colorful, distinctive and classic — one can’t help but feel happy after spending time in this combination living/dining room. A comfortable and inviting vibe is created by the natural textures and patterns of the floor and window coverings. Abstract art in the living room, painted by New York artist Valeri Leuchs, adds to the vibrant, yet serene atmosphere. Valances and banded drapery panels, with patterns and colors from nature, complement the bright natural light streaming in through the many windows. We love collaborating with designers and completing their visions with the perfect window treatments!

This gorgeous, transitional living space has a modern, yet comfortable feel. A custom sectional, paired with two gray velvet swivel chairs allows for room to lounge and plenty of space for entertaining. double sliding doors open onto a large outdoor patio to extend the living space further, while a large island surrounded by modern leather barstools provides a second gathering space in the kitchen. Comfy window seats provide a space to curl up by the fire and quartz countertops and acrylic sconces add an elegant touch in the kitchen.

“Compelling.” That’s how one of our judges characterized this stair, which manages to embody both reassuring solidity and airy weightlessness. Architect Mahdad Saniee specified beefy maple treads—each laminated from two boards, to resist twisting and cupping—and supported them at the wall with hidden steel hangers. “We wanted to make them look like they are floating,” he says, “so they sit away from the wall by about half an inch.” The stainless steel rods that seem to pierce the treads’ opposite ends are, in fact, joined by threaded couplings hidden within the thickness of the wood. The result is an assembly whose stiffness underfoot defies expectation, Saniee says. “It feels very solid, much more solid than average stairs.” With the rods working in tension from above and compression below, “it’s very hard for those pieces of wood to move.” The interplay of wood and steel makes abstract reference to a Steinway concert grand, Saniee notes. “It’s taking elements of a piano and playing with them.” A gently curved soffit in the ceiling reinforces the visual rhyme. The jury admired the effect but was equally impressed with the technical acumen required to achieve it. “The rhythm established by the vertical rods sets up a rigorous discipline that works with the intricacies of stair dimensions,” observed one judge. “That’s really hard to do.”

When mid-century modern meets bohemian, you get a stylish fusion of clean lines, organic shapes, and a laid-back, eclectic vibe. This combination balances the structured elegance of mid-century modern with the free-spirited, cozy feel of bohemian decor. The overall vibe is effortlessly cool, warm, and inviting. It’s structured but never rigid, stylish but never overdone—perfect for those who love a curated yet cozy home.

Living room - large modern open concept living room idea in Miami

A Master Bedroom that feels energetic and inviting.
Mid-sized transitional master carpeted and beige floor bedroom photo in Houston with beige walls and no fireplace

The purpose of this living room design was too keep a neutral base to focus on the bold art and vibrant decor elements. On the walls we can notice the cool and flowy lines of Willem de Kooning contrast the abstract Zao Wou Ki that feels like and erupting volcano. George Condo in the back comes to bring some chimerical pastoral landscape matching the pastel-colored Adler console beneath it. The color palette was chosen to complement the art pieces without overwhelming them. I selected the furniture based on the scale and style of the paintings and placed it to create a focal point that highlights the art. The result is a cohesive space that showcases the artwork while still being functional and comfortable for daily use.

Comfortable family room in a remodeled beach rental near San Diego needed maximum seating for the space. Wanting a light, bright, and airy feeling was important for the owners to host and entertain guests.