Jason Sandy www.AngleEyePhotography.com
Living room - traditional dark wood floor living room idea in Other with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Matthew Niemann Photography
Transitional kitchen photo in Austin

Freestanding bathtub - mid-sized contemporary master porcelain tile and gray tile porcelain tile, double-sink and gray floor freestanding bathtub idea in Toronto with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, gray countertops, white walls and a built-in vanity

Inspiration for a transitional master multicolored floor and single-sink bathroom remodel in Orange County with flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

To make it practical (for everyday living) and spunky (to fit the homeowners’ personalities), we used dark upholstery and whimsical art in this sitting room. Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design | Paul Finkel 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.

Located in one of the Ritz residential towers in Boston, the project was a complete renovation. The design and scope of work included the entire residence from marble flooring throughout, to movement of walls, new kitchen, bathrooms, all furnishings, lighting, closets, artwork and accessories. Smart home sound and wifi integration throughout including concealed electronic window treatments. The challenge for the final project design was multifaceted. First and foremost to maintain a light, sheer appearance in the main open areas, while having a considerable amount of seating for living, dining and entertaining purposes. All the while giving an inviting peaceful feel, and never interfering with the view which was of course the piece de resistance throughout. Bringing a unique, individual feeling to each of the private rooms to surprise and stimulate the eye while navigating through the residence was also a priority and great pleasure to work on, while incorporating small details within each room to bind the flow from area to area which would not be necessarily obvious to the eye, but palpable in our minds in a very suttle manner. The combination of luxurious textures throughout brought a third dimension into the environments, and one of the many aspects that made the project so exceptionally unique, and a true pleasure to have created. Reach us www.themorsoncollection.com Photography by Elevin Studio.

Attractive living as an architectural experiment: a 136-year-old water tower, a listed building with a spectacular 360-degree panorama view over the City of London. The task, to transform it into a superior residence, initially seemed an absolute impossibility. But when the owners came across architect Mike Collier, they had found a partner who was to make the impossible possible. The tower, which had been empty for decades, underwent radical renovation work and was extended by a four-storey cube containing kitchen, dining and living room - connected by glazed tunnels and a lift shaft. The kitchen, realised by Enclosure Interiors in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with furniture from LEICHT is the very heart of living in this new building. Shiny white matt-lacquered kitchen fronts (AVANCE-LR), tone-on-tone with the worktops, reflect the light in the room and thus create expanse and openness. The surface of the handle-less kitchen fronts has a horizontal relief embossing; depending on the light incidence, this results in a vitally structured surface. The free-standing preparation isle with its vertical side panels with a seamlessly integrated sink represents the transition between kitchen and living room. The fronts of the floor units facing the dining table were extended to the floor to do away with the plinth typical of most kitchens. Ceiling-high tall units on the wall provide plenty of storage space; the electrical appliances are integrated here invisible to the eye. Floor units on a high plinth which thus appear to be floating form the actual cooking centre within the kitchen, attached to the wall. A range of handle-less wall units concludes the glazed niche at the top. LEICHT international: “Architecture and kitchen” in the centre of London. www.LeichtUSA.com

Designed By: Richard Bustos Photos By: Jeri Koegel Ron and Kathy Chaisson have lived in many homes throughout Orange County, including three homes on the Balboa Peninsula and one at Pelican Crest. But when the “kind of retired” couple, as they describe their current status, decided to finally build their ultimate dream house in the flower streets of Corona del Mar, they opted not to skimp on the amenities. “We wanted this house to have the features of a resort,” says Ron. “So we designed it to have a pool on the roof, five patios, a spa, a gym, water walls in the courtyard, fire-pits and steam showers.” To bring that five-star level of luxury to their newly constructed home, the couple enlisted Orange County’s top talent, including our very own rock star design consultant Richard Bustos, who worked alongside interior designer Trish Steel and Patterson Custom Homes as well as Brandon Architects. Together the team created a 4,500 square-foot, five-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bathroom contemporary house where R&R get top billing in almost every room. Two stories tall and with lots of open spaces, it manages to feel spacious despite its narrow location. And from its third floor patio, it boasts panoramic ocean views. “Overall we wanted this to be contemporary, but we also wanted it to feel warm,” says Ron. Key to creating that look was Richard, who selected the primary pieces from our extensive portfolio of top-quality furnishings. Richard also focused on clean lines and neutral colors to achieve the couple’s modern aesthetic, while allowing both the home’s gorgeous views and Kathy’s art to take center stage. As for that mahogany-lined elevator? “It’s a requirement,” states Ron. “With three levels, and lots of entertaining, we need that elevator for keeping the bar stocked up at the cabana, and for our big barbecue parties.” He adds, “my wife wears high heels a lot of the time, so riding the elevator instead of taking the stairs makes life that much better for her.”

Transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room photo in New York with blue walls and a wall-mounted tv

Powder room - transitional blue tile and pink tile powder room idea in Los Angeles with gray countertops, a floating vanity, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets and an integrated sink

Transitional bathroom photo in San Diego

The Ranch Pass Project consisted of architectural design services for a new home of around 3,400 square feet. The design of the new house includes four bedrooms, one office, a living room, dining room, kitchen, scullery, laundry/mud room, upstairs children’s playroom and a three-car garage, including the design of built-in cabinets throughout. The design style is traditional with Northeast turn-of-the-century architectural elements and a white brick exterior. Design challenges encountered with this project included working with a flood plain encroachment in the property as well as situating the house appropriately in relation to the street and everyday use of the site. The design solution was to site the home to the east of the property, to allow easy vehicle access, views of the site and minimal tree disturbance while accommodating the flood plain accordingly.

Inspiration for a rustic living room remodel in Seattle

This is an example of a traditional backyard stone landscaping in Little Rock.

This project was designed to accommodate the client’s wish to have a traditional and functional barn that could also serve as a backdrop for social and corporate functions. Several years after it’s completion, this has become just the case as the clients routinely host everything from fundraisers to cooking demonstrations to political functions in the barn and outdoor spaces. In addition to the barn, Axial Arts designed an indoor arena, cattle & hay barn, and a professional grade equipment workshop with living quarters above it. The indoor arena includes a 100′ x 200′ riding arena as well as a side space that includes bleacher space for clinics and several open rail stalls. The hay & cattle barn is split level with 3 bays on the top level that accommodates tractors and front loaders as well as a significant tonnage of hay. The lower level opens to grade below with cattle pens and equipment for breeding and calving. The cattle handling systems and stocks both outside and inside were designed by Temple Grandin- renowned bestselling author, autism activist, and consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior. This project was recently featured in Cowboy & Indians Magazine. As the case with most of our projects, Axial Arts received this commission after being recommended by a past client.

Ornate furnishings with contemporary gold art in this soft Master Bedroom. Gold, grey blue, cream and black on white shag rug. White, gold and almost black are used in this very large, traditional remodel of an original Landry Group Home, filled with contemporary furniture, modern art and decor. White painted moldings on walls and ceilings, combined with black stained wide plank wood flooring. Very grand spaces, including living room, family room, dining room and music room feature hand knotted rugs in modern light grey, gold and black free form styles. All large rooms, including the master suite, feature white painted fireplace surrounds in carved moldings. Music room is stunning in black venetian plaster and carved white details on the ceiling with burgandy velvet upholstered chairs and a burgandy accented Baccarat Crystal chandelier. All lighting throughout the home, including the stairwell and extra large dining room hold Baccarat lighting fixtures. Master suite is composed of his and her baths, a sitting room divided from the master bedroom by beautiful carved white doors. Guest house shows arched white french doors, ornate gold mirror, and carved crown moldings. All the spaces are comfortable and cozy with warm, soft textures throughout. Project Location: Lake Sherwood, Westlake, California. Project designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu and Calabasas, across the tri-county area of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills.

photo by Jorge Gonzales-Guillot
Inspiration for a farmhouse landscaping in New York.

When it comes to home improvement projects, the contractor you choose can make all the difference. A skilled, reputable general contractor delivers quality work and a smooth experience, while a poor choice can lead to problems, frustration, and wasted money. For Chicago homeowners planning exterior improvements from siding to doors and beyond — understanding how to choose a good general contractor is essential. This guide covers what to look for and how to make a smart choice for your home improvement projects. The role of a general contractor A general contractor plays a central role in home improvement projects, overseeing and coordinating the work to bring a project to completion. For projects that involve multiple aspects or trades, a general contractor manages the process, ensuring the various pieces come together properly. This coordination and oversight are valuable, particularly for larger or more complex projects that involve numerous details and steps. Working with a good general contractor offers several benefits. It provides a single point of responsibility for a project, brings expertise and coordination to the work, and helps ensure the project is completed properly. For homeowners, a quality general contractor can make the difference between a smooth, successful project and a stressful, problematic one. Homeowners planning projects often look for a general contractor chicago near me to handle their improvements. Understanding the role a general contractor plays helps homeowners appreciate the value of choosing a good one for their home improvement projects, especially larger or more involved ones. Why the choice matters The choice of general contractor has an enormous impact on a home improvement project. From the quality of the work to the smoothness of the process to the ultimate result, the contractor shapes every aspect of the project. A skilled, reputable contractor delivers quality results and a professional experience, while a poor choice can lead to shoddy work, delays, cost overruns, and frustration. The stakes are significant, as home improvement projects represent substantial investments and affect a home that homeowners live in and value. A project done poorly can create problems that are costly to fix and diminish rather than enhance a home. This is why choosing the right contractor is so important — it's one of the most consequential decisions in any home improvement project. Homeowners do well to approach the choice carefully rather than simply hiring the first or cheapest option. Understanding why the choice of contractor matters helps homeowners give this decision the attention it deserves, recognizing its impact on the success of their project and their satisfaction with the result. What to look for in a contractor Choosing a good general contractor involves looking for several important qualities. Experience and a solid reputation are key indicators of a contractor's ability to deliver quality work. A contractor with a track record of successful projects and satisfied customers is generally a safer choice than an unknown quantity. Researching a contractor's reputation and past work helps in assessing their quality. Beyond experience and reputation, other important qualities include quality workmanship, clear communication, professionalism, and reliability. A good contractor communicates clearly, provides a clear understanding of the project and its costs, treats customers professionally, and follows through reliably. These qualities contribute to both a quality result and a positive experience. Homeowners considering exterior projects, such as new vinyl siding chicago installation, do well to evaluate contractors on these factors. Understanding what to look for in a contractor helps homeowners identify professionals likely to deliver quality work and a good experience for their projects. Considering the specific project When choosing a contractor, it's also important to consider the specific project and whether the contractor is well-suited to it. Different projects have different requirements, and a contractor experienced in the particular type of work is often a better choice. Whether the project involves siding, doors, a broader remodel, or other work, a contractor familiar with that type of project brings relevant expertise. For exterior projects in particular, experience with the specific work and the demands of the Chicago climate is valuable. Siding, doors, and other exterior improvements must withstand local conditions, so a contractor who understands these demands can deliver better results. Considering whether a contractor is well-suited to your specific project helps ensure a good outcome. Homeowners planning to update their exterior doors chicago or undertake other exterior work benefit from choosing a contractor experienced in that area. Understanding the importance of matching the contractor to the project helps homeowners make choices that lead to quality results for their specific improvements. Understanding the project scope and cost Before committing to a contractor, understanding the full scope and cost of a project is important. A reputable contractor should provide a clear explanation of what the project involves, the materials to be used, the timeline, and the total cost. Understanding these details upfront helps homeowners avoid surprises and make informed decisions. Vague estimates or a lack of clarity are warning signs worth heeding. Understanding the scope also means being clear about what you want and ensuring the contractor's proposal matches your needs and expectations. A clear, detailed understanding of the project protects both the homeowner and the contractor and sets the stage for a successful outcome. Taking the time to ensure you understand exactly what you're getting before work begins is worthwhile. Understanding the importance of clarity about scope and cost helps homeowners enter home improvement projects with confidence and avoid the misunderstandings that can lead to problems. Clear expectations are the foundation of a smooth, successful project. Making your decision With these considerations in mind the role of a general contractor, why the choice matters, what to look for, matching the contractor to the project, and understanding scope and cost homeowners are well-equipped to make a smart decision. The goal is to choose a contractor who combines experience, quality workmanship, clear communication, and reliability, and who is well-suited to the specific project, at a fair and clearly understood price. Taking the time to research and compare contractors, rather than rushing the decision, pays off in the quality of the work and the smoothness of the project. A home improvement project is a significant investment, and the right contractor makes all the difference to the outcome. Understanding how to evaluate and choose a general contractor empowers Chicago homeowners to make decisions that lead to successful projects and results they'll be happy with. The right choice is the foundation of a home improvement project that enhances a home for years to come. The bottom line Choosing the right general contractor is essential to successful home improvement projects, as the contractor shapes the quality of the work, the smoothness of the process, and the ultimate result. For Chicago homeowners undertaking exterior projects like siding, doors, and more, the key factors include experience and reputation, quality workmanship, clear communication, suitability to the specific project, and clarity about scope and cost. By evaluating contractors on these factors and taking the time to make an informed choice, homeowners can find a professional who delivers quality results and a positive experience. The right contractor is the foundation of home improvements that enhance a home for years to come.

“Greensboro’s Grandest House” was recently selected as the 2013 ShowHouse presented by the Junior League of Greensboro and national media sponsor Traditional Home. Among the local and national design talent featured in this special fundraising event was design duo Patti Allen and Stephanie James of Furnitureland South, who transformed the estate’s patio into a classic, colorful and cozy space. Built in the early 1920s, the Adamsleigh estate is more than 15,000 square feet and covers 13.5 acres that include pools, a lake, tennis courts, a stone gazebo and a five-car garage. The 30×60 patio presented a special design challenge – the space was in disrepair and sat unevenly on a downward slope. Rising to the challenge, Patti and Stephanie partnered with Outer Space Landscapes to change the elevation of the patio in order to draw attention to the focal point and inspiration of the project: a beautiful canopy sofa by Century Furniture. The addition of 6 tons of landscaping material included Pennsylvania blue stone, pebbles, sand, cherry trees, azaleas and geraniums all blooming in the colors of the latest Sunbrella fabrics featured in the outdoor furnishings: crisp, sandy white, fuchsia and tangerine. Patti and Stephanie wanted to showcase clean and classic outdoor style with an edge of color and unexpected elements. Playful ottomans by Baker float in the space for multiple functions, adding an extra pop of color to the sophisticated setting which includes a dining table by Oscar de la Renta, organic spot tables from Phillips Collection, and daybeds and seating from Century Furniture. Combining their passion for interior spaces with signature designs, Allen and James Designs gave this outdoor space the comfort, color and style it deserved. Patti and Stephanie, co-founders of Allen and James Designs, are committed to inspire and influence unique spaces for home, work, play and relaxation. With over 25 years of experience and a dedication to client relationships, their infusion of international inspiration with style, color, texture and vision make Patti and Stephanie a creative duo capable of exceeding the expectations of any client’s design project. By forming over 400 connections with key manufactures such as Henredon, Century, Lillian August, Dovetail, Maitland Smith and Huntington House, Allen and James Designs can provide a broad range of options that virtually meet any need a client has to create their dream home.