Inspiration for a coastal bathroom remodel in Wilmington

The grand living room needed large focal pieces, so our design team began by selecting the large iron chandelier to anchor the space. The black iron of the chandelier echoes the black window trim of the two story windows and fills the volume of space nicely. The plain fireplace wall was underwhelming, so our team selected four slabs of premium Calcutta gold marble and butterfly bookmatched the slabs to add a sophisticated focal point. Tall sheer drapes add height and subtle drama to the space. The comfortable sectional sofa and woven side chairs provide the perfect space for relaxing or for entertaining guests. Woven end tables, a woven table lamp, woven baskets and tall olive trees add texture and a casual touch to the space. The expansive sliding glass doors provide indoor/outdoor entertainment and ease of traffic flow when a large number of guests are gathered.

Antique wooden beams bring warmth to this cozy, casual gathering space in Alys Beach. French doors bring in light and connect to an intimate courtyard seating area. Built by Ray Jackson Construction and designed by architect Tim McNamara.

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Denver

Transitional bathroom photo in Houston

Timber Frame supports the central portion of the house. providing free flow for the area where people gather.

Michael Prokopchak, ASLA Jay Stearns
Example of a classic patio design in DC Metro with a fire pit and no cover

Varying plant heights create different site lines and define spaces
Photo of a mediterranean landscaping in Seattle.

Inspiration for a mediterranean patio remodel in Orange County

The masonry heater in the living room will provide radiant warmth to the primary gathering space for hours after the flames have died.

Hardscapes by Alphin Design Build Landscape by Bland Landscaping Co., Inc.
Example of a classic deck design in Raleigh with decking and a bbq area

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery

Homes and Renovation Architectural Elements of Style

The covered patio extends the home's living space with a spacious concrete gathering area framed by a beautiful gable roof. Positioned just outside the kitchen, it's the perfect place to enjoy quiet mornings, family dinners, or evenings under the stars.

“People tend to want to place their sofas right against the wall,” Lovett says. “I always try to float the sofa a bit and give the sofa some breathing room. Here, we didn’t have floor outlets or any eye-level lighting. Incorporating table lamps allows for mood lighting and ambiance. We placed a console behind the sofa to bring in large-scale lamps, which also helped fill in the negative space between the sofa and the bottom of the windows.” Photography: Amy Bartlam

This beautifully crafted Scandinavian kitchen remodel blends the warmth of white oak shaker cabinets with the sleek elegance of a quartzite island, creating a space that feels fresh yet timeless. Brass hardware, a farmhouse sink, and a custom range hood add character, while panel-ready appliances and a full-height backsplash keep the look seamless. The open plan layout offers a bright, airy atmosphere, enhanced by natural wood tones, pendant lighting, and light flooring. A central island with seating invites casual dining and conversation, making this kitchen as functional as it is welcoming—perfect for cooking, gathering, and everyday living.

Example of a transitional kitchen design in Phoenix

Garage to mudroom conversion of this 1940's home creates a great new space in NWDC. Includes custom built-ins with lots of storage.
Mudroom - contemporary mudroom idea in DC Metro

Andrew Miller
Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island