Fixed Matches - Photos & Ideas

THE SETUP When we first encountered this basement for a family with three boys, we saw a space with untapped potential. Though previously remodeled, it lacked a cohesive design strategy. The expansive area housed various entertainment pieces (a shuffleboard table, air hockey, foosball, etc.) scattered haphazardly throughout the space. While the basement included a workout room and a rudimentary kitchen area, it lacked a dedicated game room or proper bar. Excessive storage closets along the back wall consumed valuable real estate that could be repurposed for more engaging uses. In essence, the basement was spacious but disjointed—functional for family use but falling short as an entertainment hub. It didn’t align with the sophistication of the rest of the home. Our clients envisioned a transformation: a fresh, organized space that would not only serve their family’s needs but also shine as an inviting arena for entertaining friends and hosting gatherings – especially sports-focused gatherings! Design Objectives: Reimagine the basement layout, creating distinct zones for varied activities. Expand the workout area to accommodate new equipment, including a Smith machine. Implement a multi-screen setup inspired by high-end sports bars, allowing guests to follow multiple games while socializing. Enhance existing features while developing new areas: Optimize a workout space for all equipment needs Establish a dedicated children’s space with guest room capabilities Create an integrated bar and entertainment area Retain and incorporate the existing projector setup Design Challenges: Navigate layout constraints in the new workout room due to fixed utility areas. Carve out a distinct space for kids within the open plan. Revitalize an underutilized section of the basement. Elevate the existing big screen area with purposeful design elements. Develop a full-fledged bar area while maintaining kitchen functions applicable for hangout snacking. Work around immovable structural elements (soffits, load-bearing support columns) THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Install a stylish barn door for the utility area of the new workout space, improving aesthetics and accessibility. Repurpose the former workout room into a dedicated game room for kids, utilizing couches with pull-out beds so the area can double as overflow guest accommodations. Transform the unused area into a vibrant pub-style area for card and table games. Enhance the big screen area with elegant wainscoting and ambient theatre-style lighting. Design a multi-functional wet bar area featuring varied seating, prep areas, and a microwave. Base the bar sink area width off the soffit above it. In the big screen area, use the soffit to inform the width of a wainscoting section. For the immovable support columns, dress one up to match the wainscoting of the nearby big screen wall. Hide the other one in a new wall. Final Thoughts: The reimagined basement has exceeded our clients’ expectations, evolving into the ultimate entertainment hub. With seven strategically placed screens, it’s perfect for gatherings focused on major sporting events and casual gatherings, as well. The space strikes a balance between adult sophistication and family-friendly functionality, featuring distinct zones for various activities. The new design not only maximizes functionality for modern, multi-screen entertainment but also elevates the aesthetic appeal. It integrates flawlessly with the rest of the home’s transitional style while allowing each basement section to maintain its unique character. The result is a versatile space that caters to both intimate family time and large-scale entertaining.

Striking Modern Facade with Trespa Panels and Expansive Glass

New Explode Construction

On the sunlit approach to this modern Chicago residence, the architecture immediately asserts its presence with a crisp, geometric facade clad in luminous white Trespa panels. The clean lines and seamless finish emphasize precision craftsmanship, while the rhythm of the panel joints plays in harmony with the large-scale windows below. Every element of the exterior was designed to balance visual impact with long-term durability—ensuring the home's beauty will endure through Chicago's varied seasons. Anchoring the front elevation is a generous expanse of sliding glass doors and tall fixed windows, creating a nearly uninterrupted connection between the interior and the expansive deck beyond. The transparency allows natural light to flood the home's main living spaces, while the strategic overhang and orientation ensure comfort in every season. The elevated deck, built in rich wood tones, serves as a natural extension of the living area—perfect for both quiet morning coffee rituals and lively gatherings with friends. The exterior stair, crafted in matching wood tones, elegantly bridges the upper and lower outdoor spaces, inviting movement between levels with ease. This intentional layering of indoor and outdoor living reflects the home's core philosophy: every square foot should be both beautiful and functional. For a family that values connection—to each other, to nature, and to design—this home offers an environment that supports daily life while inspiring it. From its modern silhouette to its tactile material palette, this is more than a facade—it's the architectural handshake that welcomes you home.

Paddington courtyard

Think Outside Gardens

he brief for this Paddington terrace garden was to update an existing rundown courtyard in line with the modern interiors of the house. The design aimed to maintain neat clean lines, use a formal but interesting palette of material, maximise space for entertaining, retain access to the rear lane and deal with a sloping site. Built in seating with a backrest allows for the change in levels – incorporating retaining and pushed up against the side boundary maximises space for entertaining. A delicate yet contrasting plant palette and water feature selection was chosen to match the house interiors and simple light grey large format tiles let these elements shine. The wrap around bench seat is semi floating to allow for a shadow line and the illusion of more space. It allows for casual seating – a pop of yellow in the Acapulco chairs is a welcome addition against the soft grey facade of the house. A cluster of white pots on the timber porch adds to the composition and Bamboo and Magnolia Little Gems provide a green backdrop and screen of the neighbouring properties. A fixed outdoor umbrella offers shade over the seating areas. The design and look of the garden compliments the architecture and interiors of the residence. It is a design that is sophisticated in its simplicity, with interesting materials and plants but also with functional space that perfectly suits the needs and entertaining requirements of its owners.

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Selling: Paramount Sideboard, Hawaii Mirror

Cassoni Furniture & Accessories

- PARAMOUNT SIDEBOARD. Paramount is a luxury Italian designer sideboard with 2 or 3 doors in lacquered glossy moka, glossy white, matt white, matt graphite or titanium finish. Doors in smoked grey or bronze convex mirrored glass with titanium aluminum anodized profiles. Stainless steel feet, matt white or graphite varnished. Internal clear glass shelves. This Contemporary Italian pice of furniture also provides an optional internal drawer in the central door of 3 version. / Mirrored glass top matching the door color. Made in Italy. Available with 2 or 3 doors. https://cassoni.com/Contemporary-Italian-Paramount-Sideboard-01 - HAWAII MIRROR. Hawaii is a high-end Italian designer wall mirror in mirrored, smoked grey or bronze mirrored glass with bevelled edges. This luxury Italian furniture piece has wall bracket with fixing possibilities in different positions. Ideal piece to include in a Contemporary atmospheres. Made in Italy. https://cassoni.com/Luxury-Contemporary-Italian-Hawaii-Mirror-01

Hockaday Whole House Renovation

Alair Homes Plano

This 1964 Preston Hollow home was in the perfect location and had great bones but was not perfect for this family that likes to entertain. They wanted to open up their kitchen up to the den and entry as much as possible, as it was small and completely closed off. They needed significant wine storage and they did want a bar area but not where it was currently located. They also needed a place to stage food and drinks outside of the kitchen. There was a formal living room that was not necessary and a formal dining room that they could take or leave. Those spaces were opened up, the previous formal dining became their new home office, which was previously in the master suite. The master suite was completely reconfigured, removing the old office, and giving them a larger closet and beautiful master bathroom. The game room, which was converted from the garage years ago, was updated, as well as the bathroom, that used to be the pool bath. The closet space in that room was redesigned, adding new built-ins, and giving us more space for a larger laundry room and an additional mudroom that is now accessible from both the game room and the kitchen! They desperately needed a pool bath that was easily accessible from the backyard, without having to walk through the game room, which they had to previously use. We reconfigured their living room, adding a full bathroom that is now accessible from the backyard, fixing that problem. We did a complete overhaul to their downstairs, giving them the house they had dreamt of! As far as the exterior is concerned, they wanted better curb appeal and a more inviting front entry. We changed the front door, and the walkway to the house that was previously slippery when wet and gave them a more open, yet sophisticated entry when you walk in. We created an outdoor space in their backyard that they will never want to leave! The back porch was extended, built a full masonry fireplace that is surrounded by a wonderful seating area, including a double hanging porch swing. The outdoor kitchen has everything they need, including tons of countertop space for entertaining, and they still have space for a large outdoor dining table. The wood-paneled ceiling and the mix-matched pavers add a great and unique design element to this beautiful outdoor living space. Scapes Incorporated did a fabulous job with their backyard landscaping, making it a perfect daily escape. They even decided to add turf to their entire backyard, keeping minimal maintenance for this busy family. The functionality this family now has in their home gives the true meaning to Living Better Starts Here™.

Ultimate Basement Remodel

Drury Design

Ile Bizard, Classic , Contemporary Home Major Design & Renovation

TOC design & construction inc.

Interior Design by: TOC design. Project Manager: TOC design & Construction inc. Contractor: Ivco inc. Photographer: Guillaume Gorini. A medley of materials works together to create a modern kitchen with a distinctly traditional feel. Oversized slabs of Quartz from Silestone with a beveled edge and clipped corners. Custom cabinets with many interior fixings, fluted legs, closed light valance with puck lights, the continuous crown molding. We even did a special cabinet just for a small TV. So that we would not see any exposed wires. The interior of the cabinets are made to match the walnut floor color with a wood scrape melamine able to handle wear and tear. The cabinet doors where designed and manufactured especially for the client not too traditional not too contemporary. The backsplash is the belle of the ball, with its ornate shape and mat bronze finish. Each cabinet handle was carefully selected to blend with the proportion of doors. Giving this kitchen a warm touch. The large 24” x 24” rectified heated porcelain floor blends in nicely and conceals dirt tracked in by the boys. We can also find a wine rack , open cubbies for cook books, an oversized under mount double sink, extra large paneled refrigerator. What’s not to love. Every aspect of this home has been detailed and cared for with the clients vision of simple traditional that a family can live and Love for many years to come.

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Millersburg, OH

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Bespoke TV unit

Fitted furniture Designers & Makers | Unum Design

Designed to match the famous dinning collection GALA from the Sofa & Chair Company London. Floating Entertainment cabinets has been made from Sycamore veneer with a grey tone and finished with polyester paint to grain fill the wood and polished surface to create a luxury look. Openings for the flap has a finger grip detail. The three floating shelves has a concealed fixings to create a floating look as overall design for the unit. Vertical units has glass shelves inside and can be fitted with LED light if required. This set available to order with a 6 weeks lead time to any country.

Glorious Townhouse Restoration in North Old Town Alexandria

Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

Built in the early 1950s, this small urban townhouse is located in North Old Town Alexandria in an area currently undergoing major redevelopment. The neighborhood is popular with, and affordable for, young people and families, and very convenient to Washington, DC. In its heyday, the townhouse touted a stately brick exterior, plaster walls, tongue and groove wood flooring and beautiful wooden staircase. Sixty years later, however, the homeowners were faced with crumbling masonry, sagging floors, a double layer of wallpaper over the plaster walls, a crumbling staircase, a dysfunctional kitchen and small, dark second floor rooms. Additionally, the basement had a low ceiling, moldy and cinder block walls, no plumbing and a large boiler taking up most of the space. The homeowners’ goal was to restore the exterior’s historic look while creating an interior up-to-date for the 21st Century. To turn their vision into reality, they turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes. Design Solutions To maintain the townhome’s historic exterior, the Michael Nash team carefully removed, salvaged, restored and reused existing brick masonry. Matching fascia boards and windows were combined with existing windows to complete the exterior renovation. All interior walls were gutted and reframed. New electrical work, new insulation and new drywall were installed. Much of the home’s original trim was salvaged and reused, as was a piece of art glass, all to keep a bit of the past in the renovation. The sagging subfloors were fixed, new hard wood floors were installed and a new staircase and railing were designed in a style similar to the original. The solid wall between the kitchen and the dining room was removed, plumbing was relocated for a new sink location and the kitchen got expanded with an island into the dining room. Closet and plumbing stacks were relocated to allow a new space for fridge. Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and custom cabinetry highlight the new modern kitchen. The plan called for redesigning the three bedrooms on the second floor to allow a larger bathroom, walk-in closet and wider hallways. In addition to new roofing, a large skylight was installed to allow natural light into the bathroom and the upper hallway. The basement was totally revamped. New plumbing was put in place for a full bathroom, laundry room and a den. New e-grass window was installed in the basement to bring this basement up to current building codes. This homeowners love the neighborhood and now their home gives them the opportunity to stay in the same location.

Paddington courtyard

Think Outside Gardens

Lubberland's Edge

Kaplan Thompson Architects

Context Norbert and Robin had dreamed of retiring in a Passive House-certified home overlooking the Lubberland Creek Preserve in Southeastern New Hampshire, and they’d done their homework. They were interested in using four integrated Zehnder America (www.zehnderamerica.com) technologies to make the 1,900 square foot home extremely energy efficient. They didn’t miss any opportunity to innovate or raise the bar on sustainable design. Our goals were focused on guaranteeing their comfort in every season, saving them money on a fixed income, and reducing the home’s overall impact on the environment as much as possible. Response The home faces directly south and captures sunlight all winter under tall and vaulted ceilings and a continuous band of slim-lined, Italian triple-pane windows and doors that provide gorgeous views of the wild preserve. A second-story office nook and clerestory provide even deeper views, with a little more privacy. Zehnder, which previously sold its innovative products only in Europe, took on the project as a test house. We designed around Zehnder’s vent-based systems, including a geothermal heat loop that heats and cools incoming air, a heat pump cooling system, electric towel-warmer radiators in the bathrooms, and a highly efficient energy recovery ventilator, which recycles heat and minimizes the need for air conditioning. The house effectively has no conventional heating system—and doesn’t need it. We also looked for efficiencies and smart solutions everywhere, from the lights to the windows to the insulation. The kitchen exhaust hood eliminates, cleans, and recirculates cooking fumes in the home’s unique kitchen, custom-designed to match the ways Norbert likes to prepare meals. There are several countertop heights so they can prep and clean comfortably, and the eat-in kitchen also has two seating heights so people can sit and socialize while they’re working on dinner. An adjacent screened porch greets guests and opens to the view. A roof-mounted solar system helps to ensure that the home generates more energy than it consumes—helped by features such as a heat pump water heater, superinsulation, LED lights and a polished concrete floor that helps regulate indoor temperatures.

Central El Paso Renovation

George Ocampo

Central El Paso Backyard Renovation: Fifteen years is a long time for a backyard to quietly wait. At first, it was full of intention—a pool that promised summers, laughter, and long evenings. But time has a way of settling in. The water turned still, then green. Edges cracked. The space became less of a destination and more of something you looked past. Life moved forward, but the backyard stayed behind. Then came the decision: it was time. Not a patch job. Not a quick fix. A complete reset. The transformation didn’t begin beautifully—it began with demolition. The old pool was drained, exposing years of neglect etched into its surface. Crews stepped in, breaking, clearing, reshaping. What once held stagnant water became an open cavity of possibility. Steel rebar formed a new skeleton, precise and intentional. Every line measured. Every elevation reconsidered. This wasn’t just construction—it was rethinking how the space should live. The shell was rebuilt. Surfaces were refined. Plumbing, structure, and flow were corrected at their core. What had once been outdated and failing was now engineered to last. Then the shift happened. Hardscape came in—clean, warm-toned concrete replacing worn decking. Stone walls, once just boundaries, were elevated into features. Subtle textures, intentional lines. A visual language that matched the architecture of the home instead of competing with it. The pool returned—but not as it was. Now it was sharp, modern, and inviting. A long, clean body of water with a shallow tanning ledge that catches the sun just right. Stainless steel scuppers arc water into the pool—movement, sound, life. Steps are crisp, geometry is balanced, and the water reflects clarity instead of neglect. Around it, the yard found purpose. Artificial turf introduced contrast—green, controlled, low-maintenance. A pergola structure rose in the corner, creating a destination within the destination. Beneath it, a built-in outdoor kitchen turned the backyard into a place to gather, not just pass through. Lighting stitched everything together, making the space just as alive at dusk as it is under the midday sun. By the end, nothing felt accidental. What was once forgotten is now deliberate. What was once avoided is now the center of attention. Fifteen years later, the backyard didn’t just come back—it finally became what it was always supposed to be.

Shower Collection

VIGO

The semi-framed black shower panel features matte black hardware that matches the matte black shower panel.
Minimalist bathroom photo in New York

Sponsored

Millersburg, OH

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Bespoke fitted dressing rooms and vanity units in Wimbledon, London

Bespoke By Acorn

Bespoke vanity units for bathroom and cloakroom, Wimbledon, London This purpose-built double basin wall-hung vanity unit features a seamless Caesarstone 1141 Pure White countertop. The inherent strength and resilience of this stunning polished quartz surface ensures a lasting beauty that will resist scratches and stains, while the immaculate super-smooth white stone gives a feeling of spaciousness and cool which is both refreshing and uplifting. This vanity unit also incorporates a useful mix of closed and open storage for ultimate flexibility. The stunning ceiling height mirrored wall cabinets above the vanity unit dramatically increase the amount of light in the room. The mitred mirror corner and art deco style lights fixed into the glazing add luxurious glamour. Floating vanity shelf For the downstairs cloakroom, we constructed this floating basin vanity unit with a matching floating shelf for towels, both made to measure in real oak. We also installed integrated LED lighting beneath the unit and a bespoke mirror above. The tough, waterproof, beautiful black low sheen finish shows off the natural wood grain while also providing a tough, waterproof finish. The wall-mounted design makes the space feel larger and more open, while also offering easier cleaning.

Snazzy Art-Deco Shade Details

Delicious Kitchens & Interiors, LLC

The lower part of this curtain is a "fixed Roman shade" and matches the shower curtain. It's held up with sparkling tassels and the crystal "jewels" are from an art-deco inspired necklace. The custom open weave window treatment was designed to take advantage of the natural light yet provide privacy. The ceilings are 11 feet high, the rod is hung at the top of the window over 9 feet off the floor. There are white sheers at the bottom, again to insure privacy and allow light in. There is a piazza (porch) outside of this second story window. Delicious Kitchens & Interiors, LLC

Coppell | Olympia | Kitchen (Revive)

Kitchen Design Concepts

One of the biggest investments you can make in your home is in your kitchen. Now with the Revive model, you don’t have to break the bank to get an updated kitchen with new finishes and a whole new look! This powder blue kitchen we are sharing today is a classic example of such a space! The kitchen had a great layout, the cabinets had good bones, and all it needed were some simple updates. To learn more about what we did, continue reading below! Cabinets As previously mentioned, the kitchen cabinetry already had great bones. So, in this case, we were able to refinish them to a painted cream on the perimeter. As for the island, we created a new design where new cabinetry was installed. New cabinets are from WWWoods Shiloh, with a raised panel door style, and a custom painted finish for these powder blue cabinets. Countertops The existing kitchen countertops were able to remain because they were already in great condition. Plus, it matched the new finishes perfectly. This is a classic case of “don’t fix it if it ain’t broke”! Backsplash For the backsplash, we kept it simple with subway tile but played around with different sizes, colors, and patterns. The main backsplash tile is a Daltile Modern Dimensions, in a 4.5×8.5 size, in the color Elemental Tan, and installed in a brick-lay formation. The splash over the cooktop is a Daltile Rittenhouse Square, in a 3×6 size, in the color Arctic White, and installed in a herringbone pattern. Fixtures and Finishes The plumbing fixtures we planned to reuse from the start since they were in great condition. In addition, the oil-rubbed bronze finish went perfectly with the new finishes of the kitchen. We did, however, install new hardware because the original kitchen did not have any. So, from Amerock we selected Muholland pulls which were installed on all the doors and drawers.

Window Sheers and Shadings

Accent Window Fashions LLC

LUMINETTE® MODERN DRAPERIES Gorgeous fabrics, instant drama Strong color and texture options for maximum light control with no view through. These resemble what you’d think of as drapes or curtains, but with more design accents and a seamless consistent look. Unique panel design AN INNOVATIVE TWIST Exclusive to Modern Draperies, the Ribbon™ panel features seamless rippled fabric folds without vanes. Exclusive hardware systems BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS When the drapery is closed, the SofTrak™ hardware rail is concealed by the fabric displaying a refined and elegant look. Exclusive hardware systems BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS Providing a choice of adorned rail styles and finials, Manhattan™ hardware can add an element of sophistication. Accents by the Yard ™ FABRICS FOR YOUR ROOM DECOR Luminette Modern Draperies fabrics are available by the yard, so you can create decorative accents for any room with matching fabric. Dual Panel THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Combines Luminette® Privacy Sheers and Modern Draperies on a single SofTrak™ or Manhattan™ rail. This unique design features fixed drapery side panels boldly framing a fully functional sheer. Light Control SUPERVISE THE SUN Our beautiful modern drapery panels filter out brightness, glare, and UV rays—protecting your furniture and flooring from fading. Platinum™ Technology CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE OR TABLET Controlling your window treatments with a mobile device means you can set your blinds to movie mode, work mode, or 8 a.m. mode with the touch of a button, without leaving your seat. It’s effortless, fun and smart—with perfectly smooth operation. Lifetime Guarantee FOR LIFE Hunter Douglas products are designed and custom-assembled in the U.S. with the highest level of quality. But just in case, every window treatment from Hunter Douglas is covered by our lifetime limited guarantee. Read the Hunter Douglas Warranty to learn more. Hunter Douglas Luminette® Modern Draperies with PowerGlide® 2.1 Platinum™ Technology Luminette® Modern Draperies Fabric/Material: Satin Weave Color: Beige Incense Operating Systems: PowerGlide 2.1 with Platinum Technology Room: Home Office Room Styles: Eclectic, Contemporary, Transitional Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Luminette #Modern #Draperies #PowerGlide #Platinum #Technology #Eclectic #Contemporary #Transitional #Home_Office #Home_Office_Ideas #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.