This kitchen remodel was interesting because the owners loved their previous kitchen but wanted to update well-worn laminate and vinyl surfaces. We installed "Whisper" Corian in the kitchen area. The surface is forgiving, doesn't break every glass that falls on it and hides seams. We spent the extra few dollars with the fabricator to set the pattern one-way across the kitchen instead of turning with the "run" of the countertops. You can't see they physical seams and you cannot see the pattern change at the seams. Other items upgraded in the space were: The backsplash in a blue-gray porcelain with glass accent. The kitchen sink to an under-counter model. The dishwasher, cooktop and oven were upgraded, however black appliances topped stainless for this remodel. Interesting fact: the glass in the proper cooking area is not the same color as the glass in back of the bar sink. They look the same, but the bar backsplash is more complimentary to its sink. The difference is undetectable looking across the kitchen. The "office" area was updated to go underneath the countertop with a pull-out shelf. The shelf allows papers, and needed items to be stored below the counter surface. This design is practical and casually elegant for the kitchen command center. The two peninsulas were done in "Cosmos" granite. By adding granite to the top-cap of the bar, these areas blend into the living area. The glass sink is new along with the glass tile but the Grohe faucet is a re-use from the original kitchen. They loved that faucet so why change something that you like that still works beautifully after nearly 25 years? The vinyl floor was upgraded to vinyl tile. This choice is softer and warm underfoot compared to other hard surfaces including porcelain tile.

Efficient kitchen modified to suit the specific needs of a mobility challenged customer. Lowered cabinets, raised stove, ample deep drawers, forgiving cork floors, quartz counters and a breakfast nook round out the space.

It’s been said that when you dream about a house, the basement represents your subconscious level. Perhaps that was true in the past, when basements were often neglected. But in most of today’s new builds and remodels, lower levels are becoming valuable living spaces. If you’re looking at building or renovating, opening up that lower level with sufficient light can add square footage and value to your home. In addition, having access to bright indoor areas can help combat cabin fever, which peaks in late winter. Looking at the photos here, you’d never know what you’re seeing is a lower level. That’s because a smart builder knew that bringing natural light into the space was key. Our job, in furnishing the space, was to make the most of that light. The off-white walls and light grey carpet provide a good base. A grey sectional sofa with clean, modern lines easily fits into the spacious room. It’s an ideal piece to encourage people to spend time together. The strong, forgiving linen resists staining, and like a blank canvas this true neutral allows for accessorizing with various throws and pillows depending on the season. The cream-colored throw echoes the light colors in the space, while the nubby pillow adds a textured contrast.

Trendy patio photo in San Diego

Classic Cabinets KB, Inc.
Example of a transitional kitchen design in Detroit

The island is the central entertaining point of the kitchen. To help brace the heavy wooden bench and achieve the generous overhang, the timber is continued under the entire bench and flows vertically down the Island, providing a forgiving surface against stray rugby boots! Photographer: Jamie Cobel

The rug has a contemporary beach feel which is also very forgiving in a high traffic area
Example of a transitional living room design in Boston

A new-to-me realtor calls Tuesday mid-day asking about my services. The phone call quickly turned into a 'yes' but I mentioned unless I do this 'tomorrow', it couldn't get done until next week Tuesday or Wednesday due to other obligations. It's in Cayucos, which poses another issue - do I make the trip up to preview (it's an hour away, do I have time), or can I get what I need off of the internet? AND we had rain to contend with... it's never easy to stage in the rain. Fortunately I'm a very spatially-minded person and could make my plans based on the existing internet photos. A girl needs her plans! So Wednesday, between the spurts of rain, my sons and I spend all morning packing for this stage, and Wednesday afternoon / into evening my sons and I head out, unload, and stage this beautiful.... no..... GORGEOUS home ON THE WATER in Cayucos. WOW!!! The boys told me upon arrival: 'We should buy this!' I'm thinking the same thing! So, in retrospect, this stage was a vacant, sight-unseen home, and within about 24 hours went from realtor request to stage-done status. Please forgive the darkness of the photos, it was 6:30 at night when we were done, it was dark!

Inspiration for a timeless medium tone wood floor drop-in bathtub remodel in Bridgeport with white cabinets, marble countertops and beige walls

Given a summer house living room, we used an indoor/outdoor carpet that would be forgiving to high traffic, sand, etc. This one is a favorite, tailored and always chic with a Greek key motif. We added the nailheads and updated with black lacquered legs along with fresh upholstery -- a welcomed change to the skirted chair it was before.

We added trim carpentry for a fresh white backdrop to the other rustic elements. The client wanted an open plan with great flow for entertaining. Our sectional upholstered in liquid-repellent Crypton filled the bill and fits perfectly with the overscale cocktail table with forgiving, rustic finish yet stylish look. Custom pillows establish a light and airy palette with fresh blues, greiges, and whites. Graphic black outlining in the lampshades and hurricane wall sconces ground the whole.

A high barrel vault defines the kitchen and dining space. The adobe floor provides a durable, water proof, yet more forgiving surface than concrete slab. Integral color gypsum plaster maintains a consistent finish between straw bale and framed walls.

The kitchen is the heart of the home and this one is no exception! The warm wood tones and plenty of seating greet guests and spills are easy to forgive with a hard-wearing dining table, leather and wood seating and a stylish indoor/outdoor area rug.

A new-to-me realtor calls Tuesday mid-day asking about my services. The phone call quickly turned into a 'yes' but I mentioned unless I do this 'tomorrow', it couldn't get done until next week Tuesday or Wednesday due to other obligations. It's in Cayucos, which poses another issue - do I make the trip up to preview (it's an hour away, do I have time), or can I get what I need off of the internet? AND we had rain to contend with... it's never easy to stage in the rain. Fortunately I'm a very spatially-minded person and could make my plans based on the existing internet photos. A girl needs her plans! So Wednesday, between the spurts of rain, my sons and I spend all morning packing for this stage, and Wednesday afternoon / into evening my sons and I head out, unload, and stage this beautiful.... no..... GORGEOUS home ON THE WATER in Cayucos. WOW!!! The boys told me upon arrival: 'We should buy this!' I'm thinking the same thing! So, in retrospect, this stage was a vacant, sight-unseen home, and within about 24 hours went from realtor request to stage-done status. Please forgive the darkness of the photos, it was 6:30 at night when we were done, it was dark!

A new-to-me realtor calls Tuesday mid-day asking about my services. The phone call quickly turned into a 'yes' but I mentioned unless I do this 'tomorrow', it couldn't get done until next week Tuesday or Wednesday due to other obligations. It's in Cayucos, which poses another issue - do I make the trip up to preview (it's an hour away, do I have time), or can I get what I need off of the internet? AND we had rain to contend with... it's never easy to stage in the rain. Fortunately I'm a very spatially-minded person and could make my plans based on the existing internet photos. A girl needs her plans! So Wednesday, between the spurts of rain, my sons and I spend all morning packing for this stage, and Wednesday afternoon / into evening my sons and I head out, unload, and stage this beautiful.... no..... GORGEOUS home ON THE WATER in Cayucos. WOW!!! The boys told me upon arrival: 'We should buy this!' I'm thinking the same thing! So, in retrospect, this stage was a vacant, sight-unseen home, and within about 24 hours went from realtor request to stage-done status. Please forgive the darkness of the photos, it was 6:30 at night when we were done, it was dark!

Photos were taken with a smart phone so please forgive the low quality.
Home theater - mid-sized traditional enclosed carpeted and multicolored floor home theater idea in San Diego with brown walls and a projector screen

Brad Peebles
Example of a minimalist kitchen design in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

Act 1 Flooring did a full remodel in this home. This picture features a medium color, hand scraped hardwood. Hand scraped hardwood is very popular because it is very forgiving. Dents and scratches don't stand out as much on a hand scraped floor. They actually add more character.

Forgive photo lighting in shot -- I love this angle..
Example of an eclectic living room design in Los Angeles