With large windows and sliders wrapping the home overlooking the surrounding greenery, it was all about celebrating a good view outside no matter where you are in the kitchen. The main Galley workstation overlooks the backyard with expansive surface on either side. The secondary workstation centered under the far window serves as a prep station and also an accessory bar to the adjacent formal dining room. In the heart of kitchen, the cooking appliances are kept central on the island and back wall for ultimate high function. The wood top breakfast table, fully cantilevered off the island, allows for a more casual dining setting and also provides a space for guests to gather round while others are cooking. Wrapping the tall pantry cabinets, the wood floor was carried up and around to give the illusion of taller ceilings and compliment the space with a warmer finish. To add a pop of color to the primarily neutral kitchen, a soft orange matte glass was selected for two areas in the kitchen; the only backsplash and as a cabinet front on the floating wall cabinet.

For this newlywed couple, we transformed a contemporary space into a warm and inviting home—without breaking the bank! By incorporating vintage, antique, and consignment shop treasures, we created a unique blend of modern elegance and timeless charm. Design highlights we love: Maximizing the View – Floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the stunning East River make the space feel larger and more open. Embracing Statement Pieces - A stunning, oversized vintage mirror creates the illusion of double the space AND the double the views — highlighting the reflection of the Manhattan skyline. Balanced Contrast – Neutral tones paired with black-and-white accents keep the design crisp, while pops of bright blue add a playful, refreshing touch. Warm Metallics – Gold and brass finishes on the artwork frames, lighting fixtures, and an antique-style mirror soften the contemporary edge and bring warmth to the room. Curated Character – Each piece, from the vintage-inspired armchair to the mid-century credenza, was carefully sourced to balance style and affordability. PRO TIP: Mixing vintage finds with modern pieces adds personality while staying on budget—don’t be afraid to explore consignment shops and antique markets for those one-of-a-kind treasures!

Buying good quality furniture is always a value long-term. I was able to keep the existing chairs, rug and ottoman, and I reupholstered the existing benches in velvet with rich emerald green and brown tones that gives the illusion of artistic brush strokes. That update was only possible because the pieces were well constructed.

The landing now features a more accessible workstation courtesy of the modern addition. Taking advantage of headroom that was previously lost due to sloped ceilings, this cozy office nook boasts loads of natural light with nearby storage that keeps everything close at hand. Large doors to the right provide access to upper level laundry, making this task far more convenient for this active family. The landing also features a bold wallpaper the client fell in love with. Two separate doors - one leading directly to the master bedroom and the other to the closet - balance the quirky pattern. Atop the stairs, the same wallpaper was used to wrap an access door creating the illusion of a piece of artwork. One would never notice the knob in the lower right corner which is used to easily open the door. This space was truly designed with every detail in mind to make the most of a small space.

Contemporary kitchen and mudroom design and remodeling project in Stoneham MA. We buried the frame of a load-bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room to create an open-concept flow between cooking and dining spaces, and widened another load-bearing wall to open to the sunken mudroom and driveway entry door. Kitchen includes rift-sawn oak and hunter green painted finish frameless cabinetry, Wilsonart Tivoli Grey quartz countertops, a sunning backsplash with CEPAC Illusion porcelain tile in Onyx, stained hardwood floors, Anatolia Ceraforge Oxide porcelain tile floor in mudroom, Bosch stainless steel appliances, and TopKnobs black cabinet hardware.

Example of an eclectic l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Detroit with recessed-panel cabinets, purple cabinets, black backsplash, black appliances, an island and black countertops

Transitional laundry room photo in Portland

Kitchen - 1960s kitchen idea in Seattle

Part mirage, part miracle - this masterful modern evocation is in the best Louisiana vernacular tradition. It was conceived by architect Kevin Gossen (Gossen Architects Lafayette, Louisiana) for an unusual piece of property in Metairie whose cheated landscape gives the illusion of open country spaces. He has created a “cottage” that already looks as if it might be a survivor from a couple of centuries ago. Using reclaimed building materials, magnificent beams, beautiful old flooring with classically scaled rooms, it was a perfect project for Decorations Lucullus. Both architect and interior designers admit the real magic rested with the client whose highly developed aesthetic and extensive experience in design gave the process amazing vitality. Conceived as a “résidence secondaire” to be near grandchildren, she wanted something more snug than her large primary house out of town but without sacrificing the qualities of charm or elegance. While the project is still evolving, she can’t repress a smile when some passer-by stops to chat over the rose-heavy iron fence, perhaps peering into the gracious side hall, asking how this old house has managed to survive all the changes in the neighborhood. Photography by Sara Essex Bradly

Minimalist dining room photo in Philadelphia

Aesthetic Value: The designer wanted a nautical themed stair that fit a small space and gave the area a more open feel than the original outdated stair. Mirror polished stainless steel and Honduran Mahogany accomplished the objectives. Stair Safety: Each tread is skewed but careful layout provided for a very comfortable stride when traversing the stair. Quality of Workmanship: Solid Honduran Mahogany treads and rail. Horizontal bar balustrade and custom machined posts are mirror polished stainless steel. Technical Challenge: Providing a structure that was freestanding on one side of the lower portion and completely freestanding on the upper portion. Laying out the stair to fit the small well hole and still feel comfortable.

Transitional powder room photo in Minneapolis

Example of a trendy formal and open concept light wood floor and beige floor living room design in Other with white walls

Top level’s open room has been converted into a master suite complete with sleek ensuite, new walk in closet, and office/library area. The illusion of a two-sided fireplace has been created in the master - its floor to ceiling tiled unit provides connectivity, while maintaining defined spaces.

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Example of a transitional open concept medium tone wood floor, brown floor and wall paneling living room design in St Louis with white walls and a standard fireplace

2013 Red Diamond Achiever Award winner: Dave deBruyen of InHaus Development Ltd. Distributor: Marvin Windows of Canada Products Used: All Ultrex® Casement & Awning, sliding patio door. Marvin® windows and doors. The Beachaus project was originally designed to qualify for LEED Platinum status. The design goal of this highly contemporary home was to leave a small footprint and to be 100% lit by natural daylight. 12’ ceilings with wall to wall glass give the illusion of additional space, but made it a challenge when it came to solar heat gain. Integrity’s combination of glazing options and Ultrex pultruded fiberglass helped the home meet the rigorous requirements of LEED Platinum status.

A rock fireplace that wows and a satisfyingly symmetrical room this cozy living room has it all!
Example of a mid-sized transitional enclosed medium tone wood floor, brown floor, exposed beam and vaulted ceiling living room design in Other with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Contemporary Kitchen Design designed by Kitchen Land using custom kitchen cabinets by Luxor Cabinets in Reflexion Collection featuring double sided gloss, slab door style featured in “Bianco” color and island finished in Structure Illusion Collection in “City Oak” Wood textured melamine. The island features double waterfall countertop designed using Cambria Quartz in “White Cliff” color. Engineered Hardwood Flooring by Appalachian Flooring in 7” x 3/4” Wire Brushed White Oak from Alta Moda Collection “Linen” color.

We created a walk-in butler’s pantry—complete with a secondary fridge and additional storage for overflow kitchen items and entertaining essentials. The space was designed with fun, colorful tile, wood-stained cabinetry, and elegant quartzite countertops.