In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

These young hip professional clients love to travel and wanted a home where they could showcase the items that they've collected abroad. Their fun and vibrant personalities are expressed in every inch of the space, which was personalized down to the smallest details. Just like they are up for adventure in life, they were up for for adventure in the design and the outcome was truly one-of-kind. Photos by Chipper Hatter

A Minimal Modern Spa Bathroom completed by Storybook Interiors of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master gray tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile bathroom remodel in Grand Rapids with quartzite countertops, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and a vessel sink

Photo by Rod Foster
Mid-sized transitional master gray tile and marble tile light wood floor and beige floor freestanding bathtub photo in Orange County with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and a hinged shower door

A farmhouse style was achieved in this new construction home by keeping the details clean and simple. Shaker style cabinets and square stair parts moldings set the backdrop for incorporating our clients’ love of Asian antiques. We had fun re-purposing the different pieces she already had: two were made into bathroom vanities; and the turquoise console became the star of the house, welcoming visitors as they walk through the front door.

Jim Bartsch
Example of a trendy master beige tile and travertine tile travertine floor drop-in bathtub design in Denver with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops and beige walls

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | City Homes, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Interior Design and Architecture: Vivid Interior Design Builder: Jarrod Smart Construction Photo Credit: Cipher Imaging
Inspiration for a transitional bathroom remodel with glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, an undermount sink and multicolored walls

The owners of this 80’s contemporary-style bath longed for a more elegant bathroom that would blend with the traditional look of the rest of their home. Though the existing master bath was large, it did not optimize its space for utility or aesthetics. JMC removed the walls that separated the toilet, an existing platform tub, and an oversized linen closet that was eating up space. Now a beautiful, freestanding tub becomes the focal point under the vaulted ceiling with skylight. A new, two-person shower with storage shelves replaces the former dark stall shower. An expansive custom vanity offers plenty of light and storage including rollout trays and drawers. Next to the vanity, a half-wall provides privacy for the toilet area, yet doesn’t impede on the overall flow of the bathroom. Additionally, a beautiful custom furniture piece functions as linen storage. We carefully added traditional details throughout that enhance and compliment the existing contemporary vaulted ceiling, yet blend with the rest of the home. Custom paneling, moldings, and a corner wall column create beautiful traditional details. Our clients now have the stunning bath space they envisioned.

This home gym located in the beautifully finished basement has full mirrored walls, wall mounted TV, and enough room for full-size exercise equipment. The glass between the gym and family room beyond allows for some separation of space and sound while not completely closing it off where it may be less likely to be used. Being open to the main basement spaces, it was important to continue the architectural details into the gym. - Photo Credit: David A. Beckwith

John Evans
Inspiration for a huge timeless u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen remodel in Columbus with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, paneled appliances, an island, granite countertops and stone tile backsplash

This home is a true gem in the heart of MacGregor Downs community in Cary, NC. Built in the 1980's in true Modernist design and architecture, the new owners wanted to keep the integrity of the original design. We redesigned the Half Bath, created floor plan layouts for new furniture, spec'd out furniture, accessories, flooring material, lighting, and artwork, as well as worked on brightening the wall and ceiling paint colors. One challenge we faced during the design process were the very tall ceilings, the very wide walls, and unusual angles. We chose interesting , engaging, and minimalistic artwork for the walls, which proved a successful solution. Another challenge was having a large open angled living room space; we created the perfect layout with separate functional gathering areas and eliminated unused corners. Photo credit: Bob Fortner

QUARTER design studio
Example of a small beach style white tile and ceramic tile concrete floor doorless shower design in Providence with a vessel sink, open cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, concrete countertops and white walls

Meredith Heuer
Example of a large trendy master brown tile and stone slab porcelain tile walk-in shower design in New York

Photos by Philippe Le Berre
Example of a large mid-century modern master gray tile slate floor and gray floor freestanding bathtub design in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, blue walls and an undermount sink

This 4,140 sqft Spanish-style home underwent an extensive, multi-space remodel designed to preserve its original character while elevating it with custom craftsmanship and high-end materials throughout. The kitchen, pantry, powder room, laundry room, primary closet, and primary bathroom were all thoughtfully redesigned with Spanish-inspired detailing and a refined, luxurious approach. The kitchen is the heart of the remodel and showcases fully custom cabinetry with arched reed columns, bespoke door profiles, and an island wrapped in individually applied oak reeds. Pocket doors conceal a coffee nook, while arched metal-framed glass doors seamlessly integrate into custom arched cabinetry and pantry units. A custom ornamental metal detail doubles as a hanging bar for the banquette’s tailored blue cushions. Cabinet finishes combine soft off-white with lightly stained natural oak. A dramatic custom arched lime-plaster hood anchors the space, featuring hidden storage and a striking Zia tile backsplash above a custom blue BlueStar range. Taj Mahal quartzite wraps the countertops and backsplash, while walls and ceilings are finished in Patagonia Roman clay for added depth and texture. Dornbracht fixtures in brushed champagne gold, Top Knobs hardware, and a blue marble banquette tabletop complete the space. The powder room continues the artisanal theme with a floating microcement countertop, Oska vessel sink by Kast, warm bronze wall-mounted faucet by Graff, alabaster sconces, handmade Moroccan zellige tile flooring, original painted glass windows, and Roman clay walls and ceiling. In the laundry room, custom cabinetry, generous storage, and patterned painted limestone tile flooring maintain the Spanish influence while maximizing function. The primary closet features a custom dark blue closet system, highlighted by an arched illuminated glass display cabinet set atop a Viola marble countertop. Roman clay walls in a deeper blue tone and a sculptural glass chandelier complete the space. The primary bathroom is one of the most distinctive spaces in the home. A custom layout includes a freestanding tub, arched walk-in shower, and bespoke double vanity. Dramatic Dover White marble slabs were bookmatched and carried across half-height walls, shower walls, vanity surfaces, and backsplash. The same marble was meticulously fabricated into custom 4”x4” pieces for the shower pan, allowing the veining to flow seamlessly while maintaining slip resistance. The remaining walls are finished in Concretta microcement for a soft plaster effect. The rift white oak double vanity features curved edges, ribbed side details, and six-panel drawer fronts. Warm bronze fixtures by Graff, arched niches, elliptical mirrors, and custom handmade Voyager sconces by Allied Maker complete this Spanish-inspired sanctuary. This project is a true celebration of craftsmanship, material integrity, and timeless Spanish design, reimagined for modern luxury living.

Bedroom - contemporary bedroom idea in Las Vegas with white walls

Embrace the essence of cottage living with a bespoke wall unit and bookshelf tailored to your unique space. Handcrafted with care and attention to detail, this renovation project infuses a modern cottage living room with rustic charm and timeless appeal. The custom-built unit offers both practical storage solutions and a focal point for displaying cherished possessions. This thoughtfully designed addition enhances the warmth and character of the space.