Custom window treatments balance beauty and function, softening the architecture, enhancing views, and creating a comfortable, polished environment perfect for everyday living — in this collaborative project with Barbara Galgano, of BB Interiors. Floor-to-ceiling drapery in a soft blue and cream botanical print frames expansive windows, filling the living room with natural light while adding depth and sophistication. The tailored pleated panels, finished with a tassel trim detail and hung from custom French return rod and rings, bring a refined elegance to the space while remaining approachable and inviting. In the inviting kitchen, custom-tailored Roman shades and seat cushions provide a refined yet welcoming layer of comfort and style. The Roman shades, feature a fabric that complements the room’s palette and coordinates with the adjacent living room draperies. Coordinating seat cushions on the barstools are expertly upholstered for both durability and comfort, adding softness to the sleek seating. In the cheerful and highly functional laundry and mudroom, custom soft furnishings bring both comfort and personality. The built-in bench features a tailored cushion upholstered in a fresh blue geometric print, edged with piping for a polished finish—perfect for a quick seat while slipping on shoes or folding laundry. The window is dressed with a relaxed Roman shade in a lively coral-and-white pattern, framed with a crisp blue pleated tape trim. These pieces add a playful contrast to the whimsical dog-print wallpaper, creating a space that’s as stylish as it is practical. Together, these custom elements elevate the home’s design, creating a cohesive, polished look that blends everyday function with a touch of luxury.

This Olathe remodel focused on improving functionality, increasing storage, and creating a cohesive design across the kitchen, powder bath, and laundry room. In the kitchen, the layout was thoughtfully refined to better support daily routines while maximizing usable space. Custom cabinetry and tailored storage solutions were incorporated throughout, creating a more efficient and organized environment without sacrificing style. The design leans transitional, blending classic details with clean lines for a timeless, approachable feel. Adjacent spaces were reimagined with the same level of intention. The powder bath was updated to reflect the overall aesthetic, while the laundry room was redesigned to improve workflow and storage capacity, making everyday tasks more seamless. The result is a cohesive, highly functional home that feels elevated yet comfortable, designed to support how the homeowners live day to day while offering lasting style.

This transitional kitchen remodel in Downingtown, Pennsylvania was designed to create a bright, open gathering space that blends classic cabinetry with modern functionality. Completed by Craftsworth Construction, this Chester County kitchen renovation transformed the existing layout into a spacious open-concept kitchen and living area ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. At the center of the design is a large custom kitchen island with seating, topped with durable quartz countertops that provide generous prep space while serving as a natural gathering point for family and guests. The island features warm wood cabinetry that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding white shaker cabinets, adding depth and balance to the kitchen’s overall design. Perimeter cabinetry extends to the ceiling with crown molding and glass transom cabinets, maximizing storage while maintaining a clean, architectural look. Sleek black cabinet hardware and modern lantern-style pendant lighting above the island introduce subtle contrast and help define the kitchen’s transitional style. The backsplash features a detailed marble mosaic tile pattern that adds texture and visual interest while complementing the neutral palette of the kitchen. A custom wood-accent range hood creates a focal point along the cooking wall, blending seamlessly with the cabinetry and natural finishes throughout the space. Stainless steel appliances, a modern workstation sink, and under-cabinet lighting enhance both the functionality and the everyday usability of the kitchen. Large windows bring natural light into the space, highlighting the bright cabinetry, quartz surfaces, and warm hardwood flooring that flows throughout the open-concept layout. Adjacent to the kitchen, the renovation connects seamlessly to the dining and living areas, creating a cohesive main floor living space that feels welcoming and highly functional for modern family life. The finished result is a luxury transitional kitchen renovation that balances timeless design with modern comfort, creating a space that feels both elegant and practical. This project was completed by Craftsworth Construction, a kitchen remodeling contractor serving Downingtown, West Chester, and homeowners throughout Chester County and Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

This project is all about transforming a dark, outdated kitchen into a bright, modern, and highly functional space designed for everyday living. Featuring custom RTA cabinetry with an appliance garage and full pantry, stunning quartz countertops, handcrafted Zellige tile backsplash with custom shelving, upgraded lighting, and a beautifully integrated wine fridge area, every detail was thoughtfully curated to create a warm, elevated, and timeless kitchen that blends style with function.

Donna Griffith for House and Home Magazine
Small elegant carpeted family room photo in Toronto with blue walls and a standard fireplace

Kohler Caxton under mount with bowls are accented by Water-works Studio Ludlow plumbing fixtures. Metal cross handles in a chrome finish adorn both bowls. The Wellborn Estate Collection in maple with a Hanover door style and inset hinge Vanities support the beautiful Carrera white honed marble vanity tops with a simple eased edge. A large 1” beveled mirrors up to the ceiling with sconce cut-out were framed out matching trim– finishing the look and soften-ing the look of large mirrors. A Kohler Sun struck freestanding soak tub is nestled between two wonderful windows and give view to the sky with a Velux CO-4 Solar powered Fresh Air Skylight. A Waterworks Studio Ludlow freestanding exposed tub filler with hand-shower and metal chrome cross handles continues the look. The shower fixtures are the Waterworks Studio Lodlow and include both the wall shower arm and flange in chrome along with the hand shower. Two Moen body sprays add to the showering experience. Roeser’s signature niche for shower needs complete the functioning part of the shower. The beauty part is AE Tongue in chic tile in the “You don’t snow me”- 2.5 X 10.5 on shower walls to ceiling. Matching stone slabs were installed on the shower curb, niche sill and shelf along with the wall cap. A frameless custom shower door keeps the shower open and eloquent. Tile floor was installed over heated flooring in the main bath with a Carrera Herringbone Mosaic on the bathroom flooring– as well the shower flooring. To complete the room the AE Tongue in Chic tile was installed from the floor to 42” and finished with a pencil liner on top. A separate toilet room (not shown) gave privacy to the open floor plan. A Toto white elongated Bidet Washlet with night light, auto open and close, fan, deodorizer and dryer, to men-tion just a few of the features, was installed finishing this most eloquent, high-end, functional Master Bathroom.

Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, Colorado, USA Interior design, space planning and architectural details converge thoughtfully in this transformative project. A 15-year old, 9,000 sf. home with generic interior finishes and odd layout needed bold, modern, fun and highly functional transformation for a large bustling family. To redefine the soul of this home, texture and light were given primary consideration. Elegant contemporary finishes, a warm color palette and dramatic lighting defined modern style throughout. A cascading chandelier by Stone Lighting in the entry makes a strong entry statement. Walls were removed to allow the kitchen/great/dining room to become a vibrant social center. A minimalist design approach is the perfect backdrop for the diverse art collection. Yet, the home is still highly functional for the entire family. We added windows, fireplaces, water features, and extended the home out to an expansive patio and yard. The cavernous beige basement became an entertaining mecca, with a glowing modern wine-room, full bar, media room, arcade, billiards room and professional gym. Bathrooms were all designed with personality and craftsmanship, featuring unique tiles, floating wood vanities and striking lighting. This project was a 50/50 collaboration between Rodwin Architecture and Kimball Modern

Example of a mid-sized classic backyard water fountain deck design in Los Angeles with no cover

Contemporary white high gloss Crystal cabinets with Cambria white cliff counter tops is striking. Adding black painted walls and large scale black tile floors make it even more dramatic. But with the addition of orange light fixtures and colorful artwork, the kitchen is over the top with energy. With no upper cabinets only floating shelves for display the base cabinets are well planned for each functional work zone. a. The “Cooking Zone” hosts the 60” range top (with hood) and is the heart of the kitchen. The ovens, coffee system and speed oven are located outside of this zone and use the island/snack bar as their landing space. b. The “Prep Zone” includes the refrigerator, freezer, sink, and dishwasher c. The “Entertainment Zones” has a separate sink and dishwasher, the wine cooler and beverage center. A desk off to the side of the kitchen with a large roll up tambour to keep any mess hidden. Also their robot vacuums have a charging station under the files drawers in the toe kick. NKBA 3rd Place Large Kitchen

THE SETUP Once these empty nest homeowners decided to stay put, they knew a new kitchen was in order. Passionate about cooking, entertaining, and hosting holiday gatherings, they found their existing kitchen inadequate. The space, with its traditional style and outdated layout, was far from ideal. They longed for an elegant, timeless kitchen that was not only show-stopping but also functional, seamlessly catering to both their daily routines and special occasions with friends and family. Another key factor was its future appeal to potential buyers, as they’re ready to enjoy their new kitchen while also considering downsizing in the future. Design Objectives: Create a more streamlined, open space Eliminate traditional elements Improve flow for entertaining and everyday use Omit dated posts and soffits Include storage for small appliances to keep counters clutter-free Address mail organization and phone charging concerns THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Compensate for lost storage from omitted wall cabinets Revise floorplan to feature a single, spacious island Enhance island seating proximity for a more engaging atmosphere Address awkward space above existing built-ins Improve natural light blocked by wall cabinet near the window Create a highly functional space tailored for entertaining Design Solutions: Tall cabinetry and pull-outs maximize storage efficiency A generous single island promotes seamless flow and ample prep space Strategic island seating arrangement fosters easy conversation New built-ins fill arched openings, ensuring a custom, clutter-free look Replace wall cabinet with lighted open shelves for an airy feel Galley Dresser and Workstation offer impeccable organization and versatility, creating the perfect setup for entertaining with everything easily accessible. THE RENEWED SPACE The new kitchen exceeded every expectation, thrilling the clients with its revitalized, expansive design and thoughtful functionality. The transformation brought to life an open space adorned with marble accents, a state-of-the-art steam oven, and the seamless integration of the Galley Dresser, crafting a kitchen not just to be used, but to be cherished. This is more than a culinary space; it’s a new heart of their home, ready to host countless memories and culinary adventures. The Galley Sink dresser features many options neatly tucked away into a custom arrangement for ease of access while entertaining.

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

Cherry custom cabinetry by Wood-Mode (tm) with granite countertops anchor this highly functional and efficient kitchen. This gorgeous kitchen is illuminated by beautiful high-end pendant lights, along with high-efficiency LED under-cabinet lights and recessed cans.

KazArts Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary ceramic tile kitchen pantry remodel in New York

Kohler Caxton under mount with bowls are accented by Water-works Studio Ludlow plumbing fixtures. Metal cross handles in a chrome finish adorn both bowls. The Wellborn Estate Collection in maple with a Hanover door style and inset hinge Vanities support the beautiful Carrera white honed marble vanity tops with a simple eased edge. A large 1” beveled mirrors up to the ceiling with sconce cut-out were framed out matching trim– finishing the look and soften-ing the look of large mirrors. A Kohler Sun struck freestanding soak tub is nestled between two wonderful windows and give view to the sky with a Velux CO-4 Solar powered Fresh Air Skylight. A Waterworks Studio Ludlow freestanding exposed tub filler with hand-shower and metal chrome cross handles continues the look. The shower fixtures are the Waterworks Studio Lodlow and include both the wall shower arm and flange in chrome along with the hand shower. Two Moen body sprays add to the showering experience. Roeser’s signature niche for shower needs complete the functioning part of the shower. The beauty part is AE Tongue in chic tile in the “You don’t snow me”- 2.5 X 10.5 on shower walls to ceiling. Matching stone slabs were installed on the shower curb, niche sill and shelf along with the wall cap. A frameless custom shower door keeps the shower open and eloquent. Tile floor was installed over heated flooring in the main bath with a Carrera Herringbone Mosaic on the bathroom flooring– as well the shower flooring. To complete the room the AE Tongue in Chic tile was installed from the floor to 42” and finished with a pencil liner on top. A separate toilet room (not shown) gave privacy to the open floor plan. A Toto white elongated Bidet Washlet with night light, auto open and close, fan, deodorizer and dryer, to men-tion just a few of the features, was installed finishing this most eloquent, high-end, functional Master Bathroom.

Photography by Caryn B. Davis Located in the Cornfield Point area of Old Saybrook along Long Island Sound, this project brought a classic, yet forgotten beach house back to life. Through a little detective work and some creative ingenuity, we restored and enhanced the exterior to it’s former glory and transformed the interior to a highly efficient and functional home all the while uplifting its quaint cottage charm. On the exterior, we recreated a wonderful, airy front porch with cozy bench seats that look out to the water. The white cedar shingle siding is pre-bleached with a subtle flair at the bottom and a delicate break at mid-elevation. The asphalt shingles are not only beautifully matched with the siding, but offer superior reflective qualities to dissipate the heat of the summer sun. On the interior, we joined the front seasonal porch with the family room to form a larger, open living and dining space with paneled walls and ceilings anchored by the original round stone fireplace. In the rear, we carefully crafted a galley kitchen and laundry space with an adjacent first floor master suite. The diminutive house and property posed multiple practical and regulatory challenges which were overcome by a strong team effort, due diligence, and a commitment to the process. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

The original kitchen, although generous in size, was out of touch with our clients personal style. When a plumbing mishap caused significant damage to the space, the homeowners seized the opportunity to create the culinary workspace of their dreams. At the top of their wish list was a well designed kitchen, both aesthetically and functionally. State of the art appliances were selected based on the client's functional requirements and the optimal layout was tailored to family dinners and occasional entertaining. At the heart of the existing kitchen was a large and highly utilized island, keeping this was a high priority. An unused audio cabinet with outdated components was removed to create a much needed dry bar. The large refrigerator, and beverage fridge drawers were concealed behind custom made cabinetry panels and were positioned adjacent to the family seating area for easy access. Attributes such as spice storage, silver dividers and a tall pantry storage ensured everything had its place. Sherwin Williams, indigo batik (as seen on the island) was carried through the home allowing a visual connection throughout the home while the bright white perimeter cabinets created lightness and dramatic contrast. Brass hardware and decorative lighting gave the space a hint of understated glamour while pulling the warm tones found in the lattice of veining in the cambria quartz countertop. It is hard not to notice, however, the dramatic impact of the large ceramic, three dimensional, hexagon tiles that highlight the range wall. Companion subway tiles created continuity throughout the expansive kitchen, adorning the backsplash through the rest of the space.

A contemporary mountain home: Home Office, Photo by Eric Lucero Photography
Study room - large contemporary freestanding desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor study room idea in Denver with brown walls

Architect Dalius Regelskis DGD / Dalius & Greta Design Vilnius, Lithuania
Eclectic home office photo in Other

Rob Karosis: Photographer
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen remodel in Bridgeport with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island