Our clients drastically needed to update this master suite from the original forest green floral wallpaper to something more clean and simple. They wanted to open up the dated cultured marble enclosed tub and shower and remove all soffits and plant ledges above the vanities. They wanted to explore the possibilities of opening up the shower with glass and look at installing a freestanding bathtub and they definitely wanted to keep the double sided fireplace but update the look of it. First off, we did some minor changes to the bedroom. We replaced the carpet with a beautiful soft multi-color gray low pile carpet and painted the walls a soft white. The fireplace surround was replaced with Carrara 12×12 polished porcelain tile for a more elegant look. Finally, we tore out a corner built in desk and squared off and textured the wall, making it look as though it were never there. We needed to strip this bathroom down and start from scratch. We demoed the cabinets, counter tops, all plumbing fixtures, ceiling fan, track lighting, tub and tub surround, fireplace surround, shower door, shower walls and ceiling above the shower, all flooring, soffits above vanity areas, saloon doors on the water closet and of course the wallpaper! We changed the walls around the shower to pony walls with glass on the upper half, opening up the shower. The tile was lined with Premium Antasit 12×24 tile installed vertically in a 50/50 brick pattern. The shower floor and the floor below the tub is Solo River Grey Pebble mosaic tile. A contemporary Jaclo Collection shower system was installed including a contemporary handshower and square shower head. The large freestanding tub is a white Hydro Sytsems “Picasso” with “Steelnox” wall mounted tub filler and hardware from Graff. All of the cabinets were replaced with Waypoint maple mocha glazed flat front doors and drawers. Quartzmasters Calacatta Grey countertops were installed with 2 Icera “Muse” undermount sinks for a clean modern look. The cabinet hardware the clients chose is ultra modern ”Sutton” from Hardware Resources and the faucet and other hardware is all from the Phylrich “Mix” collection. Pulling it all together, Premium Antasit 12×14 installed floor tile was installed in a 50/50 brick pattern. The pebble tile that was installed in the shower floor was also installed in an oval shape under the bathtub for a great modern look and to break up the solid gray flooring. Addison Oak Wood planks were installed vertically behind the bathtub, below the fireplace surround and behind the potty for a modern finished look. The fireplace was surrounded with Carrara 12×12 polished porcelain, as well as the wood planks. Finally, to add the finishing touches, Z-Lite brushed nickel vanity lights were installed above each vanity sink. The clients are so pleased to be able to enjoy and relax in their new contemporary bathroom!

Josh Partee Photography With sweeping views of the Willamette river and Mt. Hood, this Atwater Place condo was designed with a balance of minimalism and livability in mind. A complete kitchen remodel brought a dark interior kitchen to the light and a full furnishings package welcomed Los Angeles transplants home to their new modern and bright residence. Our clients, a retired camera operator for both feature films and television and a producer/production manager on numerous television series including Weeds and The Middle, relocated from their traditionally-styled LA bungalow to Portland in the Summer of 2014. The couple sought a design departure from their long-term California residence and a fresh start for their new life in the South Waterfront. With only two pieces of sentimental furniture and a handful of artwork included in the plan, we set out to create a comfortable and clean-lined furnishings package complimenting the broad southeast views. Organically shaped upholstery pieces juxtaposed with angular steel and wood tables create a soft balance in the open floor plan. Several custom pieces, including a dining table designed by our studio and a custom hand-blown glass chandelier crafted by Scott Schiesel with Lightlite compliment timeless pieces from Knoll, Herman Miller, and B&B Italia. The kitchen is designed to reflect light and create brilliance in a space that is otherwise naturally dark. A material balance of stainless steel, back painted glass, quartz composite, lacquer, and mirror all play their part in creating a vibrant cooking environment. We collectively decided to forgo the traditional island pendant for a linear commercial fixture that provides tremendous light to the prep surface and creates an unexpected architectural element. The mirrored prep island creates the illusion of open space while concealing casework and wine storage on the working side of the kitchen. It is worth noting that this project was designed and installed almost entirely while our clients were still living in LA and wrapping up professional obligations and selling their home. This afforded us the tremendous opportunity to send our clients to showrooms not available in Portland to view key pieces before final specification. Textiles and finish samples were approved via mail and communication took place over e-mail, telephone, and an occasional office visit. This unique process lead to a successful result and a beautifully balanced living environment.

Ken Wyner Photography
Mid-sized transitional master white tile and subway tile ceramic tile and black floor alcove shower photo in DC Metro with brown cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and furniture-like cabinets

Mid-sized 1950s u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Tampa with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

This 27 square foot powder room is by far the smallest space in this 3,200 square foot home in Nicasio CA. Where some might restrain themselves from highlighting such a utilitarian space, we elevated this tiny room to one of the most unique spaces in the home. The powder room sits behind a board-formed concrete wall adjacent to the front door of the home. In conjunction with our structural engineer and a master-mason, we developed a way to embed ¾” planks of acrylic into the South facing concrete wall. During the day, the acrylic captures the intense sun (while the concrete keeps the space temperate) creating a vibrant and entirely unexpected light show when one opens the powder room door. From the outside though, the acrylic planks appear simply as dark striations in the concrete. At night though, a timed light inside the bathroom illuminates the backside of the wall and creates a glowing nightlight at the front door. The constraints of board-formed concrete and the sequencing of this type of construction determined a pattern that could both retain the material integrity of the concrete while pushing its limits. In addition, the requirements for the vertical members of rebar created a staggered pattern that suggests a sense of movement; a theme that is carried throughout the project. After several experimental concrete pours, the final detail turned a typical powder room into a design feature that pushes the limits of material and construction and jolts our preconceptions of what lies behind a simple bathroom door. The wall appears to transform -- from solid to penetrable, from tame to wild, from utilitarian to spectacle, from dark and stoic to light-filled and poetic. Bruce Damonte

Example of a small blue tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and blue floor powder room design in New Orleans with recessed-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops, white countertops and a freestanding vanity

A beautiful Santa Fe kitchen remodel. Photos by Kate Russell
Kitchen - eclectic kitchen idea in Other

The homeowners of this master suite wanted to modernize their space. It was their vision to combine their tub and shower into a wet-room. The final look was achieved by enlarging the shower, adding a long bench and floor to ceiling tile. Trendy tile flooring, lighting and countertops completed the look. Design | Build by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers, photography by Versatile Imaging.

Josh Partee Photography With sweeping views of the Willamette river and Mt. Hood, this Atwater Place condo was designed with a balance of minimalism and livability in mind. A complete kitchen remodel brought a dark interior kitchen to the light and a full furnishings package welcomed Los Angeles transplants home to their new modern and bright residence. Our clients, a retired camera operator for both feature films and television and a producer/production manager on numerous television series including Weeds and The Middle, relocated from their traditionally-styled LA bungalow to Portland in the Summer of 2014. The couple sought a design departure from their long-term California residence and a fresh start for their new life in the South Waterfront. With only two pieces of sentimental furniture and a handful of artwork included in the plan, we set out to create a comfortable and clean-lined furnishings package complimenting the broad southeast views. Organically shaped upholstery pieces juxtaposed with angular steel and wood tables create a soft balance in the open floor plan. Several custom pieces, including a dining table designed by our studio and a custom hand-blown glass chandelier crafted by Scott Schiesel with Lightlite compliment timeless pieces from Knoll, Herman Miller, and B&B Italia. The kitchen is designed to reflect light and create brilliance in a space that is otherwise naturally dark. A material balance of stainless steel, back painted glass, quartz composite, lacquer, and mirror all play their part in creating a vibrant cooking environment. We collectively decided to forgo the traditional island pendant for a linear commercial fixture that provides tremendous light to the prep surface and creates an unexpected architectural element. The mirrored prep island creates the illusion of open space while concealing casework and wine storage on the working side of the kitchen. It is worth noting that this project was designed and installed almost entirely while our clients were still living in LA and wrapping up professional obligations and selling their home. This afforded us the tremendous opportunity to send our clients to showrooms not available in Portland to view key pieces before final specification. Textiles and finish samples were approved via mail and communication took place over e-mail, telephone, and an occasional office visit. This unique process lead to a successful result and a beautifully balanced living environment.

The clients, a young professional couple had lived with this bathroom in their townhome for 6 years. They finally could not take it any longer. The designer was tasked with turning this ugly duckling into a beautiful swan without relocating walls, doors, fittings, or fixtures in this principal bathroom. The client wish list included, better storage, improved lighting, replacing the tub with a shower, and creating a sparkling personality for this uninspired space using any color way except white. The designer began the transformation with the wall tile. Large format rectangular tiles were installed floor to ceiling on the vanity wall and continued behind the toilet and into the shower. The soft variation in tile pattern is very soothing and added to the Zen feeling of the room. One partner is an avid gardener and wanted to bring natural colors into the space. The same tile is used on the floor in a matte finish for slip resistance and in a 2” mosaic of the same tile is used on the shower floor. A lighted tile recess was created across the entire back wall of the shower beautifully illuminating the wall. Recycled glass tiles used in the niche represent the color and shape of leaves. A single glass panel was used in place of a traditional shower door. Continuing the serene colorway of the bath, natural rift cut white oak was chosen for the vanity and the floating shelves above the toilet. A white quartz for the countertop, has a small reflective pattern like the polished chrome of the fittings and hardware. Natural curved shapes are repeated in the arch of the faucet, the hardware, the front of the toilet and shower column. The rectangular shape of the tile is repeated in the drawer fronts of the cabinets, the sink, the medicine cabinet, and the floating shelves. The shower column was selected to maintain the simple lines of the fittings while providing a temperature, pressure balance shower experience with a multi-function main shower head and handheld head. The dual flush toilet and low flow shower are a water saving consideration. The floating shelves provide decorative and functional storage. The asymmetric design of the medicine cabinet allows for a full view in the mirror with the added function of a tri view mirror when open. Built in LED lighting is controllable from 2500K to 4000K. The interior of the medicine cabinet is also mirrored and electrified to keep the countertop clear of necessities. Additional lighting is provided with recessed LED fixtures for the vanity area as well as in the shower. A motion sensor light installed under the vanity illuminates the room with a soft glow at night. The transformation is now complete. No longer an ugly duckling and source of unhappiness, the new bathroom provides a much-needed respite from the couples’ busy lives. It has created a retreat to recharge and replenish, two very important components of wellness.

Matt Burdi
Example of a small trendy white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile bathroom design in New York with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, solid surface countertops, a one-piece toilet and gray walls

MG ProPhoto
Mid-sized transitional master gray tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile bathroom photo in Denver with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, a one-piece toilet, gray walls and a drop-in sink

The new Hyatt in the Galleria area of Houston, designed by Gensler. I was contacted by Kellie Scruggs and Nancy Nodler to help with an art wall in the dining area. Using their layout, we worked together to develop a palette. I fabricated and installed the final piece which was made of walnut, rusted steed, reclaimed wood and polycarbonate filled with layers of different color sand.

This zealous gardener was tired of her pool taking up so much space in her landscape. She asked me for ideas. The answer was simple. Since her garden brings her so much joy, I proposed adding more garden rooms to experience. We removed the large expansive pool and replaced it with a small reflecting pond that doubles as the pool. This allowed us to create 4 new garden spaces. We replaced all concrete pavers with natural PA flagstone. The traditional square lawn provides elements of simplicity, elegance and classical style while creating a new play space for the grand kids. The pergola creates depth and a great focal point from the loggia. We illuminated all the walkways and garden rooms with Escort Lighting. One of the most fun transformations was converting the spa to a fish pond. The pond provides just enough sound to drain out all neighborhood activities. In the front, we created a new permeable brick paving parking area. The parking area was designed to keep visitors from venturing to the back parking. We chose the permeable brick pavers to collect runoff that is becoming more of a problem in the neighborhood. Our final piece to this property was to come up with a unique solution creating additional privacy while minimizing root damage to the existing plant material. Our client was looking for a permanent solution that required little to no maintenance. Masonry walls were out due to the necessary footers. We looked at fence options. Wood and plastics were out, so we created post out of steel “I” beams and setting concrete lintels in between the lintels. It was perfect. This has to be one of my favorite projects to design and implement of my 25 year experience.

This zealous gardener was tired of her pool taking up so much space in her landscape. She asked me for ideas. The answer was simple. Since her garden brings her so much joy, I proposed adding more garden rooms to experience. We removed the large expansive pool and replaced it with a small reflecting pond that doubles as the pool. This allowed us to create 4 new garden spaces. We replaced all concrete pavers with natural PA flagstone. The traditional square lawn provides elements of simplicity, elegance and classical style while creating a new play space for the grand kids. The pergola creates depth and a great focal point from the loggia. We illuminated all the walkways and garden rooms with Escort Lighting. One of the most fun transformations was converting the spa to a fish pond. The pond provides just enough sound to drain out all neighborhood activities. In the front, we created a new permeable brick paving parking area. The parking area was designed to keep visitors from venturing to the back parking. We chose the permeable brick pavers to collect runoff that is becoming more of a problem in the neighborhood. Our final piece to this property was to come up with a unique solution creating additional privacy while minimizing root damage to the existing plant material. Our client was looking for a permanent solution that required little to no maintenance. Masonry walls were out due to the necessary footers. We looked at fence options. Wood and plastics were out, so we created post out of steel “I” beams and setting concrete lintels in between the lintels. It was perfect. This has to be one of my favorite projects to design and implement of my 25 year experience.

Inspiration for a transitional powder room remodel in Philadelphia

The final piece in this Frank Lloyd Wright inspired renovation is the addition of a waterfall tucked into the landscape. The client wasn't quite sure what she wanted - just that she wanted the sound of falling water and that it would be visible from the various seating areas in the garden. She also wanted it positioned such that it would hide the above-ground spa from view. We incorporated the same ledgestone and Vals Stone caps used on the fireplace wall in the recent renovation of the swimming pool area (see project: Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Renovation) The new waterfall flows into a hidden re-circulation vault, while appearing to flow into the existing dry creek, which was updated and re-worked. LED tape lighting beneath each waterfall gives a beautiful glow to the falling water in the evenings.

This small bathroom remodel packs a huge punch! A guest bathroom in our client's home, this space is one of the remaining original rooms that hasn't been remodeled by our wonderful DIY client. Having already completed her kitchen and master bath on her own, our client reached out to us to assist with transforming this final dated bathroom. From pink & patterned to luxe and soothing, this bathroom has been massively transformed. We took out the existing floral wallpaper and pink tile and completely re-drywalled the bathroom to provide a new, smooth surface. We then covered this with an insanely gorgeous wallcovering that offers beautiful texture and shimmer. The original flooring was removed to make way for new large format porcelain tile in a warm gray hue. The existing bathtub and all fixtures were replaced with a new extra deep alcove tub from Duravit and shiny chrome fixtures from the Kohler Archer collection. A new furniture-look vanity replaced the old, accompanied by a new bright white toilet. Over the vanity, we've highlighted a sharp steel mirror with warm seeded glass pendants. We love the cozy ambiance this provides against the backdrop of cool gray layers in the space. Finally, the shower walls are tiled with stunning large format glass tiles in a contemporary grid pattern, and we've added an accent strip of Glam Greige mosaic for a little bit of playfulness. This project was demo to done in two weeks and we are obsessed with the final result. So happy our lovely client has a new room to retreat to!

This zealous gardener was tired of her pool taking up so much space in her landscape. She asked me for ideas. The answer was simple. Since her garden brings her so much joy, I proposed adding more garden rooms to experience. We removed the large expansive pool and replaced it with a small reflecting pond that doubles as the pool. This allowed us to create 4 new garden spaces. We replaced all concrete pavers with natural PA flagstone. The traditional square lawn provides elements of simplicity, elegance and classical style while creating a new play space for the grand kids. The pergola creates depth and a great focal point from the loggia. We illuminated all the walkways and garden rooms with Escort Lighting. One of the most fun transformations was converting the spa to a fish pond. The pond provides just enough sound to drain out all neighborhood activities. In the front, we created a new permeable brick paving parking area. The parking area was designed to keep visitors from venturing to the back parking. We chose the permeable brick pavers to collect runoff that is becoming more of a problem in the neighborhood. Our final piece to this property was to come up with a unique solution creating additional privacy while minimizing root damage to the existing plant material. Our client was looking for a permanent solution that required little to no maintenance. Masonry walls were out due to the necessary footers. We looked at fence options. Wood and plastics were out, so we created post out of steel “I” beams and setting concrete lintels in between the lintels. It was perfect. This has to be one of my favorite projects to design and implement of my 25 year experience.