Our client’s intension was to make this bathroom suite a very specialized spa retreat. She envisioned exquisite, highly crafted components and loved the colors gold and purple. We were challenged to mix contemporary, traditional and rustic features. Also on the wish-list were a sizeable wardrobe room and a meditative loft-like retreat. Hydronic heated flooring was installed throughout. The numerous features in this project required replacement of the home’s plumbing and electrical systems. The cedar ceiling and other places in the room replicate what is found in the rest of the home. The project encompassed 400 sq. feet. Features found at one end of the suite are new stained glass windows – designed to match to existing, a Giallo Rio slab granite platform and a Carlton clawfoot tub. The platform is banded at the floor by a mosaic of 1″ x 1″ glass tile. Near the tub platform area is a large walnut stained vanity with Contemporary slab door fronts and shaker drawers. This is the larger of two separate vanities. Each are enhanced with hand blown artisan pendant lighting. A custom fireplace is centrally placed as a dominant design feature. The hammered copper that surrounds the fireplace and vent pipe were crafted by a talented local tradesman. It is topped with a Café Imperial marble. A lavishly appointed shower is the centerpiece of the bathroom suite. The many slabs of granite used on this project were chosen for the beautiful veins of quartz, purple and gold that our client adores. Two distinct spaces flank a small vanity; the wardrobe and the loft-like Magic Room. Both precisely fulfill their intended practical and meditative purposes. A floor to ceiling wardrobe and oversized built-in dresser keep clothing, shoes and accessories organized. The dresser is topped with the same marble used atop the fireplace and inset into the wardrobe flooring. The Magic Room is a space for resting, reading or just gazing out on the serene setting. The reading lights are Oil Rubbed Bronze. A drawer within the step up to the loft keeps reading and writing materials neatly tucked away. Within the highly customized space, marble, granite, copper and art glass come together in a harmonious design that is organized for maximum rejuvenation that pleases our client to not end!

Dining Room
Inspiration for a timeless dark wood floor dining room remodel in Raleigh with gray walls

Chris Little Photography
Laundry room - traditional laundry room idea in Atlanta with white cabinets, white countertops and a drop-in sink

This side entrance is full of special character and elements with Old Chicago Brick floors and arch which also leads to the garage and back brick patio! This is the perfect setting for the beach to endure the sand coming in on those bare feet! Fletcher Isaacs Photographer

Elizabeth Taich Design is a Chicago-based full-service interior architecture and design firm that specializes in sophisticated yet livable environments.

Design Consultant Jeff Doubét is the author of Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is now available. Please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com for more info. Jeff Doubét specializes in Santa Barbara style home and landscape designs. To learn more info about the variety of custom design services I offer, please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA.

Scott Kinkade
Trendy carpeted bedroom photo in Philadelphia with a ribbon fireplace

We're in the shop here today showing you an alternating-tread staircase that's' going to a job-site in Napa tomorrow. I'm standing on the landing which is at exactly mid-floor level. It's going into one one these 100-year-old houses with a steep roof and lots of attic space. The homeowner called me last month saying he wants to access this large attic area with something better than a ladder. He didn't have room for a conventional stair but this alternating-tread space-saving stair was a perfect fit. It's all Red Oak which matches the hardwood floors throughout the house. Once these are installed at the site we'll put a handrail on top of the stringers on the open side. I'll tell you a little about the alternating-tread staircases. It's built in a way that is nearly as easy to climb as a conventional stair. When we walk up a convectional stairway we normally use half of the stair tread at a time, placing one foot on the right half and the next foot on the left half. The idea of an alternating-tread stair is make half of each tread wide enough for your foot and then alternate the wide end of these paddle-shape treads from left to right. You still have your 10 inch minimum tread depth plus a 1 inch nosing projection. This give you 11" of support for each foot, just like a conventional stair. We normally make the risers a max of 7-3/4", but code allows us to go as high as 9 inches. This one is 7-3/4" which is very comfortable. We installed a metal bar across the middle of each open-riser to limit the open space to less than a 4 inch gap. Anyway, I just wanted to give you a quick shot of this. Tomorrow morning we get to go to the job-site and install this. I'd can't wait to see the look on the customer's face when we have this installed. I'll let him do the bragging :-) Last but not least, I'd like to give glory to God and special recognition to a Jewish carpenter named Jesus. I don't know for sure if He built stairways as a carpenter, but I am happy to say that He is my LORD and I want to live my whole life for Him. God bless you! And please contact me if you want any type of custom stairs. Clyde 520-895-2060 or 916-991-9700

Mark Rockwood Photography
Kitchen - small traditional galley medium tone wood floor kitchen idea in Portland Maine with a farmhouse sink, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

For the art, I chose that was graphic and bold. There's a youthful feeling with original art and the arrangement creates a focal point for the room while balancing the large screen TV. Lucite, soft edges and texture dominate while the layout is well thought out for the creature comforts of everyday living. Even though space was limited, I was still able to include comfortable seating for pre-theatre or dinner gatherings. Count them…the sofa holds 3, 2 Ottomans, the 3 lucite bright yellow bar stools, the lounge chair, 2 side chairs, the upholstered chair by the waterfall desk and if you add the 4 chairs for the dining area, you're at 16, and this doesn’t count the custom coffee table with upholstered seating!

John Magor Photography
Example of a study space trendy kids' study room design in Richmond with blue walls

Bryan Chavez Photography River City Custom Homes - RounTrey - 2015 Homearama Farmhouse with a Modern Vibe Gold Winner - Master Suite Aware of the financial investment clients put into their homes, I combine my business and design expertise while working with each client to understand their taste, enhance their style and create spaces they will enjoy for years to come. It’s been said that I have a “good” eye. I won’t discount that statement and I’d add I have an affinity to people, places and things that tell a story. My clients benefit from my passion and ability to turn their homes into finely curated spaces through the use of beautiful textiles, amazing lighting and furniture pieces that are as timeless as they are wonderfully unique. I enjoy the creative process and work with people who are building their dream homes, remodeling existing homes or desire a fresh take on a well lived-in space. I see the client–designer relationship as a partnership with a desire to deliver an end result that exceeds my client’s expectations. I approach each project with professionalism, unparalleled excitement and a commitment for designing homes that are as livable as they are beautiful.

IDS (Interior Design Society) Designer of the Year - National Competition - 2nd Place award winning Kitchen ($30,000 & Under category) Photo by: Shawn St. Peter Photography - What designer could pass on the opportunity to buy a floating home like the one featured in the movie Sleepless in Seattle? Well, not this one! When I purchased this floating home from my aunt and uncle, I undertook a huge out-of-state remodel. Up for the challenge, I grabbed my water wings, sketchpad, & measuring tape. It was sink or swim for Patricia Lockwood to finish before the end of 2014. The big reveal for the finished houseboat on Sauvie Island will be in the summer of 2015 - so stay tuned.

Photo by Joe Fletcher Artwork on Wall by Christopher Winter ("Songs of Innocence I")
Inspiration for a contemporary formal gray floor and concrete floor living room remodel in San Francisco with white walls, a two-sided fireplace and no tv

Mid-sized farmhouse master white tile and subway tile medium tone wood floor claw-foot bathtub photo in Charleston with gray walls

Building Design, Plans, and Interior Finishes by: Fluidesign Studio I Builder: Anchor Builders I Photographer: sethbennphoto.com
Inspiration for a craftsman mudroom remodel in Minneapolis with yellow walls

Modern Bathroom inspired by natural elements. The wood-textured tile flooring is bordered with soothing water like textured cabinets on one side and a warming fireplace on the other. Free standing volcanic limestone bathtub by Victoria + Albert PuraVida series Faucet and Shower head from Hansgrohe Above-Counter Sink by Duravit 3-D textured cabinets by Soho Kitchen Studio Inc. Soho Kitchen Studio Inc.

Excuse me....this is the laundry room? OMG I could stay in here all day and do laundry.
Laundry room - traditional beige floor laundry room idea in Portland with beige cabinets and beige countertops

Elizabeth Taich Design is a Chicago-based full-service interior architecture and design firm that specializes in sophisticated yet livable environments.