Search results for "Frequently referred" in Home Design Ideas

The homeowners of this California Cottage wanted a beach vibe in their 1700 sq. ft. home. They wanted to make the most of their spaces by widening doorways, adding wood floors throughout the house, and adding a skylight. The result is cozy, casual California living at its best with frequent family dinners and celebrations with friends.
Photos by Erika Bierman www.erikabiermanphotography.com

Perched on a forested hillside above Missoula, the Pattee Canyon Residence provides a series of bright, light filled spaces for a young family of six. Set into the hillside, the home appears humble from the street while opening up to panoramic views towards the valley. The family frequently puts on large gatherings for friends of all ages; thus, multiple “eddy out” spaces were created throughout the home for more intimate chats.
Exposed steel structural ribs and generous glazing in the great room create a rhythm and draw one’s gaze to the folding horizon. Smaller windows on the lower level frame intimate portraits of nature. Cedar siding and dark shingle roofing help the home blend in with its piney surroundings. Inside, rough sawn cabinetry and nature inspired tile provide a textural balance with the bright white spaces and contemporary fixtures.

In today’s world of smart interiors and luxury-inspired home décor, LED Mirror backlit designs have become a defining trend. From elegant bathrooms to sophisticated dressing areas and premium commercial spaces, LED Mirrors are now more than just reflective surfaces—they are statement pieces that combine technology, style, and functionality.
Whether you are renovating your home, upgrading a salon, designing a hotel, or creating a modern workspace, investing in a high-quality LED mirror can instantly elevate the atmosphere. The perfect balance of illumination and aesthetics makes these mirrors one of the most sought-after interior additions in contemporary architecture.
This blog explores everything you need to know about LED Mirror backlit solutions, their benefits, applications, features, and why they are becoming essential in modern living spaces.
What Is an LED Mirror Backlit Design?
An LED Mirror backlit system refers to a mirror equipped with LED lighting installed behind the mirror surface. Instead of visible front-facing bulbs, the light gently radiates from the rear edges, producing a soft halo effect around the mirror.
This indirect illumination creates a luxurious and ambient glow while providing practical lighting for everyday tasks such as grooming, makeup application, shaving, and skincare routines.
Unlike traditional mirrors, LED Mirrors offer:
- Energy-efficient illumination
- Elegant visual appeal
- Better light distribution
- Enhanced functionality
- Modern smart features
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Dressing rooms
- Salons
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Reduces harsh shadows
- Improves visibility
- Enhances facial clarity
- Creates a comfortable lighting experience
- Reduce energy bills
- Lower electricity usage
- Support eco-friendly living
- Increase long-term savings
- Turn lights on/off
- Adjust brightness
- Change color temperature
- Bright white light for makeup application
- Warm soft light for relaxation
- Neutral lighting for everyday grooming
- Bluetooth speakers
- Digital clocks
- Temperature displays
- Voice control
- Motion sensors
- Better lighting for shaving and makeup
- Enhanced bathroom aesthetics
- Increased property value
- Luxurious visual appeal
- Salons
- Spas
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Compact rectangular mirrors work best
- Oversized backlit mirrors create a dramatic statement
- Rectangular
- Oval
- Round
- Square
- Custom geometric designs
- Warm White (cozy ambiance)
- Cool White (bright and crisp)
- Natural White (balanced daylight effect)
- Improve visual appeal
- Increase perceived luxury
- Enhance property value
- Small bathrooms
- Compact apartments
- Narrow dressing areas
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The client’s request was quite common - a typical 2800 sf builder home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living space, and den. However, their desire was for this to be “anything but common.” The result is an innovative update on the production home for the modern era, and serves as a direct counterpoint to the neighborhood and its more conventional suburban housing stock, which focus views to the backyard and seeks to nullify the unique qualities and challenges of topography and the natural environment.
The Terraced House cautiously steps down the site’s steep topography, resulting in a more nuanced approach to site development than cutting and filling that is so common in the builder homes of the area. The compact house opens up in very focused views that capture the natural wooded setting, while masking the sounds and views of the directly adjacent roadway. The main living spaces face this major roadway, effectively flipping the typical orientation of a suburban home, and the main entrance pulls visitors up to the second floor and halfway through the site, providing a sense of procession and privacy absent in the typical suburban home.
Clad in a custom rain screen that reflects the wood of the surrounding landscape - while providing a glimpse into the interior tones that are used. The stepping “wood boxes” rest on a series of concrete walls that organize the site, retain the earth, and - in conjunction with the wood veneer panels - provide a subtle organic texture to the composition.
The interior spaces wrap around an interior knuckle that houses public zones and vertical circulation - allowing more private spaces to exist at the edges of the building. The windows get larger and more frequent as they ascend the building, culminating in the upstairs bedrooms that occupy the site like a tree house - giving views in all directions.
The Terraced House imports urban qualities to the suburban neighborhood and seeks to elevate the typical approach to production home construction, while being more in tune with modern family living patterns.
Overview
Elm Grove
Size
2,800 sf
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Completion Date
September 2014
Services
Architecture, Landscape Architecture
Interior Consultants: Amy Carman Design
Steve Gotter

Cement Tile Shop - Handmade Cement Tile - Patchwork Pattern. We love this installation of our patchwork pattern on this kitchen backsplash. The customer preferred to use groupings of tile patterns instead of randomly shuffling the tiles.

Standard annual or mechanical Chimney cleaning for gas and wood burning fireplaces typically works to remove any type of buildup as well as checking for the structural integrity of the chimney. Maintaining an annual chimney cleaning will meet the national safety standard set by the NFPA, CSIA, IRC and NCSG, helping homeowners avoid chimney fires and blockages.
Why does safety matter? Did you know that there was a chimney fire in Marengo in January? Or a chimney fire at a Peotone home at the end of March? Or a log cabin fire caused by the chimney in June? That’s just a few that happened in the past 7 months.
Why Does a Chimney Cleaning Matter?
Chimney sweeps also known as chimney cleanings, fireplace cleanings, or fireplace sweeps. Regardless of what you call it, it still means the same thing.
Chimney cleaning for gas and wood burning fireplaces serve 3 key purposes:
confirming structural integrity
removing flammable deposits and
obstruction-free assurance.
Homeowners with gas or wood burning fireplaces benefit from each of these safeguards.
The National Fire Protection Association addresses this directly through NFPA 211, a widely recognized fire safety code. The standard states that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents require inspection at least once a year for soundness, free from deposits, and correct clearances, with cleaning, maintenance, and repairs to be done whenever needed.
This annual requirement applies equally to gas and wood burning fireplaces. Organizations including the Chimney Safety Institute of America, the National Chimney Sweep Guild, International Residential code and the National Fire Protection Association each reference this standard as the requirement for home fire safety.
Free 14-Point Certified Written Inspection
Every chimney sweep completed through Superior Chimney includes a complimentary 14-point certified written inspection along with photo documentation delivered to you by email. This documentation gives homeowners a clear visual record of their chimney system.
The written report covers the condition of the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, firebox, chimney crown, and chimney cap, among other components examined during a standard visit. Photo documentation captures each area so homeowners can review the findings independently of the technician’s verbal summary. Written inspection reports allow families to track the condition of their fireplace chimney system over time.
Chimney Cleaning and Structural Integrity
A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep technician, such as Superior Chimney technicians, visually examines the chimney from the top opening to the firebox below, gaining a full evaluation of the interior.
When chimney rods and brushes pass through the chimney system, loose pieces of fire clay tile, damaged tile joints, or crumbling brick sometimes fall down into the fireplace. This debris can mean there is an integrity problem. By knowing this is a problem, will protect families and their homes. Now it’s time to take care of it and call in a certified chimney technician.
Fireplace Cleaning and Creosote Removal
Creosote, is the technical name for soot. Soot forms as a natural byproduct of burning wood. Smoke traveling upward through the chimney and leaves deposits of creosote along the interior walls. With every fire, a little more gets built up.
The issue with creosote is that it is highly flammable and is the leading cause of chimney fires nationwide. Removing the buildup through regular chimney cleanings keeps a fireplace serviceable for continuous use throughout the spring, fall and winter seasons.
Standard and mechanical chimney cleanings pay close attention to the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, and firebox in a single service visit. Superior Chimney performs each fireplace chimney inspection using a no-mess process that protects the home during service. This keeps soot contained within specialized equipment rather than the living room.
An Obstruction Free Chimney
Several conditions create blockages within a chimney system. Bird, squirrel, bat and raccoon nesting material, feces, and debris frequently accumulate inside an unprotected flue, especially during spring and summer months when the fireplace sits unused.
Excessive creosote accumulation or a collapsed chimney liner can restrict proper airflow. Homeowners that address obstructions with a chimney inspection will be able to maintain proper draft and ventilation with their gas or wood burning fireplace. This will reduce the risk of smoke backing into the home.
Gas Chimney Cleaning Compared to Wood burning Chimney Cleaning
Gas and wood burning fireplaces share the same annual chimney inspection requirement. Whether you are burning wood, gas or a “pile of shirts” there is still heat and flame that requires worthy firewalls to protect the home from heat transfer. Fire worthiness and checking the firewall integrity is priority.
Wood burning fireplaces generate creosote that builds along the flue liner with every fire. Gas fireplace systems accumulate lighter deposits along with potential venting obstructions, since gas appliances rely heavily on venting for safe combustion byproduct release. Each system accumulates different residues that need attention.
A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep technician from Superior Chimney adjusts the specific cleaning approach based on fuel type. However, the same core safety elements apply: structural integrity, deposit removal, and clear airflow.
What Happens During a Chimney Cleaning?
A typical chimney inspection begins with a walkthrough of the fireplace and the chimney on top of the roof, allowing the technician to record any visible concerns the homeowner reported in advance as well as any new findings.
The certified technician then covers the immediate hearth area with protective material before setting up specialized equipment designed to contain creosote throughout the cleaning and inspection.
Chimney rods and brushes pass through the flue liner to loosen and remove creosote deposits along the smoke chamber, smoke shelf, and damper. The certified technician inspects each section closely for loose or crumbling firewall, cracked joints, or other signs of weak structural damage.
A final walkthrough of the firebox and chimney completes the visual inspection. Photo documentation captures each component, and the certified written report is sent to the homeowner by email. This consistent process gives homeowners the documentation they need to compare year to year.
Chimney Cleaning Safety Standards
The table below summarizes the organizations that set national chimney safety standards, along with their specific requirements for fireplace chimney sweeps.
NFPA211
National Fire Protection Association
Annual inspection for soundness, deposit buildup, and correct clearances; cleaning and repairs completed as needed
CSIA
Chimney Safety Institute of America
Certifies technicians through testing on chimney and venting system knowledge
NCSG
National Chimney Sweep Guild
Establishes trade standards and best practices for chimney sweep professionals
How Often Should You Schedule a Chimney Cleaning and Inspection?
CSIA recommends scheduling chimney cleaning and inspection annually by CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. This recommendation applies to gas and wood burning fireplaces, regardless of how frequently a household uses the fireplace and especially in freeze/thaw geographic areas.
Regular chimney sweeps save lives, since a clean fireplace chimney rarely catches fire. CSIA encourages homeowners to rely on Certified Chimney Sweeps, as these technicians undergo regular testing on the complexities of chimney and venting systems throughout their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a chimney sweep? A chimney sweep includes the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, and firebox, removing creosote while checking for obstructions and structural concerns throughout the chimney system (NOT the ashpit).
How often should gas and wood burning fireplaces receive chimney sweeps? CSIA, NFPA, IRC and NCSG guidelines each call for chimney sweeps at least once a year for gas and wood burning fireplace systems.
Why does creosote removal matter for fireplace safety? Creosote is highly flammable and builds along the interior walls of a fireplace chimney with every fire, creating conditions that lead directly to chimney fires when left in place over time. Creosote is unburned particles from the combustion chamber.
Who should perform a fireplace chimney sweep? CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep technicians complete fireplace chimney sweeps after passing regular testing on chimney and venting system knowledge, meeting the certification standard recognized across the industry.
Does a fireplace chimney sweep remove animal nests and debris? No, a fireplace chimney sweep addresses soot and creosote, while significant nesting material, feces, or collapsed liner debris often calls for dedicated obstruction removal alongside the standard service.
What does the free 14-point inspection include? The complimentary 14-point certified written inspection documents the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, firebox, crown, and cap through photo evidence delivered directly by email for homeowner records.
Choose Superior Chimney for Your Certified Chimney Inspection
All service technicians completing chimney sweeps through Superior Chimney hold National Certification through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), reflecting the training standard recommended by fire safety organizations nationwide.
Scheduling regular chimney sweeps to clean gas and wood burning fireplace systems protects a home from fire risk, preserves the structural integrity of the chimney, and keeps airflow clear for proper, continuous use throughout the year. Contact us today to schedule a chimney inspection at 877-244-6349.

In this Minneapolis, MN Townhome the open concept Living Room had to blend with all the surrounding spaces while serving as a more formal seating area for guests. Brandi Hagen of Eminent Interior Design used two different sofas with similar fabrics along with a pair of matching armchairs to create the seating arrangement. Using beige and gray as the backgrounds for this Living Room, shades of green and blue were accented in the rug, pillows, artwork and fireplace accent wall. The over scaled stripe rug acts as an anchor to the room by pulling together the seating arrangement and defining the space in this open floor plan.
Troy Thies Photography

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Custom thermally broken steel windows and doors for every environment. Experience the evolution! #JadaSteelWindows
Huge mountain style concrete floor kitchen photo in Sacramento with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets and gray cabinets
Huge mountain style concrete floor kitchen photo in Sacramento with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets and gray cabinets

Beech cabinetry hides planty of storage options in this remodeled kitchen and dining room - Our clients wanted to remodel their kitchen so that the prep, cooking, clean up and dining areas would blend well and not have too much of a kitchen feel. They asked for a sophisticated look with some classic details and a few contemporary flairs. The result was a reorganized layout (and remodel of the adjacent powder room) that maintained all the beautiful sunlight from their deck windows, but create two separate but complimentary areas for cooking and dining. The refrigerator and pantry are housed in a furniture-like unit creating a hutch-like cabinet that belies its interior with classic styling. Two sinks allow both cooks in the family to work simultaneously. Some glass-fronted cabinets keep the sink wall light and attractive. The recycled glass-tiled detail on the ceramic backsplash brings a hint of color and a reference to the nearby waters. Dan Cutrona Photography

Built by:
J.A. Long, Inc
Design Builders
Large craftsman gray two-story wood exterior home idea in Jacksonville
Large craftsman gray two-story wood exterior home idea in Jacksonville

Guest room with textured carpet and deco bed. Remote shades. Tweed drapery
Inspiration for a contemporary guest carpeted bedroom remodel in Philadelphia with beige walls
Inspiration for a contemporary guest carpeted bedroom remodel in Philadelphia with beige walls

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Your smile is not the only curve in the room when you enter this room. This open and airy traditional Atlantic Beach kitchen flaunts a beautiful curved island in natural cherry which is the focal point of the space. There are occasional times when a homeowner comes to the table with a vision from which the designer can draw his inspiration. Such was the case when Bilotta designer Goran Savic and Interior designer, Catherine Ebert’s mutual client announced that design and an expansive feeling should be prioritized over the prevailing “more storage” maxim. Although the kitchen was opened up to afford a view of the beautiful sculptural staircase, cabinetry was limited to a modest “L”-shaped footprint with an island. But not just any island: curved cabinetry in cherry that references the curves of the staircase and its cherry newel post and railing. While the rounded shape doesn’t contribute much to storage, it provides plenty of room for seating and definitely makes a strong design statement. More seating can be found in the comfy cushioned banquette (with storage drawers below). That’s a perfect spot to grab breakfast or even read a book. The unique piece here is the custom table at the banquette. Its beveled oval cherry base and double stainless-steel column supports are evocative of a luxury Art Deco yacht and echo the curved island. Goran utilized a number of space-enlarging visual devices as part of his design arsenal. Open shelving and glass upper sections on the wall cabinets prevent the frequent claustrophobic effect of all solid doors. Installing the wall cabinets higher than usual created a larger backsplash that helps offset the normal feeling of countertop clutter. Of course, nothing opens up a room like the inclusion of abundant natural light, but choice of materials also plays a huge role. Here we have a bleached stain on the wood floor, white cabinets, pale-colored countertops and backsplash tiles, and clear glass pendants, all of which enhance the airiness of this stunning new room.

Your smile is not the only curve in the room when you enter this room. This open and airy traditional Atlantic Beach kitchen flaunts a beautiful curved island in natural cherry which is the focal point of the space. There are occasional times when a homeowner comes to the table with a vision from which the designer can draw his inspiration. Such was the case when Bilotta designer Goran Savic and Interior designer, Catherine Ebert’s mutual client announced that design and an expansive feeling should be prioritized over the prevailing “more storage” maxim. Although the kitchen was opened up to afford a view of the beautiful sculptural staircase, cabinetry was limited to a modest “L”-shaped footprint with an island. But not just any island: curved cabinetry in cherry that references the curves of the staircase and its cherry newel post and railing. While the rounded shape doesn’t contribute much to storage, it provides plenty of room for seating and definitely makes a strong design statement. More seating can be found in the comfy cushioned banquette (with storage drawers below). That’s a perfect spot to grab breakfast or even read a book. The unique piece here is the custom table at the banquette. Its beveled oval cherry base and double stainless-steel column supports are evocative of a luxury Art Deco yacht and echo the curved island. Goran utilized a number of space-enlarging visual devices as part of his design arsenal. Open shelving and glass upper sections on the wall cabinets prevent the frequent claustrophobic effect of all solid doors. Installing the wall cabinets higher than usual created a larger backsplash that helps offset the normal feeling of countertop clutter. Of course, nothing opens up a room like the inclusion of abundant natural light, but choice of materials also plays a huge role. Here we have a bleached stain on the wood floor, white cabinets, pale-colored countertops and backsplash tiles, and clear glass pendants, all of which enhance the airiness of this stunning new room.

By Thayer Allyson Gowdy for House Beautiful
Inspiration for a timeless living room remodel in San Francisco
Inspiration for a timeless living room remodel in San Francisco

 
Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
 
The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”.
This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them.
“The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala.
The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below.
The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.”
The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala.
Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD
Photography by: Carlos Vergara
For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Study room - mid-sized transitional freestanding desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor study room idea in Atlanta with gray walls

Showcase Photographers
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized craftsman galley dark wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Nashville with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized craftsman galley dark wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Nashville with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Dane Tashima Photography
Mid-sized eclectic enclosed medium tone wood floor living room library photo in New York with white walls
Mid-sized eclectic enclosed medium tone wood floor living room library photo in New York with white walls
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