In some ways, this room is so inviting it makes you think OMG I want to be in that room, and at the same time, it seems so perfect you almost don’t want to disturb it. So is this room for show or for function? “It’s both,” MaRae Simone says. Even though it’s so beautiful, sexy and perfect, it’s still designed to be livable and functional. The sofa comes with an extra dose of comfort. You’ll also notice from this room that MaRae loves to layer. Put rugs on top of rugs. Throws on top of throws. “I love the layering effect,” MaRae says. MaRae Simone Interiors, Marc Mauldin Photography

Inspiration for a transitional formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor living room remodel in San Francisco with gray walls and a corner fireplace

The challenge of merging contemporary design with a classic traditional interior is emblematic of the vitality experienced in the evolution of Philadelphia’s urban fabric. The design of this Center City apartment engages a rich discourse between the new and the existing, focusing on areas of the residence that contradicted the new owners’ aesthetic and lifestyle. The elevator opens to the center of the spacious living area that includes the foyer, kitchen and living room. The serene, geometric character of the foyer enhances the sense of arrival – offering a moment to contemplate the owners’ art, the interplay of the old and the new, and the subtleties of light. The kitchen, while fully functional, willingly and quietly participates in the composition. Symmetry and asymmetry are seamlessly woven. The depth and endurance of daily experiences are the ingredients that transform architecture into a vital framework for living. As it relates to a home, the framework requires a resonate balance of comfort and drama, achieved here with a cast of dynamic materials and details that subtly collaborate in simple composition. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography

Example of a transitional utility room design in Richmond with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2015 Houzz

Photography by Tre Dunham
Example of a farmhouse brown floor utility room design in Austin with an undermount sink, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer, shaker cabinets, white cabinets and white countertops

CSU transformed this kitchen into a timeless masterpiece. We said goodbye to outdated aesthetics and welcomed a fresh, modern look that combines functionality with elegance. Starting with the heart of the kitchen, the painted White Dove cabinetry brings a bright and airy feel, enhancing the sense of space and openness. Complemented by luxurious quartzite countertops, the kitchen surfaces are not only stunning but also durable and easy to maintain, ensuring they withstand the test of time. The focal point of the kitchen is the meticulously crafted tile backsplash. The herringbone pattern over the stove adds a touch of sophistication and texture. Paired with the warmth of hardwood flooring, seamlessly filled in where cabinets were relocated, this kitchen exudes a cozy yet contemporary ambiance. With the sink moved from its awkward corner space, the kitchen's flow is enhanced, making meal prep and cleanup a breeze. The new, farmhouse sink is perfectly positioned to optimize functionality and style. With polished nickel faucets and amazing gold pendants, every detail exudes luxury and refinement. The ventilation system was upgraded from a downdraft to a sleek recirculating hood, ensuring optimal air quality while maintaining a seamless aesthetic. The new design embraces the practicality of a redesigned layout, transitioning from a double-height peninsula to an L-shaped configuration, maximizing counter space and efficiency. Cabinets have been skillfully relocated to accommodate a new slide-in range, complete with convenient spice cabinets on each side, ensuring the culinary essentials are always within reach. With our meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality craftsmanship, this kitchen remodel is not just a renovation but a transformational experience, tailored to the owners' unique styles and needs. Say hello to a kitchen that is as functional as it is beautiful, a space where memories are made, and culinary dreams come to life.

Inspiration for a coastal kids' room remodel in Orange County

Having a small child, loving to entertain and looking to declutter and kid-proof the gathering spaces of their home in the quaint village of Rockville Centre, Long Island, a stone’s throw from Manhattan, our client’s main objective was to have their living room and den transformed with a family friendly home makeover with mid-century modern tones boasting a formal, yet relaxed spirit Stepping into the home we found their living room and den both architecturally well appointed yet in need of modern transitional furniture pieces and the pops of color our clients admired, as there was a substantial amount of cool, cold grays in the rooms. Decor Aid designer Vivian C. approached the design and placement of the pieces sourced to be kid-friendly while remaining sophisticated and practical for entertaining. “We played off of the clients love for blush pinks, mid-century modern and turquoise. We played with the use of gold and silver metals to mix it up.” In the living room, we used the prominent bay window and its illuminating natural light as the main architectural focal point, while the fireplace and mantels soft white tone helped inform the minimalist color palette for which we styled the room around. To add warmth to the living room we played off of the clients love for blush pinks and turquoise while elevating the room with flashes of gold and silver metallic pieces. For a sense of play and to tie the space together we punctuated the kid-friendly living room with an eclectic juxtaposition of colors and materials, from a beautifully patchworked geometric cowhide rug from All Modern, to a whimsical mirror placed over an unexpected, bold geometric credenza, to the blush velvet barrel chair and abstract blue watercolor pillows. “When sourcing furniture and objects, we chose items that had rounded edges and were shatter proof as it was vital to keep each room’s decor childproof.” Vivian ads. Their vision for the den remained chic, with comfort and practical functionality key to create an area for the young family to come together. For the den, our main challenge was working around the pre-existing dark gray sectional sofa. To combat its chunkiness, we played off of the hues in the cubist framed prints placed above and focused on blue and orange accents which complement and play off of each other well. We selected orange storage ottomans in easy to clean, kid-friendly leather to maximize space and functionality. To personalize the appeal of the den we included black and white framed family photos. In the end, the result created a fun, relaxed space where our clients can enjoy family moments or watch a game while taking in the scenic view of their backyard. For harmony between the rooms, the overall tone for each room is mid-century modern meets bold, yet classic contemporary through the use of mixed materials and fabrications including marble, stone, metals and plush velvet, creating a cozy yet sophisticated enough atmosphere for entertaining family and friends and raising a young children. “The result od this family friendly room was really fantastic! Adding some greenery, more pillows and throws really made the space pop.” Vivian C. Decor Aid’s Designer

Susie Brenner Photography
Mid-sized transitional dark wood floor living room photo in Denver with a music area, gray walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

An old stone mansion built in 1924 had seen a number of renovations over the decades and the time had finally come to address a growing list of issues. Rather than continue with a patchwork of fixes, the owners engaged us to conduct a full house renovation to bring this home back to its former glory and in line with its status as an international consulate residence where dignitaries are hosted on a regular basis. One of the biggest projects was remodeling the expansive 365 SF kitchen; the main kitchen needed to be both a workhorse for the weekly catered events as well as serve as the residents’ primary hub. We made adjustments to the kitchen layout to maximize countertop and storage space as well as enhance overall functionality, being mindful of the dual purposes this kitchen serves. To add visual interest to the large space we used two toned cabinets – classic white along the perimeter and a deep blue to distinguish the two islands and tall pantry. Brushed brass accents echo the original brass hardware and fixtures throughout the home. A kitchen this large needed a statement when it came to the countertops so we selected a stunning Nuvolato quartzite with distinctive veining that complements the blue cabinets. We restored and refinished the original Heart of Pine floors, letting the natural character of the wood shine through. A custom antique Heart of Pine wood top was commissioned for the fixed island – the warmth of wood was preferable to stone for the informal seating area. The second island serves as both prep area and staging space for dinners and events. This mobile island can be pushed flush with the stationary island to provide a generous area for the caterers to expedite service. Adjacent to the main kitchen, we added a second service kitchen for the live-in staff and their family. This room used to be a catch-all laundry/storage/mudroom so we had to get creative in order to incorporate all of those features while adding a fully functioning eat-in kitchen. Using smaller appliances allowed us to capture more space for cabinetry and by stacking the cabinets and washer/dryer (relocated to the rear service foyer) we managed to meet all the requirements. We installed salvaged Heart of Pine floors to match the originals in the adjacent kitchen and chose a neutral finish palette that will be easy to maintain. These kitchens weren’t the only projects we undertook in the historic stone mansion. Other renovations include 7 bathrooms, flooring throughout (hardwoods, custom carpets/runners/wall-to-wall), custom drapery and window treatments, new lighting/electric, as well as paint/trim and custom closet and cabinetry.

It was arduous to find space for sleeping, reading, sewing, writing, painting and sitting - all within a 168 square foot room. Success depended on creative use of every nook and savvy space planning. There were two closets, so one was repurposed into a small office area. The mesh bins are used for storing sewing materials or other craft supplies.

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2014 Houzz
Bedroom - industrial bedroom idea in New York with white walls

Because the kitchen was surrounded by windows, we needed to provide optimal storage solutions. We used large lower drawers for ease of use and to keep the design streamlined. A back pantry and laundry room were redesigned to provide ample backup.

Transitional gray floor mudroom photo in New York with gray walls and a glass front door

Study room - mid-sized transitional built-in desk dark wood floor study room idea in Denver with blue walls and no fireplace

Kitchen - mediterranean u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, black appliances, an island and gray countertops

Example of a transitional powder room design in Houston

Example of a trendy wooden u-shaped open staircase design in Ahmedabad