Meet Meridith: a super-mom who’s as busy as she is badass  — and easily my favorite overachiever. She slays her office job and comes home to an equally high-octane family life. We share a love for city living with farmhouse aspirations. There’s a vegetable garden in the backyard, a black cat, and a floppy eared rabbit named Rocky. There has been a mobile chicken coop and a colony of bees in the backyard. At one point they even had a pregnant hedgehog on their hands! Between gardening, entertaining, and helping with homework, Meridith has zero time for interior design. Spending several days a week in New York for work, she has limited amount of time at home with her family. My goal was to let her make the most of it by taking her design projects off her to do list and let her get back to her family (and rabbit). I wanted her to spend her weekends at her son's baseball games, not shopping for sofas. That’s my cue! Meridith is wonderful. She is one of the kindest people I know. We had so much fun, it doesn’t seem fair to call this “work”. She is loving, and smart, and funny. She’s one of those girlfriends everyone wants to call their own best friend. I wanted her house to reflect that: to feel cozy and inviting, and encourage guests to stay a while. Meridith is not your average beige person, and she has excellent taste. Plus, she was totally hands-on with design choices. It was a true collaboration. We played up her quirky side and built usable, inspiring spaces one lightbulb moment at a time. I took her love for color (sacré blue!) and immediately started creating a plan for her space and thinking about her design wish list. I set out hunting for vibrant hues and intriguing patterns that spoke to her color palette and taste for pattern. I focused on creating the right vibe in each space: a bit of drama in the dining room, a bit more refined and quiet atmosphere for the living room, and a neutral zen tone in their master bedroom. Her stuff. My eye. Meridith’s impeccable taste comes through in her art collection. The perfect placement of her beautiful paintings served as the design model for color and mood. We had a bit of a chair graveyard on our hands, but we worked with some key pieces of her existing furniture and incorporated other traditional pieces, which struck a pleasant balance. French chairs, Asian-influenced footstools, turned legs, gilded finishes, glass hurricanes – a wonderful mash-up of traditional and contemporary. Some special touches were custom-made (the marble backsplash in the powder room, the kitchen banquette) and others were happy accidents (a wallpaper we spotted via Pinterest). They all came together in a design aesthetic that feels warm, inviting, and vibrant — just like Meridith! We built her space based on function. We asked ourselves, “how will her family use each room on any given day?” Meridith throws legendary dinner parties, so we needed curated seating arrangements that could easily switch from family meals to elegant entertaining. We sought a cozy eat-in kitchen and decongested entryways that still made a statement. Above all, we wanted Meredith’s style and panache to shine through every detail. From the pendant in the entryway, to a wild use of pattern in her dining room drapery, Meredith’s space was a total win. See more of our work at www.safferstone.com. Connect with us on Facebook, get inspired on Pinterest, and share modern musings on life & design on Instagram. Or, share what's on your plate with us at hello@safferstone.com. Photo: Angie Seckinger

Eileen Casey
Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized traditional enclosed kitchen idea in New Orleans with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

This is a closet in a guest bedroom. The client did not want to spend a lot of money on a complete closet install. this is a good example of what you can do if in a rental property and you need more storage. A simple free standing rack saves floor space and neatly stores guest clothes without encroaching on the bedroom. Illumere Photograpghy

Southwest Florida’s hot summers and mild winters, along with amenity-rich communities and beautiful homes, attract retirees from around the world every year. And, it is not uncommon to see these active adults choosing to spend their summers away from Florida, only to return for the fall/winter. For our fabulous clients, that’s exactly what they did. After spending summers in Michigan, and winters in Bonita Springs, Florida, they decided to set down some roots. They purchased a home in Bonita Bay where they had enough space to build a guest suite for an aging parent who needed around the clock care. After interviewing three different contractors, the chose to retain Progressive Design Build’s design services. Progressive invested a lot of time during the design process to ensure the design concept was thorough and reflected the couple’s vision. Options were presented, giving these homeowners several alternatives and good ideas on how to realize their vision, while working within their budget. Progressive Design Build guided the couple all the way—through selections and finishes, saving valuable time and money. When all was said and done, the design plan included a completely remodeled master suite, a separate master suite for the couple’s aging parents, a new kitchen, family room entertainment area, and laundry room. The cozy home was renovated with tiled flooring throughout, with the exception of carpeting in the bedrooms. Progressive Design Build modified some interior walls, created Wainscoted panels, a new home office, and completely painted the home inside and out. This project resulted in the first of four additional projects this homeowner would complete with Progressive Design Build over the next five years.

This beautiful room addition above the garage was added to this gorgeous home in Bonita Bay, Bonita Springs Country Club by the award-winning remodeling team at Green Mountain Builders. The addition includes a lovely guest suite offering the perfect space for family and friends to spend time in this spectacular setting. From built-in entertainment centers to extended master suites, Green Mountain Builders will collaborate with homeowners to ensure the room addition is expertly crafted to be exactly what they had envisioned. Visit our photo gallery at our website to see what some of our customers are now enjoying – maybe even get a new idea or two.

Interior and Exterior Design Project This was an exciting interior and exterior design project for This house was purchased directly from a builder by a vibrant career couple with active children and a love for spending time with their extended family and friends. While it was presented to us empty, we still had input on the flooring, lighting, cabinetry, moldings and wall colors. We decided to go with a transitional design style and bring in furnishings with an emphasis on being comfortable for their large family and frequent family gatherings. With a love for family gatherings and entertainment of the immediate and extended family we knew from the start that our design had to be beautiful, very functional and durable. Having worked with the this couple’s parents and sister we knew the family, their style and preferences. We knew this multi generational family loved being and entertaining with each other and we knew from the start that our design had to be beautiful, very functional and durable. Since the family room and living room are connected we designed a seamless flow between them and unique ways to share the some of the furnishings between them. We began with a large sectional with cozy seating in the family room. We brought in extra swivel chairs guests could turn to the living room to converse with guests or swivel family room to and see TV. We love ottomans for extra seating in living room to accommodate 8 and can be pulled into the family room for additional seating. The carpet was selected with family in mind to look beautiful, functional and easy to clean. En route from the family room to the kitchen eating area we designed a fully accessorized bookcase that complimented perfectly the custom built “only by Margali and Flynn” built in desk with hid-a-way doors hide homework and and paperwork when needed. In the kitchen we created a family dining center on the large central island with lots of stools. In the dining area we installed beautiful dining set with functional leather fabric. We used suede with nailheads, a herringbone wool carpet and transitional circular lighting to compliment the traditional colors of warm blues and neutrals … all working together to create a sophisticated and comfortable feel.

This basement renovation provided additional seating for the family to spend time and watch TV, a play area for the kids, as well as additional sleeping quarters for this family of five's guests that often visit their beach house on the water. In the main area, two sectionals convert to sleepers. Grasscloth adorned walls provide texture and pattern to add punch, while colorful pillows and poufs evoke summer surfer vibes.

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath was hired as the remodeling contractor for this first floor remodel in the countryside of Oconomowoc, WI. By opening the kitchen up to the living room, the layout is better for hosting family gatherings. The entire family can be together in the kitchen and living room – cooking or spending time together. Highlights of this country kitchen include a window seat, walk-in pantry and space for their treasured piano. Project Goals + Restore the beauty of their family home, that was built by the homeowner’s grandfather + Cooking functionality for their family farm + Add a workstation sink for easy food prep + Pantry storage space for canned items & wine collection + Design that honors the mid-century ranch bones of the house her grandfather built and their own traditional style Challenges & Issues + Needed space to highlight their piano, since the homeowner is an avid pianist + Old layout didn’t have good views of their outdoor space – the lake, gardens and chicken coop + Kitchen was too small and cut off from the rest of the home + The heat and air conditioning did not function well due to several past additions Country Kitchen Features: Cooking Kitchen – We created a larger kitchen by expanding into the old dining room. The homeowners needed more space for canning vegetables, cooking and entertaining. Mid-Century Country Design – The ranch home was built in the 1950s so we kept the mid-century and country kitchen design aesthetic by using hickory wood, tall verticals and long horizontals. Kitchen Window Seat – A custom window seat with a curved backrest creates a gathering spot in the kitchen. This connects the home to the outdoor view of the lake where the family fishes and ice skates in winter. The bench is large enough to be used as a guest bed when they have visitors. The cozy nook has shelving, art lights, and a hidden radiator underneath to keep it warm and toasty. Window Backsplash – Along the range wall, a new window backsplash features the beautiful view of the farm driveway, trees and gardens. Minimalistic Hood – The hood with the wood shelf mimics the new fireplace mantel and ties the country kitchen and living room together. New Pantry – The old kitchen area was converted into the new pantry and a laundry room. The pantry is their working kitchen where they can store food, their wine collection, and have countertop space for small appliances. Butcher block countertops, colorful wallpaper and a new window make the pantry inviting. Adjustable shelves allow for flexible storage options. The pocket door can be closed when they have guests. Recycled Ash Flooring in Kitchen – The homeowners chose an eco-friendly flooring for their country kitchen. The beautiful varied width wood planks are from recycled ash trees from Milwaukee parks. Workstation Sink – This sink has sliding platforms that hold bowls, colanders and cutting boards to multiply the countertop by going deep instead of wide. The sink can be used to chop, rinse, prep, dry dishes, hold hot dishes and clean up after a meal more efficiently. Country House Living Room: New Tile Floor – To better conduct the heat, we replaced the old wood floors with porcelain tile. New radiators, insulation, ductwork, and enclosing the basement staircase improved the function of their HVAC. Fireplace Makeover – To create a new focal point for the living room, we installed a new fire box, new mantle, and floor to ceiling stone. The goal was to draw the eye up to the vaulted beamed ceiling. Open Concept Layout – The wall between the kitchen and living room was removed to connect the two spaces. We added new cabinetry along the wall with a tall bookcase. Since they didn’t use their formal dining room, a small dining table was added to the living room. New Railing & Stairs – The staircase to the kitchen area was tricky because we needed to find a style that would make it feel airy. We did a glass enclosure with a simple metal railing and moved the staircase to the center of the room to allow room for the piano.

Southwest Florida’s hot summers and mild winters, along with amenity-rich communities and beautiful homes, attract retirees from around the world every year. And, it is not uncommon to see these active adults choosing to spend their summers away from Florida, only to return for the fall/winter. For our fabulous clients, that’s exactly what they did. After spending summers in Michigan, and winters in Bonita Springs, Florida, they decided to set down some roots. They purchased a home in Bonita Bay where they had enough space to build a guest suite for an aging parent who needed around the clock care. After interviewing three different contractors, the chose to retain Progressive Design Build’s design services. Progressive invested a lot of time during the design process to ensure the design concept was thorough and reflected the couple’s vision. Options were presented, giving these homeowners several alternatives and good ideas on how to realize their vision, while working within their budget. Progressive Design Build guided the couple all the way—through selections and finishes, saving valuable time and money. When all was said and done, the design plan included a completely remodeled master suite, a separate master suite for the couple’s aging parents, a new kitchen, family room entertainment area, and laundry room. The cozy home was renovated with tiled flooring throughout, with the exception of carpeting in the bedrooms. Progressive Design Build modified some interior walls, created Wainscoted panels, a new home office, and completely painted the home inside and out. This project resulted in the first of four additional projects this homeowner would complete with Progressive Design Build over the next five years.

Southwest Florida’s hot summers and mild winters, along with amenity-rich communities and beautiful homes, attract retirees from around the world every year. And, it is not uncommon to see these active adults choosing to spend their summers away from Florida, only to return for the fall/winter. For our fabulous clients, that’s exactly what they did. After spending summers in Michigan, and winters in Bonita Springs, Florida, they decided to set down some roots. They purchased a home in Bonita Bay where they had enough space to build a guest suite for an aging parent who needed around the clock care. After interviewing three different contractors, the chose to retain Progressive Design Build’s design services. Progressive invested a lot of time during the design process to ensure the design concept was thorough and reflected the couple’s vision. Options were presented, giving these homeowners several alternatives and good ideas on how to realize their vision, while working within their budget. Progressive Design Build guided the couple all the way—through selections and finishes, saving valuable time and money. When all was said and done, the design plan included a completely remodeled master suite, a separate master suite for the couple’s aging parents, a new kitchen, family room entertainment area, and laundry room. The cozy home was renovated with tiled flooring throughout, with the exception of carpeting in the bedrooms. Progressive Design Build modified some interior walls, created Wainscoted panels, a new home office, and completely painted the home inside and out. This project resulted in the first of four additional projects this homeowner would complete with Progressive Design Build over the next five years. Bathroom: Pebble stone tile with fish detail.

Growing up spending summers on the finger lakes with family creates important memories that shape the lives of many of our clients. The nostalgia for those magical times become apparent when life slows down and our priorities come into focus. This home was realized by our clients through the desire to be closer to family while growing a young family of their own. What began as a vision to transform an existing cottage into a modern home for active lake living led to a high functioning space for entertaining guests as well as a peaceful oasis away from their very busy lives. The approach side of the home remains modest and private as it celebrates the arrival of guests with a winding driveway through the descending slope. The twin gables on the lakeside of the home open up to allow vast views of Canandaigua Lake. The programmed spaces in the north and south gables are separated by a connecting catwalk that opens to a large viewing deck on the upper level and a screen porch on the ground level. This realized vision is now actively enjoyed by our clients along with their family and friends.

Growing up spending summers on the finger lakes with family creates important memories that shape the lives of many of our clients. The nostalgia for those magical times become apparent when life slows down and our priorities come into focus. This home was realized by our clients through the desire to be closer to family while growing a young family of their own. What began as a vision to transform an existing cottage into a modern home for active lake living led to a high functioning space for entertaining guests as well as a peaceful oasis away from their very busy lives. The approach side of the home remains modest and private as it celebrates the arrival of guests with a winding driveway through the descending slope. The twin gables on the lakeside of the home open up to allow vast views of Canandaigua Lake. The programmed spaces in the north and south gables are separated by a connecting catwalk that opens to a large viewing deck on the upper level and a screen porch on the ground level. This realized vision is now actively enjoyed by our clients along with their family and friends.

Interior and Exterior Design Project This was an exciting interior and exterior design project for This house was purchased directly from a builder by a vibrant career couple with active children and a love for spending time with their extended family and friends. While it was presented to us empty, we still had input on the flooring, lighting, cabinetry, moldings and wall colors. We decided to go with a transitional design style and bring in furnishings with an emphasis on being comfortable for their large family and frequent family gatherings. With a love for family gatherings and entertainment of the immediate and extended family we knew from the start that our design had to be beautiful, very functional and durable. Having worked with the this couple’s parents and sister we knew the family, their style and preferences. We knew this multi generational family loved being and entertaining with each other and we knew from the start that our design had to be beautiful, very functional and durable. Since the family room and living room are connected we designed a seamless flow between them and unique ways to share the some of the furnishings between them. We began with a large sectional with cozy seating in the family room. We brought in extra swivel chairs guests could turn to the living room to converse with guests or swivel family room to and see TV. We love ottomans for extra seating in living room to accommodate 8 and can be pulled into the family room for additional seating. The carpet was selected with family in mind to look beautiful, functional and easy to clean. En route from the family room to the kitchen eating area we designed a fully accessorized bookcase that complimented perfectly the custom built “only by Margali and Flynn” built in desk with hid-a-way doors hide homework and and paperwork when needed. In the kitchen we created a family dining center on the large central island with lots of stools. In the dining area we installed beautiful dining set with functional leather fabric. We used suede with nailheads, a herringbone wool carpet and transitional circular lighting to compliment the traditional colors of warm blues and neutrals … all working together to create a sophisticated and comfortable feel.

Interior and Exterior Design Project This was an exciting interior and exterior design project for This house was purchased directly from a builder by a vibrant career couple with active children and a love for spending time with their extended family and friends. While it was presented to us empty, we still had input on the flooring, lighting, cabinetry, moldings and wall colors. We decided to go with a transitional design style and bring in furnishings with an emphasis on being comfortable for their large family and frequent family gatherings. With a love for family gatherings and entertainment of the immediate and extended family we knew from the start that our design had to be beautiful, very functional and durable. Having worked with the this couple’s parents and sister we knew the family, their style and preferences. We knew this multi generational family loved being and entertaining with each other and we knew from the start that our design had to be beautiful, very functional and durable. Since the family room and living room are connected we designed a seamless flow between them and unique ways to share the some of the furnishings between them. We began with a large sectional with cozy seating in the family room. We brought in extra swivel chairs guests could turn to the living room to converse with guests or swivel family room to and see TV. We love ottomans for extra seating in living room to accommodate 8 and can be pulled into the family room for additional seating. The carpet was selected with family in mind to look beautiful, functional and easy to clean. En route from the family room to the kitchen eating area we designed a fully accessorized bookcase that complimented perfectly the custom built “only by Margali and Flynn” built in desk with hid-a-way doors hide homework and and paperwork when needed. In the kitchen we created a family dining center on the large central island with lots of stools. In the dining area we installed beautiful dining set with functional leather fabric. We used suede with nailheads, a herringbone wool carpet and transitional circular lighting to compliment the traditional colors of warm blues and neutrals … all working together to create a sophisticated and comfortable feel.

A family friendly contemporary whole house update for a client's family of 5 and their dog. The overall vision was to create a home the family wants to "vacation" in. The rooms featured are family room, dining room, pool lounge, playroom, eating area, guest room, powder room, offices, primary bedroom, childrens' bedrooms, as well as, accessories and art work throughout the home. The home was purchased in need of contemporary updates throughout every room in order to bring the personality of the family into the home. From refinishing the wood flooring and stair railings and custom built ins to runners, area rugs, lighting, window treatments, furniture and accessories, each detail was intentional, resulting in a cohesive flow and highly personalized spaces. Each decision focused on family friendly and entertaining spaces. The most rewarding part of this house is the family would rather spend time at home than almost anywhere else. They love "living" in their home because of the joy each detail brings them when they are there. We are currently completely renovating the primary bathroom and walk in closet. We cannot wait to share the finished space.

Talk about stunning bachelor pad! This Yaletown open concept suite was purchased and renovated with wow factor. No detail was overlooked. The kitchen was standard gloss cabinets found in most developments over the last 5-10 years. The new owner wanted something different and custom. We decided to cool down the colours and install dark and natural woods to make the loft beams pop. The totally re-vamped kitchen features matte flat panelled grey cabinetry with a contrasting raw oak island and panelled integrated fridge with matching panty. The appliances are all condo sized energy efficient European models featuring a 30” fridge, 4 burner gas stove and a panelled dishwasher drawer. This kitchen’s long island offers plenty of storage and can seat many at the counter for entertaining despite it’s only 750 sq ft total size. We installed a Grohe Blu sparkling faucet to ensure sparkling water is always on tap and ready when entertaining. This was a nice splurge that any guest or home owner will appreciate for years to come. The kitchen was re-configured to wrap existing pot lights into kitchen valences in order to keep electrical costs down. This special feature is ingenious as it illuminates all the new millwork without additional electrical work. Under counter valence lighting was also installed on a dimmer, so lighting can be controlled. The living room matches the kitchen, it features a large TV and custom chunky floating millwork which ties in the large character beams throughout the unit. Peekaboo views of the concrete walls can be seen which add to the dimension of the wood floating shelf. This is a home anyone would be happy to spend a few hours in, the only worry is guest come and they will not want to leave!

An unfinished basement was transformed into this modern & contemporary space for our clients to entertain and spend time with family. It includes a home theater, lounge, wet bar, guest space and 3 pc washroom. The bar front was clad with beautiful cement tiles, equipped with a sink and lots of storage. Niches were used to display decor and glassware. LED lighting lights up the front and back of the bar. A barrel vault ceiling was built to hide a single run of ducting which would have given an otherwise asymmetrical look to the space. Symmetry is paramount in Wilde North Design. Bar front is tiled with handmade encaustic tiles. Handmade wood counter tops with ebony stain. Recessed LED lighting for counter top. Recessed LED lighting on bar front to highlight the encaustic tiles. Triple Niches for display with integrated lighting. Stainless steel under counter sink and matching hardware. Floor is tiled with wood look porcelain tiles. Screwless face plates used for all switches. Under counter mini fridge.

An unfinished basement was transformed into this modern & contemporary space for our clients to entertain and spend time with family. It includes a home theater, lounge, wet bar, guest space and 3 pc washroom. The bar front was clad with beautiful cement tiles, equipped with a sink and lots of storage. Niches were used to display decor and glassware. LED lighting lights up the front and back of the bar. A barrel vault ceiling was built to hide a single run of ducting which would have given an otherwise asymmetrical look to the space. Symmetry is paramount in Wilde North Design. Bar front is tiled with handmade encaustic tiles. Handmade wood counter tops with ebony stain. Recessed LED lighting for counter top. Recessed LED lighting on bar front to highlight the encaustic tiles. Triple Niches for display with integrated lighting. Stainless steel under counter sink and matching hardware. Floor is tiled with wood look porcelain tiles. Screwless face plates used for all switches. Under counter mini fridge.

An unfinished basement was transformed into this modern & contemporary space for our clients to entertain and spend time with family. It includes a home theater, lounge, wet bar, guest space and 3 pc washroom. The bar front was clad with beautiful cement tiles, equipped with a sink and lots of storage. Niches were used to display decor and glassware. LED lighting lights up the front and back of the bar. A barrel vault ceiling was built to hide a single run of ducting which would have given an otherwise asymmetrical look to the space. Symmetry is paramount in Wilde North Design. Bar front is tiled with handmade encaustic tiles. Handmade wood counter tops with ebony stain. Recessed LED lighting for counter top. Recessed LED lighting on bar front to highlight the encaustic tiles. Triple Niches for display with integrated lighting. Stainless steel under counter sink and matching hardware. Floor is tiled with wood look porcelain tiles. Screwless face plates used for all switches. Under counter mini fridge.