Our friends at Urbane New Haven brought us in on this high end residential installation to help bring their idea to life. We worked directly with the lead designer on details of the layout and functional aesthetics of the finished installation. The finish we landed on is a custom mixed, hand-applied weathered black patina over steel. The custom fridge panels were made to spec to cover two 7’ Sub Zero units. We designed the handles to be both minimal and massive to fit the weighty feel of the doors. Matching drawers and cabinet doors were fabricated for the pull out freezer units on the adjacent wall. Each of these doors were custom installed to disappear into the wall when closed. The wall paneling and fireplace surround were installed using a custom wall mounting system we devised to allow for easy installation without the use ov any visible fasteners and no on site welding…trick stuff indeed! The 17’ steel fireplace mantle in the living room was designed and fabricated to seamlessly span the entire wall which gives it a appropriately immense monolithic scale to the already huge fireplace hearth.

Innovative Solutions to Create your Dream Bathroom We will upgrade your bathroom with creative solutions at affordable prices like adding a new bathtub or shower, or wooden floors so that you enjoy a spa-like relaxing ambience at home. Our ideas are not only functional but also help you save money in the long run, like installing energy-efficient appliances that consume less power. We also install eco-friendly devices that use less water and inspect every area of your bathroom to ensure there is no possibility of growth of mold or mildew. Appropriately-placed lighting fixtures will ensure that every corner of your bathroom receives optimum lighting. We will make your bathroom more comfortable by installing fans to improve ventilation and add cooling or heating systems.

Bigger is not always better, but something of highest quality is. This amazing, size-appropriate Lake Michigan cottage is just that. Nestled in an existing historic stretch of Lake Michigan cottages, this new construction was built to fit in the neighborhood, but outperform any other home in the area concerning energy consumption, LEED certification and functionality. It features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an open concept kitchen/living room, a separate mudroom entrance and a separate laundry. This small (but smart) cottage is perfect for any family simply seeking a retreat without the stress of a big lake home. The interior details include quartz and granite countertops, stainless appliances, quarter-sawn white oak floors, Pella windows, and beautiful finishing fixtures. The dining area was custom designed, custom built, and features both new and reclaimed elements. The exterior displays Smart-Side siding and trim details and has a large EZE-Breeze screen porch for additional dining and lounging. This home owns all the best products and features of a beach house, with no wasted space. Cottage Home is the premiere builder on the shore of Lake Michigan, between the Indiana border and Holland.

What a fun yet challenging project. After numerous space plan options, we've finally decided on removing a wall and switching it out with cabinetry that is functional for a kitchen and the dining area. We've added a peninsula at a 120 degree corner to expand the working surface, add bar seating and still keep the space open and inviting from adjoining spaces. Blueberry oak cabinets with satin brass hardware are balanced out with white quartz countertop and gray uppers. Wide plank vinyl helped keep this space masculine and formal while the stairs add a softer touch that's being complimented by warm tone furniture. To tie in warmth and masculinity, we've opted for custom miter-cut shelves in the corner. Windows give us great light and a corner cabinet can block a lot of it out, so floating shelves seemed most appropriate (no visible hardware). With a lot of material and colors, space still seems cohesive and inviting. Very formal, yet ready to be used for entertaining and day to day living. Hale Production Studios

This small infill lot allowed for a home that builds on the traditions of Mill Valley hillside houses. Floating flat roofs that become roof decks and courtyards are carved out of the hillside. The project is a spacious 1,650 s.f. distributed on 4 levels each with Southern exposure, capturing light and warmth all year round. Photo Credit: David Livingston

What a fun yet challenging project. After numerous space plan options, we've finally decided on removing a wall and switching it out with cabinetry that is functional for a kitchen and the dining area. We've added a peninsula at a 120 degree corner to expand the working surface, add bar seating and still keep the space open and inviting from adjoining spaces. Blueberry oak cabinets with satin brass hardware are balanced out with white quartz countertop and gray uppers. Wide plank vinyl helped keep this space masculine and formal while the stairs add a softer touch that's being complimented by warm tone furniture. To tie in warmth and masculinity, we've opted for custom miter-cut shelves in the corner. Windows give us great light and a corner cabinet can block a lot of it out, so floating shelves seemed most appropriate (no visible hardware). With a lot of material and colors, space still seems cohesive and inviting. Very formal, yet ready to be used for entertaining and day to day living. Hale Production Studios

Photography, Sam Oberter
Inspiration for a modern porcelain tile mudroom remodel in Philadelphia with white walls and a white front door

Inside the main house, a wall that separated the breakfast and mudroom areas was removed and replaced with a bookcase. Removing the wall allows the two small areas to borrow space and light from each other, making both rooms feel more spacious

Bigger is not always better, but something of highest quality is. This amazing, size-appropriate Lake Michigan cottage is just that. Nestled in an existing historic stretch of Lake Michigan cottages, this new construction was built to fit in the neighborhood, but outperform any other home in the area concerning energy consumption, LEED certification and functionality. It features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an open concept kitchen/living room, a separate mudroom entrance and a separate laundry. This small (but smart) cottage is perfect for any family simply seeking a retreat without the stress of a big lake home. The interior details include quartz and granite countertops, stainless appliances, quarter-sawn white oak floors, Pella windows, and beautiful finishing fixtures. The dining area was custom designed, custom built, and features both new and reclaimed elements. The exterior displays Smart-Side siding and trim details and has a large EZE-Breeze screen porch for additional dining and lounging. This home owns all the best products and features of a beach house, with no wasted space. Cottage Home is the premiere builder on the shore of Lake Michigan, between the Indiana border and Holland.

This culinary kitchen design has a transitional style and incorporates beautiful clean lines. The designer selected a beautiful combination of three different finishes from Medallion to create a well-designed and functional space to satisfy your inner chef. The custom designed kitchen island showcases our Greystone finish from the New Stoney Brooke Collection and creates defined cooking, cleaning, and prep zones within the overall space. Medallion’s new Stoney Brooke Collection is uniquely textured in subtle shades of grays and browns. This unique finish is achieved by artfully brushing multiple glaze materials onto a stained surface. The varying shades of this glaze application create a subtle textural feel and appearance. The component hood creates a function focal point and is finished in both Greystone and our new Irish Crème painted finish. The Irish Crème wall cabinetry coordinates beautifully with the Smoke stained base cabinets which provide a neutral backdrop for your culinary creations. Extend the style and well-appropriated design of your kitchen into the pantry. Select coordinating cabinetry and specialized storage options to fit your culinary needs. Find a Medallion Showroom near you today: http://www.medallioncabinetry.com/DealerLocator

Bigger is not always better, but something of highest quality is. This amazing, size-appropriate Lake Michigan cottage is just that. Nestled in an existing historic stretch of Lake Michigan cottages, this new construction was built to fit in the neighborhood, but outperform any other home in the area concerning energy consumption, LEED certification and functionality. It features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an open concept kitchen/living room, a separate mudroom entrance and a separate laundry. This small (but smart) cottage is perfect for any family simply seeking a retreat without the stress of a big lake home. The interior details include quartz and granite countertops, stainless appliances, quarter-sawn white oak floors, Pella windows, and beautiful finishing fixtures. The dining area was custom designed, custom built, and features both new and reclaimed elements. The exterior displays Smart-Side siding and trim details and has a large EZE-Breeze screen porch for additional dining and lounging. This home owns all the best products and features of a beach house, with no wasted space. Cottage Home is the premiere builder on the shore of Lake Michigan, between the Indiana border and Holland.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Klimala transitioned the large semi-functional kitchen by widening the opening between the kitchen and breakfast room and relocating an existing powder room. The resulting kitchen has not only a center island, but also a large peninsula for prep work and baking projects. Room was made in the adjoining breakfast room for a large decorative hutch for storage of glassware and linens. A new upholstered banquette provides a spot for daily meals and homework spot for the family’s three kids. The clients love of contemporary design was married with the 1920s era tudor home by keeping the details simple, choosing clean lines for decorative features such as hardware and lighting, but allowing for period appropriate touches such as shaker doors, subway tiles and a farm sink. 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

This project involved the removal of an aging wood shower enclosure and surrounding fencing, which had begun to deteriorate and contribute to poor drainage conditions. The existing area retained moisture, creating a muddy, unstable surface that impacted both usability and long-term durability. The redesigned space introduces a fully upgraded outdoor shower system positioned discreetly behind a new white privacy enclosure. The structure was selected for its clean architectural lines, low-maintenance material, and ability to brighten and modernize the space while maintaining privacy. A primary focus of the project was drainage correction. The ground plane was regraded and rebuilt using a permeable system consisting of oversized stone slabs set within polished black river rock. This layout allows water to move efficiently through the surface while maintaining a stable, clean, and visually refined finish. The contrast between the large-format slabs and the dark stone creates a structured, intentional foundation that elevates the overall design. Planting was incorporated with both aesthetic and functional intent. Lavender was installed and trained along the enclosure to soften the structure and introduce seasonal fragrance. In addition to its visual contribution, it serves as a natural pest deterrent, helping to reduce mosquito activity and improve comfort within the space. Supporting plant material was kept minimal and scaled appropriately to maintain a clean, uncluttered environment. The result is a fully integrated outdoor feature that transforms a previously underperforming area into a functional, durable, and visually cohesive extension of the home. The space now supports consistent use while delivering a refined, spa-like experience aligned with the surrounding landscape.

This North Shore, MA kitchen features custom built-in cabinetry with glass-front doors that provide both functional storage and elegant display space. The detailed millwork and classic hardware enhance the traditional aesthetic, while a mosaic tile backsplash adds subtle texture and visual interest. Paired with warm stone countertops, the design balances beauty and practicality, creating a refined and timeless kitchen environment.

This 1990s home needed some updates in key areas of the home. We refreshed the family room mantel with a new profile and designer tile to liven up the living space, then took the home’s multiple bathrooms to a whole new level. In the master bathroom, we took out the builder grade tub and added a sleek soaker tub with more functional his and her vanities. For less maintenance, we used ceramic porcelain tile that replicates the marble the homeowners admired. In a smaller secondary bathroom, the floor is the star of the show and is appropriately complemented by the undulating quasi subway tile revealing subtle variations. We also repurposed their existing vanity and maintained a craftsman feel with clean-lined accessories to stay pristine. The third bathroom embraces simplicity with subtle texture, from the navy concrete looking floors to the unique ombre coloration in the 4×8” shower tile. We kept the overall design simple, leaving all the design details to exude from the variation in the tiles themselves.

What a fun yet challenging project. After numerous space plan options, we've finally decided on removing a wall and switching it out with cabinetry that is functional for a kitchen and the dining area. We've added a peninsula at a 120 degree corner to expand the working surface, add bar seating and still keep the space open and inviting from adjoining spaces. Blueberry oak cabinets with satin brass hardware are balanced out with white quartz countertop and gray uppers. Wide plank vinyl helped keep this space masculine and formal while the stairs add a softer touch that's being complimented by warm tone furniture. To tie in warmth and masculinity, we've opted for custom miter-cut shelves in the corner. Windows give us great light and a corner cabinet can block a lot of it out, so floating shelves seemed most appropriate (no visible hardware). With a lot of material and colors, space still seems cohesive and inviting. Very formal, yet ready to be used for entertaining and day to day living. Hale Production Studios

Family Room Makeover: Red walls were painted Sherwin Williams 7518 Beach House (although lighting from lamp shadows a green tint to the wall) New curtains were hung closer to ceiling. New accessories and built-in cabinet display decor. Michael J Eckstrom

Ann Kenkel Interiors. Gwin Hunt Photography Complete gut of Watergate Penthouse and renovation. Ann Kenkel gutted a very contemporary Penthouse which had no molding and concrete floors. Installed Walnut flooring, redesigned space, designed all built ins, and decorated PH. Space was for a middle aged bachelor who wanted the spaces to have multi function. He wanted the Living Room to function as a library as well as a formal living room. I designed very elegant walnut bookcases with built in sound speakers. The furniture is comfortable yet upholstered in elegant fabrics. The coffee table was a high end custom Minton Spidell coffee table which elevates the space to a more formal look. The entry hall showcases a very fine antique mirror over a console with fine inlaid banding. The living room has rich chenille fabrics, ultra suede pillows with trim and a tapestry chenille on the chairs. Kenkel designed a white wood mantle deep enough that weighty accessories. There needed to be greater division between the living room and dining. AK designed an open etagere to contain large crystal pieces with beautiful lighting. It created enough of a screen to provide some privacy between the rooms in addition to making both rooms appear longer. The dining room needed to serve as a home office with a computer station and two comfortable chairs for the client to hold a business meeting. I also needed to function as a dining room. AK designed a built in unit which housed glass shelf cabinets on either side of an open space. The open space had a counter which was appropriate height for a computer as well as a a serving service at dinner time. Office equipment, printer, fax, router was all housed in a lower cabinet. The pendant chandelier is a very fine antique french piece. AK designed a built in unit for clothes, a flat screen tv and speakers. There was a large roof top patio which had beautiful views of the Washington Monument. AK created a thorough design for extensive entertaining, in her 3d drafting program. The client moved before the patio could be built out. Draperies are made out of Jim Thompson raw silk. Antique bronze dore candelsticks, bronze urn on fireplace, telescope to see city in etagere.

What a fun yet challenging project. After numerous space plan options, we've finally decided on removing a wall and switching it out with cabinetry that is functional for a kitchen and the dining area. We've added a peninsula at a 120 degree corner to expand the working surface, add bar seating and still keep the space open and inviting from adjoining spaces. Blueberry oak cabinets with satin brass hardware are balanced out with white quartz countertop and gray uppers. Wide plank vinyl helped keep this space masculine and formal while the stairs add a softer touch that's being complimented by warm tone furniture. To tie in warmth and masculinity, we've opted for custom miter-cut shelves in the corner. Windows give us great light and a corner cabinet can block a lot of it out, so floating shelves seemed most appropriate (no visible hardware). With a lot of material and colors, space still seems cohesive and inviting. Very formal, yet ready to be used for entertaining and day to day living. Hale Production Studios