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A Sussex family hired us as the design build remodel company to makeover this kitchen. This remodeling project had three main goals: improve storage, update the layout/style and enhance the functionality.
IMPROVE STORAGE
The original home builder put in very narrow cabinets. The small, narrow cabinets made it difficult for the homeowners to store items. They also said it was important to have a kitchen that works for their children. The new design incorporates an appliance cabinet and wide drawers for storing items. The kids have easy access to snack drawers and lower dish storage for plastic cups and plates. Also, we added two built-in cabinets in the dining room for more storage.
UPDATE THE LAYOUT & STYLE
While the area was large, it didn’t maximize the space or fit their contemporary style. They wanted plenty of counter prep space and enough room for friends and family to gather. We added a large wood island with seating – perfect for hosting parties and family dinners. The space is bright with white shaker cabinetry and subway tile backsplash. Warm touches include satin bronze light fixtures and hardware.
ENHANCE THE FUNCTIONALITY
This Sussex kitchen features a Galley Sink Workstation. Having a sink workstation facing the center of the room allows the homeowners to stay part of the conversation while preparing a meal or cleaning up. Sink workstations are one of the hottest kitchen trends.
HOMEOWNER REVIEW
“We recently completed our kitchen remodel with Kowalske and we can’t say enough good things about our experience. Not only was every member of the team amazing, the work that was done in our kitchen was very high quality. We have recommended Kowalske to all of our friends and plan to use them for our master bath remodel in the future!” – Nicole, homeowner (Houzz Review)

Philadelphia Row Home Renovation focusing on maximizing storage for a young family of 5. We created a "mudroom" in the front of the row home with a large living room space for family time + hosting. We used kid-friendly furnishings with performance fabrics that are durable and easy to clean. Prioritized eco-friendly selections, utilizing locally sourced + American made pieces.

This modern living room thrives from all the natural light. With geometric lines and warm tones, it is inviting and elegant. The built in bar is perfect for frequent entertaining and easy hosting. The wooden staircase and colorful artwork adds a wow factor.
Find the right local pro for your project

I was contacted by the Realtor who sold this house to his friend in San Marino to help with the interior design of the extensive remodel. The 3,777 sf house with 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms was built in 1948 and was in need of some major changes. San Marino, CA, incorporated in 1913, was designed by its founders to be uniquely residential, with expansive properties surrounded by beautiful gardens, wide streets, and well maintained parkways. In 2010, Forbes Magazine ranked the city as the 63rd most expensive area to live in the United States. There are little to no homes priced under US$1,000,000, with the median list price of a single family home at US$2,159,000. We decided to tear down walls, remove a fireplace (gasp!), reconfigure bathrooms and update all the finishes while maintaining the integrity of the San Marino style. Here are some photos of the home after.
The kitchen was totally gutted. Custom, lacquered black and white cabinetry was built for the space. We decided on 2-tone cabinets and 2 door styles on the island and surrounding cabinets for visual impact and variety. Cambria quartz in Braemar was installed on the counters and back splash for easy clean up and durability. New Schonbek crystal chandeliers and silver cabinetry hardware are the jewelry, making this space sparkle. Custom Roman shades add a bit of softness to the room and custom barstools in white and black invite guests to have a seat while dinner is being prepared.
In the dining room we opted for custom moldings to add architectural detail to the walls and infuse a hint of traditional style. The black lacquer table and Louis chairs are custom made for the space with a peacock teal velvet. A traditional area rug and custom window treatments in a blue-green were added to soften the space. The Schonbek Crystal Rain chandelier is the show stopper in the space with pure sparkle and graceful traditional form.
The living room is host to custom tufted grey velvet sofas, custom accent chair with ottoman in a silver fabric, custom black and while media center, baby grand piano with mini Schonbeck Crystal Rain chandelier hung above, custom tufted velvet tuffet for extra seating, one-of-a-kind art and custom window coverings in a diamond grey fabric. Sparkle and pizzazz was added with purple, crystal and mirrored accessories.
The occupant of this home is a 21 year old woman. Her favorite colors are baby pink and blue. I knew this was possibly going to be my only chance in my design career to go nuts with the color pink, so I went for it! A majestic pink velvet tufted bed dressed with luxurious white linens is the focal point. Flanking the bed are two pink crystal chandeliers, a custom white lacquer desk with a baby blue Louis chair and a custom baby blue nightstand with a Moroccan door design. A super soft white shag rug graces the floor. Custom white silk window coverings with black out lining provide privacy and a completely dark room when wanted. An acrylic hanging bubble chair adds whimsy and playfulness.
The master bathroom was a complete transformation. A clawfoot slipper tub sits inside the shower, clad with marble wall and floor tiles and a basketweave with custom baby blue accent tiles. A frameless shower wall separates the wet and dry areas. A custom baby blue cabinet with crystal knobs, topped with Cambria Quartz Whitney, was built to match the bedroom’s nightstand. Above hangs a pair of pink crystal wall sconces and a vintage rococo mirror painted in high gloss white. Crystal and nickel faucets and fixtures add more sparkle and shine.

Originally from Hawaii, my clients wanted to incorporate the warmth and color of the islands into their California ranch home. Their requests:
• Comfortable, serene, uncluttered design
• Natural elements
• Kitchen more open to dining
• Arrangement to accommodate new flat-screen TV viewing
Hosting constant visitors, my clients live in their kitchen and enjoy cooking.
For Hawaiian colors, I used green quartz, glass tile and counters, iroko flooring, hemlock cabinets, and an unusual slate limestone.
To create a lighter, more welcoming space I removed the wall between the dining room and kitchen and increased the entry wall length to create a better kitchen/dining/entry relationship. I added a wall between the family room and kitchen to house tall kitchen elements on one side and TV equipment on the other, as well as create a natural transition for the ceiling height changes.
Features:
• Ventilated drawers
• Composting sink
• Energy-efficient lighting
• Silent hood and dishwasher
When it came to their master bath, my clients requested:
• Spa-feeling
• Shower for two
• Functional makeup area
• Two sinks
• Linen storage
• Walk-in closet
• Separate toilet compartment
• Door to backyard for pool access.
I rearranged the space for convenience and function and created an open shower with double rain and hand-showers, a shallow makeup counter (easy to get close to the mirror), plentiful storage, and seating.
Shades of blue and green create a sense of “spa”. Blended textures of honed limestone countertops, slate, glass tile, large-format and mosaic porcelain tile, glass pebbles, granite tile, and ceramic tiles are earthy yet refined. Horizontal patterns create serenity.
Storage:
• Tall louvered linen cabinet
• Flush medicine cabinets
• His-and-her pullouts at each end of the vanity
• Multiple shower niches
• Function-packed walk-in closet
• Toilet roll cabinet in toilet vestibule
• Bedroom armoire
Function:
• Seating in shower
• Seating in main bath
• Convenient towel bars
• Silent, powerful vent fans
• Good lighting
• Textured glass windows add light and privacy.
Ed Gohlich photographer

Our mission was to completely update and transform their huge house into a cozy, welcoming and warm home of their own.
“When we moved in, it was such a novelty to live in a proper house. But it still felt like the in-law’s home,” our clients told us. “Our dream was to make it feel like our home.”
Our transformation skills were put to the test when we created the host-worthy kitchen space (complete with a barista bar!) that would double as the heart of their home and a place to make memories with their friends and family.
We upgraded and updated their dark and uninviting family room with fresh furnishings, flooring and lighting and turned those beautiful exposed beams into a feature point of the space.
The end result was a flow of modern, welcoming and authentic spaces that finally felt like home. And, yep … the invite was officially sent out!
Our clients had an eclectic style rich in history, culture and a lifetime of adventures. We wanted to highlight these stories in their home and give their memorabilia places to be seen and appreciated.
The at-home office was crafted to blend subtle elegance with a calming, casual atmosphere that would make it easy for our clients to enjoy spending time in the space (without it feeling like they were working!)
We carefully selected a pop of color as the feature wall in the primary suite and installed a gorgeous shiplap ledge wall for our clients to display their meaningful art and memorabilia.
Then, we carried the theme all the way into the ensuite to create a retreat that felt complete.

A Luxury Condo Renovation In Pelican Bay, Naples, FL
Nestled in the heart of beautiful Pelican Bay in Naples, Florida, a luxury condo renovation is underway. This multi-phase renovation project will bring a unique and luxurious living experience to its future inhabitants. Let's take a look at some of the special features that will make this condo stand out from the rest.
Custom Ceiling Design
The main feature of this renovation is the custom ceiling design. This one-of-a-kind design includes an intricate pattern with recessed lighting that creates a unique atmosphere to match the condo’s luxurious vibe. Not only does the custom ceiling add visual appeal to the space, but it also illuminates light throughout the entire room creating an inviting and warm ambiance for all to enjoy.
Custom Lighting
The custom lighting in this luxury condo renovation creates a cozy and inviting feel for those who enter. With soft yet bright surrounds that illuminate every corner of each room, visitors will feel like they are home as soon as they set foot inside. Along with providing ample lighting for activities such as reading or cooking, these lights can also be adjusted to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere when needed.
Open Kitchen
For those who love to cook and entertain, the open kitchen is perfect for hosting friends and family gatherings alike. The layout features top-of-the-line appliances along with plenty of countertop space for meal preparation or baking projects. To complete this kitchen oasis is an eat-in island equipped with plush seating for four making it easy to enjoy meals together while overlooking stunning views of Pelican Bay outside the window.
Custom Sliding Doors
If you love outdoor living then you will appreciate these custom sliding doors that open up onto your own private balcony overlooking Naples’ breathtaking shoreline. Whether you choose to sit outside and relax or entertain guests under the stars, these sliding doors are designed to maximize your views while still providing maximum privacy when closed and locked securely shut when not in use.
Walk-In Tub Shower Combo
Last but certainly not least is this spa-inspired walk-in tub shower combo featuring a built-in steam system perfect for relaxing after long days spent exploring all that Naples has to offer. From its adjustable jets to its marble accents, this modern bathtub offers everything you need to escape from reality in style!
All in all, this multi-phased luxury condo renovation in Pelican Bay promises something special for anyone looking for their dream home within Naples' finest neighborhood. From its custom ceiling design and custom lighting options down to its walk-in tub shower combo—every aspect has been carefully crafted with one goal in mind—to provide luxury living like no other! So if you're looking for an exquisite place where you can relax and unwind surrounded by beauty, then look no further than here!
About Pelican Bay
Pelican Bay, located in Naples, Florida, is an upscale planned community and country club. Spanning three miles of pristine shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, Pelican Bay offers its residents and visitors a stunning selection of amenities. Residents have access to shopping and dining at the impressive Waterside shops as well as enjoying one of two premier luxury golf courses within the development. The beachfront location allows for sunbathing on some of the prettiest beaches in Florida. Away from the ocean waters, visitors can explore the two parks that are situated within the community or take advantage of kayaking or canoeing around its coves. Pelican Bay is a perfect destination for those looking for a luxurious escape to paradise combined with natural beauty and convenience.
Award-Winning House Builders in Florida
For Florida homeowners looking for award-winning house builders to build their dream home, look no further than Signal House. Boasting a long track record of best-in-class construction services, our dedicated professionals have gone above and beyond to earn the trust of homeowners throughout the region.
Taking pride in our work, we make sure that every project is completed with precision and efficiency and meets the highest industry standards. Offering consultation, design, planning and execution services, we are ready and willing to take on any challenge. Whether it’s upgrading an existing property or creating something entirely new from scratch, you can be sure that your home project won’t just meet expectations but exceed them. With experienced teams of talented interior designers, architects and construction experts, you’re guaranteed a project that stands apart from the crowd and brings out the best in your home.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Expertly blending polished and honed marbles, this backsplash introduces a subtle yet striking dimensional effect, aligning seamlessly with the transitional design of the space. The darker marble tones create a cohesive link between the deep-hued countertop and the crisp, white backsplash. This thoughtful combination not only enhances the visual appeal but also establishes a smooth transition across different kitchen elements.
The use of varied marble finishes adds depth and character, making the backsplash a focal point in the kitchen. This design choice is not just about aesthetics; it also offers practical benefits. The honed and polished surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring the backsplash remains a standout feature in a high-activity area. Whether it's for preparing meals or hosting gatherings, this marble backsplash balances elegance and functionality, making it an ideal addition to any transitional kitchen.
Design: Kim Wolfe
Photography: Madeline Harper Photography
SHOP TILE
Backsplash Tile: 0.187x1.875 Geometric Nero Marquina Polished / Thassos Honed Thin Herringbone Mosaic - inquire with your sales rep.

Designed by Bilotta’s Tom Vecchio with Samantha Drew Interiors, this traditional two-toned kitchen features Rutt Handcrafted Cabinetry in a warm mix of Benjamin Moore’s Cloud White paint and cherry with a stain. The expansive space is perfect for a large family that hosts a great deal of guests. The 15’ wide sink wall features a 36” wide farm house sink situated in front of a large window, offering plenty of light, and is flanked by a double pull-out trash and “knock-to-open” Miele dishwasher. At the opposite end of the room a banquette sits in front of another sunny window and comfortably seats eight people. In between the sink wall and banquette sits a 9’ long island which seats another four people and houses both a second dishwasher and a hidden charging station for phones and computers. The countertops on both the island and perimeter are polished Biano Rhino Marble and the backsplash is a handmade subway tile from Southampton Masonry. The flooring, also from Southampton Masonry, is a Silver Travertine – coupled with all of the other finishes the room gives off a serene, coastal feeling. The hardware, in a polished chrome finish, is from Cliffside; the sink and faucet from Rohl. The dining table, seating and decorative lighting is all from Samantha Drew Interiors in East Setauket, NY. The appliances, most of which are fully integrated with custom wood panels (including the 72” worth of refrigeration!), are by Viking, except for the custom metal hood. The window treatments, which are operated electronically for easy opening and closing, are also by Samantha Drew Interiors using Romo Fabrics.
Bilotta Designer:Tom Vecchio with Samantha Drew Interiors
Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

I was contacted by the Realtor who sold this house to his friend in San Marino to help with the interior design of the extensive remodel. The 3,777 sf house with 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms was built in 1948 and was in need of some major changes. San Marino, CA, incorporated in 1913, was designed by its founders to be uniquely residential, with expansive properties surrounded by beautiful gardens, wide streets, and well maintained parkways. In 2010, Forbes Magazine ranked the city as the 63rd most expensive area to live in the United States. There are little to no homes priced under US$1,000,000, with the median list price of a single family home at US$2,159,000. We decided to tear down walls, remove a fireplace (gasp!), reconfigure bathrooms and update all the finishes while maintaining the integrity of the San Marino style. Here are some photos of the home after.
The kitchen was totally gutted. Custom, lacquered black and white cabinetry was built for the space. We decided on 2-tone cabinets and 2 door styles on the island and surrounding cabinets for visual impact and variety. Cambria quartz in Braemar was installed on the counters and back splash for easy clean up and durability. New Schonbek crystal chandeliers and silver cabinetry hardware are the jewelry, making this space sparkle. Custom Roman shades add a bit of softness to the room and custom barstools in white and black invite guests to have a seat while dinner is being prepared.
In the dining room we opted for custom moldings to add architectural detail to the walls and infuse a hint of traditional style. The black lacquer table and Louis chairs are custom made for the space with a peacock teal velvet. A traditional area rug and custom window treatments in a blue-green were added to soften the space. The Schonbek Crystal Rain chandelier is the show stopper in the space with pure sparkle and graceful traditional form.
The living room is host to custom tufted grey velvet sofas, custom accent chair with ottoman in a silver fabric, custom black and while media center, baby grand piano with mini Schonbeck Crystal Rain chandelier hung above, custom tufted velvet tuffet for extra seating, one-of-a-kind art and custom window coverings in a diamond grey fabric. Sparkle and pizzazz was added with purple, crystal and mirrored accessories.
The occupant of this home is a 21 year old woman. Her favorite colors are baby pink and blue. I knew this was possibly going to be my only chance in my design career to go nuts with the color pink, so I went for it! A majestic pink velvet tufted bed dressed with luxurious white linens is the focal point. Flanking the bed are two pink crystal chandeliers, a custom white lacquer desk with a baby blue Louis chair and a custom baby blue nightstand with a Moroccan door design. A super soft white shag rug graces the floor. Custom white silk window coverings with black out lining provide privacy and a completely dark room when wanted. An acrylic hanging bubble chair adds whimsy and playfulness.
The master bathroom was a complete transformation. A clawfoot slipper tub sits inside the shower, clad with marble wall and floor tiles and a basketweave with custom baby blue accent tiles. A frameless shower wall separates the wet and dry areas. A custom baby blue cabinet with crystal knobs, topped with Cambria Quartz Whitney, was built to match the bedroom’s nightstand. Above hangs a pair of pink crystal wall sconces and a vintage rococo mirror painted in high gloss white. Crystal and nickel faucets and fixtures add more sparkle and shine.

The Kitchen Island defines space in the home. the kitchen island makes the kitchen more usable by adding extra space for the things they need in the kitchen, more counter space, or a workspace that can be used as a place to prepare food. The cabinet space under the kitchen island can be used to store extra cooking tools and utensils. It's also easy to get to all these things when they are cooking.
It becomes the center of the kitchen since the kitchen is where everyone in the house gathers. With this layout, the host can cook food while facing guests or family members instead of the wall. That gives a lot more opportunities to talk to each other.

Thinking about a kitchen remodel in the Frederick, MD area? Here’s a closer look at one of our recent projects by Talon Construction Inc. - Q&A style:
Q: What makes this kitchen stand out?
A: The oversized island is the centerpiece designed for cooking, gathering, and entertaining all in one space. It’s both functional and a true focal point.
Q: What materials were used for the countertops and backsplash?
A: Vicostone Moonglade Quartz was selected for both the countertops and full-height backsplash, creating a seamless, high-end look with excellent durability.
Q: How does the cabinetry design enhance the space?
A: The combination of light upper cabinets and contrasting gray base cabinets adds depth while keeping the kitchen bright and open. Clean lines and modern hardware complete the look.
Q: What storage solutions were incorporated?
A: This kitchen is packed with smart storage with deep drawers, pull-out organizers, a custom pantry, and built-in features that keep everything accessible and clutter-free.
Q: Is this kitchen designed for everyday living or entertaining?
A: Both. The layout was intentionally designed to support daily functionality while also making it easy to host family and friends.
Q: What role does lighting play in the design?
A: Layered lighting including pendant lights, recessed lighting, and under-cabinet illumination adds warmth, visibility, and a polished finish.
Q: What’s the overall style of this remodel?
A: A clean, modern look with timeless elements that perfectly balancing style, comfort, and long-term value.
Q: What’s the biggest takeaway from this project?
A: A well-designed kitchen isn’t just about looks it’s about creating a space that works beautifully for how you live.
Thinking about transforming your kitchen? Let’s talk.

Our mission was to completely update and transform their huge house into a cozy, welcoming and warm home of their own.
“When we moved in, it was such a novelty to live in a proper house. But it still felt like the in-law’s home,” our clients told us. “Our dream was to make it feel like our home.”
Our transformation skills were put to the test when we created the host-worthy kitchen space (complete with a barista bar!) that would double as the heart of their home and a place to make memories with their friends and family.
We upgraded and updated their dark and uninviting family room with fresh furnishings, flooring and lighting and turned those beautiful exposed beams into a feature point of the space.
The end result was a flow of modern, welcoming and authentic spaces that finally felt like home. And, yep … the invite was officially sent out!
Our clients had an eclectic style rich in history, culture and a lifetime of adventures. We wanted to highlight these stories in their home and give their memorabilia places to be seen and appreciated.
The at-home office was crafted to blend subtle elegance with a calming, casual atmosphere that would make it easy for our clients to enjoy spending time in the space (without it feeling like they were working!)
We carefully selected a pop of color as the feature wall in the primary suite and installed a gorgeous shiplap ledge wall for our clients to display their meaningful art and memorabilia.
Then, we carried the theme all the way into the ensuite to create a retreat that felt complete.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

Expertly blending polished and honed marbles, this backsplash introduces a subtle yet striking dimensional effect, aligning seamlessly with the transitional design of the space. The darker marble tones create a cohesive link between the deep-hued countertop and the crisp, white backsplash. This thoughtful combination not only enhances the visual appeal but also establishes a smooth transition across different kitchen elements.
The use of varied marble finishes adds depth and character, making the backsplash a focal point in the kitchen. This design choice is not just about aesthetics; it also offers practical benefits. The honed and polished surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring the backsplash remains a standout feature in a high-activity area. Whether it's for preparing meals or hosting gatherings, this marble backsplash balances elegance and functionality, making it an ideal addition to any transitional kitchen.
Design: Kim Wolfe
Photography: Madeline Harper Photography
SHOP TILE
Backsplash Tile: 0.187x1.875 Geometric Nero Marquina Polished / Thassos Honed Thin Herringbone Mosaic - inquire with your sales rep.

This exclusive guest home features excellent and easy to use technology throughout. The idea and purpose of this guesthouse is to host multiple charity events, sporting event parties, and family gatherings. The roughly 90-acre site has impressive views and is a one of a kind property in Colorado.
The project features incredible sounding audio and 4k video distributed throughout (inside and outside). There is centralized lighting control both indoors and outdoors, an enterprise Wi-Fi network, HD surveillance, and a state of the art Crestron control system utilizing iPads and in-wall touch panels. Some of the special features of the facility is a powerful and sophisticated QSC Line Array audio system in the Great Hall, Sony and Crestron 4k Video throughout, a large outdoor audio system featuring in ground hidden subwoofers by Sonance surrounding the pool, and smart LED lighting inside the gorgeous infinity pool.
J Gramling Photos

Michelle and Dominic had purchased their home in Wake Forest several years earlier with the idea in mind that it would serve as a family-centric place where they could gather with extended family. Situated in a quiet residential neighborhood with large lots, it was the perfect place for them to raise and home school their 4 children.
As their family grew, the children’s daily activities were split between the 1st and 2nd floors, making it difficult to coordinate activities amongst them all. And their extended family get-togethers had become cramped and increasingly difficult to accommodate everyone comfortably. They were in need of added living space that could serve their family’s needs as well as provide extra entertaining areas to host family gatherings.
With our experience in helping homeowners secure financing for their Home Improvement projects, we worked with Dominic and Michelle to prepare all of the necessary documentation required to apply for an FHA 203K Home Renovation loan. As a result, they were able to finance the full cost of the construction of their new Family Room Addition.
Our solution was to add a 1st floor living space that harmonized with the existing floor plan and décor, was central to the existing Kitchen, and flexible enough to facilitate large groups and accommodate the whole family’s daily activities and access to the outdoors.
As a result of their newly added flexible living area, they are now able to comfortably gather with their extended family as well accommodate the whole family’s needs, giving them the opportunity spend more quality time with their family and friends.
Design Features
Harmony with the home’s existing architecture and décor.
Seamless Transition into the adjoining Kitchen and Living Room, separating the two with a light and bright 15-Lite Double French Door.
Light and bright natural hardwood flooring.
A bright and open floor plan achieved by introducing a double 15-Lite French door in the Kitchen and generous amount of double-hung Low-E windows.
Window Well in the Roof to accommodate required foot-print placement.
Easy access to the outdoors and the large deck and yard.
Extra storage space for tools and outdoor equipment.
Energy Efficient and Green Features
1st floor HVAC Compressor and Air Handler replaced with a more efficient 15 Seer unit.
Floor penetrations and perimeter bottom plates caulked and air sealed.
No-VOC Paints and Finishes.
Durable Exterior Construction
No-Maintenance Composite and PVC Low-E Windows
Cement Fiber Siding
Cement Fiber and PVC Trim
Life-time Architectural Shingles
Metal Roof Flashing with Gutter Kick-Outs
Superior Window Flashing and Water Intrusion sealing measures

Automated Home Lighting: Revolutionize Your Home with Smart Lighting Solutions
Transform your living space with automated home lighting, the latest innovation in smart home technology. Automated lighting systems provide convenience, energy efficiency, and enhanced security for homeowners. With smart lighting solutions, you can control your home's lighting from anywhere using voice commands, motion, smartphone app, , or automated schedules.
Benefits of Automated Home Lighting
Energy Efficiency: Save on energy bills by using smart bulbs and automated lighting controls that adjust brightness based on natural light or occupancy.
Convenience: Easily manage your home's lighting with smart home integration, including compatibility with Josh AI, Control 4, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other voice-activated systems.
Enhanced Security: Program your lights to turn on and off at specific times to give the appearance of occupancy, even when you're away, deterring potential intruders.
Customization: Create personalized lighting scenes for different moods and activities, such as reading, watching movies, or hosting a dinner party.
Features of Smart Lighting Systems
Remote Control: Adjust lighting settings from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet.
Voice Activation: Use voice commands to control your lights with popular smart home assistants like Josh AI, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Scheduling: Set schedules for your lights to turn on and off at specific times, enhancing convenience and security.
Energy Monitoring: Track energy usage and optimize lighting to reduce your carbon footprint.
Why Choose Automated Home Lighting?
Investing in automated home lighting not only adds convenience and style to your home but also increases its value. Smart lighting systems are easy to install and can be customized to meet your unique needs and preferences. Whether you're looking to improve energy efficiency, enhance home security, or simply enjoy the convenience of modern technology, automated home lighting is the perfect solution.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

This finished basement in Beverly, Massachusetts features a custom bar area designed to support entertaining and casual gatherings. The built-in cabinetry, beverage refrigerators, and under-cabinet lighting create a functional serving space while maintaining a clean and inviting look. Positioned behind the lounge seating area, the bar integrates seamlessly into the open basement layout, making it easy to host guests while keeping the space comfortable and relaxed.

There are not many things better than a room full of your favourite people. As you gather you smell dinner cooking in the kitchen and music playing in the background, as joyful conversation and laughter fill the room. I feel so grateful that we are inching our way back to these days. How about you?
The project I’m sharing with you today has beautiful moments like these at its heart. Spaces that invite people in, foster connection, and make everyday living so simple that it’s impossible not to enjoy...
Meet our Delightful Clients:
The family behind this 1950s North Vancouver home transformation enjoy entertaining friends just as much as cosying up to watch a movie together. A professional couple (I'll call them Jon and Anna) with two elementary school-aged sons, Anna and Jon approached us with the task of furnishing the main floor living spaces and the basement of their family home.
Anna is a busy lawyer who is now working almost full time from home, and Jon works in the film industry. With full careers, two active boys, and a love of gathering, they craved a home that could support their everyday lifestyle.
Design and Lifestyle Goals:
Our central goal for this project was simple: to uncover the hidden potential in their home and create a family-friendly space that functioned well and flowed seamlessly.
On the main floor, our clients tasked us with creating an area for the family to relax and entertain, along with crafting a work and play space for the boys. They also dreamed of a more functional and bright basement, which they envisioned as a dual purpose family room and home office for Anna.
Reveal: Comfortable and Welcoming Entryway & Living Room:
Imagine you are coming home, and you walk through a bright, sunny front door like this one. You are met by this entryway of calming earth and sea tones, paired with warm, natural wood flooring. You feel instantly welcomed and eager to venture further inside... The same is now true for our clients!
The simple details in their entryway are thoughtfully arranged with clean lines and colourful art as the focal point, achieving a timeless and friendly aesthetic. Dried wheat brings movement into the space and plays up the beauty of nature, while the vibrant yet warm colours and textures evoke feelings of comfort and homecoming.
The entry flows seamlessly into this connected living area, which is adorned with ample seating strategically arranged to host and accommodate joyful conversations. With the fireplace and wood mantel as the focal point, these natural elements and hues warm up the room to make it feel beautifully lived-in (not like an untouchable museum).
Another colourful work of art graces the space above Jon’s and Anna’s sofa, and we used decorative pillows and a throw blanket to tempt those colours into the rest of the room. A simply styled coffee table keeps the space feeling open and engaged. Reading material, anyone?
Just beyond this living area, you get a glimpse of the second space our clients requested on their main floor...
A Collected Space for Children to Work + Play:
When Jon and Anna realised that their formal dining area wasn’t being used to its full potential, they imagined creating a work and play space for their boys instead. We came up with a plan to create a shared desk area with plentiful storage.
This timeless natural wood desk was the perfect way to maximise surface area and give the boys plenty of space to do homework during the school year, or spend time crafting or building LEGOs during the summers. The drawers provide storage for all the wonderful items that fuel their productivity or creativity. Or both.
I also love how the white floating shelves display a collection of nostalgic toys, providing just the right amount of childhood endearment to this sophisticated and functional space. This workspace now has endless possibilities for the boys, and it helps Jon and Anna keep their minds and spaces clear, too. Which brings us to...
Basement Family Room & Home Office:
In general, we knew we had to maximise surface area in this ‘50s home, and this was especially true for our clients’ basement. I’m happy to say that we designed an effortlessly comfortable space that focuses on family and makes it simple to settle in and work… or leave the workday behind.
Welcome to this dual-function office and family room. Toward the back of the room, we strategically positioned Anna’s wraparound desk facing out into the room and gave her a wallpaper-and-art backdrop for stunning Zoom calls (she has already received glowing compliments). There is plenty of storage for easy organization including a space to store the family’s shared printer near the door… so they don’t have to interrupt “Mom” to get to it.
Anna also wanted the freedom to be able to relax in this space with her family and turn her back on the work day — quite literally! The sofa is perfectly positioned backing onto the desk allowing her to do just that.
We relocated an existing mustard yellow chair and used pops of the same colour to integrate it into the overall scheme. The wood armrests on this modular sectional provide surfaces for snacks and drinks where there was no room for an end table. The walnut finish carries the theme of natural comfort from the upstairs spaces down into the family room.
The view from the sectional is less business and more pleasure, featuring cosy seating and throw pillows in cheerful colours and patterns.
The highlight of this space? A wallpapered accent wall where we were able to achieve the high-end feel of custom built-in shelving with a simple IKEA hack. The shelves and cabinetry around the television offer plenty of much needed storage space to house family games and movies at a budget price point.
This fun room is the perfect balance of work and play, accommodating and supporting our clients’ daily family adventures.
What Our Clients Had to Say...
Our clients could not be happier with their warm yet functional new rooms. With thoughtful consideration and a plan of action, we were able to transform two areas of their home into spaces that function well and feel good. In fact, they had this to say:
“Lori and her team were everything we were looking for: great listeners, wonderfully creative and highly professional. We couldn't be happier with our interior makeover.” — Clients
That is why we do what we do. If you're ready to start your redesign project, we would love to help. Reach out to us here, and let's get to know more about each other.

This chic handleless kitchen in Primrose Hill was designed to create an open and airy feel, perfectly suited for a home where entertaining is a central part of daily life.
Our handleless range in Sand Laser sets the tone with its sleek, modern lines. The cabinetry was carefully planned to maximise storage while maintaining a light and spacious atmosphere. The design cleverly uses vertical storage, ensuring every inch is functional without compromising on style.
Striking 20mm AG Calacatta Luxo Quartz worktops, supplied by Algarve, add sophistication while providing a practical, durable surface for everyday living and lively gatherings.
Siemens appliances were chosen for their cutting-edge performance and sleek integration, complemented by a Blanco sink and Quooker tap for effortless convenience. Together, they make entertaining seamless, whether preparing food, pouring drinks, or hosting friends.
Wine was an important consideration for the clients, both doctors who enjoy entertaining frequently. The kitchen was tailored to accommodate this with dedicated storage and easy access. The result is a space that feels both refined and fun, perfect for socialising.
If you’re ready to transform your kitchen into a stylish space for cooking and entertaining, get in touch. We’d love to bring your ideas to life.
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